Max V. Shaul State Park sits along Route 30 in the Schoharie Valley, providing campers with access to several nearby waterfalls within a 10-mile radius. The park features 30 sites on relatively flat terrain with an elevation of approximately 900 feet, offering moderate temperatures throughout the camping season from May through October. Winter camping options are available at several dispersed sites in the surrounding state forests.
What to do
Hiking at Vroman's Nose: Located just 8 miles from Max V. Shaul State Park, this popular trail offers a moderate 1.5-mile loop with distinctive rock formations. "There's no pond/lake here but there's several waterfalls nearby and vromans nose," notes Brian H. about Max V. Shaul State Park Campground.
Swimming at Glimmerglass: The park features a large beach area with designated swimming zones and changing facilities. A camper at Glimmerglass State Park Campground shares: "The lake is pristine and wonderful to swim in. Nice beach. Also a place for showers and a bathroom and small place for food and extras things you might need for camping."
Winter camping adventures: For those seeking off-season experiences, several dispersed sites remain accessible. "Was a great location for winter camping. Site easily accessible from road. Beautiful, peaceful, great time!" notes a visitor to Burnt Rossman State Forest.
Explore local towns: Small villages throughout Schoharie County offer unique shopping and dining. "With Cooperstown 15-20 minutes away no lack of things to do for adults and kids. Great restaurants also. No reason to ever get bored," mentions a Glimmerglass camper.
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Many campgrounds in the area provide ample room between campsites. "The sites are a great size for accomadating two tents and have many people gather at meals," writes Leah B. about Thompson's Lake Campground.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds near Cobleskill consistently receive praise for well-maintained bathrooms and showers. At Country Roads Campground, a visitor notes: "Beautiful campground. Stayed in The Pines section. Spacious sites. Super friendly and helpful staff."
Stream access at dispersed sites: Free camping options along creeks provide natural water features. "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," shares a visitor to Betty Brook Camp.
Family-friendly amenities: Many campgrounds offer playgrounds, organized activities, and water features. "They have a pool and water slides for the kids. The owner and staff were so friendly and welcoming," writes Jennifer P. about Nickerson Park Campground.
What you should know
Road conditions to dispersed sites: Some free camping areas require navigating rough terrain. "The road in on old cemetery rd was pretty rough, so we decided to go out the other way, which was way worse," cautions a visitor to Duck Pond Campsite.
Seasonal availability: Most established campgrounds operate from May through October. "We were escorted to our site upon arrival and I certainly appreciated that as we were very tired after a long day of travel," notes a camper at Country Roads Campground, which runs from May 15 to Columbus Day.
Reservation requirements: State park campgrounds typically require advance booking, especially for summer weekends. "Very quiet small campground - friendly staff - large spots/mainly bigger setups," mentions a Glimmerglass State Park visitor.
Limited services at dispersed sites: Free camping areas lack facilities like showers, toilets, and trash service. A visitor to Burnt Rossman State Forest notes: "This spot is right off the road. Nice and quiet. There is enough room for 2 to 3 campers. Parking across the street if it's wet."
Tips for camping with families
Beach options: Thompson's Lake offers family-friendly swimming with amenities. "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," shares Dana O. about Thompson's Lake Campground.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. "There is a children's playground and pavilion. Firewood is available to purchase. The bathrooms and showers are clean and well-kept," notes Darby R. about Max V. Shaul State Park.
Organized activities: Some campgrounds offer structured entertainment. "This campground is a secret gem. They have new bathrooms/showers and family bathrooms. There's a playground, a pavilion, they do fireside jams," shares Margaret L. about Max V. Shaul State Park.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Numerous trails provide chances to spot local animals. "We have also had some great star viewing here!" mentions a Thompson's Lake camper, highlighting additional natural attractions for families.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Multiple campgrounds offer complete utility connections. "Electric, water, and septic hookups were all modern and in great shape," notes Benjamin C. about Little Lake Campground.
Site size limitations: Some campgrounds can't accommodate larger rigs. "Gravel unlevel pad full hookups," reports Jackie M. about Hide-A-Way Campsites, highlighting the need to consider leveling equipment.
Water quality concerns: Some campgrounds have variable water conditions. "Very nice bathrooms w shower and wash station. Electricity and water available at or near each campsite," shares a camper at Glimmerglass State Park.
Pet-friendly options for RVers: Most campgrounds near Cobleskill welcome pets with proper documentation. "Great family spot... They have special events in a pavilion near the RVs including bingo," mentions a Country Roads camper, noting the pet-friendly camping atmosphere near Cobleskill, New York.
