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Best Campgrounds near Lake Hill, NY

608 Reviews

The Catskill region surrounding Lake Hill, New York features a mix of established campgrounds and primitive camping options within the forested mountain landscape. Catskill/Kenneth L Wilson Campground provides spacious, wooded sites for tent and RV camping, with several reviewers noting its private, shaded settings. North-South Lake Campground and Devil's Tombstone Campground offer additional developed options with amenities like picnic tables, fire pits, and seasonal access. For those seeking more rustic experiences, Echo Lake offers free dispersed camping with primitive tent sites accessible by hiking trails.

Camping is generally available from mid-May through early October, with most established campgrounds closing by late October. Many sites require reservations, particularly during summer weekends and fall foliage season. The terrain varies from accessible drive-in spots to more remote hike-in locations requiring preparation. Bears are active throughout the region, and proper food storage is essential. Most campgrounds have specific protocols and regulations regarding wildlife. Cell service is limited or nonexistent in many camping areas. A camper noted, "There was no cell service in the campground," highlighting the remote nature of these locations despite their proximity to towns like Woodstock.

Several visitors highlight the natural features that make camping in this region distinctive. The wooded settings provide privacy and shade at most sites, with many campers appreciating the spacious layouts. Echo Lake offers scenic water views with tent sites surrounding the lake, though one reviewer advised, "It can get swampy near the edge of the lake so you may want to bring bug spray." The area's mixed-use campgrounds balance access to amenities with natural settings. Kenneth L Wilson Campground receives consistently positive reviews for its cleanliness and well-maintained facilities, with multiple reviewers mentioning its proximity to hiking trails and the nearby towns of Woodstock and Phoenicia. Primitive camping options like Giant Ledge provide more solitary experiences for those willing to hike in with their gear.

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Best Camping Sites Near Lake Hill, New York (164)

    1. North-South Lake Campground

    43 Reviews
    Palenville, NY
    12 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."

    2. Catskill/Kenneth L Wilson Campground

    23 Reviews
    Shokan, NY
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 679-7020

    $22 / night

    "This campground is nestled in the Catskills, New York, with easy access to New Jersey and Connecticut."

    "Access to fresh water spouts and clean bathrooms were just a walk away from most sites, theres a beautiful pond on site and beautiful views of the Catskills, Woodstock is a 15 min drive if you’re looking"

    3. Woodland Valley Campground — DEC

    29 Reviews
    Phoenicia, NY
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 688-7647

    $20 / night

    "water to play in right behind tent. I do prefer fire pits over the brick stove. this had the stove. more advanced hiking in walking distance. no cell service. my gps on phone was able to track though."

    "Close to Woodstock, NY, many trails and other attractions. You need to plan for it, there's a lot to explore; some trails are challenging. "

    4. Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds

    16 Reviews
    Saugerties, NY
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 246-8334

    "You’ve got fishing either in 2 private lakes or you can fish in the river but to do the river you’ll need a New York State fishing license."

    "I was a little skeptical that we wouldn’t get to choose our site, but you can’t go wrong, they are all wooded, private and well situated. The campground is centrally located you many things to do."

    5. Devil's Tombstone Campground

    10 Reviews
    Elka Park, NY
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 688-7160

    $16 / night

    "this is close by to many catskill hiking trails"

    "It was close to trails and town"

    6. Phoenicia Black Bear Campground

    4 Reviews
    Phoenicia, NY
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 688-7405

    $35 - $65 / night

    "Right outside downtown Phoenicia the black bear campground is perfectly situated for a multitude of activities. They offer creek front and wooded campsites."

    "2 minutes walk to town"

    7. Giant Ledge Primitive Camp

    6 Reviews
    Big Indian, NY
    11 miles

    "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. It has rock benches and a fire pit. Primitive."

    "However the descriptions of this place in reviews here and elsewhere provided very little info and once I got out to the trail realized how different it was to what I expected."

    8. Blue Mountain Reservation

    4 Reviews
    Palenville, NY
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (914) 862-5275

    "I went here with my friend and we were using it as our base camp as we went out in trails in the eastern Catskills notably the Devils Path, echo lake, etc."

    "Nice little campground with lake sites. The Northville Placed Trail comes out in this campground. The showers were clean and plenty of pressure."

    9. Allaben Campground

    3 Reviews
    Shandaken, NY
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 256-3076

    "A great free spot for dispersed camping tucked right off the road. Had a fire pit and picnic table"

    "Short walk to all campsites."

    10. Echo Lake

    2 Reviews
    Woodstock, NY
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 652-7365

    "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.  The sites are relatively flat and well shaded with trees. "

    "Lake is surrounded by hills and there is a small lean two with a few campfire spots."

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Recent Camping Photos near Lake Hill, NY

1177 Photos of 164 Lake Hill Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Lake Hill, NY

608 Reviews of 164 Lake Hill Campgrounds

  • Sue B.
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Ten Mile River Shelter — Appalachian National Scenic Trail

    Not a public campground!

    Ten Mile River Shelter and campsite is not a public campground. Sure, anyone can camp there, but it is designated for folks hiking the A.T., whether thru-hikers, section hikers, or whatever. While there are no rules about who can camp there, during thru-hiking season, consideration should be made for folks who rely on places like this during a long distance hike. It is at least a mile if not a mile and a half from approved parking (on the side of the road off the A.T.) to camp, either from the A.T. or a combo of the A.T. and a blue blaze trail (which is easier, imo). There are also no fires allowed on the CT A.T.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Osa Trail

    Gorgeous Views

    Had a great time here with my wife and 2 little kids and our dog.  One of the most beautiful sunrises we've ever seen!  Very secluded, though Alex is right down the driveway so didn't feel like the middle of nowhere.

  • 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. 10, 2025

    New York City North-Newburgh KOA

    Good amenities and fun experience!

    Campsites Great campsites, wooded and cozy, though a little tight for longer rigs as our neighbors found out when they ran over a wooden post backing in. But spaced apart nicely with lots of vegetation between. Nice and level. Amenities Bathrooms are older and need of some repair but let me tell you I was very happy to see a normal shower head with real hot water! So no complaints here. Laundry facilities were clean and open 24/7 with reasonable prices 2.50/2.00 washer/dryer. And the dryers actually worked. Small dog park, communal spaces, and a camp store all made the place feel like a little village. They even have a wine store- cab sav was good. WiFi I work remotely and WiFi is always an issue. We have Starlink but in a wooded campsite, connecting is an issue but luckily their WiFi was great. Had no issues and could stream just fine. Halloween! We visited mid October and folks had sites decorated and the KOA has trick or treating and other activities every weekend in Oct. we were SO bummed to be leaving on a Friday and miss the festivities because it looked really fun. Would definitely go back. Also, staff was super nice.

  • A
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Russell Brook Campsites

    Clean, Friendly, and Right on the Water

    Loved this place! It's clean and well-maintained - even the restrooms. Every site is well-equipped with its own water, electricity, fire pit, and picnic table. The best part is the waterfront sites. We were right next to a small brook, and falling asleep to the sound of the water behind our tent was amazing. Everyone we met was super friendly. We will definitely be back!

  • 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.

Guide to Lake Hill

Camping near Lake Hill, New York, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor fun. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: The area is known for its scenic trails. Many campers enjoy the nearby hiking options, with one reviewer mentioning, "The Catskills are very scenic & we enjoyed our time there!" at North-South Lake Campground.
  • Fishing: If you love fishing, you’re in luck! Campers at Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds appreciate the two private lakes and the river, saying, "You’ve got fishing either in 2 private lakes or you can fish in the river."
  • Swimming: Many campgrounds have swimming areas. A visitor at Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground noted, "The lake is quite nice and the swimming area is well-protected."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers often mention the cleanliness of the campgrounds. One reviewer at Kenneth L Wilson Campground said, "The bathrooms were very clean and new and the showers were free and temperature controlled to perfectly warm!!"
  • Privacy: Many sites offer a good amount of space between them. A camper at Woodland Valley Campground shared, "Each of the campsites in our loop has a lot of foliage around it, creating privacy between you and the site next to you."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers appreciate helpful staff. A visitor at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner mentioned, "The staff were friendly and helpful."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A reviewer at Little Pond - DEC noted, "No Verizon service and Starlink was spotty."
  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially on weekends. A camper at Taconic State Park mentioned, "There is a lot of noise, a lot of people, and not much enforcement of the rules."
  • Close Campsites: Some sites are quite close together. A visitor at Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground said, "All of the campsites are jammed into one quadrant, with very little distance between each."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and organized activities. A parent at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner said, "This place is so much fun. My whole family loved the activities."
  • Choose Weekdays: If you want a quieter experience, consider camping during the week. A visitor at Woodland Valley Campground noted, "It was really peaceful when we visited in the middle of the week."
  • Pack for Rain: Be prepared for changing weather. A camper at North-South Lake Campground mentioned, "Unfortunately, Debbie was socking New York hard," highlighting the need for rain gear.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds said, "We have a large 5th wheel RV, and we were assured that it would fit. It did—technically."
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need amenities, choose campgrounds with full hookups. A camper at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner appreciated the "full hookups with 50-amp electrical service."
  • Be Ready for Tight Spaces: Some campgrounds have narrow roads. A visitor at Taconic State Park mentioned, "Sites are a little close together for my liking."

Camping near Lake Hill, New York, has something for everyone. Whether you’re a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking adventure, you’ll find a spot that fits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Lake Hill, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, Lake Hill, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 164 campgrounds and RV parks near Lake Hill, NY and 13 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Lake Hill, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lake Hill, NY is North-South Lake Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 43 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Lake Hill, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 free dispersed camping spots near Lake Hill, NY.

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