The Esopus region of New York spans approximately 42 square miles along the west shore of the Hudson River, with elevations ranging from 180 feet to over 1,200 feet in the surrounding Catskill foothills. Tent campsites near Esopus, New York offer options from basic dispersed sites with no amenities to established campgrounds with water access. The camping season typically runs from May through October, with July temperatures averaging 84°F during the day and 62°F at night.
What to do
Hiking at Minnewaska State Park: Access 50+ miles of carriage roads and footpaths with views of two sky lakes. At Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground, campers can easily reach nearby trails. As Emily M. noted, "If you're contemplating paying to do any of the Mohonk Preserve hikes DO IT. Especially any of them that include the labyrinth. Coolest hike of my life."
Rock climbing in the Gunks: The Shawangunk Mountains offer hundreds of established climbing routes within 10-15 minutes from camping areas. One reviewer at Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground shared, "Love this campground! Have been here several times and have never had a complaint... Located really close to the Gunks for climbing and also some great hikes around the area."
Swimming at local water holes: During summer, cool off in the natural swimming spots within a 25-minute drive. Echo Lake provides tent camping with lake access. Kate observed, "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."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the space between tent sites at most campgrounds. At Peekamoose Valley, campers report good separation between sites. According to Ali B., "The other sites are nice right by the river, and there is plenty of privacy between spots. It is not remote though (road is right next to you so you hear cars/can see 1 house with lights)."
Tent platforms and flat sites: The camping areas feature level areas for setting up tents, especially welcome in the mountainous terrain. Cameron mentioned about Peekamoose Valley, "Campsites in middle field are just clearings with fire pits and nothing else. Soft ground for staking a tent."
Natural surroundings: The wooded sites create a forest immersion experience. Nora S. noted about Peekamoose Valley, "At night, the only noise you'll hear is from the river and animals in the forest which is of course an added benefit!"
What you should know
Bear management requirements: Food storage and cooking regulations vary by campground due to local bear activity. At Giant Ledge Primitive Camp, John S. shared, "Thought I heard bears come through overnight, but may have been a lucid dream. Bear can was undisturbed in the morning." Another camper advised, "Bring a bear bell and bear mace can to be safe. We did not see any but definite signs of them."
Weekend crowds: Many tent camping areas fill early on weekends, especially during summer and fall. Plan to arrive early or mid-week for better site selection. At Echo Lake, Kate noted, "It does get a little crowded later in the day so you may have to share space with others and it can be a little noisy at night."
Toilet facilities: Restroom options range from none at primitive sites to basic portable toilets at some established areas. Guy M. mentioned about Peekamoose Valley, "Peekamoose is a very nice place if you're into the primitive thing. I suppose it's my fault for not doing my due diligence."
Tips for camping with families
Choose drive-up sites for easier access: Families with young children or lots of gear should target drive-up sites. At Creek View Campground, you'll find basic tent sites close to parking. According to Judith S., this campground offers "low-frills. If you are a tent camper who gets excited about an electrical outlet sticking up out of the ground here and there, the possible chance of a picnic table, fire ring, the existence of running water, a toilet, and consider a shower room a bonus, this is the campground for you."
Pack bug spray: The wooded and water-adjacent tent sites can have insects, especially in late spring and summer. One camper noted about Peekamoose Valley, "Sites 11-15 are within 50 feet of a wet area, and the bugs in late May were pretty annoying."
Consider hiking distances for smaller children: Some sites require walks from parking areas. At Peekamoose Valley, Guy M. reported, "I was in the lower area and had to walk pretty far with everything and make at least 6-8 trips for each load-in and out."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options near Esopus: Most camping areas are tent-focused with few RV accommodations. At Hemlock Ridge MUA, Dawn M. explained, "The parking lot only holds about 4-5 cars, 6 if you park real tight," making large vehicles impractical. This dispersed camping area is best for tent campers seeking seclusion.
Research height/length restrictions: Many forest roads have tight turns and low clearances. When visiting tent campsites near Esopus, New York, RV drivers should call ahead to confirm access. A review of Creek View Campground noted, "you are about a 20 minute drive to the gunks from here," with narrow access roads that may challenge larger vehicles.
Consider tent camping alternatives: Given limited RV options, some visitors use tents instead. Tamar W. shared about Peekamoose Valley, "We have a roof top tent and we were stopping in the middle of a long drive so we just waited until dark and popped it in the parking lot and then left in the morning but I don't think you're supposed to do that."
