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 (165)

    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

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

    $21 - $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

    $21 - $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

638 Reviews of 165 Lake Katrine Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Mills Norrie State Park Campground

    Average

    We stayed one night in late September without a reservation. Bathhouse is old but was adequate with hot showers. We’re from out of state and paid about $23 for a tent site which was reasonable for the facilities.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Sylvan Lake Beach Park

    Great Beach Lake for summer swimming and Boating

    This is an old campground, but is quite quaint. Reminds me of lake camping that I grew up with. Hosts are very nice and helpful. This is more of a seasonal camping site. Do not follow your GPS directions. Get directions from the campground staff.

  • Mindie C.
    Sep. 27, 2025

    West Point FMWR Round Pond Outdoor Recreation Area

    West Point

    No frills but beautiful. Bath houses are absolutely spotless. Fire pits, electric and water hook ups only. Will return! Staff is friendly and helpful. Military families should check it out!

  • Tamar W.
    Sep. 22, 2025

    The Peekamoose Valley

    Not all sites open

    Despite current info posted online and even at the Lower Field site, not all sites are open. Only the Lower Field site is open. We walked down the hill, across the bridge, and looked at a few sites in each direction. It was walk-in only and about a 5-10 minute walk to the first site. The setting was nice, close to the creek, with a stone fire ring at each. You can see the folks in the next site but there’s quite a bit of privacy. There wasn’t much wood laying around to make a fire, so plan ahead. The ports potties are in the parking lot so it’s likely that you won’t make the trek up to them. Make sure you know the rules about how far away from the water you should pee and whatnot. I believe it’s on the info sign nearby. We have a roof top tent and we were stopping in the middle of a long drive so we just waited until dark and popped it in the parking lot and then left in the morning but I don’t think you’re supposed to do that. FYI they empty the dumpsters at 4am on Monday and then do the ports potties at 7am. Yay.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Skyway Camping Resort

    One night stoo

    Nice well maintained park, full hookups with cable and wifi. Office forgot to give us wifi info and had closed early. Very nice staff.

  • Nicole G.
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Tolland State Forest Campground

    Great Lakeside Campground

    This was only my second camping trip ever (and first tent camping) so grain of salt here - We had a great time at Tolland. The site was spacious and equipped with a bear box, fire ring, and picnic table. The ground at the site was large gravel which was not great in the tent, but walking around it looks like most sites are more dirt and pine needles.

    The swimming area is small but sandy, great for kids, and my daughter loved thethe campfire and nature talk given on Saturday night by park staff.


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 165 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.