Tent and RV camping options near Downsville, New York provide access to the western Catskill Mountains at elevations between 1,100-1,800 feet. The area experiences typical four-season northeastern climate with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winter lows frequently below freezing. Many campgrounds close for winter with primary camping season running April through October.
What to do
Fishing access: Multiple campgrounds offer direct water access for anglers. Soaring Eagle Campground sits on the Delaware River with "great river based location" according to Hans M., making it ideal for fishermen. The campground includes rental options for water equipment.
Hiking opportunities: Trails vary from easy lakeside loops to challenging mountain paths. Alder Lake features "a lovely, easy walk" around the lake with more challenging trails connected to the area. Erik C. notes, "The hike trail that connects to the far end of the lake is 6+ miles and while there were no real views, it was lovely."
Water recreation: Beyond fishing, the area offers multiple swimming and paddling options. Campers at Soaring Eagle Campground mention "canoe/kayak/tube rentals" with Mike S. adding that it's "great for tubing down the Delaware or canoeing." The campground maintains a natural setting while offering water-based activities without overly developed facilities.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campsites provide ample room between neighbors. Nichole P. says Soaring Eagle Campground offers "sites larger than most campgrounds and well spaced out," noting that even on busy weekends it "still felt peaceful and private with a great community of campers."
Scenic water views: Lakefront and riverside camping remain popular. Keen Lake Resort Campground receives consistent praise for its beautiful waterfront locations. Shannon C. stayed on a "lakeside electric/water site" and found it "SO BEAUTIFUL," mentioning they would "paddle over to the swimming area on the lake" each day.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms get frequent positive mentions. Guy M. notes about Beaverkill Campground: "Campgrounds were kept very nice. Plenty of water and bathrooms around." Multiple reviews across campgrounds specifically comment on bathroom cleanliness as a standout feature.
What you should know
Site privacy varies: Some campgrounds offer more separation between sites than others. Guy M. mentioned that at Beaverkill Campground, "I wouldn't mind if they planted some more bushes etc. between the sites. It would add a little more privacy."
Seasonal timing matters: Crowds differ significantly throughout the season. Colleen J. warns that Alder Lake can get extremely busy: "We arrived around 11:00 am and the parking lot was already packed and cars were lined up along the road...it was so packed and pretty loud." Weekdays generally offer quieter experiences.
Terrain conditions: Site quality varies widely across campgrounds. At Thousand Trails Rondout Valley, Ian R. notes that "this is not a concrete pad haven and yes, there is mud," while at Roscoe Campsites, Ryan B. explains they "didn't do enough research because this place was a RVs and Cabin mecca" with few tent campers.
Tips for camping with families
Organized activities: Some campgrounds schedule regular events. At Keen Lake Resort Campground, Mike H. mentions, "They have activity coordinators that make sure there is something to do for all ages every hour of the day!" This makes it ideal for families seeking structured recreation.
Swimming options: Multiple water access points provide swimming opportunities. Emily Z. notes that Keen Lake has both a pool and lake: "My kids really loved having a pool to swim in, in addition to the lake," adding there's even "a beach for swimming with your dogs."
Connectivity considerations: Cell service and Wi-Fi vary significantly. At Soaring Eagle Campground, Hans M. notes, "having Wi-Fi would be great esp when camping w/ kids" but it wasn't available during his visit. This is important when planning activities that might require online access.
Tips from RVers
Site access challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult terrain for larger vehicles. At Susquehanna Trail Campground, David M. mentions they offer "30amp gravel backin rv campsites with water and sewer connections" with a "great location off I88 exit 13 Oneonta."
Utilities and connections: RV parks near Downsville, New York offer varying hookup configurations. At Belden Hill Campgrounds, Tim W. found "pull thru full hookup, level, spacious" sites with "room for pop up canopy and games." Jennifer K. added that they had "good at&t service" though "wifi wasn't working too well."
Environmental factors: Weather impacts can affect camping comfort significantly. Tim W. noted at Belden Hill: "Unfortunately we were there after a lot of rain from the hurricane, site was wet but useable, not their fault." Jennifer K. mentions at Susquehanna Trail that the park is "surrounded by water so be warned lots of bugs to be expected."