RV camping near Claryville, New York offers access to the rugged terrain of the western Catskills at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 2,500 feet. The region's campgrounds typically operate in a shorter season than lower-elevation areas, with most facilities closing by mid-October due to early frost patterns. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing from November through March, making seasonal preparation essential for late-fall camping trips.
What to do
Riverside activities: At Soaring Eagle Campground, visitors enjoy direct access to the Delaware River for fishing, hiking and water recreation. One camper noted, "Nice campground right on the Delaware river great for fisherman, hikers also great for tubing down the Delaware or canoeing."
State park exploration: Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground offers multiple recreational options beyond the standard hiking trails. According to one visitor: "The lake is gorgeous and there are plenty of nearby hikes for exploring. Wish I would have brought my fishing pole."
Family entertainment: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Birchwood Acres provides structured activities for younger campers. A recent visitor shared, "They have activities on the weekends with Yogi the mascot such as wagon rides, dance parties, arts n crafts."
Water recreation: Many campgrounds charge additional fees for water activities. One Lake Taghkanic visitor noted, "Expect to pay $15 fee (I think) to use your paddleboards / kyacks etc. Worth every penny."
What campers like
Natural water features: Campers consistently praise the streams and rivers. At Thousand Trails Rondout Valley, one reviewer mentioned, "The creek that runs by the campground is gorgeous, and my kids had fun finding Crayfish."
Clean facilities: Lake Taghkanic State Park consistently receives praise for maintenance. "Showers are hot and there's great water pressure. The cleanliness of the bathrooms depends on how busy the campground is."
Platform camping: Several campgrounds offer raised platforms for tent camping. One Lake Taghkanic visitor explained, "The platforms kept us off the ground and were helpful in setting up appropriate tarp protection!"
Site privacy: Many campgrounds maintain natural buffers between sites. At Soaring Eagle Campground, "The sites are larger than most campgrounds and well spaced out. I have been there on busy holiday weekends where it was full but still peaceful and private."
What you should know
Highway noise: Some campgrounds are situated near major roadways. At Tri-State RV Park, campers report, "Located just off the highway so lots of vehicle noise 24/7. Sites are on a gravel lot."
Limited connectivity: Cell coverage remains patchy throughout the region. At Soaring Eagle Campground, a visitor mentioned, "Having Wi-Fi would be great esp when camping w/ kids."
Seasonal closures: Most campgrounds close by mid-autumn. Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground operates "May 6 to October 15" according to their listing information.
Weather preparedness: The Catskills experience rapid weather changes. One Lake Taghkanic camper warned, "This was our second time coming to this campground and our second time getting dumped on by the rain."
Tips for camping with families
Proximity to activities: Choose campgrounds with on-site recreation. At Jellystone Park, "There's a fun splash park with water slides and 2 pools, restaurant onsite, clean bathrooms and showers."
Space for multiple families: Some sites can accommodate group camping. A Soaring Eagle Campground visitor shared, "sites are huge, plenty of room for 2+ family campers."
Age-appropriate amenities: Mountain Top RV Park offers varied recreation options but with limitations. One visitor noted, "They have a small playground that would be better suited for older children, and there's also a nice lounge room with games, a pool table, a tv and puzzles/board games."
Weekday visits: For quieter family experiences, consider non-weekend camping. A Soaring Eagle camper recommended visiting "on weekdays and off weekends when it felt as if I had the river to myself."
Tips from RVers
Navigation challenges: The mountainous terrain creates driving difficulties. At Thousand Trails Rondout Valley, a camper noted, "This will work out if people communicate with management, they were reseptive to constructive criticism."
Sewer connections: Some campgrounds have challenging waste connections. A Rondout Valley visitor mentioned, "The sewer connection in 372 ran uphill for me, but my pipe sits very low."
Overnight stopover options: Skyway Camping Resort provides convenient amenities for quick stays. According to one reviewer, "Nice well maintained park, full hookups with cable and wifi."
Site selection tips: Research specific site numbers before booking. A Thousand Trails visitor advised, "If you are looking for an RV resort-type place, this isn't it. If you are looking for a CAMPground, this is a wonderful place!"