Best Campgrounds near Haines Falls, NY

Camping near Haines Falls, New York, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

• Hiking: The area is known for its scenic trails. Many campers enjoy the nearby Kaaterskill Falls, which is described as a "short, easy trail" that can get busy, so plan to arrive early.
• Fishing: If you’re into fishing, the Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds has two private lakes and a river where you can cast your line. One reviewer mentioned, “You’ve got fishing either in 2 private lakes or you can fish in the river.”
• Swimming: The Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner features a water park that kids love. A parent noted, “My kids enjoyed themselves a lot, and that is what matters.”

What campers like:

• Natural Beauty: Campers rave about the stunning landscapes. One visitor to North-South Lake Campground said, “The Catskills are very scenic, and we enjoyed our time there!”
• Privacy: Many sites offer a good amount of space between them. A camper at Woodland Valley Campground appreciated the foliage around their site, stating, “Each of the campsites has a lot of foliage around it, creating privacy.”
• Clean Facilities: Campgrounds like Kenneth L. Wilson Campground are noted for their cleanliness. One reviewer mentioned, “The bathrooms were very clean and new.”

What you should know:

• Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds, including Little Pond - DEC, have poor cell reception. A camper noted, “No Verizon service and Starlink was spotty.”
• Bear Activity: Campers should be cautious about food storage due to bear sightings. One visitor at North-South Lake Campground shared, “There are bears that visit the campground.”
• Busy Weekends: If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting during the week. A camper at Woodland Valley Campground suggested, “If privacy or quiet is your thing, I’d go during the week.”

Tips for camping with families:

• Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with amenities like playgrounds and water parks. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner is great for families, with one parent saying, “This place is so much fun. My whole family loved the activities.”
• Plan for Noise: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially during peak times. A visitor at Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds mentioned, “People tend to walk through your campsite constantly.”
• Bring Extra Supplies: Be prepared for busy weekends and bring extra food and activities. A camper at Lake Taghkanic State Park noted, “The cleanliness of the facilities at the campsite is influenced by the volume of activity.”

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds said, “We were assured that it would fit. It did—technically.”
• Be Ready for Tight Spaces: Some campgrounds have tight roads and sites. One camper mentioned, “We were within 2 inches or less of trees on 4 or 5 instances getting in and out of our site.”
• Wi-Fi Expectations: Don’t rely on campground Wi-Fi. A visitor at Schodack Island State Park Campground noted, “The park’s Wi-Fi service was just as horrible.”

Camping near Haines Falls, New York, offers a variety of experiences, from hiking and fishing to family-friendly activities. Just be prepared for the unique challenges that come with camping in this beautiful area!