Camping near Claryville, New York features seasonal road access considerations that vary significantly throughout the year. The region sits within the Catskill Park at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 2,800 feet, creating distinct microclimates across campgrounds. During spring thaws and heavy rain periods, unpaved access roads to primitive camping areas often require higher clearance vehicles.
What to do
Hike to scenic fire towers: From Giant Ledge Primitive Camp, trails connect to multiple lookout points. "There's a couple marked campsites scattered along the trail, we camped at the first one on the way up. Good hike with a bit of a challenge climbing rocks at the end towards the ledge but nothing crazy," notes one camper. The trail includes challenging rock gardens for the first mile.
Paddle on mountain lakes: Alder Lake offers kayak and canoe rentals with clear water for swimming. A visitor reports, "We stayed three nights in late October. The hike around the lake is a lovely, easy walk. The hike trail that connects to the far end of the lake is 6+ miles and while there were no real views, it was lovely."
Enjoy early morning wildlife viewing: The quiet water access at Little Pond Campground supports dawn wildlife spotting. "We had a walk in site and it was fantastic! Right on the water and pretty private. Got a kayak for the day and it was a great rate. Saw beavers and eagles," shares one camper who visited the pond.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Little Pond Campground, the walk-in sites provide seclusion with personal amenities. "Each walk in site has its own bear box and outhouse. Do recommend bringing something with wheels. It's not too far from the parking lot, but it's far enough to be annoying to carry everything," advises one camper.
Creek and riverside sites: The Peekamoose Valley offers primitive camping with direct water access. One visitor explains, "We stayed here mid-March and although it was a little chilly at night, overall a great spot. We got to the spot at around 4pm, and choose a spot in the 'upper field', although we didn't see anyone at the lower spots on the road."
Off-grid camping experience: Woodland Valley Campground provides a true disconnect from technology. "No mobile signal, but that's the point, isn't it? You get to disconnect from it all for a while. Will definitely come back again, and again..." writes a camper who appreciated the mountain creek sounds near their site.
What you should know
Strict campground regulations: Some managed facilities enforce detailed rules. At Little Pond, a camper noted, "Upon check in you're met with an extremely long list of rules, including having to keep your coolers in your car or RV at all times, which was extremely inconvenient and we didn't have the room for."
Limited or no cell service: Communication infrastructure is minimal throughout the region. At Kenneth L Wilson Campground, "Although No cell service site was nice. Was our first shakedown camping trip. Very nice (clean) bathrooms and showers. Private level site surrounded by trees."
Bear preparation essential: Wildlife management requires proper planning. "Did not encounter black bears but they do frequent the area," reports one Woodland Valley camper. Another at Giant Ledge mentions, "Thought I heard bears come through overnight, but may have been a lucid dream. Bear can was undisturbed in the morning."
Tips for camping with families
Clean bathroom facilities: Kenneth L Wilson Campground maintains well-kept facilities suitable for families. "The bathrooms were fine. They were clean but sometimes ran out of toilet paper. The campground does not sell wood, but rangers will direct you to a gas station close by where you can buy some."
Structured activities for children: Jellystone Park at Birchwood Acres offers dedicated children's programming. "Our 21 month old had the time of his life here! The resorts is decked out with 2 playgrounds, a splash park, kiddie pool, family pool and hot tub. They have activities on the weekends with Yogi the mascot such as wagon rides, dance parties, arts n crafts."
Fishing opportunities: Lakes and streams provide fishing access throughout the season. A visitor at Alder Lake states, "The pond has fish and plenty of hiking trails. There is a nice beach area to go swimming and the campsites are well maintained."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Most Catskill campgrounds offer partial hookups only. At Thousand Trails Rondout Valley, a camper noted, "The only problem I had was that my Starlink didn't work at the first site (372 - full hookup) but they let me choose another site (435 - no sewer) and I was happy as a clam. Oh yea, the sewer connection in 372 ran uphill for me, but my pipe sits very low."
Site leveling challenges: Many Catskill campgrounds have uneven terrain. At Little Pond, a visitor observed, "The sites are on the smaller side and many have slanted entrances."
Off-season considerations: Winter RV camping options are extremely limited. For those using RVs in shoulder seasons, Kenneth L Wilson provides more favorable sites: "Campsite is flat and packed dirt instead of gravel, which was great. There's a standard picnic table and a decent raised fire pit, and a spigot at our site."
