Best Camping near Elka Park, NY

Are you in need of a campground near Elka Park, NY? Elka Park is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Elka Park. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Best Camping Sites Near Elka Park, NY (165)

    Camper-submitted photo from North-South Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from North-South Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from North-South Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from North-South Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from North-South Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from North-South Lake Campground

    1. North-South Lake Campground

    43 Reviews
    170 Photos
    725 Saves
    Palenville, New York

    North South Lake Campground is the biggest and most popular state campground in the Catskill Forest Preserve, offering extraordinary scenic beauty, and historical sites, such as: Alligator Rock, Kaaterskill Falls, and the former site of the Catskill Mountain House. An abrupt change in elevation occurs from about 540 feet above sea level at the base of the escarpment to approximately 2,250 feet at the site of the former Catskill Mountain House. The provinces around the lakes have long provided visitors with exceptional views of the surrounding countryside. It is said that on a clear day, five states can be viewed from the escarpment. 7 camping loops; 219 tent and trailer sites; 2 lakes; 2 beaches; Two picnic areas: one on North Lake with two picnic pavilion rentals a 20' X 32' and a 44' X 24' (the larger of the two with electricity) and one on South Lake with a 40' X 60' picnic pavilion rental (with electricity).; 2 picnic areas with tables and fireplaces or charcoal grills; playground; flush toilets; hot showers; boat launch (no motorized vessels); rowboat, canoe, kayak and paddle boat rentals; firewood sales; volleyball; horseshoes; fishing; playing field; trailer dump station; recycling center; solar cell phone charging station; ADA fishing platform.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $22 - $27 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Woodland Valley Campground - DEC
    Camper-submitted photo from Woodland Valley Campground - DEC
    Camper-submitted photo from Woodland Valley Campground - DEC
    Camper-submitted photo from Woodland Valley Campground - DEC
    Camper-submitted photo from Woodland Valley Campground - DEC
    Camper-submitted photo from Woodland Valley Campground - DEC

    2. Woodland Valley Campground - DEC

    29 Reviews
    79 Photos
    594 Saves
    Phoenicia, New York

    Nestled at the foot of Slide Mountain, the tallest peak in the Catskills, and surrounded by Panther, Cornell, and Wittenberg Mountains is Woodland Valley Campground. The campground offers 70 tent and trailer sites, a picnic area with tables and grills, flush toilets, hot showers, a trailer dump station and a recycling center. Woodland Valley Campground serves as the trailhead for both Slide-Wittenberg Trail and Woodland Valley-Denning Trail. Area attractions include the Village of Phoenicia which offers tubing on the Esopus Creek (famous for its trout fishing), a railroad museum, train rides on the Catskill Mountain Railroad, fine shops, antiques and restaurants. 70 tent and trailer sites, picnic area with tables and grills, flush toilets, hot showers, trailer dump station, recycling center, mobility impaired accessibility, pay phone.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $20 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Catskill/Kenneth L Wilson Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Catskill/Kenneth L Wilson Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Catskill/Kenneth L Wilson Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Catskill/Kenneth L Wilson Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Catskill/Kenneth L Wilson Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Catskill/Kenneth L Wilson Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds
    Camper-submitted photo from Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds
    Camper-submitted photo from Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds
    Camper-submitted photo from Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds
    Camper-submitted photo from Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds
    Camper-submitted photo from Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds

    4. Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds

    16 Reviews
    42 Photos
    170 Saves
    Saugerties, New York

    We invite you to leave the fast life behind and escape to our 160-acre woodland paradise. We offer spacious sites to tuck you away from the world while still providing the modern amenities necessary for your comfort. Come experience Catskills camping at its best at Rip Van Winkle Campground!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Devil's Tombstone Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Devil's Tombstone Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Devil's Tombstone Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Devil's Tombstone Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Devil's Tombstone Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Devil's Tombstone Campground

    5. Devil's Tombstone Campground

    10 Reviews
    36 Photos
    226 Saves
    Elka Park, New York

    24 tent and trailer sites, Notch Lake, 2 picnic areas with tables and fireplaces or charcoal grills, children's playground, volleyball, horseshoes, hunting outside campground boundaries, hiking trails. Swimming, boating, and showers are available at North-South Lake Campground - 8 miles away. * Please take note that at facilities that offer swimming beaches, there are days which lifeguards are unavailable. For the safety of our customers, these beaches will not be open and swimming will be prohibited.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group

    $16 - $21 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner
    Camper-submitted photo from Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner
    Camper-submitted photo from Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner
    Camper-submitted photo from Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner
    Camper-submitted photo from Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner
    Camper-submitted photo from Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner

    7. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner

    23 Reviews
    50 Photos
    96 Saves
    Gardiner, New York

    Overlooking the winding Wallkill River, Yogi Bear Campground NY is set on 100 rolling acres and boasts a majestic view of the Shawangunk Ridge. When our campers aren’t busy swimming and splashing at Yogi Bear’s Water Zone & Splash Pad or bouncing high on our jumping pillow, they can enjoy endless outdoor activities and amenities that the whole family will enjoy. All of our cabins and campsites take full advantage of the unparalleled setting and beautiful scenery that surrounds our Camp-Resort. Just a short drive from hiking at Minnewaska State Park and local history in New Paltz, Jellystone Park™ offers a breathtaking camping experience for everyone.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Mills Norrie State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Mills Norrie State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Mills Norrie State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Mills Norrie State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Mills Norrie State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Mills Norrie State Park Campground

    8. Mills Norrie State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    20 Photos
    224 Saves
    Staatsburg, New York

    A serene wooded area with glimpses of the river provides an ideal location for camping. Campers will have convenient access to attractions within the park and in nearby towns like Hyde Park, Rhinebeck and Poughkeepsie. There are 46 tent sites and 10 cabins available for rental at the park. Recreational vehicles are also welcome; however, the park does not offer hook up facilities. River access is available for campers with boats at the Norrie Marina and at the Norrie Environmental Center. Restroom facilities and showers are located within walking distance.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $19 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Little Pond - DEC
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Pond - DEC
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Pond - DEC
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Pond - DEC
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Pond - DEC
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Pond - DEC

    9. Little Pond - DEC

    19 Reviews
    119 Photos
    122 Saves
    Margaretville, New York

    Nestled in a remote area of the Catskills, quiet, picturesque Little Pond Campground shows off the pristine beauty of the mountains. The Beaverkill, a world-renowned fly-fishing stream, is within minutes of the campground. Nature lovers will enjoy the leisurely hiking trail around a 13-acre pond and the opportunity to venture along trails leading to the ruins of an old farm or enjoy breathtaking views atop the Touchmenot Mountains. Most campsites are heavily wooded, with walk-in and boat-in remote sites available for those who prefer more primitive camping.

    Geography: Little Pond Campground is located in the Catskills Forest Preserve.

    Recreation: Excellent hiking opportunities are available, from within the campground or from nearby trailheads. Non-motorized boats are welcome, and anglers may fish for panfish. A Junior Naturalist program is available for children.

    Facilities: Each campsite has a picnic table and fireplace. There are water spigots, restrooms, showers, a trailer dump station, and a recycling center. A swimming beach available. * Please take note the swimming facilities at this location are not supervised by a lifeguard or other responsible person. In place of on-site supervision, this facility has established a series of safeguards to be followed by all guests, the details of which are outlined in a brochure presented to customers upon arrival at the facility. A picnic area with tables, grills, fireplaces, and shelters are within walking distance of the campground. The park also offers volleyball and basketball courts, a soccer field, playground, horseshoe pits, ice and firewood sales, a boat launch, and rowboat, paddle boat, kayak, and canoe rentals. Most park facilities offer accessible features.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $22 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Whip O Will Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Whip O Will Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Whip O Will Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Whip O Will Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Whip O Will Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Whip O Will Campsites

    10. Whip O Will Campsites

    6 Reviews
    18 Photos
    87 Saves
    Round Top, New York
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $33 - $113 / night

Showing results 1-10 of 165 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Elka Park

Recent Reviews in Elka Park

561 Reviews of 165 Elka Park Campgrounds


  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mirror Lake Retreat
    Oct. 31, 2024

    Mirror Lake Retreat

    I stayed up there for work it was nice

    I was only up there for a few days for work. But it was really nice and had great play scale

  • Megan S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Schodack Island State Park Campground
    Oct. 31, 2024

    Schodack Island State Park Campground

    Great camping spot

    The staff was friendly. The sites are spaced out enough and have greenery in between so it feels a little more private than some places. Bathrooms and showers were very clean.

  • SJ W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Alder lake
    Oct. 29, 2024

    Alder lake

    Beautiful single drive in site!

    Love this place will definitely be back, not sure why it didn’t show up for free camping when I had it filtered, found it on another app. Was not the easiest for my RV van to get up the hill with the ruts, but I have a small lift so it helps, lower clearance vans might not make it. It’s a single camper site at the top of the hill left before the trailhead parking.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Spacious Skies Woodland Hills
    Oct. 8, 2024

    Spacious Skies Woodland Hills

    Tightly squeezed sites.

    Although sites are squeezed in, it is a nice family campground. However the site I had was steep grade from steps to picnic table. Flat ground area for camper was very narrow.Tricky footing for older folks like my wife and I. Particularly since my wife uses a cane.

  • Elizabeth D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Dingman's Family Campground
    Sep. 30, 2024

    Dingman's Family Campground

    One of the nicest campgrounds!

    Absolutely loved this campground, sites are well spaced and the surrounding area is gorgeous! We had a tent site right on the river and couldn’t have been happier with our stay. Each site has a fire pit and a picnic table. Facilities were exceptionally clean and the camp store was stunning!

  • Jared W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Osa Trail
    Sep. 29, 2024

    Osa Trail

    Great family campsite!

    We had a great time staying here. It's a very beautiful campsite. There's lots of great hiking and activities in the area.

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Schodack Island State Park Campground
    Sep. 25, 2024

    Schodack Island State Park Campground

    Top Quality State Park

    Beautiful state park campground with all the amenities you expect, located on the Hudson River.

    The state did an excellent job designing sites with dense foliage as sound and site barriers creating good privacy for campers.

    Sites are all within 200 feet of the bathrooms. The bathrooms have good showers and were very clean during our stay. There is also a dishwasher sink and even bookshelves with books available to borrow.

    Our favorite feature was the day use and boat ramp on the Hudson River. We saw many larger boats (maybe smaĺl yachts?) during the day. The view from the boat ramp area was amazing. However, stay away if you see boat going by. The boat ramp dock turns into a death trap when a big wake from a boat hits the river bank!

  • Eleanor the Airstream R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Schodack Island State Park Campground
    Sep. 16, 2024

    Schodack Island State Park Campground

    Beautiful, spacious state park

    Wide spaces near the Hudson River are beautiful. Campgrounds are under renovation to clear some trees and improve facilities in what might be the best state park we’ve camped at. Lots of well marked trails with great views of the river (cannot be seen from campsites).

    Electric only on site but lots of spots to fill fresh water in campgrounds. Bathrooms are big and very clean.

    At&t one bar. Site was open enough that Starlink was great.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Allaben Campground
    Sep. 2, 2024

    Allaben Campground

    Close to town, but private

    Park on side of road, campfire located down slope. Very little traffic. Felt safe.

  • YThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Duck Pond Campsite
    Sep. 2, 2024

    Duck Pond Campsite

    Open quite campsites

    After driving unpaved dirt road for a while, we arrived a surprisingly well maintained beautiful campsites. The pond is small so the mosquitos were not too bad. So few people passed by and very unknown quite and we just loved the experience. Just be careful driving in the sometimes rough conditions.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hide-A-Way Campsites
    Aug. 30, 2024

    Hide-A-Way Campsites

    Quite suprise

    This is a small campground but very quiet and nice. The people that run it are very nice and accommodating. Would highly recommend it.

  • Cynthia K.
    Camper-submitted photo from North-South Lake Campground
    Aug. 29, 2024

    North-South Lake Campground

    New York

    We were on a 5 state East Coast camping trip. Our first campground was in New York Aug 8th. Unfortunately, Debbie was socking New York hard. North South Lake Campground in the Catskills was our camping home. Thursday & Friday it was Neverending rain & wind. Saturday was the nice day.

    North South Lake has no electricity. The sites are almost all beautiful, tucked in under shady trees. Not a good way to try out our solar panel! Some are by a stream. A few are by the lake. This is a tent campers paradise. New York tent campers are hard core camping during Tropical Storm Debbie!

     There are 7 loops. We were in loop 2. Site 85. There are some sites with an incline down to the site. That might give some rvs trouble. It did for us & I had to be driven out of the campground to call 911. Thank you Mary!! It all ended well & we got a different site.

     There are bears that visit the campground & one came one of the nights & visited our camping neighbor's site. They showed us a picture- it was a large black bear. 

    Generators are allowed for 5 hours & they tell you when you can use them. 

    The bathrooms/showers are state park clean- which means not very.

     There is NO cell service & just forget about WiFi. You are unplugged.

    This is a hiking park & for this middle aged overweight flatlander they are pretty strenuous. Kaaterskill Falls is an exception - short, easy trail, but the parking fills up quickly. Then they close it! You'll have to take a shuttle to get in.

    The trail to the Mountain House Site is also pretty easy, with more of an incline.

    There's 2 nice lakes with beaches. 

    The Catskills are very scenic& we enjoyed our time there!

  • Drew H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Allaben Campground
    Aug. 27, 2024

    Allaben Campground

    Nothing too special but got the job done

    A great free spot for dispersed camping tucked right off the road. Had a fire pit and picnic table

  • Sue O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from A Tiny House Resort
    Aug. 20, 2024

    A Tiny House Resort

    Planning a trip

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  • Michael G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Mongaup Pond
    Aug. 18, 2024

    Mongaup Pond

    Great Catskill Campgroud

    Really enjoyed our 2nd stay at Mongaup and will return. Good, private sites and a great pond. Facilities were clean and staff was very helpful and friendly.

  • SomadNomad M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from October Mountain State Forest
    Aug. 17, 2024

    October Mountain State Forest

    WHAT!?

    First off no same day reservations or walk ups allowed, second it yells you that the fee is $17.50 per site, I expected a little added extra fee for booking etc.... check out was $58.50 per night. I would have if they weren't so manipulative about it.

  • Emily F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from North-South Lake Campground
    Aug. 16, 2024

    North-South Lake Campground

    Nice sites

    I really love this campground each of the campsites in our loop which was in the lower 100s, has a lot of foliage around it, creating privacy between you and the site next to you. There is a lake with swimming, clean bathrooms, clean, clean showers. Picnic table and fire pit with grill top. There’s a lot of bear activity here, so constantly cleaning up your food is very important. Definitely love it here for woodsy feel.

  • T
    Camper-submitted photo from Phoenicia Black Bear Campground
    Aug. 11, 2024

    Phoenicia Black Bear Campground

    Upstate fun!

    Blackbear is such a fun spot. Always a good time, clean, and the perfect weekend away. This spot is only 40 minutes from my regular 9-5 and it feels like it’s in another world. When you wake up, look up at the black bears in the trees and enjoy the water!!



Guide to Elka Park

Camping near Elka Park, New York, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails around the area. Campers have enjoyed the hiking opportunities, with one reviewer mentioning, "The Catskills are very scenic & we enjoyed our time there!" at North-South Lake Campground.
  • Fishing: If you love fishing, check out the lakes and rivers nearby. One camper at Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds said, "You’ve got fishing either in 2 private lakes or you can fish in the river."
  • Swimming: Enjoy a refreshing swim in the lakes. A visitor at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner noted, "The swimming there felt really clean and I loved the dock."

What campers like:

  • Natural beauty: Campers appreciate the lush surroundings. One reviewer at Woodland Valley Campground described it as "Gorgeous. There was a brook not far from our campsite."
  • Privacy: Many sites offer a sense of seclusion. A camper at Kenneth L Wilson Campground mentioned, "While some of the spots were fairly close together, they seem more spread out than in other Catskill camping sites."
  • Friendly staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of the staff. A visitor at Schodack Island State Park Campground said, "The staff and CAPs they are in the campground were very friendly."

What you should know:

  • Limited cell service: Be prepared to disconnect. A camper at Little Pond - DEC noted, "No Verizon service and Starlink was spotty."
  • Bear activity: Wildlife encounters are common. One camper at North-South Lake Campground shared, "There are bears that visit the campground."
  • Facilities vary: Some campgrounds have older facilities. A reviewer at Woodland Valley Campground mentioned, "Half the bathrooms don’t work, no firewood for sale."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and organized activities. A family at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner said, "This place is so much fun. My whole family loved the activities."
  • Choose quieter times: Weekdays can be less crowded. A visitor at Kenneth L Wilson Campground noted, "Things were pretty quiet (though that could have been because of the rain)."
  • Pack extra supplies: Be ready for anything, especially if facilities are limited. A camper at Margaret Norrie State Park advised, "Bring extra tarps and rope!"

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds mentioned, "We were assured that it would fit. It did—technically."
  • Be aware of road conditions: Some campgrounds have tight roads. A camper at Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park said, "The roads... were a bit tight for larger rigs."
  • Look for amenities: Choose campgrounds with full hookups for convenience. A visitor at Schodack Island State Park Campground noted, "The sites are amongst the most spacious I’ve ever seen. RV sites offer 30/50 amp electricity."

Camping near Elka Park, New York, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available near Elka Park, NY?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Elka Park, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 165 campgrounds and RV parks near Elka Park, NY and 14 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Elka Park, NY?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Elka Park, NY is North-South Lake Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 43 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Elka Park, NY?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 free dispersed camping spots near Elka Park, NY.

  • What parks are near Elka Park, NY?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 19 parks near Elka Park, NY that allow camping, notably Upper Delaware National Scenic and Recreation River and Northfield Brook Lake.