Camping sites near Duanesburg, New York offer diverse experiences from riverside locations to mountain settings. The region sits within the northern foothills of the Catskills, with elevations ranging from 800 to 1,400 feet above sea level. Winter camping options remain limited, with most seasonal campgrounds closing between October and May, though Featherstonhaugh State Forest permits primitive camping year-round for those prepared for cold-weather conditions.
What to do
Waterfront activities: At Arrowhead Marina & RV Park, campers enjoy direct access to the Mohawk River for boating and fishing. "Well maintained, located on the Mohawk River. Shady, grassy areas. Boat launch and pier. Friendly people," notes one visitor.
Hiking trails: North-South Lake Campground provides access to the Catskill Escarpment trail system and is located just minutes from Kaaterskill Falls. "Located just about a mile from Kaaterskill Falls this campground couldn't be in a better spot. We had a wonderful weekend there," reports one camper.
Nature observation: Schodack Island State Park offers wildlife viewing from dedicated bird blinds along their trail system. "Best part was hiking out to a couple of different blinds to look for birds. Did see a juv eagle," shares one visitor who appreciated the birding opportunities.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds in the Duanesburg region provide swimming facilities. North-South Lake has two natural lakes for swimming, with one camper noting, "I go there almost every year to go swimming with my family and friends and it's always a good time."
What campers like
Site privacy: Max V. Shaul State Park Campground receives praise for its well-spaced sites. "The Max V. Shaul State Park is small and quiet - only 30 sites here, which are large, flat and sited well apart from each other," explains one visitor who appreciated the layout.
Clean facilities: Bathroom and shower cleanliness stands out at many Duanesburg area campgrounds. A camper at Max V. Shaul noted, "This campground is a secret gem. They have new bathrooms/showers and family bathrooms."
Natural surroundings: The forested settings create pleasant camping experiences. At Hide-A-Way Campsites, campers enjoy the peaceful environment with one stating, "This is a small campground but very quiet and nice. The people that run it are very nice and accommodating."
Uncrowded experience: Smaller campgrounds near Duanesburg tend to offer more peaceful stays. A visitor to Max V. Shaul mentioned, "I love this little place! No hook ups, but there are water spigots nearby. There is a children's playground and pavilion."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds in the Duanesburg area fill quickly during peak season. At North-South Lake, one camper advises, "Always packed, but always beautiful. Awesome access to the Catskill Escaprment trail from here."
Seasonal variations: The camping season typically runs May through October with varying opening and closing dates. Max V. Shaul operates from May 19 to October 10, while Thompson's Lake runs from April 29 to October 10.
Winter camping options: Frosty Acres Campground maintains limited winter camping. "We stayed from April until October then decided to stay over winter. They have a small winter section. You'll have the entire mountain side all to yourself! Snowshoe, cross country ski. Winter campfires."
Weather considerations: Higher elevation sites experience more wind. A camper at Frosty Acres noted, "Very remote. Windy as all get out. Elevation about 1409 feet. View of the sunrise over the entire valley are awesome."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. At Thompson's Lake, one parent shared, "This campground has always been my go to. Now that I have kids, I appreciate the playground area near the beach more."
Swimming beaches: Thompson's Lake offers family-friendly water activities. "They have a great beach with swimming, kayak and boat rentals, a nature center next door you can walk too and the bathrooms are refurbished!" reports an enthusiastic visitor.
Educational opportunities: Some campgrounds provide nature programs. At Schodack Island State Park, a camper noted, "Great place for family fun and education. We have camped here for the last 3 years. They have excellent services and activities."
Family bathrooms: Modern facilities make family camping easier. Max V. Shaul's new bathrooms include family bathrooms, which parents particularly appreciate for managing young children's needs.
Tips from RVers
Site sizing: RV campers should verify site dimensions before booking. At Schodack Island State Park, a visitor mentioned, "The sites are amongst the most spacious I've ever seen. RV sites offer 30/50 amp electricity."
Hookup availability: Most campgrounds offer limited hookups or none at all. While Thompson's Lake and Schodack Island provide electric hookups, water is typically available at central locations rather than individual sites.
Connectivity issues: Cell service varies throughout the region. One Schodack Island camper reported, "ATT and Verizon fluctuate between 1-3 bars. It was enough for me to work - downloading files, sending emails, and conducting non-video zoom calls."
Road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds may present challenges. A visitor to Schodack Island noted, "The roads in are definitely patched and bumpy, but once your in the loop things are smooth!"
