Best Campgrounds near Haines Falls, NY

Camping opportunities around Haines Falls, New York center on the Catskill Mountains, with North-South Lake Campground serving as a primary destination for outdoor recreation. The area features a blend of established campgrounds and primitive sites, including options for tent camping, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. Several campgrounds in the area feature amenities ranging from basic to full-service, with North-South Lake offering lakefront sites and proximity to hiking trails. Echo Lake provides a more primitive dispersed camping experience for those seeking solitude in a more remote setting.

The camping season in the Catskills typically runs from mid-May through mid-October, with most established campgrounds closing by late October. Many sites require advance reservations, especially during summer weekends and peak fall foliage season. "We were on a 5 state East Coast camping trip. North South Lake has no electricity. The sites are almost all beautiful, tucked in under shady trees," noted one visitor describing their experience. Bears are active throughout the region, and campers must follow strict food storage guidelines. Cell service is limited or nonexistent at most campgrounds, particularly at North-South Lake where visitors should plan to be completely disconnected from digital communications.

Waterfront camping receives high marks from visitors to the region, with lakeside sites at North-South Lake Campground being particularly sought after. Multiple hiking trails connect directly to campgrounds, allowing visitors to explore scenic viewpoints without driving to separate trailheads. One camper shared: "The hiking here is phenomenal! Easy and walking distance from your site." Family-friendly amenities include beaches for swimming during summer months, boat rentals, and fishing opportunities. While most sites offer privacy with trees and vegetation between campsites, some visitors note that campgrounds can become busy and occasionally noisy during peak season weekends. The proximity to natural attractions like Kaaterskill Falls makes the area popular with both tent campers seeking wilderness experiences and RV travelers looking for scenic base camps.

Best Camping Sites Near Haines Falls, New York (165)

    1. North-South Lake Campground

    43 Reviews
    Palenville, NY
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 589-5058

    $22 - $44 / night

    "Campground Review: North/South Lake Campground is located in the Catskill Mountains in Haines Falls, NY. There are 7 loops with a total of 219 primitive sites."

    "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."

    2. Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds

    16 Reviews
    Saugerties, NY
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 246-8334

    "You’ve got fishing either in 2 private lakes or you can fish in the river but to do the river you’ll need a New York State fishing license."

    "I was a little skeptical that we wouldn’t get to choose our site, but you can’t go wrong, they are all wooded, private and well situated. The campground is centrally located you many things to do."

    3. Catskill/Kenneth L Wilson Campground

    23 Reviews
    Shokan, NY
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 679-7020

    $22 / night

    "This campground is nestled in the Catskills, New York, with easy access to New Jersey and Connecticut."

    "Access to fresh water spouts and clean bathrooms were just a walk away from most sites, theres a beautiful pond on site and beautiful views of the Catskills, Woodstock is a 15 min drive if you’re looking"

    4. Woodland Valley Campground — DEC

    29 Reviews
    Phoenicia, NY
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 688-7647

    $20 / night

    "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. "

    5. Devil's Tombstone Campground

    10 Reviews
    Elka Park, NY
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 688-7160

    $16 / night

    "this is close by to many catskill hiking trails"

    "It was close to trails and town"

    6. Whip O Will Campsites

    7 Reviews
    Round Top, NY
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 622-3277

    $33 - $113 / night

    "From it bathrooms to its pool to its general store , playground , basketball courts , bocceball, 7 acre lake and 2 miles of walkable runable paths , Ted & Angela do a fantastic job of keeping the place"

    "It had a little arcade, a nice lake, and playground."

    7. Brookside Campground

    6 Reviews
    Palenville, NY
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 678-9729

    "The bathroom and bathhouse were a bit run down looking from the outside, but inside they were updated and clean."

    8. Blue Mountain Reservation

    4 Reviews
    Palenville, NY
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (914) 862-5275

    "I went here with my friend and we were using it as our base camp as we went out in trails in the eastern Catskills notably the Devils Path, echo lake, etc."

    "Nice little campground with lake sites. The Northville Placed Trail comes out in this campground. The showers were clean and plenty of pressure."

    9. Echo Lake

    2 Reviews
    Woodstock, NY
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 652-7365

    "There are tent sites around the whole lake with fire pits and 1 lean-to site at the end of the trail when you first arrive at the lake.  The sites are relatively flat and well shaded with trees. "

    "Lake is surrounded by hills and there is a small lean two with a few campfire spots."

    10. Getaway Catskill Campground - New York

    1 Review
    Palenville, NY
    5 miles
    Website

    $79 - $119 / night

    "It's clear that the hosts take great pride in their location. Each site has a private bathroom and hot shower, as well as a kitchenette. Book your stay today and leave them some love!"

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Recent Reviews near Haines Falls, NY

577 Reviews of 165 Haines Falls Campgrounds


  • Sue B.
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Ten Mile River Shelter — Appalachian National Scenic Trail

    Not a public campground!

    Ten Mile River Shelter and campsite is not a public campground. Sure, anyone can camp there, but it is designated for folks hiking the A.T., whether thru-hikers, section hikers, or whatever. While there are no rules about who can camp there, during thru-hiking season, consideration should be made for folks who rely on places like this during a long distance hike. It is at least a mile if not a mile and a half from approved parking (on the side of the road off the A.T.) to camp, either from the A.T. or a combo of the A.T. and a blue blaze trail (which is easier, imo). There are also no fires allowed on the CT A.T.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Osa Trail

    Gorgeous Views

    Had a great time here with my wife and 2 little kids and our dog.  One of the most beautiful sunrises we've ever seen!  Very secluded, though Alex is right down the driveway so didn't feel like the middle of nowhere.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Sage's Revine

    Not highest recommended

    There was a bunch of signs that said no parking so we parked at the entrance to the trailhead. The area itself is beautiful but I believe it is more for tent camping versus cars, overlanding vehicles and RVs.

  • FThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Mills Norrie State Park Campground

    Great staff but back-to-back campsite

    We stayed a coupe of days in Oct. This is a beautiful site to camp out. The staffs are friendly and very attentive.
    Bathroom and water pressure was ok. But one shower location for 50 campsites. Three small showers units and three toilet.
    I never stayed a state campsite where the sites are so close each other. If you like a “normal” distance to your neighbors, I'd not recommend this place.

  • Chelsea B.
    Oct. 10, 2025

    New York City North-Newburgh KOA

    Good amenities and fun experience!

    Campsites Great campsites, wooded and cozy, though a little tight for longer rigs as our neighbors found out when they ran over a wooden post backing in. But spaced apart nicely with lots of vegetation between. Nice and level. Amenities Bathrooms are older and need of some repair but let me tell you I was very happy to see a normal shower head with real hot water! So no complaints here. Laundry facilities were clean and open 24/7 with reasonable prices 2.50/2.00 washer/dryer. And the dryers actually worked. Small dog park, communal spaces, and a camp store all made the place feel like a little village. They even have a wine store- cab sav was good. WiFi I work remotely and WiFi is always an issue. We have Starlink but in a wooded campsite, connecting is an issue but luckily their WiFi was great. Had no issues and could stream just fine. Halloween! We visited mid October and folks had sites decorated and the KOA has trick or treating and other activities every weekend in Oct. we were SO bummed to be leaving on a Friday and miss the festivities because it looked really fun. Would definitely go back. Also, staff was super nice.

  • A
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Russell Brook Campsites

    Clean, Friendly, and Right on the Water

    Loved this place! It's clean and well-maintained - even the restrooms. Every site is well-equipped with its own water, electricity, fire pit, and picnic table. The best part is the waterfront sites. We were right next to a small brook, and falling asleep to the sound of the water behind our tent was amazing. Everyone we met was super friendly. We will definitely be back!

  • Chelsea B.
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Brookside Campground

    Not a recreational campsite

    Full disclosure, we did not stay here. PLEASE, folks that leave reviews on this app, PLEASE say whether it’s a full-timer campsite or a recreational campsite. We paid for two weeks in advance of arriving at this site based on reviews available on Google and Dyrt. However, when we arrived we were surprised that this was mostly a trailer park. Call me picky, but I really prefer not to camp in an area where folks are living full time. Just not the vibe I’m going for. We decided to leave without staying. We called to see if we could get a refund and they were very kind and it wasn’t a problem. But just be warned… this is not a recreational campsite.

  • Chelsea B.
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Whip O Will Campsites

    Not for recreational campers

    Full disclosure, we did not stay here. PLEASE, folks that leave reviews on this app, PLEASE say whether it’s a full-timer campsite or a recreational campsite. We arrived after leaving another campsite in the area (that was also 100% full timers) and were disappointed to find that this site was all permanent campers with crap everywhere. One site even had a funeral home sign hanging out front of an entire plywood addition to their camper…like what? Call me picky, but I don’t feel entirely comfortable camping for fun next to folks who live in the campground like this. After driving through the super narrow and rutted out roads to the site they recommend, a man came hauling a** into our site (with a beer in his hand) and was saying “hello hellooooo.” Said he was the owner of the campsite and asked if we were staying, we said we were thinking about it, just checking out the available sites (as the lady up front told us to do). TL;DR- bad vibes. Didn’t stay. Be warned this is a full time campsite with crap everywhere. The lady working the office was super nice though.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park

    Convenient pit stop

    This spot is easy to find and access, and had decent ATT service. There's only a few spots, and the road is narrow with not much turnaround room, I wouldn't recommend for trailers or RVs.


Guide to Haines Falls

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!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Haines Falls, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, Haines Falls, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 165 campgrounds and RV parks near Haines Falls, NY and 14 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Haines Falls, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Haines Falls, NY is North-South Lake Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 43 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Haines Falls, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 free dispersed camping spots near Haines Falls, NY.