The Lake Katrine area sits at approximately 200 feet elevation in New York's Hudson Valley, where the region's limestone bedrock creates distinct camping terrain. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during day and 55-65°F at night, with higher humidity levels near water sources. Rainfall concentrates in spring and early fall, making mid-summer the driest camping period.
What to do
Hiking at Bash Bish Falls: Located near Taconic State Park, this waterfall destination offers well-maintained trails. "This park had a nice pool and used to be a KOA now it is privately owned but I believe it is still just as nice. They have live music and it's gated so only campers and visitors can get into the gates which is nice security wise," notes camper Amanda S.
Farm animal viewing: Brookside Campground features a working farm adjacent to camping areas. According to David R., "Quain little campground, nice pool, large activities field, some things for kids to do. Small farm right next to our site, goats, cow chickens, ducks, geese." This provides educational opportunities for children to learn about farm animals.
Stargazing by the water: Take advantage of minimal light pollution at area lakes. One camper at Osa Trail commented, "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."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Thousand Trails Rondout Valley receives positive comments about facility maintenance. "This is a Thousand trails campground so it was free. I think the regular price is $64. Full hookups, tents and cabins to rent. Clean restrooms, showers and laundry," states Robert M.
Platform tent sites: Some campgrounds offer wooden platforms for easier tent setup on uneven terrain. As one camper at Taconic State Park described, "Each of the sites had a large platform (enough room for one very large tent or 2-3 smaller tents), a fire pit, and picnic table. You are very close to your neighbor in this area but when we were there everyone was very respectful."
Yurt camping near Lake Katrine: Treetopia Campground features several yurt accommodations with modern amenities. "Treetopia is a unique and truly amazing camping/Glamping experience in the Catskills, New York! They have RV sites, yurts, custom furnished treehouses with electricity, beautiful tiny homes with outdoor outdoor living spaces, completely remodeled vintage airstreams, and gorgeous private cabins!" explains Jeff & Steff.
What you should know
Weekend crowding: Proximity to NYC means campgrounds fill quickly Friday-Sunday. "This was a truly great campground, but it's proximity to NYC draws large crowds on weekends," warns John E. about Taconic State Park. Weekday stays offer quieter experiences with better site selection.
Variable site quality: Check site details carefully before booking. Kurt S. notes at Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground, "Beware of site G006. The grill at the fire pit is upside down, so it doesn't hold level above the fire. Impossible to use. I had to MacGuyver it with a large rock and wedge the grill into place, and then level it with a log."
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds operate April through November with limited winter accessibility. "We went in late September and stayed on one of their deck sites with our Class B (Winnebago). I LOVED sitting out on the deck every morning for my coffee while taking in the fall air," shares Janly P. about Treetopia Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Look for water activities: Swimming areas provide recreation for children during hot days. "This campground was one of the best I've been to. They have both platform and dirt tent sites, all sites come equipped with fire pits. The campground has a lake with boat rentals," says Seth K.
Consider kid-friendly programming: Jellystone Park Gardiner specializes in family entertainment. "This campground is great for kids. It has a event just about every weekend with kid activity," notes Jennifer I. Another camper, Amanda S., adds "Nice pool that is shallow so you can relax and let the little ones go in the water park section alone or they have a 3 ft pool also."
Check bathroom facilities: With children, clean bathrooms become essential. Perrin M. reports about Lake Taghkanic, "Quiet, clean enough and well worth the price. Showers are hot and there's great water pressure. The cleanliness of the bathrooms depends on how busy the campground is."
Tips from RVers
Deck sites for smaller rigs: Some campgrounds feature wooden deck platforms beside RV parking. "We went in late September and stayed on one of their deck sites with our Class B (Winnebago). I LOVED sitting out on the deck every morning for my coffee while taking in the fall air," shares Janly P. about Treetopia Campground.
Check hook-up configurations: Some sites have unusual utilities placement. "The sewer connection in 372 ran uphill for me, but my pipe sits very low," notes Inez W. from Thousand Trails Rondout Valley, highlighting the importance of checking site specifics before arrival.
Utilities considerations: Brookside Campground provides full hookups for RVs but with limitations. "Stayed here for a few days while on a week long trip. During the heavy rains water flowed down the roads ways due to the clay based soil and looked like it pooled up in places near the tent areas. We stayed here in a travel trailer," explains David S.
