The Catskill Mountains near Glasco, New York sit at elevations between 1,000-4,000 feet, creating distinct seasonal camping conditions. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F, while spring and fall bring cooler nights around 40-50°F. Most luxury camping accommodations in this region operate from April through October, with several properties offering platform tents and cabins equipped with heating options for shoulder season comfort.
What to do
Hiking at Bash Bish Falls: Access the stunning waterfall via a moderate trail that crosses state lines into Massachusetts. Visitors at Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park often make this a priority activity. "It was low the first time we visited and we were able to make it to the top of the falls to go swimming and the views were incredible," notes one camper.
Swimming in designated lake areas: Lake Taghkanic offers supervised swimming areas including a separate kiddie pool section for younger campers. "Great beach, 5 minute drive from campgound. Clean facilities, with a rec room for rainy days," reports a visitor to Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground.
Stargazing opportunities: Low light pollution makes this area ideal for night sky viewing. "Late night, stargazing over the lake is a great pastime, because the water is calm and the light pollution is low," shares a camper at Taconic State Park.
What campers like
Platform tent sites: Raised wooden platforms make tent setup easier and provide protection from ground moisture. "Each of the sites had a large platform (enough room for one very large tent or 2-3 smaller tents), a fire pit, and picnic table," explains a visitor to Copake Falls.
Clean shower facilities: Modern bathroom amenities are consistently praised at several glamping sites near Glasco. "Showers are hot and there's great water pressure. The cleanliness of the bathrooms depends on how busy the campground is," mentions one camper at Lake Taghkanic.
Proximity to small towns: Access to nearby communities offers convenience without sacrificing natural settings. "The town of Hudson is also close by if you're looking to get some of the comforts of a town while you're out and about," notes a Treetopia Campground visitor who appreciated having civilization within reach.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most glamping properties near Glasco require advance bookings, especially for specialized accommodations like yurts and safari tents. Weekends at Thousand Trails Rondout Valley fill quickly during peak season (June-August).
Variable site quality: Not all tent sites offer equal terrain or amenities. "The tent sites are very rocky and uneven, it was very hard to pitch a tent," warns a visitor to Blue Mountain Campground, highlighting the importance of researching specific site conditions.
Additional fees: Expect to pay extra for certain activities and amenities beyond your accommodation costs. "Expect to pay $15 fee (I think) to use your paddleboards / kyacks etc. Worth every penny," shares a Lake Taghkanic visitor about equipment use on the water.
Seasonal considerations: Most luxury camping options close by late October. "The water stayed hot until the last weekend of the season (Oct 12-14, 2018) which was when we were there," notes a Taconic State Park camper about shoulder season camping.
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated children's activities: Family-oriented campgrounds offer structured programs that keep kids engaged. "This place is great for kids. It has an event just about every weekend with kid activity," reports a visitor to Jellystone Park™ Gardiner.
Consider swimming options: Pools with graduated depths accommodate different swimming abilities. "Nice pool that is shallow so you can relax and let the little ones go in the water park section alone or they have a 3 ft pool also," explains a Jellystone visitor.
Check bathroom proximity: Sites closer to facilities make nighttime bathroom trips easier with children. "My advice would be to take the sites on the hill, nearest to the bathrooms, as all these sites seemed to be generally very well maintained," recommends a Lake Taghkanic camper.
Prepare for weather variability: Platform tents provide advantages during wet conditions. "This was our second time coming to this campground and our second time getting dumped on by the rain, but have no fear!! The platforms kept us off the ground and were helpful in setting up appropriate tarp protection!" shares a Taconic visitor.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Sites with complete services are limited and book quickly at popular destinations. "We had one [site] and a babbling brook was 30 feet behind us. Great spot for morning coffee," describes a Thousand Trails Rondout Valley camper about their premium location.
Dump station access: Most glamping properties near Glasco have dump stations, but not all sites offer direct sewer connections. "There is no sewer, but they have a dump-station and on-site Honeywagon truck that you can schedule," explains a Brookside Campground visitor.
Site leveling considerations: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain requiring leveling equipment. "Our site was up front and we didn't venture into the park. We did use the laundry room, which needed some updates," notes a Thousand Trails visitor about their experience.
