Max V. Shaul State Park Campground sits between the northern Catskills and eastern New York, providing a gateway to outdoor recreation at 1,400 feet elevation. The camping area near Delmar includes terrain ranging from mountain forests to valley meadows, with several water features including reservoirs, ponds and small lakes. Most campgrounds in this region operate seasonally from May through October due to weather conditions.
What to do
Hiking nearby trails: Max V. Shaul State Park Campground offers access to several waterfalls within driving distance. "There's no pond/lake here but there's several waterfalls nearby and vromans nose," notes one camper about this small, quiet hideaway.
Winter activities: Frosty Acres Campground provides opportunities for cold-weather recreation. "You'll have the entire mountain side all to yourself! Snowshoe, cross country ski. Winter campfires. Elevation about 1409 feet. View of the sunrise over the entire valley are awesome," according to a winter camper at this four-season location.
Fishing and boating: Several campgrounds offer water recreation options. "They have a pond for swimming and softball field. They allow late check ins!" reports one visitor to Spacious Skies Woodland Hills, highlighting the recreational water access.
What campers like
Clean facilities: The region's campgrounds maintain good bathroom standards. At Max V. Shaul State Park, campers appreciate that "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."
Dog-friendly amenities: Many locations accommodate pets with dedicated spaces. "My dog loved getting a little swim! (No dogs allowed at the day use area)," writes a visitor at Woodford State Park Campground, noting the separate camper's beach where dogs can enjoy the water.
Natural sounds: The peaceful atmosphere includes pleasant natural sounds. At Spacious Skies Woodland Hills, a camper mentions "The pond has a fountain which sounds like a small waterfall at night," creating a calming nighttime ambiance.
What you should know
Site positioning varies widely: Pay attention to campsite locations when booking. At October Mountain State Forest Campground, a camper advises, "what site you get makes all the difference. There are Many, I would say most, Sites that you feel very exposed and out in the open. Look for the sites that go off to the side (not on the loops) like 39-40."
Terrain challenges: Some sites have uneven ground. At Spacious Skies Woodland Hills, one camper notes: "Terrain is uneven. Hit and miss on how flat or leave sights are." Another mentions: "the site I had was steep grade from steps to picnic table. Flat ground area for camper was very narrow. Tricky footing for older folks."
Year-round options limited: While most campgrounds close for winter, a few offer extended seasons. Frosty Acres has "a small winter section" that lets you enjoy the off-season solitude, according to visitor reports.
Tips for camping with families
Platform sites for wet weather: Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground provides raised platforms that help during storms. "This was our second time coming to this campground and our second time getting dumped on by the rain, but have no fear!! The platforms kept us off the ground and were helpful in setting up appropriate tarp protection," shares a repeat visitor.
Kid-friendly activities: Organized games provide entertainment for children. At Spacious Skies Woodland Hills, "Over the weekend they had organized corn hole games and several other ways to get physical and have a blast. They also had a community 'Father's Day' breakfast (fathers ate free!) which was open to all."
Glamping options for Delmar families: For those seeking glamping close to Delmar, New York, several parks offer upgraded accommodations. A Promise to Gaia/Garden of One provides a "sweet cabin" according to visitors, offering a comfortable glamping experience with easier setup than traditional tent camping.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: RV campers should research site dimensions carefully. "Although sites are squeezed in, it is a nice family campground. However the site I had was steep grade from steps to picnic table. Flat ground area for camper was very narrow," cautions an RV owner at Spacious Skies Woodland Hills.
Check for services: Many campgrounds offer partial hookups only. At Brookside Campground, RVers note the bathrooms "were a bit run down looking from the outside, but inside they were updated and clean," which is important for those without full hookups.
Seasonal considerations: RV campers should note drainage issues during heavy rain. At Brookside, one visitor observed: "During the heavy rains water flowed down the roads ways due to the clay based soil and looked like it pooled up in places near the tent areas."
