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Best Campgrounds near Elka Park, NY

582 Reviews

Camping in the Catskill Mountains surrounding Elka Park offers a mix of established campgrounds and dispersed wilderness sites within a forested mountain landscape. North-South Lake Campground provides tent and RV sites with water proximity, while Devil's Tombstone Campground offers a more rustic experience with smaller, wooded sites. Echo Lake provides dispersed backcountry tent camping for those seeking a more primitive experience. The area includes both drive-in options with amenities and remote sites requiring short hikes from trailheads.

The camping season typically runs from mid-May through early October, with most campgrounds closing after Indigenous Peoples' Day weekend. Temperatures can remain cool even during summer months, particularly at higher elevations. Many campgrounds require reservations through the New York State reservation system, especially during peak weekends. Developed campgrounds provide basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and access to toilets, though amenities vary significantly between locations. Cell service is limited or non-existent in many camping areas, particularly at Echo Lake and Devil's Tombstone. "This campground couldn't be in a better spot. We had a wonderful weekend there. The restrooms were clean and had showers, which we did not expect," noted a camper about North-South Lake.

Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers in the region, with North-South Lake offering swimming beaches and boat launches. Sites near water tend to book quickly during summer weekends. Several visitors mentioned the excellent hiking opportunities near campgrounds, with trails connecting to popular destinations like Kaaterskill Falls. For those seeking solitude, Echo Lake provides a more remote experience. A reviewer described it as "surrounded by hills with a small lean-to and a few campfire spots. Other campsites are scattered and require navigating through small overgrown trails." Bear activity is common throughout the region, so proper food storage is essential at all campgrounds. Campers consistently rate the scenic beauty, trail access, and swimming opportunities as highlights of the Elka Park camping experience.

Map showing campgrounds near Elka Park, New YorkExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Elka Park, New York (166)

    1. North-South Lake Campground

    44 Reviews
    Palenville, NY
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 589-5058

    $22 - $44 / night

    "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."

    "Had a great time at this campground- surrounded by many returning campers which gave the whole experience a good community vibe. Ice cream truck comes around each evening in the summer."

    2. Catskill/Kenneth L Wilson Campground

    23 Reviews
    Shokan, NY
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 679-7020

    $22 / night

    "This campground is nestled in the Catskills, New York, with easy access to New Jersey and Connecticut."

    "Access to fresh water spouts and clean bathrooms were just a walk away from most sites, theres a beautiful pond on site and beautiful views of the Catskills, Woodstock is a 15 min drive if you’re looking"

    3. Woodland Valley Campground — DEC

    29 Reviews
    Phoenicia, NY
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 688-7647

    $20 / night

    "water to play in right behind tent. I do prefer fire pits over the brick stove. this had the stove. more advanced hiking in walking distance. no cell service. my gps on phone was able to track though."

    "Close to Woodstock, NY, many trails and other attractions. You need to plan for it, there's a lot to explore; some trails are challenging. "

    4. Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds

    16 Reviews
    Saugerties, NY
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 246-8334

    "You’ve got fishing either in 2 private lakes or you can fish in the river but to do the river you’ll need a New York State fishing license."

    "I was a little skeptical that we wouldn’t get to choose our site, but you can’t go wrong, they are all wooded, private and well situated. The campground is centrally located you many things to do."

    5. Devil's Tombstone Campground

    10 Reviews
    Elka Park, NY
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 688-7160

    $16 / night

    "this is close by to many catskill hiking trails"

    "It was close to trails and town"

    6. Whip O Will Campsites

    7 Reviews
    Round Top, NY
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 622-3277

    $33 - $113 / night

    "From it bathrooms to its pool to its general store , playground , basketball courts , bocceball, 7 acre lake and 2 miles of walkable runable paths , Ted & Angela do a fantastic job of keeping the place"

    "It had a little arcade, a nice lake, and playground."

    7. Blue Mountain Reservation

    4 Reviews
    Palenville, NY
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (914) 862-5275

    "I went here with my friend and we were using it as our base camp as we went out in trails in the eastern Catskills notably the Devils Path, echo lake, etc."

    "Nice little campground with lake sites. The Northville Placed Trail comes out in this campground. The showers were clean and plenty of pressure."

    8. Brookside Campground

    6 Reviews
    Palenville, NY
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 678-9729

    "The bathroom and bathhouse were a bit run down looking from the outside, but inside they were updated and clean."

    9. Phoenicia Black Bear Campground

    4 Reviews
    Phoenicia, NY
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 688-7405

    $35 - $65 / night

    "Right outside downtown Phoenicia the black bear campground is perfectly situated for a multitude of activities. They offer creek front and wooded campsites."

    "2 minutes walk to town"

    10. Echo Lake

    2 Reviews
    Woodstock, NY
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 652-7365

    "There are tent sites around the whole lake with fire pits and 1 lean-to site at the end of the trail when you first arrive at the lake.  The sites are relatively flat and well shaded with trees. "

    "Lake is surrounded by hills and there is a small lean two with a few campfire spots."

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Recent Camping Photos near Elka Park, NY

1157 Photos of 166 Elka Park Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Elka Park, NY

582 Reviews of 166 Elka Park Campgrounds

  • M
    Oct. 26, 2025

    North-South Lake Campground

    Beautiful grounds HORRIBLE STAFF

    I don’t normally write reviews especially a negative one. We had a very upsetting experience at North-South Lake. We drove over two hours to visit my husband’s childhood campground for the first time with our three kids(ages 5, 7, and 9). When we arrived at the entrance, we were asked if it was a day visit, and we said yes, we were only staying for the day. We paid the fee, received a map, and drove in. My husband was so excited to finally share this place and create memories with our children. Looking for a place to park, we thought we were lucky to find an empty campsite in one of the loops where he used to camp as a child.

    We parked the car hoping to enjoy the view of the lake, take a walk, and maybe make the kids a couple of s’mores before heading home.

     At around 2:15–2:30 p.m., the “SUPERVISOR” in the white Kia approached us in an extremely rude and nasty manner, speaking as if we were committing a serious crime and comparing our situation to“sleeping in someone else’s hotel room.” She asked us if we had a reservation; we said no. She said,“Someone else reserved this spot.” We were very apologetic, embarrassed, and immediately put our stuff in the car. I said they could have told us; we would have moved right away. I’m sorry. 

    She said,“They aren’t supposed to talk to you; that’s why they send me here.” She told us we had ten minutes to leave, waited there while we put our chair, blanket, and s’more cookies in the car, and refused our 9-year-old daughter access to the bathroom while we packed up our three things, and even followed us out of the loop to make sure we didn’t park elsewhere. My daughter came to us crying because the lady told her she couldn’t use the bathroom and had to get in the car. Well, she had an accident in the car right as we were pulling out. 

    We were mortified and apologetic. My husband even offered to leave the firewood we had just purchased for the next campers, but she was dismissive and harsh about that as well. 

    The following day, I called and asked to speak with a manager to explain how we were treated. The manager was just as unfriendly and miserable sounding as the supervisor. I was told they had been looking for us“for hours” and that it’s“common sense” not to park in a campsite. She actually said it’s considered trespassing. So, a friendly warning for first-time visitors: Apparently, if you don’t know that“day use” doesn’t mean“park in any empty campsite,” just for the day, you’re officially a trespassing criminal, at least according to the manager. 

    Reading the website now, I see that check-in for people with reservations is at 2 p.m., which was the time we were trying to make a small fire, so unless someone left their site and returned, it’s unclear how they could have been looking for us“for hours.” We were right there at 2pm. 

    The website also states: Day Use• Anyone who is not camping is a day-user. Day-use hours are from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Day-users are not allowed between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. 

    We were not camping but didn’t realize we couldn’t park in an empty campsite. I think“common sense” would be to inform DAY USE visitors at the ENTRANCE to use public parking, especially for families or first-time visitors who may not be camping experts. Bottom line: this was my husband’s childhood family spot. We just wanted to take a beautiful fall drive and have a special day with our kids. 

    We understand now that we needed to reserve the parking spot ahead of time, and it was an honest misunderstanding. I would have even offered to pay for the campers’ stay for their trouble. What we wish for is that the staff had approached us respectfully and explained the situation instead of treating us like criminals. Imagine being such a miserable person and working in such a BEAUTIFUL and peaceful place for families. 

    This was meant to be a special family day, honoring memories of my father-in-law and creating new ones with our children. Instead, it became stressful and humiliating. Sadly, this is what our children will remember about the day and about North South Lake

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2025

    Gunx Camping on a Horse Farm

    No Amenities but Great Location for the Gunks

    This campground is just mowed spots on a hillside in Kerhonkson. There are no facilities aside from some port-o-sans that the owners didn't recommend using. But the location is great for accessing the Shawamhunks. Given the lack of affordable RV campgrounds (and even the few expensive ones) in the area, this stands out.

  • Sue B.
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Ten Mile River Shelter — Appalachian National Scenic Trail

    Not a public campground!

    Ten Mile River Shelter and campsite is not a public campground. Sure, anyone can camp there, but it is designated for folks hiking the A.T., whether thru-hikers, section hikers, or whatever. While there are no rules about who can camp there, during thru-hiking season, consideration should be made for folks who rely on places like this during a long distance hike. It is at least a mile if not a mile and a half from approved parking (on the side of the road off the A.T.) to camp, either from the A.T. or a combo of the A.T. and a blue blaze trail (which is easier, imo). There are also no fires allowed on the CT A.T.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Osa Trail

    Gorgeous Views

    Had a great time here with my wife and 2 little kids and our dog.  One of the most beautiful sunrises we've ever seen!  Very secluded, though Alex is right down the driveway so didn't feel like the middle of nowhere.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Sage's Revine

    Not highest recommended

    There was a bunch of signs that said no parking so we parked at the entrance to the trailhead. The area itself is beautiful but I believe it is more for tent camping versus cars, overlanding vehicles and RVs.

  • FThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Mills Norrie State Park Campground

    Great staff but back-to-back campsite

    We stayed a coupe of days in Oct. This is a beautiful site to camp out. The staffs are friendly and very attentive.
    Bathroom and water pressure was ok. But one shower location for 50 campsites. Three small showers units and three toilet.
    I never stayed a state campsite where the sites are so close each other. If you like a “normal” distance to your neighbors, I'd not recommend this place.

  • Chelsea B.
    Oct. 10, 2025

    New York City North-Newburgh KOA

    Good amenities and fun experience!

    Campsites Great campsites, wooded and cozy, though a little tight for longer rigs as our neighbors found out when they ran over a wooden post backing in. But spaced apart nicely with lots of vegetation between. Nice and level. Amenities Bathrooms are older and need of some repair but let me tell you I was very happy to see a normal shower head with real hot water! So no complaints here. Laundry facilities were clean and open 24/7 with reasonable prices 2.50/2.00 washer/dryer. And the dryers actually worked. Small dog park, communal spaces, and a camp store all made the place feel like a little village. They even have a wine store- cab sav was good. WiFi I work remotely and WiFi is always an issue. We have Starlink but in a wooded campsite, connecting is an issue but luckily their WiFi was great. Had no issues and could stream just fine. Halloween! We visited mid October and folks had sites decorated and the KOA has trick or treating and other activities every weekend in Oct. we were SO bummed to be leaving on a Friday and miss the festivities because it looked really fun. Would definitely go back. Also, staff was super nice.

  • A
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Russell Brook Campsites

    Clean, Friendly, and Right on the Water

    Loved this place! It's clean and well-maintained - even the restrooms. Every site is well-equipped with its own water, electricity, fire pit, and picnic table. The best part is the waterfront sites. 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!

  • Chelsea B.
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Brookside Campground

    Not a recreational campsite

    Full disclosure, we did not stay here. PLEASE, folks that leave reviews on this app, PLEASE say whether it’s a full-timer campsite or a recreational campsite. We paid for two weeks in advance of arriving at this site based on reviews available on Google and Dyrt. However, when we arrived we were surprised that this was mostly a trailer park. Call me picky, but I really prefer not to camp in an area where folks are living full time. Just not the vibe I’m going for. We decided to leave without staying. We called to see if we could get a refund and they were very kind and it wasn’t a problem. But just be warned… this is not a recreational campsite.

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 166 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 4.5-star rating from 44 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.

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