Glamping opportunities near Kerhonkson, New York are nestled within the eastern Catskill foothills at elevations between 600-800 feet. This region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping months. Winter conditions can limit accessibility to certain glamping sites, with many facilities closing from late November through early April when temperatures frequently drop below freezing.
What to do
Hiking accessible trails: Multiple trails around Alder Lake accommodate various skill levels, with the lake perimeter trail offering an easier option. "The hike around the lake is a lovely, easy walk. The hike trail that connects to the far end of the lake is 6+ miles and while there were no real views, it was lovely," notes one visitor who appreciated the varied terrain.
River activities: Fishing and wading opportunities exist at Oakland Valley Campground where sites border the water. "They loved to fish and play in the river, explore the woods and ride bikes around. Quiet, family friendly and close to home," explains a camper who visited with children during spring.
Kid-specific attractions: Organized activities run throughout the season at Jellystone Park Gardiner, with weekends featuring special events. "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," shares a parent who found entertainment options suitable for pre-teens.
What campers like
Riverside camping spots: Sites adjacent to moving water create peaceful settings 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 a Memorial Day weekend visitor who valued the waterfront positioning.
Family-friendly atmosphere: Skyway Camping Resort maintains clean facilities with organized activities for children. "Very nice and clean. This is a good family campground for kids. It large with nice size sites," notes a summer visitor who appreciated the spacious layout and pool access.
Privacy between sites: Osa Trail offers more secluded glamping options with greater separation between camping units. "We had a great time staying here. It's a very beautiful campsite. There's lots of great hiking and activities in the area," explains a family who valued both on-site tranquility and nearby recreation options.
What you should know
Bathroom facilities vary significantly: Quality and availability of restrooms differs between properties. At Jellystone Park Gardiner, one camper noted: "Very few for the number of sites and people it covers. They need to add more bathrooms. They rarely cleaned the bathroom in all the 6 days that I stayed."
Noise levels fluctuate: Some properties experience higher noise volumes, particularly on weekends. "My partner and I hit this campground up during the era of Covid and it was a cool place to stay. The location was on POINT!! Definitely a beautiful place to stroll along and enjoy the wilderness. The downside though was how loud it got at night with parties and music," explains an Oakland Valley visitor.
Site quality varies by section: Thousand Trails Rondout Valley offers different camping experiences depending on location within the property. "This is what I want for a Catskill campground. It is not a concrete pad haven and yes, there is mud. Our site was even and easy to level on," reports a camper who appreciated the traditional camping feel.
Tips for camping with families
Book early for premium sites: Secure waterfront or activity-adjacent locations months in advance. "We got a red carpet site by the Gaga pit and near the water park (Cindy bear lane) and it was a convenient yet noisy site. Kids were at the playground 8 am or before and the noise woke us up," shares a Jellystone visitor highlighting the trade-off between convenience and quiet.
Consider campground layout: Choose sites based on proximity to facilities or natural features. "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," explains an Oakland Valley guest who appreciated the organized layout.
Pack for variable weather: Temperature fluctuations require layered clothing options even in summer months. "Beautiful hiking and camping area. Loved our first experience here... will visit again!" notes an Alder Lake visitor who enjoyed outdoor activities despite changing conditions.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many properties require additional effort to position RVs comfortably. "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 an Oakland Valley Campground visitor who encountered positioning difficulties.
Access road conditions: Final approach roads may present challenges for larger vehicles. "It's a single camper site at the top of the hill left before the trailhead parking. Was not the easiest for my RV van to get up the hill with the ruts, but I have a small lift so it helps, lower clearance vans might not make it," explains an Alder Lake visitor who managed difficult terrain.
Golf cart rental considerations: Supplemental transportation options may not meet expectations. At Jellystone Park, one visitor observed: "Love it here but renting a golf cart is prob not the best option $175 for 2 days and it only goes 5mph I can walk faster than that."
