Tent camping near Hyde Park, New York offers options in both the Catskill and Shawangunk mountain regions. The area sits at elevations ranging from 150 to 4,180 feet, creating varied microclimates for campers. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F with higher humidity near the Hudson River and cooler nights at higher elevations in the Catskills.
What to do
Hiking with views: At Giant Ledge Primitive Camp, campers can access spectacular mountain vistas after a challenging climb. "It is a near vertical hike the first mile with 90% or more being over rock gardens. Not some rocks littering the trail. I think the trail used to be a stream or creek," notes one camper. The effort pays off with multiple lookout points.
Swimming in mountain lakes: The Blue Hole swimming area near Peekamoose Valley provides cool relief during summer months. "The Blue Hole is amazing and it's quite beautiful to stay right on the creek," reports a visitor. Echo Lake also offers swimming opportunities with tent sites positioned around the water.
Rock climbing: The Shawangunk Mountains (the Gunks) attract climbers from around the world. "This is the closest campground to world renowned rock climbing in the gunks and also offers many other outdoor activities including some great hikes and rock scrambles, swimming holes and waterfalls," explains a camper about the area's popularity.
What campers like
Convenient wash stations: Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground provides well-maintained washing facilities. "Covered communal pavilion with picnic tables, big sinks for washing dishes, and lighting" and "A comfort station for the campsites farther from the main pavilion with bathrooms and big sinks for dish washing" are appreciated amenities.
Flat tent platforms: Campers highlight the level spots for setting up tents. "The nicest, most level tent site you'll ever find. So easy to set up, and no worries whatsoever about roots or rocks," reports one visitor about the sites at Sam Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground — Minnewaska State Park Preserve.
Riverside camping: The Peekamoose Valley offers proximity to running water. "There are three campgrounds (upper, middle, and lower field) and a trailer field for a total of 24 campsites. They're heavily wooded areas by a river," notes one camper. The constant sound of Rondout Creek provides natural white noise for sleeping.
What you should know
Bear activity: Black bears are common throughout the region. At Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed, "Normal LNT rules apply" including proper food storage. One camper notes, "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."
Tick prevention: Ticks are prevalent in wooded areas, particularly in spring and summer. "Peekamoose should be renamed Tic-a-Moose," warns one camper. Long pants, closed shoes, and regular tick checks are essential.
Water sources: Many primitive sites lack potable water. At Echo Lake, campers report, "The spring water source is a short hike back from the campsite, relatively convenient to restock from camp." Water treatment is necessary for natural sources.
Tips for camping with families
Campground quietness: Some locations enforce early quiet hours. At Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground, "Most go to sleep relatively early with a full day of climbing ahead of them." The communal atmosphere works well for families seeking structured evening routines.
Short hikes with rewards: Minnewaska State Park offers family-friendly hiking. "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," recommends one visitor.
Pack-in requirements: At Creek View Campground, families should be prepared for minimal amenities. "If you are a tent camper who gets excited about an electrical outlet sticking up out of the ground here and there, the possible chance of a picnic table, fire ring, the existence of running water, a toilet, and consider a shower room a bonus, this is the campground for you."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Few campgrounds near Hyde Park accommodate large RVs. For tent camping with vehicle access, Peekamoose Valley offers some trailer spaces. "It's actually a set of 4 campgrounds, the lower field, the middle field, the upper field, and the trailer field. All of the sites are walk in except for the trailer field."
Road considerations: Some campgrounds sit close to roads with highway speed limits. One camper notes, "Campsites are pretty close to a road. It's not particularly busy, but the speed limit is 55 so you do get some pretty decent whooshing sounds while you're trying to sleep."
Electrical needs: Only select campgrounds offer electrical hookups. Those requiring electricity should target established campgrounds rather than dispersed options, as most primitive sites in the area are tent-only with no amenities.
