Camping in the eastern Catskills near Lake Katrine offers access to diverse outdoor recreation across several elevation zones. Most campgrounds sit between 600-2,200 feet elevation, creating varied microclimates throughout the camping season. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing as early as mid-October, with summer highs typically reaching 75-85°F during peak camping months.
What to do
Hiking at Kaaterskill Falls: North-South Lake Campground provides easy access to this popular attraction. "Located just about a mile from Kaaterskill Falls this campground couldn't be in a better spot. We had a wonderful weekend there. The restrooms were clean and had showers, which we did not expect," notes Brittany W.
Swimming in mountain lakes: Many campers enjoy cooling off during summer months. "I go there almost every year to go swimming with my family and friends and it's always a good time," shares Lizz H. about North-South Lake Campground.
Creek relaxation: Multiple campgrounds feature water access for cooling off. At Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds, you'll find "Lover's Lane" with adults-only sites. "Super nice being right on the creek--we took our chairs and plopped down in the water," explains Kyla B.
Kayaking and fishing: Several campgrounds provide water access with boat rentals. "We happened to spend the weekend on a day with free canoe/kayak rentals which was great!" recalls Kyla B. about Kenneth L Wilson Campground.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Many Lake Katrine area campsites offer good separation. "Large and heavily wooded! Enjoyed our stay even on a busy weekend," explains Kyla B. about Catskill/Kenneth L Wilson Campground.
Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention well-maintained amenities. "The bathrooms were fine. They were clean but sometimes ran out of toilet paper," notes C R. at Kenneth L Wilson Campground.
Wildlife encounters: The forest setting brings opportunities for animal sightings. "It was the wildest weekend I ever had, I'm not being sarcastic. The hiking areas are great, the weather is perfect and the bear was very nice for a bear," shares Kane B.
Spacious camping areas: Many sites offer enough room for groups. "We LOVED our site (site 9). It was absolutely massive! The photo doesn't do it justice. It was set back very far from the main road and was an extremely large site!" writes C R.
What you should know
Strict day-use policies: Rules at some campgrounds prohibit using reserved sites for day visits. At North-South Lake, day-use visitors must use designated areas only.
Limited cell coverage: Many campgrounds have no cellular service. "There was no cell service in the campground," reports C R. about Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground.
Weekend crowds: Campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "Always packed, but always beautiful. Awesome access to the Catskill Escaprment trail from here," notes Maribeth W.
Tent site considerations: Some campgrounds have specific tent pad requirements. "Most of the sites are gravel so bring extra pad for the tent," advises Mayra D. about Devil's Tombstone Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with activities: Some locations offer extensive programming. At Jellystone Park Gardiner, "This campground has a lot of activities and has kids of all ages galore. I was worried my 12 year old would be too old for it but he enjoyed making friends there," shares Stephanie H.
Consider cabin options: Several campgrounds offer alternative accommodations. "We stayed in a cabin #1. Clean & had all the amenities but very dated & dark. Could use brighter light bulbs!! Beautiful & quiet. Enjoyed my stay," writes Lisa F. about Interlake RV Park & Campground.
Expect varying bathroom situations: Facilities differ significantly between campgrounds. "The showers were free and temperature controlled to perfectly warm!!" notes Melanie H. at Kenneth L Wilson Campground.
Pack for weather changes: Mountain elevation creates variable conditions. "We took a 3-day weekend tent camping at This site from July 24-26 2020, at site 58 on Loop C. It was almost completely full that weekend, with a bit of coming and going," reports Katherine P.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: Some campgrounds have tight turns or limited large spaces. "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," explains one RVer.
Hookup availability varies: Not all campgrounds offer full services. "Full connections. Pay showers and laundry onsite. Loved having gated security," notes C O. about Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds.
Consider seasonal stays: Some campgrounds accommodate longer-term visitors. "I stayed there for 3 weeks for work it was quite priced very reasonably for full hook up and about a half hour from stunning views," shares David P.
Reserve early for premium sites: The best RV spots book quickly. "For hiking in and around the Phoenicia area this place is the BEST! An easy commute to town, and yet secluded and wooded," notes Maribeth W. about Blue Mountain Reservation.
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