Best Campgrounds near Highland, NY
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.
