The Catskill Mountains around Claryville sit at elevations between 1,500-4,000 feet, creating a microclimate that's typically 5-10 degrees cooler than surrounding lowlands. The area receives about 50 inches of annual precipitation, making it wetter than nearby regions. Most glamping sites in the Claryville area remain open from April through November, though some luxury options offer year-round accommodations with heating systems for colder months.
What to do
Fishing at local rivers: Roscoe Campsites provides direct access to the Beaverkill River, known for excellent trout fishing. As one visitor noted, "Right on the Beaverkill River, it's quiet, clean, gorgeous, brand new cabins and concrete pads. Fisherman's heaven." The area is nicknamed "Trout Town USA" for its exceptional fishing opportunities.
Hiking to fire towers: Alder Lake offers access to multiple hiking trails, including the Balsam Lake fire tower trail. A camper mentioned, "We also hiked the balsam lake fire tower which had nice views of the area. Overall a great little spot to camp." Most trails are moderate difficulty, ranging from 2-6 miles round trip.
Wildlife observation: The streams around Russell Brook Campsites create perfect habitat for spotting local wildlife. A visitor shared, "Our site was massive (39) and and direct access to Russell Brook. Couldn't keep my son out of the water." The shallow waters make it easy to spot crayfish and small aquatic creatures.
What campers like
Secluded lake sites: Alder Lake features hike-in sites that provide more privacy than vehicle-accessible options. According to one camper, "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." These sites require carrying gear approximately half a mile from the parking area.
Stargazing opportunities: The minimal light pollution around Claryville makes glamping in this area ideal for night sky viewing. A visitor to The Blueberry Patch wrote, "The dark nights were filled with gazing shooting stars. A wood oven stove to keep us cozy our entire stay. Great for those seeking quiet and zen like space."
Clean facilities: Roscoe Campsites maintains well-kept bathroom facilities. A reviewer commented, "Clean bathrooms and showers. People working there were more than helpful. Guided us to our site. Helped us set up." Many glamping sites in the area prioritize cleanliness despite their remote locations.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Most glamping sites around Claryville have spotty or no cellular coverage. An Alder Lake visitor mentioned, "No cell service. If you bring a handsaw youll be good for firewood. Bugs were pretty bad." Plan accordingly by downloading maps and information before arrival.
Seasonal crowds: Popular areas can become extremely busy during peak times. One Alder Lake camper reported, "We arrived around 11:00 am and the parking lot was already packed and cars were lined up along the road. We grabbed one of the three spots that were left and were amazed at how many large groups were set up."
Access challenges: Some glamping locations require vehicles with higher clearance. A visitor noted about Thousand Trails Rondout Valley, "This is what I want for a Catskill campground. It is not a concrete pad haven and yes, there is mud. Our site was even and easy to level on." Roads can become rutted after rain.
Tips for camping with families
Water play options: Many campgrounds feature shallow streams ideal for children. At Thousand Trails Rondout Valley, a family reported, "The creek that runs by the campground is gorgeous, and my kids had fun finding Crayfish. The nearby towns are adorable and offer shopping, hiking, farms, and more."
Recreational facilities: Jellystone Park Gardiner offers numerous child-friendly amenities. A parent shared, "Nice pool that is shallow so you can relax and let the little ones go in the water park section alone or they have a 3 ft pool also. My older kids preferred a deeper pool but they still had a great time."
Bathroom considerations: When glamping with families, bathroom access becomes important. One visitor to Jellystone noted, "The bathrooms needed updating and people at the tent area made a comment that it took a while to get a turn at the showers." During busy weekends, plan for bathroom waits of 15-20 minutes at peak times.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Skyway Camping Resort offers full utility connections for RVs. Though reviews are limited, one visitor confirmed it's "very nice and clean" with "nice size sites" that accommodate larger rigs. Most sites include electric, water, and sewer hookups.
Leveling challenges: Many glamping sites in the Claryville area feature natural terrain that requires leveling equipment. At Thousand Trails Rondout Valley, a visitor shared, "Our site was up front and we didn't venture into the park. We did use the laundry room, which needed some updates, especially some lighting."
Access road conditions: Access roads to glamping destinations can be challenging. One Alder Lake visitor warned, "It is very bumpy. Some might say 4*4 but we made it just fine in our little Camry." Most sites require driving on unpaved roads for at least the final quarter-mile.
