176 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The Hudson Valley region surrounding Highland, New York encompasses diverse camping environments within the Catskill Mountains and along the Hudson River corridor. State parks and private campgrounds offer accommodations ranging from primitive tent sites to full-service RV hookups and glamping options. Jellystone Park in nearby Gardiner provides family-oriented camping with cabin rentals and recreational amenities, while the Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground offers more rustic tent camping with access to renowned rock climbing areas. Mills Norrie State Park Campground along the Hudson River features boat-in sites and hiking trails, creating a mix of developed facilities and natural settings within a 30-minute drive of Highland.
Camping reservations are essential during the peak season from May through October, with most campgrounds closing by early November. Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with many campers reporting limited or no connectivity in the Catskills and Shawangunk areas. As one visitor noted, "There is NO cell service and just forget about WiFi. You are unplugged." Black bears are present throughout the region, requiring proper food storage. According to a camper at Phoenicia Black Bear Campground, "In the morning we woke up to a baby bear walking on our campsite. We kept our distance but that was definitely a thrill." Weather conditions can change rapidly, particularly in spring when heavy rains may affect trail conditions and campsite accessibility.
Waterfront camping locations receive consistently high ratings from visitors, with lakeside and riverside sites typically booking first. A reviewer at Mills Norrie State Park noted, "Sites are large and spread nicely. There are great hiking trails on the Hudson River right outside your campsite." Many campgrounds experience significant differences in atmosphere between weekdays and weekends. As one camper observed, "Deserted during the week but packed on weekends." Proximity to trailheads is another valued feature, with several reviewers highlighting the convenience of hiking directly from campsites. State park campgrounds generally offer more spacious sites but fewer amenities than private campgrounds, which typically provide electrical hookups, camp stores, and organized activities.
"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 $21 - $102 / night
Check Availability"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."
"We came here to hike Hudson Highlands State park while we were one 5 week assignment working in NY."
"When you are camping with a large group of friends and don't all have access to a car, this is the perfect spot."
from $21 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"There are absolutely no amenities whatsoever & barely even a signal here, but it’s quiet & off the beaten path. The parking lot only holds about 4-5 cars, 6 if you park real tight."
"Less then 10 min drive from town, but hiking in and finding a suitable place to make camp has the feeling of the wild, with the safety of having full cell service."
"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"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
ScoutThis is not the place to come if what you are looking for is a nice quiet, peaceful nature retreat. The "full shade" sites really aren't, it's crowded with kids yelling and running everywhere, and honestly, you're better off camping in your backyard.
ScoutThe neighbor cry about a dog that barks and then we are no good
RangerThis is an A.T. shelter and campsite. First come, first served. Privy was nice. Flat tentsites for 6 or more. Good for Hammocking also.
TravelerWe were looking for a campsite on our way up north and we’re so happy to find this one. While it is a commercial site. It is located in the woods. It has full hook up and portable water at the site. We couldn’t be happier with a warm welcome we received late at night and the cleanliness of the bathrooms and each site. I would highly recommend this campsite.
LegendExcellent campground! The forest is beautiful, the Hudson River is super close, there are great trails, and the surrounding area is beautiful. Sites are electric only, so make sure your water pump is working and fresh water tank is full. There are spigots for filling and a nice dump station. The player is excellent. I don't think tetn camping here would be great because the tent sites are closer together and there are trains that pass regularly. We couldn't hear the trains in our camper and our site was large and private with great Forest and hammock trees. The mansion tours at Vanderbilt and Mills were awesome!
TravelerPeople are super friendly and helpful. Campground is well maintained and very secure. RV site was very large and mostly level. Good location. Close to Hudson River and Albany.
GuideStayed for 2 nights in June and it was delightful. Facilities were very clean, had flush toilets and showers, and the trails around the pond were great for my dog. Sites were well maintained, but a little close together for my preference. We stayed at site 146. Would definitely come back and hope to get a site along the pond next time!
GuideTall pines, the sound of the mighty housatonic river, and some car noise on the nearby 2 lane. The campground is landscaped and maintained beautifully. the highlight is the river, ever-present in sound. The primo sites are on the northern end , where most sites are right on the water, and just a small descent. Bathrooms are good, not great. Showers are push button automatic, water was warm. We have a small RV, the dump site is up the main road about a 1/2 mile in a turnout. Free for campers, on your honor. At office were college aged young men and women in very casual street clothes all very nice, and mannerly, but not very knowledgeable, and hard to believe they could handle an adverse situation. I asked for the soap to be filled in the mens room on Thursday afternoon at 4 and it was still not done at noon the next day. -it’s a 2 minute walk from the office. I asked about a hike, they told me a trail head was a mile up the road. We found a spur directly across the street. I miss real docents, with knowledge, and wearing the garb. All sites not directly on the river side have paths down to get there. Did a nice little moderate hike just across the street called Pine Knob. Nice vista, quick 760ft ascent, combines withe AT for a length, then back down total 3 miles the way we did it. Some nice restaurants in Kent. Found a good breakfast in Goshen. We’ll be going back.
TravelerNot an NPS location as was described. Now a campsite and canoe rental at $77 a night
Camping spots near Highland, New York offer diverse outdoor experiences within the Catskill and Shawangunk mountain ranges. The area sits at elevations ranging from 180 feet along the Hudson River to over 2,000 feet in the nearby mountains, creating varied camping microclimates. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-85°F, while spring and fall can bring significant temperature swings between day and night.
Hiking the trails: Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground provides excellent access to renowned hiking areas. "Bathrooms had pit toilets and were clean. If you're contemplating paying to do any of the Mohonk Preserve hikes DO IT. Especially any of them that include the labyrinth. Coolest hike of my life," notes camper Emily M.
Fishing opportunities: At New York City North-Newburgh KOA, visitors can enjoy fishing at the on-site pond. A camper explains, "They have rental boats for a lake and fishing at the lake too. If is a great place to bring kids and you are never board! Even when it rains they have activities in the tent outside!"
Relaxing at lakeside beaches: Mills Norrie State Park Campground offers swimming access along the Hudson River. One visitor shares, "Great sites and bathroom, friendly staff, right next to the Hudson river. Recommend!" The campground features boat access and a marina with kayak rentals on the river.
Mountain biking: Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed camping area connects to nearby trail systems. A visitor notes this is "a quiet peaceful wooded area & although I only seen/stayed at one camping spot which is literally at about the required 150ft from the road, you can set up your own camp anywhere."
Private wooded sites: Catskill/Kenneth L Wilson Campground gets high marks for its forested setting. "Large and heavily wooded! Enjoyed our stay even on a busy weekend. They have a lake on site with swimming. We happened to spend the weekend on a day with free canoe/kayak rentals which was great!" reports Kyla B.
Clean facilities: Jellystone Park Gardiner maintains high standards. One camper says, "This is a very nice campground for families. Has a lot of activities and facilities for campers. It is a bit more open and campsite can be a bit close to each other. But the place was very clean a friendly."
Wildlife encounters: Bears are common throughout the Highland area camping destinations. At Catskill/Kenneth L Wilson Campground, camper Kane B. reports an unusual experience: "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."
Natural swimming areas: Several campgrounds offer swimming options. One visitor to Sam Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground — Minnewaska State Park Preserve notes the lake is the "Most acidic lake in New York but completely safe."
Cell service limitations: Cell coverage varies significantly at camping locations near Highland. At Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park, a dispersed camping area, a visitor notes the unusual combination of remoteness with connectivity: "hiking in and finding a suitable place to make camp has the feeling of the wild, with the safety of having full cell service."
Weekend vs. weekday differences: Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground experiences significant usage shifts. A ranger reports, "Weekends - this park is FULL! Make sure to reserve at least two weeks out. Weekdays? You should be in luck!"
Bear safety requirements: Bear encounters require proper precautions throughout the Highland area. At Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground, a reviewer noted: "With all the heavy bear traffic signs that were up, I was surprised to see how close bear boxes were to our tents. They seemed to be 1-10 feet away from tents in each campsite."
Limited dispersed options: For primitive camping, options are limited. At Hemlock Ridge MUA, "This isn't a fancy campsite and has no amenities. There is a small(10 car) parking lot and a trail that runs thru 80 acres of forest. Camping is allowed anywhere 150ft from the trail. Normal LNT rules apply."
Pool access: Thousand Trails Rondout Valley offers recreational amenities for children. As one camper shares, "As part of the Thousand Trails group, this campground has many amenities. It offers a pool, playground, and activities that include bocce ball, shuffleboard, and horseshoes... The creek that runs by the campground is gorgeous, and my kids had fun finding Crayfish."
Kid-oriented activities: Scheduled events keep children engaged at many campgrounds. "This campground is great for kids. It has a event just about every weekend with kid activity," notes one Jellystone Park visitor.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds have significant noise levels. At Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground, a camper noted: "Campsites are CLOSE together. I was relieved to be in a site we had to walk to, because having the car right there combined with other tents would have been a little claustrophobic."
Bathroom accessibility: When camping with children, bathroom proximity matters. At Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground, a visitor observed: "I do feel the campground bathhouse really needed more attention... while it had clearly been painted this past year, it was very 'buggy' - and did not appear to have been thoroughly cleaned since spring."
Site leveling challenges: At New York City North-Newburgh KOA, RV sites vary in quality. A visitor mentions, "They have been working on upgrades and adding more patio sites which does improve the place... Not far from SUNY New Paltz, local wineries and apple orchards and it's a reasonable drive to Walkway over the Hudson."
RV size limitations: Several campgrounds have restrictions on larger rigs. At Mills Norrie State Park Campground, a reviewer noted: "There are only a handful of sites with electric hookups and only one (site 51) is level. Some have a steep descent off the road, abs there's a lip on the road that can scrape bottom of campers/RVs."
Seasonal closure dates: Most camping areas near Highland close by early November. At Thousand Trails Rondout Valley, the season runs "Apr 1 - Nov 1," while Jellystone Park operates from "Apr 16 - Nov 1."
Hookup availability: For those needing full hookups, options are limited but available. As one visitor to Mills Norrie State Park Campground notes, "The campground itself needs some work. There's only one bath house with just a few showers and toilets. It's in pretty bad shape - dirty, bad drainage, and sometimes backed up toilets."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Highland, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, Highland, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 176 campgrounds and RV parks near Highland, NY and 11 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Highland, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Highland, NY is Jellystone Park™ Gardiner with a 4.3-star rating from 32 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Highland, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 free dispersed camping spots near Highland, NY.
What parks are near Highland, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Highland, NY that allow camping, notably Northfield Brook Lake and Hop Brook Lake.
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