Pet friendly camping near Glasco, New York offers accessibility to both the Hudson Valley and Catskill Mountains with most campgrounds situated at elevations between 500-1500 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F during day and 50-65°F at night, with higher humidity levels near the Hudson River. Most campsites in this region require reservations at least 2-3 weeks in advance during peak season from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Several trails near North-South Lake Campground connect to scenic waterfall areas, including the newly opened viewing platform at Kaaterskill Falls. "Located just about a mile from Kaaterskill Falls this campground couldn't be in a better spot. We had a wonderful weekend there," reports Brittany W.
Creek swimming: Many campers with dogs enjoy wading in the Plattekill Creek at Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds. "Stayed for a night. We were over in 'Lover's Lane' so it was isolated on a separate loop. Couples only on this loop, no kids! Pricey--$60 a night. But super nice being right on the creek--we took our chairs and plopped down in the water," notes Kyla B.
Fishing opportunities: The small lake at Interlake RV Park provides fishing access without requiring a boat. Several ponds and lakes within 20 minutes of Glasco offer additional fishing spots suitable for all skill levels. Bass and trout are common catches in the area waters.
Mountain biking: Network of intermediate trails accessible from most campgrounds, with trail maps available at ranger stations. Terrain varies from relatively flat rail trails to more challenging single-track routes through wooded areas.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Kenneth L Wilson Campground offers secluded camping spots with significant tree cover. "We had a 3-day weekend tent camping at This site from July 24-26 2020, at site 58 on Loop C. It was almost completely full that weekend, with a bit of coming and going. Campsites are fairly close together with a variety of levels of privacy. Ours allowed you to be pretty far back from the road for more privacy," explains Katherine P.
Clean facilities: Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground maintains well-kept bathroom and shower facilities. "This campground was one of the best I've been to. They have both platform and dirt tent sites, all sites come equipped with fire pits. The bathrooms and showers are clean and the water stayed hot until the last weekend of the season," writes Seth K.
Accessibility to trails: Many campers appreciate the proximity to hiking networks directly from campsites. "North South lake is one of the larger public camp grounds in New York. The sites are well spaced out. Great for families. The lake is huge," says Tara L.
Off-season tranquility: Visiting in May or September provides more solitude while maintaining reasonable temperatures. Weekdays are significantly less crowded than weekends throughout the camping season.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require bookings 2-7 days in advance, especially during summer months. Holiday weekends typically fill 3-4 weeks ahead of time.
Variable site sizes: Some campgrounds have restrictions on tent placement and vehicle parking. "Site was a bit small, but overall place was very clean & taken care of. Booking online can be a bit confusing, I had to call for explanation," shares Robert M.
Wildlife presence: Black bears are active throughout the region. Most campsites provide metal food storage lockers or require proper food storage techniques. "It was the wildest weekend I ever had, I'm not being sarcastic. The hiking areas are great, the weather is perfect and the bear was very nice for a bear," notes Kane B.
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds in the Catskills have poor or no cell reception. Woodland Valley Campground is known for limited connectivity. "No mobile signal, but that's the point, isn't it? You get to disconnect from it all for a while," writes John N.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with dedicated recreation areas: Several campgrounds offer scheduled activities for children. "Amazing campground with perfectly spaced large sites. There's a few playgrounds a great pool and a lot of amenities can't wait to go back," says Richard V. about Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds.
Consider lake access: North-South Lake Campground provides family-friendly swimming areas with gradual entry points suitable for young swimmers. "I go there almost every year to go swimming with my family and friends and it's always a good time," reports Lizz H.
Check for camp stores: Some locations stock essential supplies if you forget items. "First trip to ease my way into camping!! Plenty of space, your car is right there next to you, and the camp store has every essential you could ever need if you left anything at home or are just stopping by!!" explains Katie S.
Noise considerations: Campgrounds closer to roads may experience traffic sounds. "State Route 214 divides the campground in half, and you could hear road noises from our site, but they quieted down by 6:00," mentions one camper about Devil's Tombstone Campground.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Multiple campgrounds offer full hookups with varying amperage options. "Very easy to level and setup on #7. Full connections. Pay showers and laundry onsite. Loved having gated security," notes a camper about Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds.
Site access considerations: Some campgrounds have narrow access roads or tree canopies that may challenge larger rigs. Devil's Tombstone Campground can be difficult for longer vehicles due to its layout and smaller sites.
Dump station logistics: Not all campgrounds with RV sites have on-site dump stations. Plan accordingly for waste management during longer stays.
Security features: Gated access at some locations provides added peace of mind. "I stayed there for 3 weeks for work it was quite priced very reasonably for full hook up and about a half hour from stunning views," reports David P. about Interlake RV Park.
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