Kingston, New York camping options sit in the Hudson Valley region at elevations ranging from 200 to 3,000 feet above sea level. Weather patterns vary significantly between seasons with summer highs averaging 85°F and winter lows dipping below freezing. Tent sites, RV hookups, and yurt camping near Kingston provide access to both the Catskill Mountains and the Hudson River corridor.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Taconic State Park connects directly to hiking trails leading to Bash Bish Falls. "There are plenty of hiking trails nearby and of course, trails to Bash Bish Falls which is beautiful. It was low the first time we visited and we were able to make it to the top of the falls to go swimming and the views were incredible," notes a Copake Falls Area camper.
Water activities: Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist throughout the region, with lifeguarded areas at some parks. A Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground visitor reports, "The lake is gorgeous and there are plenty of nearby hikes for exploring. Wish I would have brought my fishing pole."
Wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds have natural areas where guests can observe local fauna. At Rondout Valley, "The creek that runs by the campground is gorgeous, and my kids had fun finding Crayfish. The nearby towns are adorable and offer shopping, hiking, farms, and more."
What campers like
Platform tent sites: Some campgrounds offer wooden platforms that elevate tents off the ground. According to a camper, "The platforms kept us off the ground and were helpful in setting up appropriate tarp protection! The lake is gorgeous and there are plenty of nearby hikes for exploring."
Swimming facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain dedicated swimming areas with various features. A visitor to Jellystone Park Gardiner commented, "Nice pool that is shallow so you can relax and let the little ones go in the water park section alone or they have a 3 ft pool also. My older kids preferred a deeper pool but they still had a great time."
Modern bathroom facilities: Many locations feature updated restrooms and shower houses. One Treetopia Campground guest remarked, "The bathrooms and showers are out of this world! Best of any campground we've ever visited!"
What you should know
Site terrain varies: Some tent sites can be challenging to set up on. At Blue Mountain Campground, "The tent sites are very rocky and uneven, it was very hard to pitch a tent. When it rains there's a horrible smell across the campground."
Weekend crowds: State parks near Kingston can get busy during peak season. One camper advises, "This was a truly great campground, but its proximity to NYC draws large crowds on weekends."
Bathroom availability: At larger campgrounds, bathroom facilities might be limited. A camper noted, "They need to add more bathrooms. They rarely cleaned the bathroom in all the 6 days that I stayed. The showers didn't have enough water pressure."
Tips for camping with families
Activity schedules: Check for planned events when booking. A camper at Jellystone Park mentions, "This campground is great for kids. It has an event just about every weekend with kid activity."
Swimming options for different ages: Pools and lakes often have areas designed for various age groups. "The lake is gorgeous and there are plenty of nearby hikes for exploring. Wish I would have brought my fishing pole."
Yurt camping for families: For those seeking Kingston, New York yurt accommodations, Brookside Campground offers family-friendly facilities. "Quaint little campground, nice pool, large activities field, some things for kids to do. Small farm right next to our site, goats, cow chickens, ducks, geese."
Tips from RVers
Parking surface conditions: Some sites have uneven terrain that may require additional leveling. At Thousand Trails Rondout Valley, a camper noted, "Our site was even and easy to level on. Lots of locals and summer residents."
Hookup locations: Check site maps for utility access points. "Full hookups, tents and cabins to rent. Plenty to do in and around campground. Grounds has a pool, concession stand, game room, playgrounds, sports field and more."
RV-specific amenities: Some campgrounds offer specialized RV services. "If you have an RV, they have 30/50 amp with electric and water. There is no sewer, but they have a dump-station and on-site Honeywagon truck that you can schedule."
