Best Campgrounds near Ghent, NY
The Catskill Mountains and Hudson Valley surround Ghent, New York, creating a diverse camping landscape with options ranging from developed state parks to private campgrounds. North-South Lake Campground in the Catskills provides tent and RV sites with lake access, while Taconic State Park's Copake Falls Area offers cabins and glamping accommodations approximately 15 miles east of Ghent. Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground features waterfront sites with multiple accommodation types, including cabins. Spacious Skies Woodland Hills in nearby Austerlitz combines traditional camping with more upscale options.
Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping availability in the region, with most campgrounds operating from May through October. Many campgrounds require advance reservations, particularly for summer weekends and holiday periods. "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," noted one camper about the popular Catskills destination. Road access varies throughout the area, with some campgrounds easily accessible from main highways while others require navigation through winding mountain roads. Cell service can be limited or nonexistent at more remote locations, particularly in the Catskill Mountains, making advance planning essential.
Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors to the region, with several campgrounds offering lake or stream access. Sites near water tend to fill quickly during peak season. Campers report varying levels of privacy between campgrounds, with some offering well-spaced, wooded sites and others featuring more open layouts. A review of Schodack Island State Park mentioned, "The sites are large and spread nicely. There are great hiking trails on the Hudson River right outside your campsite." Wildlife encounters, including black bears, are possible throughout the region, particularly in the Catskills, requiring proper food storage. Most established campgrounds provide amenities such as fire rings, picnic tables, and access to bathrooms, while some also offer electric hookups, showers, and dump stations for RVs.
