189 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping areas near High Falls, New York range from established campgrounds to mixed-use facilities with diverse accommodation options. The Catskill region surrounding High Falls features several developed campgrounds including Rondout Valley RV Campground in Accord and Jellystone Park in Gardiner, both offering tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. The Shawangunk Gateway Campground provides primitive tent-only camping with proximity to popular climbing areas, while Kenneth L Wilson Campground offers a more traditional camping experience with spacious sites nestled in the Catskill Mountains. Most campgrounds in the area are seasonal, typically operating from May through October.
Access to camping facilities varies by location, with many requiring advance reservations during peak summer months. The developed campgrounds generally feature well-maintained roads suitable for most vehicles, while some of the more remote areas may require careful navigation. "Most sites are very clean and accessible with access to fresh water spouts and clean bathrooms just a walk away from most sites," noted one visitor to Kenneth L Wilson Campground. Weather conditions in the Catskills can change rapidly, particularly at higher elevations, making proper preparation essential. Summer temperatures typically range from comfortable to warm, while spring and fall bring cooler nights that require warmer sleeping gear. Cell phone coverage can be limited throughout the region, especially in campgrounds situated in valleys or remote areas.
Several visitors highlight the natural beauty and recreational opportunities as key features of camping in this region. The campgrounds provide convenient access to hiking trails, swimming areas, and fishing spots throughout the Catskill Mountains. Mixed-use campgrounds in the area often feature amenities like showers, flush toilets, and picnic tables, making them suitable for families and first-time campers. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, campers particularly value the proximity to nature while maintaining reasonable access to towns like Woodstock and Phoenicia for supplies. Wildlife sightings, including black bears, are relatively common, requiring proper food storage at all campgrounds. Weekends tend to be busier, especially during summer months and fall foliage season, with many visitors recommending weekday stays for those seeking a quieter experience.
"With a new check in area, Gardiner has really stepped up. They expanded the pool area to include another pool plus splash area and water slides."
"We got a red carpet site by the Gaga pit and near the water park (Cindy bear lane) and it was a convenient yet noisy site. Kids were at the playground 8 am or before and the noise woke us up."
"There are great hiking trails on the Hudson River right outside your campsite. Amenities are the great outdoors and an ancient bath house built during the New Deal in the 1930's."
"Firewood wasn’t available at the camp, had to drive about a mile to grab some. Close to town so easy to grab needed items."
from $17 - $102 / night
Check Availability"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"
from $22 / night
Check Availability"Great place situated in a great area with lots to do all within an hour's drive. Even camping during a pandemic was peaceful & fun!"
"This is a Thousand trails campground so it was free. I think the regular price is $64. Full hookups, tents and cabins to rent. Pleanty to do in and around campground."
"I definitely recommend trying to get the walk-in (meaning you can't drive to them) sites (8-15) because they're just a little bit more set back and kind of wonderfully wooded all around. 8 & 9 seemed"
"There are drive-up sites and also walk-in sites. No fire pits at individual campsites, though. Only a group fire pit."
"They have the best staff and they are everywhere, if you need someone they are always around and super friendly also."
"Location- 4 stars- close to NYC but kinda just in the woods and close to homes, not much around. Sites- 4 stars- a real mixed bag- the rv/trailer only section is really nice, wooded."
"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"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"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."
"Most acidic lake in New York but completely safe."
"It’s got good access to Lake Minnewaska (driving), staff was nice and polite. But I thought the sites were on the smaller side and no fire is allowed."
from $20 - $42 / night
Check Availability
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.
TravelerThis area seems to be devoid of campgrounds except for this one. It’s basically just a large parking lot with hook ups. Completely open, which is great for Starlink. Bathrooms were slightly above average; fairly clean and places to hang clothes for your shower. Has a laundry but be sure to bring quarters. It is about 100 yards from the interstate so you’ll get a lot of noise and diesel exhaust fumes.
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.
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.
ScoutNo hookups. It was wooded, quiet and dark at night. I used the dump station on my way out. The first time I ever saw a poop fountain. The sewer opening sticks up above ground level. The cover swivels away, so I couldn't put it on top of my hose. And then, when I tried to rinse it, there was nowhere for it to go, because the inlet is elevated.
ScoutWe reserved for a day. Very bad service. The river is super dirty and they did not even clean the trash cans. Besides, the fire ring has no grill cooking grate, so if you don’t bring your own NO GRILLING. Ryan was the person in front that took care of us, he was rude, my kids felt weird because he was not welcoming at all. Also, we try to ask for a partial refund since we did not felt comfortable since the beginning, and they said NO. We have experience camping, but this one was simply THE WORST. We lost the money but we won’t put our kids in a difficult situation. Thanks.
ScoutWe stay at a lot of Jellystone parks so have become accustomed to the park layouts and activities. This one was well maintained with clean facilities. Some things like the mini golf and fire pits needed maintenance. The pools were nice but get very busy later in the day. The sites up on the hills are nice but beware, it’s a hill! There is little to no WiFi or cell service or it gets easily bogged down, so be ready for that. Food was basic but good. Some activities like bingo were a bit chaotic and there were a lot of ground hornets around the jumping pillows. Would totally go again.
ScoutThe neighbor cry about a dog that barks and then we are no good
Camping near High Falls, New York offers access to the southeastern edge of the Catskill Mountains, with elevations ranging from 600 to 4,000 feet throughout the region. The area experiences relatively mild summers with average highs in the 70s-80s°F, while spring and fall camping requires preparation for nighttime temperatures that can drop into the 40s. Several campgrounds operate seasonally from May through October, with primitive tent camping, RV sites with hookups, and cabin rentals available within a 30-minute drive of High Falls.
Hiking trails in Minnewaska State Park Preserve: The Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground provides convenient access to this popular destination. "The hiking areas are great, the weather is perfect and the bear was very nice for a bear," notes one camper who stayed at nearby Catskill/Kenneth L Wilson Campground.
Creek exploration and fishing: Multiple campgrounds feature water access. At Thousand Trails Rondout Valley, "The creek that runs by the campground is gorgeous, and my kids had fun finding Crayfish."
Swimming in lakes: North-South Lake Campground offers excellent swimming options. "I go there almost every year to go swimming with my family and friends and it's always a good time," shares one visitor who appreciates the dual lake setup.
Rock climbing for experienced adventurers: The Shawangunk Mountains (known as "the Gunks") are world-renowned for climbing. "Located really close to the Gunks for climbing and also some great hikes around the area," notes a visitor about Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground.
Historical sites exploration: Mills Norrie State Park Campground serves as a good base for visiting historic landmarks. "The park is in perfect proximity to the best attractions in the region. Visit Lake Miniwaska, Dover Church Falls, Rheinbeck Aerodrome, New Paltz."
Private wooded sites: Kenneth L Wilson Campground earns high marks for site layout. "Our site (site 9) was absolutely massive! The photo doesn't do it justice. It was set back very far from the main road and was an extremely large site!"
Waterfront camping options: Woodland Valley Campground features creek-side sites. "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."
Organized activities: Jellystone Park Gardiner receives praise for its programming. "This campground has a event just about every weekend with kid activity," and another reviewer notes, "Nice pool that is shallow so you can relax and let the little ones go in the water park section alone."
Hiking accessibility: Several campgrounds offer direct trail access. At Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds, visitors appreciate the location: "The campground is centrally located to many things to do. Minnewaska state park was gorgeous, and the hikes around Kaaterskill as well."
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained bathrooms and showers. At Woodland Valley, visitors note "clean facilities, fire pit, friendly and knowledgeable staff."
Bear activity requires proper food storage: Wildlife encounters are part of camping in this region. At Kenneth L Wilson Campground, "There are bears and if you leave food out you will get a warning notice if seen."
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies significantly by location. "No cell service in the campground," notes one Kenneth L Wilson camper, while another mentions, "The Wi-Fi is also bad here" at Jellystone Park.
Weekend crowds vs. weekday quiet: Timing your visit impacts experience. At Mills Norrie State Park Campground, "Deserted during the week but packed on weekends. Sites are large and spread nicely."
Weather preparedness: The region experiences temperature swings. At Minnewaska, "We went in September and the color of the leaves on the trees were stunning," highlighting seasonal considerations.
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. North-South Lake Campground requires planning ahead: "Reserve very early for waterfront."
Water features for kids: Multiple campgrounds offer water access that's perfect for families. At New York City North-Newburgh KOA, "They have two pools but both were overcrowded. Playground was large and in decent condition."
Entertainment options: Jellystone Park Gardiner is designed for families: "This campground is great for kids. It has events just about every weekend with kid activities," and "They have lasertag which they enjoy. And a bounce pillow."
Site selection strategies: Consider proximity to facilities when booking with children. At Kenneth L Wilson, "Our site was separated a little bit from other sites as you can see on the map which was so nice and also just a 20-second walk from the bathroom."
Family-friendly hiking: Several areas offer trails suitable for children. Rip Van Winkle visitor noted, "The creek on the property (Plattekill) is great, the pond is fun to fish in."
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds have variable noise levels. At Jellystone Park, one camper observed, "The campers don't respect the quiet time at night and morning too. A lot noises until 2 am and early from 6 am."
Site leveling and access: RVers should research specific sites. At Thousand Trails Rondout Valley, "Our site was up front and we didn't venture into the park. We did use the laundry room, which needed some updates."
Hookup variations: Water, electric, and sewer availability varies by campground. At Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds, "Very easy to level and setup on #7. Full connections. Pay showers and laundry onsite."
Maneuvering challenges: Some campgrounds have tight access roads. At Mills Norrie State Park, "Some have a steep descent off the road, and there's a lip on the road that can scrape bottom of campers/RVs. This happened to our neighbor and it took out his RV sewer system."
RV site privacy: Tree coverage impacts the camping experience. At Thousand Trails Rondout Valley, "The RV/trailer only section is really nice, wooded. Has a classic campground feel."
Length restrictions: Be aware of maximum RV sizes. At Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground, sites are described as "No big RVs," making it unsuitable for larger rigs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near High Falls, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, High Falls, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 189 campgrounds and RV parks near High Falls, NY and 14 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near High Falls, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near High Falls, NY is Jellystone Park™ Gardiner with a 4.2-star rating from 33 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near High Falls, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 free dispersed camping spots near High Falls, NY.
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