Best Campgrounds near Lake Katrine, NY

The Catskill region surrounding Lake Katrine, New York provides multiple developed campgrounds for outdoor enthusiasts seeking varied camping experiences. Several established facilities like North-South Lake Campground and Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds offer tent and RV sites with essential amenities. Campers can choose from a range of accommodation options including standard tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals at locations such as Mills Norrie State Park Campground and Interlake RV Park. Most campgrounds in this region maintain operational seasons typically running from May through October, with the majority closing by mid-October before colder weather arrives.

The camping season in the Catskills generally runs from late spring through early fall, with most facilities open from mid-May to early or mid-October. Road access to campgrounds is generally well-maintained, though some areas have narrow roads that may challenge larger recreational vehicles. Many reviews mention tight navigation for big rigs, particularly at certain campgrounds like Rip Van Winkle. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekend stays during peak summer months when campgrounds frequently reach capacity. Most developed campgrounds provide hookups, showers, and restroom facilities, though amenities vary considerably between locations. A camper noted, "We have a large 5th wheel RV, and we were within 2 inches or less of trees on 4 or 5 instances getting in and out of our site, and I had to drive off of the road on several occasions to make it through."

Campground reviews highlight the natural settings and recreational opportunities throughout the region. The eastern Catskills provide scenic backdrops for many camping areas, with opportunities for hiking, fishing, and water activities. Several campgrounds feature waterfront locations or proximity to lakes and rivers, adding to their appeal. Family-friendly facilities are common, with many reviews mentioning playgrounds, pools, and organized activities for children. A visitor remarked that Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds has "perfectly spaced large sites" and is "centrally located to many things to do." However, experiences vary considerably between campgrounds, with some reviews mentioning aging facilities or maintenance issues at certain locations. Most reviewers appreciate the wooded, private sites available at campgrounds throughout the region, particularly those offering a balance of natural setting with convenient amenities.

Best Camping Sites Near Lake Katrine, New York (166)

    1. North-South Lake Campground

    43 Reviews
    Palenville, NY
    15 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
    12 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. Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds

    16 Reviews
    Saugerties, NY
    7 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."

    4. Mills Norrie State Park Campground

    16 Reviews
    Staatsburg, NY
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 889-4646

    $17 - $102 / night

    "There are great hiking trails on the Hudson River right outside your campsite. Amenities are the great outdoors and an ancient bath house built during the New Deal in the 1930's."

    "Firewood wasn’t available at the camp, had to drive about a mile to grab some. Close to town so easy to grab needed items."

    5. Woodland Valley Campground — DEC

    29 Reviews
    Phoenicia, NY
    20 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. "

    6. Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground

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

    $17 - $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."

    7. Jellystone Park Gardiner

    32 Reviews
    Gardiner, NY
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 255-5193

    "With a new check in area, Gardiner has really stepped up. They expanded the pool area to include another pool plus splash area and water slides."

    "We got a red carpet site by the Gaga pit and near the water park (Cindy bear lane) and it was a convenient yet noisy site. Kids were at the playground 8 am or before and the noise woke us up."

    8. Interlake RV Park & Campground

    5 Reviews
    Rhinebeck, NY
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 584-3729

    $46 - $60 / night

    "Close to FDR home and library...a must to see. Quaint towns nearby."

    "With that you get free wi-fi, a heated pool, a lake for fishing and boating, a game room and snack bar, movies, other sports, and the security of a gated entrance."

    9. 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."

    10. Devil's Tombstone Campground

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

    $16 / night

    "this is close by to many catskill hiking trails"

    "It was close to trails and town"

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Recent Reviews near Lake Katrine, NY

644 Reviews of 166 Lake Katrine Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • 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.

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Point Folly Campground

    Great

    I’ve been coming here for decades. Little store has what you need if you can find the shop keeper. Great access to bantam lake. You can leave you canoes/kayaks tied up in the water. Great fishing. Love it overall. The only issue I have is the pit toilets are brutal. If you are tent camping, beware!

  • Christine S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Cozy Hills Campground

    Quiet and clean

    So far it's been pretty quiet but we are here at the beginning of October on a Monday. Nice area.


Guide to Lake Katrine

Camping near Lake Katrine, New York, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking an RV, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

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 have noted that the nearby Beaverkill stream is great for fly fishing, with one saying, "Close to the Beaverkill and lots of great fly fishing" at Little Pond - DEC.
  • Swimming: Many campgrounds have access to lakes or ponds for swimming. A visitor at Taconic State Park shared, "The swimming there felt really clean and I loved the dock."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. 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!!"
  • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have friendly staff who are eager to help. A camper at Mt. Greylock Campsite Park mentioned, "Pat and Gordon are incredibly welcoming hosts."
  • Privacy: Campers enjoy sites that offer some space from neighbors. A visitor at Clarence Fahnestock State Park noted, "Each of the campsites in our loop has a lot of foliage around it, creating privacy."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. One camper at Little Pond - DEC remarked, "No Verizon service and Starlink was spotty."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife, especially bears. A reviewer at North-South Lake Campground shared, "There are bears that visit the campground."
  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Beaver Pond Campground expressed frustration with loud music, saying, "It sounded like a rave throughout the night."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose the Right Campground: Look for family-friendly campgrounds with activities for kids. One parent at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner said, "This place is so much fun. My whole family loved the activities."
  • Plan for Quiet Hours: Be mindful of noise, especially if you have young kids. A camper at High Point State Park mentioned, "They are strict about noise and such."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can keep kids happy. A reviewer at Woodland Valley Campground noted, "There’s a lot of bear activity here, so constantly cleaning up your food is very important."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Clarence Fahnestock State Park advised, "Careful which site you choose."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Hookups: Some campgrounds don’t have electric hookups. A visitor at Beaver Pond Campground noted, "No electric hookups."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Stock up on essentials before arriving, as some campgrounds lack markets. A camper at Woodland Valley Campground mentioned, "No firewood for sale."

Camping near Lake Katrine, New York, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. From hiking and fishing to family-friendly activities, there’s something for every outdoor enthusiast.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Lake Katrine, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, Lake Katrine, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 166 campgrounds and RV parks near Lake Katrine, NY and 13 free dispersed camping spots.

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

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

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

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