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.

Best Camping Sites Near Kinderhook, New York (171)

    1. Schodack Island State Park Campground

    17 Reviews
    Coeymans, NY
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 732-0187

    $21 - $30 / night

    "The park ensures you’ll have what you need with stores within close proximity and the staff even offers ice and firewood delivery to your site."

    "Wonderful hikes and beautiful walks. Boat docks looked pretty easy for ins and outs, and the pavilions were huge!"

    2. North-South Lake Campground

    43 Reviews
    Palenville, NY
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 589-5058

    $22 - $44 / night

    "Our first campground was in New York Aug 8th. Unfortunately, Debbie was socking New York hard. North South Lake Campground in the Catskills was our camping home."

    "Had a great time at this campground- surrounded by many returning campers which gave the whole experience a good community vibe. Ice cream truck comes around each evening in the summer."

    3. Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park

    20 Reviews
    Copake Falls, NY
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 329-3993

    $21 - $175 / night

    "I'm use to the rough and tough it of backpacking the AT Trail so this place had quite a few amenities I am not use to! Haha."

    "It wasn't too busy when we went- we got there on a Friday night around 6pm and were able to get a spot. There are also some fun activities within the campground, and things nearby."

    4. Spacious Skies Woodland Hills

    7 Reviews
    West Stockbridge, MA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 392-3557

    $29 - $999 / night

    "My first visit to New York state was amazing, largely in part due to my campsite at the Woodland Hills campground."

    "The staff was helpful, the site was pretty and there are so many places to hike and the best of the Berkshires so close by."

    5. Foothills

    2 Reviews
    West Coxsackie, NY
    7 miles

    6. Abracadabra magic farm

    1 Review
    New Baltimore, NY
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (917) 834-5331

    $100 - $200 / night

    7. Mt. Greylock Campsite Park

    30 Reviews
    Lanesborough, MA
    26 miles
    +1 (413) 447-9419

    $40 - $70 / night

    "Great access to Mt Greylock and LOTS of hiking close by. Staff was so accommodating-always willing to spend time giving recommendations."

    "Great family atmosphere w very positive neighbors and owners... Fantastic. 5 stars"

    8. Dingman's Family Campground

    3 Reviews
    Nassau, NY
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 766-2310

    "Great walking access to the river where you can launch your kayak/go tubbing or just go for a swim. Would return."

    "Absolutely loved this campground, sites are well spaced and the surrounding area is gorgeous! We had a tent site right on the river and couldn’t have been happier with our stay."

    9. Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground

    12 Reviews
    Ancramdale, NY
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 851-3631

    $21 - $195 / night

    "The campground has a lake with boat rentals. Late night, stargazing over the lake is a great pastime, because the water is calm and the light pollution is low."

    "We decided on Lake Taghkanic. Lake Taghkanic State Park was not a long drive from NYC, maybe 2 hours. The campsite was very clean and maintained."

    10. Camp Catskills

    1 Review
    Athens, NY
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 517-4632

    $275 - $395 / night

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Recent Reviews near Kinderhook, NY

667 Reviews of 171 Kinderhook Campgrounds


  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Sage's Revine

    Not highest recommended

    There was a bunch of signs that said no parking so we parked at the entrance to the trailhead. The area itself is beautiful but I believe it is more for tent camping versus cars, overlanding vehicles and RVs.

  • FThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Mills Norrie State Park Campground

    Great staff but back-to-back campsite

    We stayed a coupe of days in Oct. This is a beautiful site to camp out. The staffs are friendly and very attentive.
    Bathroom and water pressure was ok. But one shower location for 50 campsites. Three small showers units and three toilet.
    I never stayed a state campsite where the sites are so close each other. If you like a “normal” distance to your neighbors, I'd not recommend this place.

  • Chelsea B.
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Brookside Campground

    Not a recreational campsite

    Full disclosure, we did not stay here. PLEASE, folks that leave reviews on this app, PLEASE say whether it’s a full-timer campsite or a recreational campsite. We paid for two weeks in advance of arriving at this site based on reviews available on Google and Dyrt. However, when we arrived we were surprised that this was mostly a trailer park. Call me picky, but I really prefer not to camp in an area where folks are living full time. Just not the vibe I’m going for. We decided to leave without staying. We called to see if we could get a refund and they were very kind and it wasn’t a problem. But just be warned… this is not a recreational campsite.

  • Chelsea B.
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Whip O Will Campsites

    Not for recreational campers

    Full disclosure, we did not stay here. PLEASE, folks that leave reviews on this app, PLEASE say whether it’s a full-timer campsite or a recreational campsite. We arrived after leaving another campsite in the area (that was also 100% full timers) and were disappointed to find that this site was all permanent campers with crap everywhere. One site even had a funeral home sign hanging out front of an entire plywood addition to their camper…like what? Call me picky, but I don’t feel entirely comfortable camping for fun next to folks who live in the campground like this. After driving through the super narrow and rutted out roads to the site they recommend, a man came hauling a** into our site (with a beer in his hand) and was saying “hello hellooooo.” Said he was the owner of the campsite and asked if we were staying, we said we were thinking about it, just checking out the available sites (as the lady up front told us to do). TL;DR- bad vibes. Didn’t stay. Be warned this is a full time campsite with crap everywhere. The lady working the office was super nice though.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park

    Convenient pit stop

    This spot is easy to find and access, and had decent ATT service. There's only a few spots, and the road is narrow with not much turnaround room, I wouldn't recommend for trailers or RVs.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Mills Norrie State Park Campground

    Average

    We stayed one night in late September without a reservation. Bathhouse is old but was adequate with hot showers. We’re from out of state and paid about $23 for a tent site which was reasonable for the facilities.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Hide-A-Way Campsites

    Quaint and truly hid away

    Well maintained clean campground. Friendly attendants guided us to site and directed in spot. Gravel unlevel pad full hookups.

  • Lorraine H.
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Aqua Vista Valley Campgrounds

    2 month stay started July

    It's ok great water views stuff for kids to do every weekend it's the seasonal campers that make it not fun at times u have some very friendly then others that are noisy judging ,parting witch parting really ain't problem until ur not watching ur kids or being loud at times I give it a 7 out of 10

  • M
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Aqua Vista Valley Campgrounds

    kids always have a blast!

    We went for the Halloween event, and the kids had a great day and evening! They really enjoyed trick or treating!!!


Guide to Kinderhook

Camping areas near Kinderhook, New York extend across both Rensselaer and Columbia counties, with elevations ranging from approximately 200 feet near the Hudson River to over 2,000 feet in the western Catskill regions. The camping season typically runs mid-May through mid-October, with average summer temperatures between 75-85°F during the day and 55-65°F overnight. Many campgrounds enforce seasonal closings due to harsh winter conditions that make maintaining water systems impractical.

What to do

Kayaking on the Hudson River: Schodack Island State Park Campground offers direct access to the Hudson River with dedicated boat launches. "The day use and boat ramp on the Hudson River was amazing. We saw many larger boats (maybe small yachts?) during the day. The view from the boat ramp area was incredible," notes Kevin C.

Hiking and wildlife observation: Bird watching enthusiasts find excellent opportunities at Schodack Island State Park. A visitor shared, "Best part was hiking out to a couple of different blinds to look for birds. Did see a juvenile eagle. Not time to fully explore."

Swimming in natural settings: Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground provides clean swimming areas with beach access. According to one camper: "The lake is beautiful and clean. Expect to pay $15 fee to use your paddleboards/kayaks etc. Worth every penny."

Mountain hiking access: North-South Lake Campground serves as a base camp for exploring Catskill trails. "Located just about a mile from Kaaterskill Falls this campground couldn't be in a better spot. We had a wonderful weekend there," reports Brittany W.

What campers like

Spacious, private sites: Campers frequently mention site spacing as a key factor at Spacious Skies Woodland Hills. As one visitor explained: "My first visit to New York state was amazing, largely in part due to my campsite at the Woodland Hills campground... The pond has a fountain which sounds like a small waterfall at night, and wildflowers were in bloom."

Clean facilities: Bathrooms and shower buildings receive consistent positive reviews. At Schodack Island State Park, a reviewer noted: "The bathrooms are clean. The showers are large, but they do operate on a push system where you can't adjust the pressure, temp, or how long the water comes out, so just be aware of that."

Waterfront camping options: Several campgrounds offer sites with direct water views. At Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground, campers appreciate the lake access: "Late night, stargazing over the lake is a great pastime, because the water is calm and the light pollution is low."

Platform tent sites: Raised wooden platforms at certain campgrounds provide practical advantages. According to one camper at Lake Taghkanic: "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!"

What you should know

Rabies documentation requirements: Many state parks require documentation for pets. At Schodack Island, one camper warns: "Be sure to bring your dogs rabies records!! They don't let you in with just the tag, it has to be the paper records. They are very strict on rabies requirements."

Terrain challenges: Some campgrounds feature uneven terrain that might pose difficulties. At Mt. Greylock Campsite Park, a visitor observed: "The camp has a lot of hills and some are pretty steep. We always bring our bikes and love to bike through the campgrounds, but this one is not good for biking. Our little ones had trouble going down the hills because of the loose gravel."

Seasonal population differences: Weekday versus weekend experiences vary significantly. A camper at Mt. Greylock noted: "It was a very quiet campground during the week. However, when Friday came and the weekend campers arrived, it got loud and rowdy."

Shower systems: Bathroom facilities vary between campgrounds. One Schodack Island visitor mentioned: "Showers are large, but they do operate on a push system where you can't adjust the pressure, temp, or how long the water comes out, so just be aware of that."

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Several campgrounds include dedicated children's areas. A Schodack Island visitor reported: "There is a really awesome playground, boat dock, and lots of picnicking."

Recreational facilities: Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park provides diverse options for family activities. "This location was very accessible to the Bash Bish Falls trail and even had a few side trails to explore. This place is very good for easing on first timers and there were quite a few children."

Activities during inclement weather: Some parks offer indoor options when weather turns problematic. At Lake Taghkanic, a camper mentioned: "Clean facilities, with a rec room for rainy days. A camp store with all the supplies you might have forgotten."

Weekend planning considerations: Timing affects family camping experiences significantly. One visitor to Mt. Greylock shared: "It was a very quiet campground during the week. However, when Friday came and the weekend campers arrived, it got loud and rowdy. There was loud music playing and kids who invaded all the sites around them instead of using the big field meant for games."

Tips from RVers

Hookup availability: Most campgrounds offer varied levels of connections. At Dingman's Family Campground, RVers can expect: "Sites are well spaced and the surrounding area is gorgeous! We had a tent site right on the river and couldn't have been happier with our stay. Each site has a fire pit and a picnic table."

Site levelness: Terrain varies widely between campgrounds. A visitor to Spacious Skies Woodland Hills noted: "Although sites are squeezed in, it is a nice family campground. However the site I had was steep grade from steps to picnic table. Flat ground area for camper was very narrow. Tricky footing for older folks."

Water fill locations: Not all sites have direct water connections. At Schodack Island State Park, a camper mentioned: "Lots of water fill ups in the campground. Dump station on the way out."

Site privacy: RV sites vary in terms of seclusion and natural buffers. At Schodack Island, one visitor observed: "The sites are amongst the most spacious I've ever seen. RV sites offer 30/50 amp electricity. Service side of rig faced a nice small grassy area with pretty trees. Awning side faced rather ugly weeds/shrubs and was close to neighbor."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Kinderhook, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, Kinderhook, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 171 campgrounds and RV parks near Kinderhook, NY and 16 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Kinderhook, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Kinderhook, NY is Schodack Island State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 17 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Kinderhook, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 free dispersed camping spots near Kinderhook, NY.