Tent camping near Clarksville, New York offers access through varied terrain from elevations around 1,100-1,800 feet throughout the Catskill region. The area experiences seasonal temperature swings with summer highs reaching 80°F and winter lows frequently below freezing. Most primitive sites in the region require campers to pack in essentials while following Leave No Trace principles when navigating the mixed hardwood forests and watershed areas.
What to do
Hiking challenging trails: Giant Ledge Primitive Camp offers excellent hiking with varying difficulty levels. One camper explains, "It is a near vertical hike the first mile with 90% or more being over rock gardens. It doesn't wind its way up the mountain, someone picked a side and said 'we go up from here, straight up'." The reward comes with multiple viewpoints along the trail.
Wildlife observation: At Alander Trail Campground, campers should remain alert for local wildlife. As one visitor noted, "We had some scares with coyotes and bears in the past but never anything crazy." The campground provides bear boxes at each site for proper food storage, helping minimize wildlife encounters.
Spring water collection: For backpackers planning extended stays, some sites offer natural water sources. At Giant Ledge, "The spring water source is a short hike back from the campsite, relatively convenient to restock from camp." Always filter or treat natural water before consumption.
What campers like
Natural features: The Echo Lake area offers distinctive camping on elevated terrain. As one camper shares, "We camped on the hill with a beautiful view of the whole lake and breeze." This creates natural ventilation during summer months when lower areas can become muggy.
Fire ring access: Though regional fire restrictions apply seasonally, many primitive sites maintain established fire rings. At Alander Trail Campground, campers appreciate that "They give you a semi-flat area for a tent, a fire pit and grill rack, one picnic table, and a bear box you would be sharing with other campers nearby."
Trail accessibility: Ushers Road State Forest provides varied trail options for multiple activities. One visitor reported, "This trailhead provides access to bicycle-friendly nature trails. I explored both directions on my bike, riding approximately half a mile down each side." Camping is permitted at least 150 feet from established trails.
What you should know
Vehicle requirements: Many primitive camping areas near Clarksville require appropriate vehicles. For Duck Pond Campsite, a visitor warns, "Small vehicle only... The road in on old cemetery rd was pretty rough, so we decided to go out the other way, which was way worse." High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing remote sites.
Seasonal conditions: The terrain changes significantly with seasons. One camper at Ushers Road noted, "The terrain eventually transitions into a low-lying, swampy area, likely due to recent rainfall over the past week." Spring camping often encounters muddy conditions while fall offers drier trails.
Site availability: Competition for prime spots increases during weekends and peak seasons. An Echo Lake camper observed, "It does get a little crowded later in the day so you may have to share space with others and it can be a little noisy at night." Arriving mid-week or earlier in the day improves site selection options.
Tips for camping with families
Lean-to options: Families appreciate the shelter alternatives at some locations. One visitor to Echo Lake mentioned, "Lake is surrounded by hills and there is a small lean-to with a few campfire spots." These structures provide additional weather protection for families with younger children.
Trail difficulty assessment: When backpacking with children, evaluate trail challenges beforehand. At Giant Ledge Primitive Camp, a camper advises, "Get tracking poles if you don't already have some. Very helpful here." The initial mile presents significant challenges for younger hikers.
Pack-in requirements: Remote camping with families requires careful planning. At Alander Trail Campground, "You have to park at the entrance and hike in about 1.5-2 miles with everything on your back to get to the spots." Consider weight distribution among family members when bringing necessary supplies.
Tips from RVers
Primitive road navigation: RVs should avoid certain campgrounds due to access limitations. A Duck Pond Campsite visitor noted, "The years taken off the life of my truck was not worth it. Intermittent cell service which was frightening while driving on these rough roads." RVs should target established campgrounds with maintained access roads.
Alternative RV options: While most dispersed sites near Clarksville limit access for larger vehicles, Getaway Catskill Campground offers more amenities. Each site includes "a private bathroom and hot shower, as well as a kitchenette" providing RV-like comfort in a tent camping setting.
Parking considerations: Even at primitive sites, parking location matters. For areas like Giant Ledge, leave larger vehicles at designated parking areas before hiking in. Space limitations during peak season may require arriving early to secure parking.
