5 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Camping opportunities near Downsville, New York include established campgrounds situated within the scenic Catskill Mountains region. Bear Spring Mountain DEC Campground, located just north of Downsville, provides tent and RV sites with electric hookups, showers, and picnic tables. Other nearby options include Peaceful Valley Campsite in Downsville proper and Russell Brook Campsites in Roscoe, both offering riverside campsites and cabin accommodations. Most campgrounds in this area maintain traditional amenities including drinking water, electric hookups, and toilet facilities, with several featuring waterfront locations along the Delaware River and its tributaries.
Seasonal operation affects campground availability throughout the Catskill region, with most facilities operating from May through September or early October. Bear Spring Mountain campground typically operates from mid-May through late August, while Russell Brook Campsites extends its season through October. Many campsites require advance reservations, particularly for weekend visits and holiday periods during the peak summer months. The region's terrain features forested mountains with numerous streams and ponds, creating diverse camping environments from riverside settings to more secluded forest sites. As one visitor noted, "Clean, private, and quiet! We had a blast!" when describing their experience at Bear Spring Mountain.
Campers frequently highlight water access as a significant attraction in the area's campgrounds. Russell Brook Campsites features direct stream access that appeals to families and anglers. According to one visitor, "Our site was massive and had direct access to Russell Brook. Couldn't keep my son out of the water." The Beaverkill Campground, known for its covered bridge and trout fishing, provides a quieter experience along the Beaverkill River. Site privacy varies considerably between campgrounds, with some locations offering more secluded settings than others. Visitors to Bear Spring Mountain appreciate the natural surroundings, with one camper noting there is "nothing but woods all around" with "endless hiking and beautiful streams." Weekday visits generally provide a quieter experience compared to weekends when campgrounds tend to be more heavily occupied.
"Pros: Near wonderful, little-used hiking trails - challenging ones, too!
- Close to Catskill town options to explore, e.g."
"You can see a picture here of the water just a 10 foot trail away from our campsite. All in all a great trip."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $22 / night
"Went here with some friends who had never been outside NYC before. They were absolutely blown away. For me, it was a nice site but not exceptional. Bring or rent a kayak!"
"I drove to NYC for a business trip and ended up driving 1 and a half hour to reach this place. I always carry a tent in the back of my trunk and decided to go camping."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $18 - $40 / night
"We were right next to a small brook, and falling asleep to the sound of the water behind our tent was amazing. Everyone we met was super friendly. We will definitely be back!"
"As close to nature as possible with modern conveniences still nearby. Terri and her gang do a great job of running her Dad's adventure."
"Great location with full hook-ups. Nice riverside spots. Quiet during the week. Nice place to stay"
"Great location with nice riverside spots. Weekdays are quiet, weekends not so much. Full hook-ups. Owners are friendly and great. Reccomended, especially during the week."
"This campground was so pleasant, very clean and quiet, I loved how close the river was to our campground, only a few steps away."
"Bathrooms were very cleaned and everybody respected COVID-related social distancing. Would come again!"
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 - $40 / night
"Great access to the beaverkill. It’s perfect for a quick getaway."
"There are two campsites located right outside of the park where you can park your car next to your tent but we opted to hike in."
"There are several beautiful, secluded hike-in sites along the lake which I would love to return to someday. The hike around the lake is a lovely, easy walk."
"great river based location(Delaware River) bathhouse was very clean, very rustic, sites are huge, plenty of room for 2+ family campers… I know this controversial, but having Wi-Fi would be great esp when"
"It is great family camp ground with amenities that are helpful to parents and new campers such as restrooms, showers, camp shop, canoe/kayak/tube rentals and designated drive in sites with fire ring and"
from $20 - $160 / night
"Great little lake for swimming & fishing. Weather was miserable so proximity to Cooperstown was a plus. No cell service or wifi which didnt bother me but could some."
"Love the layout, with camp sites having mowed paths to the restrooms and showers in the middle of each loop. Nicest showers and rest rooms we have seen so far."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $17 - $150 / night
"They offer 4 private tent sites and 50 acres of scenic hiking trails. Campsites are spaced out, feel private, and offer all of the amenities (grill, chairs, picnic table)."
from $65 / night
TravelerFree site ran by Peekemoose forest. There are supposed to be 12 along throughout the valley, this is the only one we were able to locate. Was able to access easily with a minivan and has a nice flat area. Can see the highway from the site.
ScoutOctober leaves starting to fall makes for a very quiet, peaceful midweek evening in one of the two dispersed car camping sites. Exactly what I was hoping for - private and empty and lovely. Easy to find - two dispersed car sites are to the left at the fork in the road before the trailhead.
ScoutI stayed here in March 2026 for a night before going snowboarding at Belleayre Mountain. It was in the middle of a snowstorm on a Tuesday night, so I had the whole place to myself, which was nice.
Travelerbeautiful quiet space, great home base for the Catskills and small towns around here. note there's only a few spots. road conditions were fine.
ScoutThis clothing-optional campground has a highly toxic, intrusive, and vindictive environment. During my stay, the seasonal permanent residents('perms') subjected me to intense harassment, inappropriate sexual advances, and severe social retaliation/rumor-spreading when those advances were rejected. The situation escalated to the point where an employee had to intervene for my safety. Furthermore, despite management allowing my photo to be taken in costume at a party, I was intentionally blocked from the community group where the photos were posted, leaving me unable to monitor how my image was being used. Avoid this place if you value your privacy, personal boundaries, and safety.
RangerI'll start by saying this is a site-specific review (C20). I booked using Campspot and didn't select my own site but put in the criteria for my rig (30ft TT plus truck) and got a 50A back-in spot. The site was big but abnormal. Between the picnic table placement and the trees, I ended up right around 50ft from the electric and water, and the water spigot was so low I could barely put on my camco filter. With the uneven dirt roads, I had to unhitch with my truck in a gigantic puddle (lol). The site was otherwise fine aside from my gate code not working on Day 2. As for the campground as a whole, I thought it was pretty unique place by the river that offered several good amenities and activities, like downstream river tubing, an arcade, bathroom/shower facilities, a small store, little trails, and more. I would say this place borders the more primitive side.
GuideWe went the 2nd week of October and seems like we had just missed the foliage peak but it was still beautiful.
Everyone minded their business and most sites were 2-4 people, showers were clean and warm but the kind where you gotta push the button every 30 seconds. Toilets were clean and running smoothly (we were in the southernmost loop, closest to the camp office)
No cellphone reception but we could get satellite signal to text our loved ones that we were alive and well!
We loved the hiking and especially kayaking on the pond
GuideWe were in campsite 20 with lots of room. The first night we were there we were near very loud groups which was difficult to sleep through. The next night everyone cleared out and we had a peaceful crowd. Bathrooms are nice, the park has great hiking trails and a nice day use area! There is also an area where we can rent canoes. I would definitely return, just wish there was a little more crowd control.
ScoutWe really loved this spot- it was relaxing to listen to the sounds of the creek and not having any camping neighbors. The night sky was filled with stars and we even saw a rocket. I also appreciated having an outhouse on site- i would say the only downside was having to take our bag of poop+pee out with us when we left (site rules). The only other thing that was bothersome was being told that wood is provided at the site and then not realizing until after we got there that we would have to Venmo the owner $10 per bundle (I don’t mind paying, just wouldn’t been nice to know ahead of time that it wasn’t included in the price). I recommend this site for anyone who enjoys privacy and doesn’t mind a detox from WiFi.
Camping sites near Downsville, New York sit within the western Catskills at elevations between 1,200-1,800 feet. The area's forested landscape features numerous tributaries feeding into the Delaware River system, creating diverse ecosystems for outdoor exploration. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-80°F with cooler evenings, while spring and fall camping require extra layers due to temperature fluctuations.
Fishing access points: The Delaware River watershed offers excellent trout fishing opportunities at Russell Brook Campsites, where campers can fish directly from their sites. According to one visitor, "Our site was massive and had direct access to Russell Brook. Couldn't keep my son out of the water."
Hiking the surrounding mountains: Numerous trails span the region, especially at Little Pond Campground which connects to broader trail networks. A camper notes, "There's also a man made waterfall at the edge with zero signage or stoppage which could be dangerous for young children." The campground features walk-in sites that offer added seclusion.
Water activities: Several campgrounds rent boats and water equipment. At Alder Lake, paddlers enjoy relatively calm waters for kayaking. One visitor commented, "We had a stellar time just hiking down the path and relaxing by the water. There's no noise at night apart from the running water of the stream."
Waterfront camping options: Peaceful Valley Campsite provides riverside accommodations along the Delaware. A regular visitor mentioned, "Great location with nice riverside spots. Weekdays are quiet, weekends not so much. Full hook-ups."
Natural surroundings: The densely wooded areas create privacy at many sites. At Soaring Eagle Campground, campers appreciate the natural setting: "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."
Secluded sites: Many campgrounds offer walk-in options for added privacy. At Alder Lake, campers note, "The campsites are very spacious with lots of room between you and other campers, and have a fire pit and some have picnic tables."
Seasonal operation limitations: Most facilities close by late September or October. Hunter Lake Campgrounds maintains traditional operating seasons, with one guest noting that "Most of the sites are seasonal and there are very nice tent sites as well."
Bathroom maintenance varies: Facilities at campgrounds receive mixed reviews regarding upkeep. Beaverkill Campground receives positive feedback: "Bathrooms were very cleaned and everybody respected COVID-related social distancing. Would come again!"
Reservation systems differ: Several campgrounds have limited online booking capabilities. Hunter Lake Campground requires phone reservations with advance payment. One camper explained, "Yes I did have to mail a check for my reservation. Most of the sites are seasonal and there are very nice tent sites as well."
Look for shallow water access: Sites with gentle water entry points work best for young children. At Russell Brook Campsites, families appreciate the accessibility: "It's clean and well-maintained - even the restrooms. Every site is well-equipped with its own water, electricity, fire pit, and picnic table."
Consider walk-in sites for older children: Some campgrounds offer walk-in options requiring short hikes. At Blue Wind Nature Camp, families find "4 private tent sites and 50 acres of scenic hiking trails. Campsites are spaced out, feel private, and offer all of the amenities."
Pack for temperature fluctuations: Evening temperatures often drop significantly. At Roscoe Campsites, one family noted, "The farm, playground, beach, and shallow river make it a great, easy entry point for new and younger campers."
Limited full-hookup availability: Confirm hookup options when booking. At Roscoe Campsites, RVers found, "Clean bathrooms and showers. People working there were more than helpful. Guided us to our site. Helped us set up."
Site sizes vary significantly: Some campgrounds accommodate larger rigs while others have tight turns. Hunter Lake Campground receives good reviews from longer-term RVers: "It's a quiet well kept campground right on a lake. Great family friendly campground and the owners are the best."
Midweek visits recommended: Weekend occupancy rates increase significantly during summer months. A Russell Brook visitor confirmed, "Very peaceful. Felt like we had the place to ourselves. Very clean. Definitely will be going back."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Downsville, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, Downsville, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 186 campgrounds and RV parks near Downsville, NY and 17 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Downsville, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Downsville, NY is Little Pond Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 22 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Downsville, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 free dispersed camping spots near Downsville, NY.
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