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Camping near Claryville, NY
190 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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The Catskill region surrounding Claryville, New York features a diverse array of camping options scattered throughout the area's forested mountains and river valleys. Several established campgrounds serve the region, including Woodland Valley Campground near Phoenicia and The Peekamoose Valley, which offers primitive camping along Rondout Creek. The area supports a range of camping styles from tent-only sites to full-hookup RV facilities, with some properties also providing cabin rentals and glamping accommodations. Many campgrounds are situated along waterways or near hiking trails, creating convenient basecamp locations for exploring the Catskill Mountains.
Seasonal considerations strongly influence camping options near Claryville, with most developed campgrounds operating from May through early October. "Peekamoose is a very nice place if you're into the primitive thing," noted one visitor, highlighting the area's more rustic options that require carrying gear from parking areas to campsites. Cell service is limited throughout the region, with several campgrounds reporting no coverage outside of office areas. Terrain varies significantly, with some campgrounds offering easy drive-in access while others require hikes to reach primitive sites. Roadside camping areas exist along some forest roads, but higher clearance vehicles may be necessary to access certain locations, particularly after rain when dirt roads can become rutted.
Campers report particularly positive experiences at waterfront locations throughout the Catskills. Several visitors mentioned the peacefulness of camping along creeks and rivers, with Peekamoose Valley receiving praise for its riverside sites despite requiring some gear hauling from parking areas. According to one camper who stayed at Alder Lake: "Beautiful hiking and camping area. Loved our first experience here." During peak summer weekends, popular spots like Alder Lake can fill quickly, with some reviews noting crowded conditions. Winter camping is available at select primitive sites for those properly equipped for cold weather. The mixed-use campgrounds throughout the region offer varying levels of amenities, from primitive sites with only pit toilets to more developed facilities with showers, electric hookups, and water access.
Best Campgrounds near Claryville (190)
1. Woodland Valley Campground — DEC
"water to play in right behind tent. I do prefer fire pits over the brick stove. this had the stove. more advanced hiking in walking distance. no cell service. my gps on phone was able to track though."
"Close to Woodstock, NY, many trails and other attractions. You need to plan for it, there's a lot to explore; some trails are challenging. "
from $20 / night
Check Availability2. Little Pond Campground
"Pros: Near wonderful, little-used hiking trails - challenging ones, too!
- Close to Catskill town options to explore, e.g."
"You can see a picture here of the water just a 10 foot trail away from our campsite. All in all a great trip."
from $22 / night
Check Availability3. The Peekamoose Valley
"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."
"This was a good campground for a base point for hiking around the peekamoose area. I stayed in the middle field campground site #6 (which is the worst spot on that field)."
4. Catskill/Kenneth L Wilson Campground
"This campground is nestled in the Catskills, New York, with easy access to New Jersey and Connecticut."
"Access to fresh water spouts and clean bathrooms were just a walk away from most sites, theres a beautiful pond on site and beautiful views of the Catskills, Woodstock is a 15 min drive if you’re looking"
from $22 / night
Check Availability5. Alder lake
"There are two campsites located right outside of the park where you can park your car next to your tent but we opted to hike in."
"There are several beautiful, secluded hike-in sites along the lake which I would love to return to someday. The hike around the lake is a lovely, easy walk."
6. Giant Ledge Primitive Camp
"You will see a yellow little circle sign on a tree with a tent on it, a short distance down that side trail there is the site. It has rock benches and a fire pit. Primitive."
"However the descriptions of this place in reviews here and elsewhere provided very little info and once I got out to the trail realized how different it was to what I expected."
7. Hunter Lake Campgrounds
"It's a quiet well kept campground right on a lake. Great family friendly campground and the owners are the best. Highly recommend"
from $10 - $50 / night
Check Availability8. Sun Retreats Birchwood Acres
"Our RV site was private, surround by trees with a nice fire pit and picnic table."
"There are no bathrooms in the cabin but there are public restrooms nearby. The resorts is decked out with 2 playgrounds, a splash park, kiddie pool, family pool and hot tub."
9. Boheme Retreats
"She has all the amenities one could need to spend time away from the hustle and bustle of your daily life."
"Can't wait to stay at the Livingston Manor location!"
from $130 - $175 / night
Check Availability10. Thousand Trails Rondout Valley
"Great place situated in a great area with lots to do all within an hour's drive. Even camping during a pandemic was peaceful & fun!"
"This is a Thousand trails campground so it was free. I think the regular price is $64. Full hookups, tents and cabins to rent. Pleanty to do in and around campground."
Drive Time
- 59 min from Kingston, NY
- 1 hr 3 min from Kiryas Joel, NY
- 1 hr 43 min from Albany, NY
- 1 hr 49 min from Scranton, PA
Recent Camping Photos near Claryville, NY
457 Photos of 190 Claryville Campgrounds
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Recent Reviews near Claryville, NY
695 Reviews of 190 Claryville Campgrounds
Matthew M.
TravelerWest Point FMWR Round Pond Outdoor Recreation Area
Rest up and Recon the Museum 2026
Campground: fairly secluded, forested, breezy with some wildlife. Small camp store. Ingress/Egress: Tight approach with multiple switchbacks and steep grades - if you’re coming in a towable rig over 36’ you might want to take a solo look first. Sites are oddly arranged and there aren’t any FHU sites. Cell: Verizon in spot C9 had 1-bar; we used Starlink for connectivity. Laundry: 3 washers & 3 dryers: $2.50 each. Dump Station: was close by (across the street) but we didn’t need it for our 3 day stay. Bathhouse: across the street, clean and we used it almost exclusively. Noise: Quiet with some small arms fire, but barely noticeable from our site. Site C9: can be viewed from Google street view site is north of the lake in the horseshoe road- some cabins are viewable as well. Site is gravel with composite picnic table, post metal grill and truck rim fire ring. Water pressure- fluctuated 30psi-50psi: hunted constantly. Cabins: available and in good order. They appear to be older, but still functional- mini log cabins $65/night (primitive-no bathroom)
- MMark M.
GuideNew York City North-Newburgh KOA
Pleasantly rustic and quiet for the area
We've only stayed overnight at this campground. Roads are all paved, and some sites as well. They stagger the campers so that you don't look right into another camper, which makes it feel like you are camping in the woods.
Lots of trees so watch DVD or OTA television as you likely won't get satellite TV in your rig. Large swimming pool and playground for kids. There is an activity center where you can get something to eat, and sit on the deck to enjoy the scenery.
Sites are level. Staff are friendly. The camp store is large and well stocked in just about anything that you could need.
Enough trees that if you have a large rig and are towing you need to use some care leaving your RV site.
- MMaybe I.Guide
North-South Lake Campground
scenic campground
This is a truly beautiful and scenic campground, easily one of the best places we have visited in New York State. The campsites are well laid out, the surroundings are stunning, and the entire campground is very clean and well maintained. We visited in October, and it was pleasantly uncrowded, which made the experience even more enjoyable. The peaceful atmosphere and beautiful fall scenery made for a perfect camping trip. I'm not sure how busy it gets during the peak summer season, but our autumn visit was fantastic. We had a wonderful time and will definitely be coming back.
- MMaybe I.Guide
Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground
Quiet place with great location
Good, quiet place to spend the night, but there are a few things to keep in mind. This is primarily a climbers’ campground, so by around 9 PM most people are already asleep and the lights are off. If you’re looking for a peaceful and quiet night, that’s definitely a plus. Sites 8–15 were our favorite because they are away from vehicle traffic. Site #8 is probably the best of them. Site #15 is only about a 2-minute walk from the parking area at a brisk pace, but that’s without carrying gear. If you have a lot of equipment or heavy bags, these sites may not be the most convenient choice. The showers cost $0.25 per minute, and don’t be surprised if you end up sharing the changing area with another person. Overall, this is a simple, quiet place to sleep and rest for the night rather than a destination campground with lots of amenities
- Emily F.Guide
Max V. Shaul State Park Campground
Site 13
Our site had a lot of space. Watched a video on YouTube that was a walk through of each site. So peaceful. Lots of good hiking. Sinks for dishes, clean bathrooms and showers.
Jacob Y.ScoutDevil's Tombstone Campground
Entitled Arrogant Staff
We have camped for years all over the Northeast and have never experienced campground staff as rude, patronizing, and overbearing as we did at Devil’s Tombstone Campground. It felt like our group was constantly being watched and corrected over every minor thing imaginable instead of simply being treated like paying guests trying to enjoy the weekend. The campground itself was disappointing, but the staff attitude was by far the worst part of the experience. Unless you want to be nitpicked every time you do literally anything, then you might not want to camp here.
- Jacob Y.Scout
Devil's Tombstone Campground
Entitled Arrogant Staff
We have camped for years all over the Northeast and have never experienced campground staff as rude, patronizing, and overbearing as we did at Devil’s Tombstone Campground. It felt like our group was constantly being watched and corrected over every minor thing imaginable instead of simply being treated like paying guests trying to enjoy a weekend camping. The campground itself was disappointing, but the staff attitude was by far the worst part of the experience. We do not recommend this campground to anyone, unless you want to have anxiety when they drive by every 5 minutes to check on every minor thing. By the way, the walk from the check in shack to the end of the campground is at most 0.2 miles.
Danielle S.ScoutDevil's Tombstone Campground
Experienced Campers — First Time Ever Leaving a Negative Review
FYI this is my first time ever writing a negative campground review, but this experience deserves one. Our large family group stayed at Devil’s Tombstone Campground over Memorial Day weekend, and despite having camped dozens of times over the years, this was by far the worst campground and staff experience we’ve ever had.
When we arrived there was no caretaker present, no cell service to call the posted number, and we were later condescendingly told we “should have checked in” and “should have knocked”— both of which we did. We were then told the posted number was “only for emergencies,” despite nowhere stating that. The first caretaker who checked us in was pleasant, but after that it felt like staff constantly monitored and corrected our group over extremely minor issues: partially parking on grass, briefly parking near the bathroom walkway, plugging into an outlet near the restroom during 40-degree rainy weather, hanging signs, and even checking our tarp lines on trees. Many of these rules were not posted anywhere.
After someone plugged into the bathroom outlet because they were freezing (there was no sign that said you couldn't and it was not listed in the rules), the bathroom power was shut off entirely, leaving the bathrooms without lights at night, which created an obvious safety issue. Around the same time, a camera suddenly appeared near the outlet area, which felt excessive and uncomfortable.
Meanwhile, staff spent hours mowing, weed-whacking, and chain sawing during the middle of Friday on Memorial Day weekend while simultaneously nitpicking campers over every little thing.
The final straw was being told we could not use a fully enclosed propane fire pit with no embers during cold, windy, rainy weather. After expressing frustration over the constant nitpicking, forest rangers were called on us the next morning. Staff reportedly told them we had garbage and food everywhere, which was completely false. Thankfully the rangers themselves were respectful and seemed to quickly realize we were simply a group trying to enjoy our weekend.
The campground itself was also very misleading compared to online photos. The “lake” is more like a shallow pond unsuitable for meaningful fishing, kayaking, or swimming. The supposedly stocked creek running through the campground was completely dry, there is no running water in the bathrooms, and a main road cuts directly through the campground with traffic flying by at highway speeds.
We still managed to have fun because we enjoy spending time outdoors together, but we would absolutely not return or recommend this campground.
Guide to Claryville
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."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Claryville, NY?
What camping is available near Claryville, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, Claryville, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 190 campgrounds and RV parks near Claryville, NY and 15 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Claryville, NY?
Which is the most popular campground near Claryville, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Claryville, NY is Woodland Valley Campground — DEC with a 4.2-star rating from 29 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Claryville, NY?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Claryville, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 free dispersed camping spots near Claryville, NY.
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