Near Hurley, New York, campers find varied terrain with elevations ranging from 200 to 2,000 feet across the Catskill foothills. The region experiences four distinct seasons, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 60-85°F while fall brings cooler temperatures and vibrant foliage. Most campgrounds in this Hudson Valley area operate from April through November, though some remain open year-round.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Visit Taconic State Park for easy access to Bash Bish Falls. "There are plenty of hiking trails nearby and of course, trails to Bash Bish Falls which is beautiful. It was low the first time we visited and we were able to make it to the top of the falls to go swimming and the views were incredible," explains Jackie G.
Fishing opportunities: Take children to explore the creek at Thousand Trails Rondout Valley. According to Ian R., "This is what I want for a Catskill campground. It is not a concrete pad haven and yes, there is mud." The creek provides entertainment for younger visitors, as Kasey M. notes, "The creek that runs by the campground is gorgeous, and my kids had fun finding Crayfish."
Stargazing sessions: The low light pollution around Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground creates ideal conditions for night sky viewing. "Late night, stargazing over the lake is a great pastime, because the water is calm and the light pollution is low," shares Seth K.
What campers like
Platform tent sites: Lake Taghkanic offers raised wooden platforms that improve the tent camping experience. "The platform sites are great it makes it real easy to set up a tent because of the platform that the tent goes on," notes Amanda S. This feature is particularly valued during wet weather, as Rosie R. explains: "This was our second time coming to this campground and our second time getting dumped on by the rain, but have no fear!! The platforms kept us off the ground and were helpful in setting up appropriate tarp protection!"
Clean facilities: Treetopia Campground stands out for its exceptional bathhouse. "The bathrooms and showers are out of this world! Best of any campground we've ever visited!" raves Janly P. This luxury glamping option near Hurley provides accommodations from traditional tent sites to furnished treehouses with electricity.
Water recreation: Many campers appreciate the swimming areas at regional campgrounds. "Big and spacious state park with many camping options... Big lake with swimming and boating as well as many hiking trails," writes Mary-Kate L. about Lake Taghkanic State Park.
What you should know
Bathroom conditions: Facilities vary widely across campgrounds. Elizabeth M. reported at Blue Mountain Campground: "Bathrooms are barely cleaned... very few for the number of sites and people it covers. They need to add more bathrooms." Plan accordingly by bringing sanitizer and shower shoes.
Seasonal timing: Most glamping near Hurley operates from April through October. Specific dates vary by location, with Lake Taghkanic State Park running "May 6 to November 27" and Thousand Trails from "Apr 1 - Nov 1."
Site spacing: Campground density affects privacy levels. At Blue Mountain Campground, Mayra D. noted, "The site we have was pretty closed to the others and so at night it got a bit loud." Consider requesting sites farther from common areas for a quieter experience.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for children: Jellystone Park Gardiner offers water features designed specifically for younger children. Amanda S. shares: "Nice pool that is shallow so you can relax and let the little ones go in the water section alone or they have a 3 ft pool also." This setup allows parents to supervise comfortably.
Noise considerations: Family-oriented campgrounds often have extended activity hours. "Kids were at the playground 8 am or before and the noise woke us up. The kids were around until about 10:30 or so each night," reports Stephanie H. about Jellystone. Sites near playgrounds provide convenience but less quiet.
Age-appropriate activities: Even older children enjoy Jellystone's amenities. Stephanie H. adds, "This campground has a lot of activities and has kids of all ages galore. I was worried my 12 year old would be too old for it but he enjoyed making friends there." Many campgrounds schedule weekend events specifically for children.
Tips from RVers
Deck sites for smaller RVs: Treetopia Campground offers elevated camping spots ideal for compact vehicles. "We went in late September and stayed on one of their deck sites with our Class B (Winnebago). I LOVED sitting out on the deck every morning for my coffee while taking in the fall air," shares Janly P.
Full hookup considerations: When staying at Thousand Trails, check the positioning of sewer connections. "The sewer connection in 372 ran uphill for me, but my pipe sits very low," notes Inez W., suggesting site selection matters for drainage functionality.
Rental alternatives: For those without RVs, upscale glamping options near Hurley include fully equipped accommodations. Jeff & Steff's Excellent Adventure reports: "They have RV sites, yurts, custom furnished treehouses with electricity, beautiful tiny homes with outdoor living spaces, completely remodeled vintage airstreams, and gorgeous private cabins!"
