174 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The Catskill region surrounding Gilboa, New York features a diverse range of camping experiences from full-service RV parks to primitive backcountry sites. Country Roads Campground, located directly in Gilboa, offers 118 sites with amenities including electric hookups, water, and sewer connections for RVs, while also accommodating tent campers and offering cabin rentals. Nearby, Nickerson Park Campground provides similar services with a seasonal operation from May through Columbus Day. For those seeking more rustic experiences, the surrounding state forests offer dispersed camping options at locations like Burnt Rossman State Forest's Westkill Camp and Duck Pond Campsite, where campers can enjoy more secluded settings with minimal amenities but greater privacy.
Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from mid-May through early October, with weather conditions significantly affecting accessibility. Cell service is notably limited throughout the region, with many campers reporting complete disconnection from networks. According to one visitor at North-South Lake Campground, "There is NO cell service and just forget about WiFi. You are unplugged." Black bears are active in the area, requiring proper food storage. Several campgrounds feature inclined sites that can challenge larger RVs, as one camper noted: "There are some sites with an incline down to the site. That might give some RVs trouble." Spring rainfall can create muddy conditions on access roads, particularly at dispersed sites, while summer weekends typically see higher occupancy rates.
Waterfront sites consistently receive the highest ratings from campers visiting the Catskills region. Many campgrounds feature access to lakes, ponds, or streams that enhance the camping experience. At Little Pond Campground, one visitor recommended: "Go for a site on the lake, even if you have to carry your stuff to set up, it was breathtaking in the morning to see the mist rising off the lake." Hiking trails connect many campgrounds to scenic viewpoints, with several campers mentioning the rewarding views from higher elevations. Privacy between sites varies considerably, with state forest campgrounds typically offering more seclusion than developed facilities. Families particularly appreciate campgrounds with amenities like playgrounds and organized activities, while those seeking solitude often prefer the more remote options in state forests.
"Our site was on top of the creek, close to the path down to the water and close to a hiking trail. During our visit we drove around the nearby towns and didn't find much to see or do with our time."
"We had reservations about being side by side with other RVs but the site we were in was so big and being in a valley with huge trees all around a large open grassy area in the middle made everything feel"
"Just ok distance between camp sites. If we return we might try the more upper loop further from the front"
"Watched a video on YouTube that was a walk through of each site. So peaceful. Lots of good hiking. Sinks for dishes, clean bathrooms and showers."
from $17 - $50 / night
Check Availability"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."
"This is a truly beautiful and scenic campground, easily one of the best places we have visited in New York State."
from $22 - $44 / night
Check Availability"There are water spigots near all the tent sites and they are nice and spread out. They have special events in a pavilion near the RVs including bingo"
from $34 - $55 / night
Check Availability"Entrance is soft"
"Was a great location for winter camping. Site easily accessible from road. Beautiful, peaceful, great time!"
"After driving unpaved dirt road for a while, we arrived a surprisingly well maintained beautiful campsites. The pond is small so the mosquitos were not too bad."
"Intermittent cell service which was frightening while driving on these rough roads"
"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. "
from $20 / night
Check Availability"I live near this campground. I'm about a mile away and I pass it every day. It is rather remote, but it is right along West kill road."
"this is close by to many catskill hiking trails"
"It was close to trails and town"
from $16 / night
Check Availability
RangerWhat an amazing find! This was a perfect location for the first 2 days of our vacation. Steve and Michelle were incredibly accommodating and wonderful hosts! We truly enjoyed our stay and will definitely return!
ScoutThis is a very pleasant campground just a couple of miles off the interstate. The staff is very friendly and helpful. Full hookups at most sites. Many amenities available. A very quiet setting to rest and repose. Highly recommended!
GuideWe were in campsite 20 with lots of room. The first night we were there we were near very loud groups which was difficult to sleep through. The next night everyone cleared out and we had a peaceful crowd. Bathrooms are nice, the park has great hiking trails and a nice day use area! There is also an area where we can rent canoes. I would definitely return, just wish there was a little more crowd control.
ScoutNext to Mohawk river quiet and locals don't seem to bother you no toilets 4 or 5g with Verizon
ScoutWe really loved this spot- it was relaxing to listen to the sounds of the creek and not having any camping neighbors. The night sky was filled with stars and we even saw a rocket. I also appreciated having an outhouse on site- i would say the only downside was having to take our bag of poop+pee out with us when we left (site rules). The only other thing that was bothersome was being told that wood is provided at the site and then not realizing until after we got there that we would have to Venmo the owner $10 per bundle (I don’t mind paying, just wouldn’t been nice to know ahead of time that it wasn’t included in the price). I recommend this site for anyone who enjoys privacy and doesn’t mind a detox from WiFi.
ScoutThis campground will not respond to phone calls, email or facebook. It appears no one in charge
ScoutThe RV camp site was spread further apart from the other sites. It felt like you were in a secluded spot all by yourself. The camp staff were very helpful, campfire wood was a phone away and promptly delivered to your site. Nice variety of merchandise for sale. I love a souvenir from the places I visit. Although, it rained 2 of the days, it allowed some quiet time away.
ScoutRip Van Winkle Campground
Catskills NY
The Good:
1. The location
2. The actual campground itself. There are roomy sites with trees.
The Bad:
1. If you are lucky enough to get an assigned campsite away from the busy road, it is a HALF MILE walk to the only showers in the ENTIRE campground. They have nearly 200 campsites and ONE set of showers.
2. The speed bumps are beyond ridiculous. Two humpers and high as Bob Marley.
3. If you call the office for help (our electrical post was out) they record you without your knowledge.
The Ugly:
1. The campground lost power on my electrical post and tried to blame ME for it. I own a Bulldog surge protector, yeah, so it wasn't me. How it was handled was unbelievable. I have never been treated so rudely. A simple apology would have gone a long way.
GuideThe bathrooms were nice and clean and the pool looked nice. Mostly seasonal campers and Cooperstown tourists. Very crowded and packed into spots tight. The golf carts are out of control…flying by, loud music and flashing lights until midnight. Even the amount of traffic coming in and out of the campground went on until midnight with head lights shining in camper windows. I will take being woken to loons on the lake any day, this was loud and crowded.
The Catskill Mountain region surrounding Gilboa sits at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 4,000 feet, creating distinct microclimates that affect camping conditions throughout the season. Spring temperatures often remain 5-10 degrees cooler than nearby lowland areas, with overnight lows dropping into the 40s even in summer months. Access roads to many of the best places to camp near Gilboa, New York transform dramatically with the seasons, from muddy spring conditions to dusty summer trails.
Hiking to waterfalls: Minekill State Park is located just 5 minutes from Nickerson Park Campground and features a 90-foot waterfall with accessible viewing platforms. "There are also a lot of places in the area to visit. Minekill state park is only a 5 minute drive," notes Jennifer P.
Stream exploration: Woodland Valley Campground offers creek access directly from campsites. "The mountain creek is like nature singing a lullaby - sleeping next to it was very relaxing; weather was great and we could see the stars through the canopy," shares John N. who found the experience "very very enjoyable."
Dark sky stargazing: The limited cell coverage throughout the region creates excellent night sky viewing opportunities. At Betty Brook Camp, the remote location means "sometimes you never see anyone" according to Robert B., making it ideal for stargazing away from light pollution.
Spacious, tiered sites: Country Roads Campground arranges campsites on terraced levels that provide natural separation. "Mainly an RV ground, but they have about 10-15 great tent sites back beyond the RV area. There are water spigots near all the tent sites and they are nice and spread out," reports William R.
Modern facilities: Max V. Shaul State Park Campground recently upgraded its bathhouses. As Darby R. notes, "The bathrooms and showers are clean and well-kept. The staff is friendly and helpful, and check the campground regularly so you can feel safe."
Seasonal community activities: Several campgrounds organize regular social events. Country Roads hosts "special events in a pavilion near the RVs including bingo," while at Max V. Shaul State Park Campground, Margaret L. mentions they "do fireside jams" and wishes "they'd bring back open mic!"
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies dramatically across camping areas near Gilboa. At Devil's Tombstone Campground, Sam L. warns "there is NO cell service here. You have to drive about 5 minutes towards Hunter to get service." Always download maps and campground information before arrival.
Road conditions: Access to dispersed sites can be challenging. At Duck Pond Campsite, one camper cautions, "The road in on old cemetery rd was pretty rough... the years taken off the life of my truck was not worth it." Similarly, Yae U. advises to "be careful driving in the sometimes rough conditions."
Water quality concerns: Some campers report issues with campground water systems. Peter S. had a negative experience at Nickerson Park, stating "The water smelled like raw sewage, loaded with sediment and very discolored. It smelled like raw sewage, loaded with sediment and very discolored... I have been camping for about 50 years and I've stayed in many campgrounds, this water was by far the worst."
Child-friendly campgrounds: North-South Lake Campground receives high marks from families for its recreational options. Eliany L. found it "great for just single" campers or "big enough for groups" with "restrooms cleaned every morning" and "staff was very friendly."
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. Phillip L. notes at Devil's Tombstone, "There is a playground for kids so you don't have to watch over them while you set up," which helps during arrival and departure.
Swimming options: Water recreation is available but sometimes requires travel. Lizz H. considers North-South Lake "one of my favorite swimming spots" where she goes "almost every year to go swimming with my family and friends."
Site selection: At Little Lake Campground, Benjamin C. appreciated that "they didn't cram extra sites into these areas, though there is plenty of room. Electric, water, and septic hookups were all modern and in great shape."
Campground layout: Nickerson Park arranges RV sites on tiered terrain. Taylor H. observed "most of the campground is filled with seasonal RVs" and suggests "accessibility could be an issue with high occupancy."
Leveling challenges: Many campsites in the region require careful positioning. At North-South Lake, Sam L. had "a VW Westfalia, which we had no trouble pulling into our site," but cautioned "If we had something bigger, it might have been an issue" due to the steep valley terrain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities can I expect at Nickerson Catskill Mountain Campground near Gilboa?
Nickerson Catskill Mountain Campground offers a range of amenities for a comfortable camping experience. The campground features water hookups, well-maintained toilet facilities, and spacious sites that can accommodate larger RVs and big rigs. Sites are reservable, allowing you to secure your spot in advance. The campground's location in the Catskills provides a scenic backdrop with access to outdoor activities in the surrounding area. While the campground offers essential amenities, it maintains the natural Catskill Mountain atmosphere. For those seeking additional recreational options, the nearby Little Pond Campground area offers hiking trails, picnic facilities, and access to water activities.
What campgrounds are available in Gilboa, NY?
The Gilboa area offers several camping options in the scenic Catskill region. Nickerson Park Campground is located near Gilboa and features drive-in access with reservable sites, water hookups, toilets, and is big-rig friendly. Another nearby option is Max V. Shaul State Park Campground in Fultonham, which provides a more rustic camping experience with drive-in access, reservable sites, and toilets. Country Roads Campground is also in the vicinity, offering multiple access options including drive-in, hike-in, and walk-in sites with water, toilets, and accommodation for larger RVs. The Gilboa area serves as an excellent base for exploring the broader Catskill Mountains region.
Are there RV parks or resorts near Gilboa, New York?
Yes, several RV-friendly options exist near Gilboa. Susquehanna Trail Campground in Oneonta offers convenient 30-amp gravel back-in RV sites with water and sewer connections, located just off I-88 exit 13. It's near attractions like Cooperstown and shopping areas. Treetopia Campground provides a unique glamping experience in the Catskills with dedicated RV sites alongside other accommodation options. Country Roads Campground near Gilboa is also big-rig friendly with necessary hookups. For those willing to travel slightly further, Cooperstown KOA offers a variety of sites set in quiet rural countryside with mature trees, approximately 12.5 miles from downtown Cooperstown.
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