Camping spots near Cuddebackville, New York span across the mid-Hudson Valley region, situated in the western foothills of the Shawangunk Mountains. The area features elevations ranging from 600-900 feet above sea level, with terrain varying from riverside lowlands to forested hillsides. Summer camping season typically runs from May through October, with nighttime temperatures dropping significantly even during peak summer months, often falling into the 50s-60s°F range after sunset.
What to do
River activities: Kittatinny Campground offers excellent water recreation options. "My college friends go here each year to meet up and we have so much fun. The group sites are great and perfect for our 30-50 people. Definitely go for the rafting/tubing package, it was the best part of the trip!" reports camper Maggie K. Other campers recommend combining water activities with a stay, noting "The most beautiful campsite ever. Don't cheap out. Get the tubing package as well."
Hiking trails: The region offers numerous hiking opportunities with varying difficulty levels. At High Point State Park Campground, you can access the Appalachian Trail. One visitor shares: "I spent two nights camping with my niece and this campground was perfect. The site was maybe a 50-yard walk-in and we barely heard anyone around us and had a real wilderness feel. We fit in a hike up to the Appalachian Trail from our campsite." The park features spectacular panoramic views from High Point Monument, which stands 1,803 feet above sea level.
Fishing spots: Multiple campsites offer fishing opportunities in ponds, rivers, and small lakes. "We spent most of early spring at Oakland Valley Campground right on the river. Even though covid really forced a shutdown on activities, this one was of my kids favorite places of the year. They loved to fish and play in the river, explore the woods and ride bikes around," notes Katrina R.
What campers like
Waterfront sites: Campers consistently praise riverside locations. At Oakland Valley Campground, "Our location was by the river and did not disappoint. It was a rocky location but we didn't mind," reports Tonya D. Sites along water features typically fill first, with some offering direct river access for wading, tubing, or kayaking.
Multi-level campgrounds: Some area campgrounds feature tiered camping areas that provide different experiences. "Nice, family friendly campground with 3 levels to camp at. Top level has a pool, showers and bathrooms with laundry area and game room. Middle level has open field with bathrooms with sinks and running water. There is water and electric on the sites at the middle level. River level has more primitive bathrooms," explains a camper at Oakland Valley.
Winter camping options: Unlike many regional campgrounds that close for winter, Neversink River Resort offers year-round camping. "A quiet natural campground for nature lovers," notes one winter visitor. Winter camping allows access to the area during low-traffic seasons when wildlife viewing opportunities increase.
What you should know
Noise levels vary significantly: Some campgrounds can be louder than expected, especially on weekends. "Busy campground no quiet time loud music till 3 in the morning. Very clean, workers very friendly and helpful but after dark no one around," warns Jim D. about Kittatinny Campground.
Water quality considerations: Some campgrounds have sulfur-smelling water. At Winding Hills Park, "The water smells a little like sulfur, so you may want to bring your own," advises Laura E. Consider packing drinking water if sensitive to mineral content.
Bathroom facilities: Bathroom quality varies widely between campgrounds. "The bathrooms are spaced out. No running water except for pump founded outside of the bathrooms. Toilets are pump flushed. Showers are only located INSIDE High Point State Park, not throughout the campsites," notes one camper. Some primitive sites have composting toilets only.
Seasonal campground closures: Most camping options close between late October and April. A camper at Winding Hills Park mentions: "We were there at the end of October, and staff told us Oct 22, 2023 was the last camping day of the season."
Tips for camping with families
Family-friendly activities: Many campgrounds offer organized children's programs. "This place was so fun for the entire family, it wasn't that busy, so we didn't really have to worry all the time about the kids getting ran over! The park ranger person came through and gave the kids cool posters, and just made it a very fun place for all the kids," reports Jill R. about Kittatinny Campground.
Animal encounters: Kids particularly enjoy campgrounds with farm animals. At Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort, "The farm has goats, a donkey, and a pony within the campground. Very cool," notes Faith D. Another camper adds: "Important to not miss: the amazingly beautiful miniature horse that wonders around its huge pin located in the middle of the campground."
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer swimming pools for families. "Nice pool that is shallow so you can relax and let the little ones go in the water park section alone or they have a 3 ft pool also," notes Amanda S. about Jellystone Park Gardiner. Recreational water features are particularly valuable during summer heat.
Playground accessibility: When choosing a site, consider proximity to playgrounds. "We found the sites closer to the Playground side/closer to the bathrooms to be more noisy. Also those sites are closer together which would be good for larger groups," advises Amanda B.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Most campgrounds offer electric hookups, but full-hookup sites are limited. "We had a nice tent site (92) along the river," notes Eric R. about Korns Campgrounds. "Each campsite has a firepit/ring, picnic table, and lantern hook. Campsite sells fire wood."
Site levelness: Many RV sites in this mountainous region require leveling. "Only reason I didn't give 5 stars was because the sites were a bit difficult to back into and unlevel. Otherwise a very nice place to relax," reports David S. about Oakland Valley Campground.
Dump station access: Not all campgrounds have on-site dump stations. "Dump and potable water fill available here. Dump is kept locked, but there's a number to call and staff will come unlock for you. Water spigots available throughout campground," notes Laura M. about Winding Hills Park.
Reservation timing: During peak season (Memorial Day through Labor Day), advance reservations are strongly recommended. "Reservations are needed only for major holidays during camping season; Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day. Must book the entire holiday weekend 3 days," advises a camper.
