Best Tent Camping near Kingston, NY
Tent camping options surrounding Kingston, New York range from established campgrounds to secluded backcountry sites in the nearby Catskill Mountains. Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground offers dedicated tent campsites with level tent pads and nearby access to the Mohonk Preserve's extensive trail system. Echo Lake provides primitive tent camping in a more remote setting, while Creek View Campground serves as a basic option for rock climbers seeking proximity to the Gunks climbing areas.
Tent sites at established campgrounds typically include picnic tables and flat, designated tent pads. Most walk-in tent locations require carrying gear a short distance from parking areas, with Samuel Pryor campground offering both drive-up and walk-in tent sites. Bear activity is common in the region, particularly at Echo Lake and Giant Ledge, where campers should use provided bear lockers or bring bear canisters. During peak climbing seasons in spring and fall, tent campgrounds near the Gunks fill quickly, with weekends requiring advance reservations. The Peekamoose Valley offers free tent camping but requires adherence to strict leave-no-trace principles.
Giant Ledge Primitive Camp provides backcountry tent sites accessible only by hiking uphill approximately one mile from the trailhead. The terrain at many walk-in tent sites involves navigating rocky, sometimes steep trails before reaching suitable camping areas. Tent campers at Echo Lake can choose from sites scattered around the shoreline, with one camper noting that "the sites are relatively flat and well shaded with trees" though it "can get a little crowded later in the day." For those seeking tent camping with more amenities, Samuel Pryor campground offers a communal fire pit, running water, and bathroom facilities, though individual tent sites do not have fire rings—an important consideration when planning meals and evening activities.
