Tent camping in Gardiner, New York places visitors in the Mid-Hudson Valley region where the terrain transitions from the Shawangunk Mountains to rolling valleys. The area receives approximately 46 inches of annual rainfall with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping season. Winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that can drop below freezing, with several campgrounds remaining open year-round despite seasonal conditions.
What to do
Hiking the Giant Ledge Trail: The trail offers primitive camping options with spectacular panoramic views. According to one camper, "This was one of my favorite weekend backpacking trips. Getting a campsite up at the Giant Ledge area is hit or miss, as I only know of two." The hike takes "about an hour ish to get to camp/ledge view" for average hikers, as noted by another visitor to Giant Ledge Primitive Camp.
Swimming at Lake Minnewaska: The lake provides a unique swimming experience in what one visitor described as "the most acidic lake in New York but completely safe." Sam Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground — Minnewaska State Park Preserve offers access to this swimming spot, with a reviewer noting that "staff was nice and polite" though "no fire is allowed" at these sites.
Rock climbing at The Gunks: Campers at Hemlock Ridge often stay specifically for climbing access. One visitor explained that "many climbers stay there for access to the gunks," though they warned that "bugs are relentless" in the warmer months. The 80-acre forested area provides primitive camping approximately 150 feet from established trails.
What campers like
Community pavilions and facilities: The pavilion at Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground includes "covered communal pavilion with picnic tables, big sinks for washing dishes, and lighting (which shuts off at 9:47PM)" as one camper noted. Another appreciated the "comfort station for the campsites farther from the main pavilion with bathrooms and big sinks for dish washing."
Winter camping opportunities: The Peekamoose Valley offers tent sites accessible during colder months. One winter camper reported, "Camped out at one of the sites by the river and it was amazing, no one was around except a man far from our site." The walking distance to parked vehicles can be beneficial "especially in the cold" according to this visitor.
Farm-based camping: For less traditional tent camping near Gardiner, Peace and Carrots Farm provides unique opportunities. A visitor shared, "This site was a small tiny home located on an active produce farm. The host was fantastic and catered to all of our needs giving us some firewood, a tour of her farm, and some fresh produce she picked that morning."
What you should know
Bear safety precautions: Giant Ledge campers should come prepared for wildlife encounters. One camper advised, "Bring a bear bell and bear mace can to be safe. We did not see any but definite signs of them." Another camper reported, "Thought I heard bears come through overnight, but may have been a lucid dream. Bear can was undisturbed in the morning."
Trail difficulty varies significantly: Some trails leading to campsites present unexpected challenges. A camper at Giant Ledge Primitive Camp warned, "It is a near vertical hike the first mile with 90% or more being over rock gardens. Not some rocks littering the trail. I think the trail used to be a stream or creek."
Bathroom facilities limited: At Peekamoose Valley, facilities are minimal with "one port-a-poty at each of the four campgrounds" and "no cell service whatsoever (Verizon)" according to a visitor. Primitive sites often require campers to bring "biodegradabe toilet paper and a shovel; as there are not toilets" at higher elevation sites.
Tips for camping with families
Choose walk-in sites for more seclusion: At The Peekamoose Valley, a camper noted "the upper field spots have a little more flat area and were more secluded." These sites offer more buffer from road noise and other campers, making them ideal for families needing space.
Consider seasonal timing: For families concerned about insects, timing matters. One camper at Hemlock Ridge MUA warned that "bugs are relentless" during warmer months. Another noted that at Peekamoose, "the only noise you'll hear is from the river and animals in the forest which is of course an added benefit!"
Pack for carrying gear distances: Many sites require carrying equipment from parking areas. A Peekamoose Valley visitor advised, "At the middle field, you have to walk 200+ feet from the parking lot to your campsite, so just be prepared to carry your stuff." Another suggested bringing a wagon, though cautioned that "the terrain was so rough it almost didn't help."
Tips from RVers
Limited hook-up options: Most tent camping areas near Gardiner lack extensive RV facilities. A visitor to Creek View Campground noted it's "the go-to campground for climbers before the AAC one was built" because it's "very affordable for the area" despite being "low-frills" with only basic amenities and some electrical outlets.
Expect proximity to other campers: Creek View offers both RV and tent camping but with limited privacy. A camper described it as "camping in this guy's back yard, so dont expect any feeling of being in nature" and warned "you are also right next to the road and will hear some traffic."
Consider tent-only options instead: Many RVers who prefer less developed camping choose tent sites instead. At Peekamoose Valley, "there are three campgrounds (upper, middle, and lower field) and a trailer field for a total of 24 campsites" with various levels of accessibility and amenities that may better serve smaller RVs seeking more natural surroundings.
