Best Campgrounds near Kinderhook, NY
Kinderhook, New York provides access to several established campgrounds within the surrounding region, including Schodack Island State Park and North-South Lake Campground. The area features a mix of camping options ranging from primitive tent sites to full-service RV campgrounds with hookups. Many campgrounds in the Catskill Mountains and along the Hudson River valley offer mixed-use facilities that accommodate both tent and RV camping. Copake Falls Area in Taconic State Park, located approximately 20 miles east of Kinderhook, provides cabin accommodations alongside traditional camping areas. Several private campgrounds like Spacious Skies Woodland Hills supplement the state park options with additional amenities.
Camping season in the Kinderhook region typically runs from May through October, with most state park campgrounds closing during winter months. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and holiday periods when campgrounds reach capacity. The terrain varies significantly across the region, with some campgrounds situated along waterways while others are nestled in forested mountain settings. Cell service can be limited or nonexistent in more remote camping areas, particularly in the Catskill Mountain region. Weather conditions change rapidly, especially at higher elevations where temperatures remain cooler even during summer months. A visitor noted, "North South Lake has no electricity. The sites are almost all beautiful, tucked in under shady trees. Not a good way to try out our solar panel! Some are by a stream. A few are by the lake."
Campers frequently mention the privacy and natural settings as highlights of camping in the region. State park campgrounds like North-South Lake receive positive reviews for their spacious sites and proximity to hiking trails. "The sites are spacious and private and there are lake side sites available too. Perfect for groups!" reported one camper about North-South Lake. Wildlife sightings, including black bears, are commonly reported in campground reviews, particularly in the Catskill Mountain areas. Noise levels vary significantly between campgrounds, with some visitors noting train noise at certain locations while others praise the quiet, secluded atmosphere of more remote sites. Most established campgrounds provide basic amenities including fire rings, picnic tables, and access to restroom facilities, though amenities vary widely between primitive and developed camping areas.
