Howes Cave offers camping options across elevations ranging from 850 to 1,400 feet in the lower Catskill foothills of New York. The area's humid continental climate brings warm summers with highs averaging 80°F in July and August, making it ideal for tent and yurt camping. Winter overnight temperatures frequently drop below freezing between November and March, affecting campground seasons.
What to do
Waterfall hiking: 30-minute drive from Howes Cave. Max V. Shaul State Park Campground provides access to several nearby waterfalls. "There's no pond/lake here but there's several waterfalls nearby and vromans nose," notes Brian H., highlighting additional natural attractions beyond the campground itself.
Fishing: Multiple species in nearby lakes. Glimmerglass State Park Campground offers excellent fishing opportunities. One camper shared their experience: "My husband loved the fishing! My children loved the water and trails. We visited the Baseball National Hall of Fame, Fenimore Art Museum and the Farmers Museum nearby in Cooperstown."
Cross-country skiing: Winter activity for off-season campers. Winter camping options exist at select locations. "Awesome camping resort. Seasonal rates are excellent. We stayed from April until October then decided to stay over winter. They have a small winter section. You'll have the entire mountain side all to yourself! Snowshoe, cross country ski. Winter campfires," reports one winter visitor to Frosty Acres Campground.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds prioritize bathroom cleanliness. DevilDoc Campsites receives praise for overall cleanliness and maintenance. "If your looking for a campsite thats private and clean this should be your top pick. This was my first time camping and i wanted my husband to do what he enjoys (outdoor) camping," writes Tanya D.
Private camping spaces: Sites set apart from neighbors. Campgrounds near Howes Cave often provide more space than typical state parks. At Nickerson Park Campground, a reviewer noted: "Groups of sites sit on level terraces stepped down toward the river. The center area of each grouping of sites had a common use area with tether ball, playgrounds, privies, or additional parking. Each site itself was spacious."
Night sky visibility: Excellent stargazing conditions. The rural setting of many Howes Cave area campgrounds makes them perfect for astronomy enthusiasts. "We have also had some great star viewing here!" mentions a Glimmerglass State Park visitor, highlighting an often overlooked natural amenity in the region.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds close in October. Nearly all campgrounds in the Howes Cave region operate seasonally, typically from May through early October. Country Roads Campground follows this pattern with a "May 15 to Columbus Day" operating season, though facilities vary between campgrounds.
Water quality varies: Some campgrounds have water issues. Bring your own drinking water when uncertain. One visitor to Nickerson Park warned: "THE WATER! ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTING! I'm guessing the new owners didn't do as much as the previous owners as far as water treatments. It smelled like raw sewage, loaded with sediment and very discolored."
Weather preparedness: Temperature swings common. The Catskill foothills experience significant temperature variations, even in summer. Pack layers and appropriate rain gear. At higher elevations, one camper noted: "Very remote.
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