Dispersed camping near Cobleskill, New York offers experiences in the foothills of the eastern Catskill Mountains at elevations ranging from 800-1,500 feet. Winter camping is available at several sites including Betty Brook Camp, where temperatures can drop below 20°F overnight from December through February. Road conditions to primitive sites often deteriorate during spring thaw and after heavy rainfall.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Betty Brook Camp provides stream access with small trout fishing from April through October. "Love to camp here all year long have been coming to the area for a couple of decades now. Remote. Sometimes you never see anyone. Sometimes you see some people. You camp on the stream," notes camper Robert B.
Beach activities: Thompson's Lake Campground offers swimming, kayak rentals, and boat launches from late May to early September. A visitor reports, "They have a great beach with swimming, kayak and boat rentals, a nature center next door you can walk too and the bathrooms are refurbished!"
Guided nature programs: Several state parks host weekend ranger programs during summer months. Thompson's Lake features a nature center within walking distance of campsites. One camper shared, "Nice bathroom facilities and dish washing station!"
Off-season hiking: Winter and early spring offer less crowded trail access at several locations. Peter from Betty Brook notes, "It's in state park, and there's tons of walking that can be done."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Max V. Shaul State Park Campground features well-spaced campsites. As Holly R. describes: "The Max V. Shaul State Park is small and quiet - only 30 sites here, which are large, flat and sited well apart from each other."
Clean facilities: Several campgrounds maintain updated bathhouses. At Max V. Shaul, "The bathrooms and showers are clean and well-kept. The staff is friendly and helpful, and check the campground regularly so you can feel safe," according to Darby R.
Kid-friendly amenities: Multiple campgrounds include playgrounds and organized activities. Dana O. shares about Thompson's Lake: "This campground has always been my go to. Now that I have kids, I appreciate the playground area near the beach more. All public areas including the bathrooms are very clean."
Water recreation: Little Lake Campground offers fishing and boating without overcrowding. "Great place that's about 50/50 permanent sites and rentals. They have lots to do, the owners are very friendly and accommodating, the campground is one of the quietest we've ever stayed at," notes Benjamin C.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly between camping spots near Cobleskill, New York. At Duck Pond Campsite, The L. reports: "Intermittent cell service which was frightening while driving on these rough roads."
Road conditions: Many dispersed camping areas require careful driving, especially after rain. "The road in on old cemetery rd was pretty rough, so we decided to go out the other way, which was way worse," warns a visitor to Duck Pond Campsite.
Seasonal closures: Most established campgrounds operate from May through mid-October. Winter camping options are limited but available. Felix R. notes about Burnt Rossman State Forest: "Was a great location for winter camping. Site easily accessible from road."
Reservation requirements: State parks typically require bookings for weekend stays. Country Roads Campground provides first-come options for tent campers. William R. explains: "Mainly an RV ground, but they have about 10-15 great tent sites back beyond the RV area."
Tips for camping with families
Best swimming options: Thompson's Lake provides lifeguarded swimming from mid-June through Labor Day weekend. A reviewer mentions: "I appreciate the playground area near the beach more. All public areas including the bathrooms are very clean."
Educational programs: Glimmerglass State Park Campground offers weekend nature programs during summer months. Leah B. shares: "The beach, trail to historic house, boating, fishing, and Cooperstown nearby keep everyone in the group entertained. We have also had some great star viewing here!"
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. At Country Roads Campground, organized activities include "special events in a pavilion near the RVs including bingo," according to William R.
Night sky viewing: Multiple camping locations offer minimal light pollution. Leah B. notes about Glimmerglass: "We have also had some great star viewing here!"
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Country Roads Campground provides spacious RV sites. Tom R. confirms: "Beautiful campground. Stayed in The Pines section. Spacious sites. Super friendly and helpful staff."
Utility hookups: Hide-A-Way Campsites offers full hookups on gravel pads. Jackie M. reports: "Gravel unlevel pad full hookups. Friendly attendants guided us to site and directed in spot."
Seasonal considerations: Most RV campgrounds close by mid-October. Heather E. notes about Glimmerglass: "Very quiet small campground - friendly staff - large spots/mainly bigger setups. Only downside is there is not a hiking/walking path down to the lake from the campground."
Water quality issues: Test water at unfamiliar campgrounds before use. Bring bottled water for drinking as a precaution, especially at older facilities.
