Kattskill Bay is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Kattskill Bay is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near Kattskill Bay, NY. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.
"After a short hike up steep crane mountain we watched the beautiful sun set. One of the nicest places I’ve camped at."
"Please note Crane Pond Road from the lower parking lot to the pond itself is NOT maintained and often gets very muddy. 4WD is required, if you go back there without it your day is gonna suck."
"The directions in the app are accurate -but do keep in mind that the campsite is down a dirt road which is well hidden from the main road if you aren’t paying close attention."
"But don't worry there is primitive camping starting about a mile down fire road 10... You don't even have to go to fire road 30."
"Great location for a small group to camp at. Can't wait to go back. The main area is a walk in and is worth it. The road into here was easy to drive. "
"great private spot when nothing else is around. The drive in is a little rough, but doable for most vehicles. The only thing you will find here is a fire ring."
"This trailhead provides access to bicycle-friendly nature trails. I explored both directions on my bike, riding approximately half a mile down each side."
TravelerDecent site right off of the “main” road. “Main” because it was quiet. Easy to access via a short dirt road, but also easy to miss. We only saw sites 3 and 6 marked and took #6. There was a fire ring and access to the river down a semi-steep bank. Beautiful to listen to at night. Site was big enough to pull our mid-size SUV down and unfold rooftop-tent, but we did have to back out in the morning; not enough room to turn around. Felt private despite the road.
GuideThis trailhead provides access to bicycle-friendly nature trails. I explored both directions on my bike, riding approximately half a mile down each side. The terrain eventually transitions into a low-lying, swampy area, likely due to recent rainfall over the past week.
About 500 feet down the right-hand trail, there is a smaller path branching off to the left. This leads to a previously used campsite, approximately 200 feet from the main trail. The site includes a stone fire ring, indicating prior use.
Given that camping is permitted anywhere in the woods as long as it’s at least 150 feet off the trail, the surrounding area offers an abundance of potential camping spots.
TravelerHighly Reccomend! The directions in the app are accurate -but do keep in mind that the campsite is down a dirt road which is well hidden from the main road if you aren’t paying close attention. There is no service at all.
This site is campsite 6 and very private (I believe there must be others located close by). The site has it’s own private road. A car is not reccomended. Possible to turn around but you definitley need a smaller suv. There is a firepit at the site and plenty of space for multiple tents, ground may look flat but when sleeping-definitely is not. Plenty of trees for hammocks etc. You can hear cars from the site but the cars can’t see you-loved this! The sound of the cars from the main highway is something I got used to quick. The site is mostly shaded-the sun shines through a bit but not much.
There is a river down the hill from the campsite which helps keep it fairly cool at night. The bugs were terrible.
ScoutThere seems to be a little confusion about where restricted day use ends and overnight dispersed sites begin. Some folks were camping in the picnic area. Past the gate at the end of the Texas Falls recreation area we found several sites with only a fire pit along the brook. They were well used with some litter. We packed out what we could find. There are posted signs on the opposite bank so we stayed on our side. Brook water filtered fine and was tasty. Relatively short walk to waterless toilets was welcome. Very pretty area.
LegendEvery time I've driven up Bingo to find a spot I end up leaving the area and going somewhere else. The sites are small and close to the road. Being primitive sites there are no facilities. You will find fire rings at each site though.
LegendI've looked at this spot a few times and it is normally way to wet to camp at, but this time it was frozen. This is a nice clearing near the river where the road used to cross.
The access into this location is a little rough but most cars should make it, I would prefer having a little more clearance though just to be sure.
Being a primitive site there is only a fire ring here.
ScoutPlease note Crane Pond Road from the lower parking lot to the pond itself is NOT maintained and often gets very muddy. 4WD is required, if you go back there without it your day is gonna suck. From experience - if your vehicle isn't lifted you may come out with a ding or two from rocks and other things jutting out of the ground. Not fit for an RV in any capacity. The parking lot at the end of Crane Pond Road is relatively small but can fit at least 6 vehicles. There is an outhouse near that lot and a foot bridge off to the right, leading to Pharaoh Mtn Trail.
If you're staying to camp there are (9) sites only accessible by boat (I haven't found a map that numbers/letters them), except the one right by the parking lot. There is a trail leading to that one. My family and I have never used the other sites so I can only attest to the one which is freaking GREAT. There is a stone cliff near it that goes down about 12(?) feet and is great for fishing or jumping off of. There is also a stone area right by the water if you want to fish or just sunbathe. Stone fireplace on site. The view right there is beautiful and at night you can hear the loons (visible during the day as well).
GuideEasy access to an open circle, capable of handling multiple rigs for a large gathering. Stone fire ring in the center. We had this all to ourselves in our Bean teardrop.
Good hiking access to Stratton Pond, to Branch Pond, to Grout Pond Recreation Area, to the AT/LT.
Pretty quiet during our stay, plenty of dispersed sites along 71 further south.
Only reason for 4 stars is the lack of any long distance views from the site itself.
2 bars of USCellular LTE
GuidePeacefully placed along the bends of the river is a large open grassy area with a sizable fire pit! The left side of the drive in is swampy so be sure to not drift to that side. The beginning of the little driveway is quite rough with some bigger rocks we have substantial ground clearance so no issues there but smaller ground clearances may feel a bump or two! Live by the motto leave nicer than you found it so we all can continue to enjoy the beauty!
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Kattskill Bay, New York, where nature lovers can immerse themselves in serene landscapes and enjoy a true outdoor experience. With a variety of options available, campers can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Kattskill Bay, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Kattskill Bay, NY is Crane Mountain Pond Campsite with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Kattskill Bay, NY?
TheDyrt.com has all 26 dispersed camping locations near Kattskill Bay, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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