Seasonal camping opportunities near Ellenville sit at elevations ranging from 800 to 1,200 feet in the western Catskills. This transitional zone between the Hudson Valley and mountain forests creates distinct temperature variations, with summer highs averaging 82°F and evening temperatures often dropping to the mid-50s. Most campgrounds require advanced reservations during autumn leaf-peeping season when occupancy rates exceed 90% on weekends.
What to do
Hiking near Minnewaska State Park: Just 15 minutes from the Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground, several trails connect to the broader park system. "Love this campground! Have been here several times and have never had a complaint. There are drive-up sites and also walk-in sites. No fire pits at individual campsites, though. Only a group fire pit. Located really close to the Gunks for climbing and also some great hikes around the area," notes Jackie B.
Rock climbing for beginners: The Shawangunk Mountains offer world-class rock climbing routes from beginner to advanced levels. "This is a very nice modern campground with great access to amazing hiking and climbing in the area! About half the sites are walk-in and half the sites are drive-up," explains Mollie R. Day passes for climbing access cost $20 per person.
Fishing in stocked ponds: Winding Hills Park provides fishing access for license holders. "There is a large lake to kayak and fish in. NO SWIMMING. The lake is a nice size and has a trail so you walk the entire length with benches around a good portion to sit and/or fish," mentions Amanda B. Fishing licenses are required and rangers regularly check for compliance.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Kenneth L Wilson Campground offers secluded sites set back from access roads. "We LOVED our site (site 9). It was absolutely massive! The photo doesn't do it justice. It was set back very far from the main road and was an extremely large site! Though it was totally private on one side, we could see our neighbors in site 10 on the other (but they weren't very close to us)," notes C.R.
Modern bathroom facilities: Unlike some more rustic campgrounds, several locations offer clean, updated facilities. "The bathrooms were very clean and new and the showers were free and temperature controlled to perfectly warm!! The ladies that run this campground are absolute queens and were so nice and helpful," says Melanie H. about Kenneth L Wilson Campground.
On-site water features: Many campers appreciate access to natural water. "The creek that runs by the campground is gorgeous, and my kids had fun finding Crayfish," writes one camper about Thousand Trails. At Winding Hills Park, "There is a nice sized pond at the park to fish which also has benches around it. By the pond there is a nice picnic area with many picnic tables and grills."
What you should know
Limited cell service: Most campgrounds in the Ellenville area have spotty connectivity. "No cell service in the campground," reports C.R. about Kenneth L Wilson. At Winding Hills Park, "We had horrible cell service (we have Sprint). Could not make calls or use internet at campgrounds or the park but did see others who were using cellphones."
Reservation requirements vary: While most sites require advance bookings during peak season, others operate differently. "Reservations are needed only for major holidays during camping season; Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day. Must book the entire holiday weekend 3 days ($90 for non-electric sites add $5 each day for electric)," explains Amanda B. about Winding Hills Park.
Bathroom access considerations: Facility placement differs by campground. "Something we did not appreciate/thought was odd about the campground was that the showers were not by the bathrooms and there was only one shower house very far from the campsites. The dishwashing station was also not near the campsites but not as far as the showers," notes C.R.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for children: The New York City North-Newburgh KOA offers multiple swimming options. "I love this campground they have counselors who lead activities with kids in the summer and two pools plus a rock climbing tower, manifold, basketball and a bounce pillow and more... they have rental boats for a lake and fishing at the lake too," writes Amanda S.
Family-friendly programming: Jellystone Parks specialize in structured activities. "This campground is great for kids. It has a event just about every weekend with kid activity," shares Jennifer I. about Jellystone Park in Gardiner. Events typically run from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Site selection for quieter stays: Location within campgrounds impacts noise levels. "We found the sites closer to the Playground side/closer to the bathrooms to be more noisy. Also those sites are closer together which would be good for larger groups. Have never had a problem with noise though we have only stayed further away from those areas," advises Amanda B.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup considerations: Most campgrounds offer limited electric options. At Winding Hills Park, "I believe it's 51 camp sites which vary in size and majority has electric hookups. When not going on a holiday it is first come first serve spots which is good if you just need to spend one night here."
RV accessibility challenges: Many access roads require careful navigation. "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," warns Chelsea B. about NYC North-Newburgh KOA.
Dumping services: Not all campgrounds with RV sites offer full hookups. "There were no spots with sewer hookup but they have a dumping area," notes Valen K. about Winding Hills Park. At Thousand Trails Rondout Valley, they offer "a service to come to your rig to collect waste if you don't want to move it."
