Camping options near Denver, New York range from primitive backcountry sites to family-friendly established campgrounds. The Catskill region sits at elevations between 1,000-4,200 feet, creating varied microclimates throughout the camping season. Spring camping often requires extra layers as overnight temperatures can drop below 40°F even in May.
What to do
Hiking to fire towers: Kenneth L Wilson Campground provides convenient access to multiple hiking trails. "The long, narrow, and winding road from Route 28 to Woodland Valley campground should not keep you from camping there! Most important is the fact that you can quickly get to many great hikes in the Catskills including Hunter, Slide, Plateau Rock, and many others," notes Gary G.
Kayaking on small lakes: Little Pond Campground offers canoe and kayak rentals for exploring the pond. "Got a kayak for the day and it was a great rate. Saw beavers and eagles," reports Lauren S. The small pond provides calm waters suitable for beginners and families.
Creek exploration: Sites along waterways offer natural entertainment. At Woodland Valley Campground, "If you like to camp by water, this is the perfect place for you. It has amazing on the water sites you can camp at, plus a stunning view of the Catskills. The hikes are just easy enough for anyone in the family," according to Meike W.
What campers like
Proximity to multiple attractions: Catskill/Kenneth L Wilson Campground serves as a strategic base camp. "The rangers were very friendly and helpful, and the facilities were in good shape (free hot showers!). Most important is the fact that you can quickly get to many great hikes in the Catskills including Hunter, Slide, Plateau Rock, and many others," says Gary G.
Natural soundscapes: Creeks provide natural white noise for sleeping. At Woodland Valley Campground, one visitor noted "the mountain creek is like nature singing a lullaby - sleeping next to it was very relaxing; weather was great and we could see the stars through the canopy - very very enjoyable!"
Spacious walk-in sites: Alder Lake offers secluded lakeside camping for those willing to walk a short distance. "We opted to hike in. The first spot is less than 1/2 mile down the path, with the next three in the next mile. The campsites are very spacious with lots of room between you and other campers," notes Nora S.
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Access to campgrounds can challenge some vehicles. For Alder Lake, "The place is pretty easy to access with paved road the whole way there except for the last 1/2 mile where it is very bumpy. Some might say 4*4 but we made it just fine in our little Camry."
Facilities maintenance varies by season: Early and late season visitors may find reduced services. At Devil's Tombstone Campground, "The bathrooms are a glorified hole in the ground with a toilet seat, but if you need it, it's there. No sinks. But there is a water source in between every other site for when you need it," reports Yasmin S.
Site selection impacts privacy: Choose carefully based on maps and reviews. At Kenneth L Wilson Campground, "Campsites are fairly close together with a variety of levels of privacy. Ours allowed you to be pretty far back from the road for more privacy, but some of the other sites were literally next to the road."
Tips for camping with families
Look for playgrounds: Several campgrounds include play areas. At Devil's Tombstone, "There is a playground for kids so you don't have to watch over them while you set up," notes one reviewer.
Beach access considerations: North-South Lake Campground provides swimming opportunities during summer months. "There is a pond and there's kayaks, canoes, etc. for rent. The beach area is clean and the water is clear," reports a visitor.
Consider site location relative to facilities: For families with young children, bathroom proximity matters. At Kenneth L Wilson Campground, one camper chose "site 9...set back very far from the main road and was an extremely large site! It is also right across the road from a water pump and from the path to the bathrooms so it is a prime location."
Tips for RVers
Limited hookup options: Many Catskill campgrounds lack full hookups. At Little Pond Campground, "This campground has no hookups for RVs, the only facilities they do offer are bathrooms and showers."
Maneuvering challenges: Phoenicia Black Bear Campground offers sites near town but with size limitations. The campground has "creek front and wooded campsites. Each comes with a fire ring and picnic tables," notes Derek W., though larger rigs may have difficulty navigating the smaller sites.
Slope considerations: When selecting RV sites, be aware of terrain. Little Pond Campground has "small sites and many have slanted entrances," which can make leveling challenging for larger vehicles.
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