Glamping options close to Durham, New York, range from luxury cabins to elevated camping experiences in the western Catskill Mountains. This region sits at elevations between 1,000-3,500 feet, creating cooler summer temperatures compared to nearby urban areas. Most glamping sites operate from May through mid-October, with fall offering spectacular foliage viewing opportunities and cooler temperatures ideal for campfires.
What to do
Waterfall hiking trails: Max V. Shaul State Park provides convenient access to several waterfalls within short driving distance. According to a visitor, "there's no pond/lake here but there's several waterfalls nearby and Vromans Nose."
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer swimming facilities with safety features. At Nickerson Park Campground, "The pool/water slides were a hit with the kids! Also, the staff come around to pick up your trash bags daily, which was a nice little perk."
Wildlife observation: The Promise to Gaia property offers unique wildlife viewing opportunities as a designated plant and butterfly sanctuary. The grounds are specifically maintained to "help maintain and expand native and pollinating species of plants."
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Many campgrounds near Durham feature sites with ample space between neighbors. At Country Roads Campground, a camper noted they have "about 10-15 great tent sites back beyond the RV area. There are water spigots near all the tent sites and they are nice and spread out."
Clean bathroom facilities: Modern bathrooms and showers are available at several campgrounds. Max V. Shaul State Park has "new bathrooms/showers and family bathrooms" according to one reviewer, while another mentioned "The bath house is clean and modern. $27.50/night for non-resident."
Quiet atmosphere: Many campgrounds maintain peaceful environments. A visitor at Treetopia Campground appreciated "sitting out on the deck every morning for my coffee while taking in the fall air," noting the renovated bathrooms are "out of this world! Best of any campground we've ever visited!"
What you should know
Water quality varies: Some campgrounds have issues with water quality. One camper at Nickerson Park Campground warned: "THE WATER! ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTING! It smelled like raw sewage, loaded with sediment and very discolored. Little to no pressure and a couple times no water at all."
Seasonal considerations: Weather can impact camping experiences significantly. At Lake Taghkanic State Park, platform tent sites provide advantages in wet conditions: "The platforms kept us off the ground and were helpful in setting up appropriate tarp protection!"
Reservation requirements: Most glamping sites require advance booking, especially during peak season. Weekend availability is particularly limited at popular spots like Taconic State Park where visitors recommend you "Avoid Weekends" because "its proximity to NYC draws large crowds."
Tips for camping with families
Look for family-friendly amenities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated facilities for children. Country Roads Campground has "special events in a pavilion near the RVs including bingo," making it popular for family gatherings.
Water recreation options: Swimming areas designed for children are available at select locations. Taconic State Park features "2 lifeguarded swimming areas — a kiddie pool and a deep area with floating dock to jump off of."
Pet policies: Most glamping sites welcome pets, but verification may be required. At Taconic State Park, "If you are traveling with a dog, be sure to bring proof of rabies— they ask."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Electric, water, and sewer connections vary widely between campgrounds. Brookside Campground offers full hookups but one RVer noted: "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. We stayed here in a travel trailer."
Site selection strategies: Choosing the right site makes a significant difference in your experience. At Nickerson Park Campground, "Groups of sites sit on level terraces stepped down toward the river. The center area of each grouping of sites had a common use area with tether ball, playgrounds, privies, or additional parking."
Seasonal RV considerations: Some campgrounds are better suited for specific seasons. At Blue Mountain Campground, tent sites can be challenging as they "are very richly and uneven, it was very hard to pitch a tent. When it rains there's a horrible smell across the campground."
