The Catskill Mountains surrounding Kingston, New York offer tent camping options between 600 and 4,180 feet elevation, with most campgrounds positioned along creek valleys or near lakes. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-85°F with cooler nights at higher elevations. Bear activity increases from May through October when food storage requirements become strictly enforced across all camping areas.
What to do
Hiking near mountain lakes: At Echo Lake, campers can explore numerous trails around the water's edge. "There are tent sites around the whole lake with fire pits and 1 lean-to site at the end of the trail when you first arrive at the lake," notes Kate, who adds that "it can get swampy near the edge of the lake so you may want to bring bug spray."
Rock climbing access: The Gunks climbing area attracts climbers from around the world. "This is the closest legal camping option to the trapps/mohonk preserve," explains a camper about Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground, adding that "there are discounts for being a member of the aac or mohonk preserve."
Swimming holes exploration: The Blue Hole in Peekamoose Valley offers natural swimming spots. "The Blue Hole is amazing and it's quite beautiful to stay right on the creek," reports Guy M., though he cautions about ticks in the area, suggesting preventative measures during warmer months.
What campers like
Communal camping atmosphere: Samuel Pryor campground provides social spaces instead of isolated sites. "About half the sites are walk-in and half the sites are drive-up," with amenities including a "communal fire pit and supplied wood" plus a "covered communal pavilion with picnic tables, big sinks for washing dishes, and lighting."
Wilderness seclusion: Giant Ledge Primitive Camp offers backcountry campsites with spectacular views. "From the parking area of Giant Ledge/Panther Mountain this was a fairly decent and semi challenging hike," reports Tina D., who continues, "We opted for the one before the first ledge. You will see a yellow little circle sign on a tree with a tent on it, a short distance down that side trail there is the site."
Affordability: The Peekamoose Valley provides free camping options with basic amenities. "This is a cute little campground between the Peekamoose Road and Rondout Creek. It's actually a set of 4 campgrounds, the lower field, the middle field, the upper field, and the trailer field," explains a camper who appreciated that sites were "nice right by the river, and there is plenty of privacy between spots."
What you should know
Tent site features: Tent platforms vary widely between campgrounds. At Samuel Pryor campground, sites feature "the nicest, most level tent site you'll ever find. So easy to set up, and no worries whatsoever about roots or rocks," while primitive sites require more preparation.
Distance from parking: Many campsites require walking from parking areas. At Creek View Campground, sites are accessible from parking, but at Peekamoose "you have to walk 200+ feet from the parking lot to your campsite, so just be prepared to carry your stuff."
Bear precautions: Bear-proof storage is essential at most campsites. "Bring a bear bell and bear mace can to be safe. We did not see any but definite signs of them," advises a Giant Ledge camper. Other sites provide bear lockers, as noted by Emily M.: "There were bear lockers but I just cooked at the car in the parking lot."
Water availability: Not all campgrounds offer potable water. As Cameron notes about Peekamoose, "Good water access with the river," but this requires filtration, while Samuel Pryor campground provides running water and proper facilities.
Tips for camping with families
Flat terrain selection: Find sites with level ground for easier tent setup with kids. At Lake Minnewaska Picnic Area, "staff was nice and polite. But I thought the sites were on the smaller side and no fire is allowed," which may impact meal planning for families.
Trail difficulty assessment: Match hiking routes to children's abilities. For Giant Ledge, be prepared as "It is a near vertical hike the first mile with 90% or more being over rock gardens. Not some rocks littering the trail. I think the trail used to be a stream or creek."
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds have quiet hours while others experience road noise. A Samuel Pryor camper notes "Campsites are pretty close to a road. It's not particularly busy, but the speed limit is 55 so you do get some pretty decent whooshing sounds while you're trying to sleep."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most tent camping near Kingston offers few amenities for RVs. At Creek View, one camper describes it as "camping in this guy's back yard, so don't expect any feeling of being in nature. You are also right next to the road and will hear some traffic. Showers and bathroom are decent."
Trailer field availability: The Peekamoose Valley has limited trailer camping options. "All of the sites are walk in except for the trailer field, which I didn't look at," reports a visitor, indicating these areas remain separate from the tent camping experience.
