Best Campgrounds near Catskill, NY

Camping near Catskill, New York, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor fun. Whether you're a family looking for a weekend getaway or an RV enthusiast seeking adventure, there’s something for everyone in this area.

What to do:

• Hiking: The Catskills are known for their stunning trails. Many campers enjoy the nearby Kaaterskill Falls, which is an easy hike with beautiful views. One reviewer mentioned, "The trail to the Mountain House Site is also pretty easy, with more of an incline."
• Fishing: If you love fishing, check out the Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds. "You’ve got fishing either in 2 private lakes or you can fish in the river," said one happy camper.
• Swimming: Many campgrounds have access to lakes or pools. For instance, Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner features a water park that kids love. A parent noted, "My kids enjoyed themselves a lot, and that is what matters."

What campers like:

• Natural Beauty: Campers rave about the scenic views. One visitor at North-South Lake Campground said, "The Catskills are very scenic, and we enjoyed our time there!"
• Privacy: Many campgrounds offer sites that feel secluded. A reviewer at Clarence Fahnestock State Park mentioned, "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. One camper at Mt. Greylock Campsite Park said, "Pat and Gordon are incredibly welcoming hosts."

What you should know:

• Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A camper at Little Pond - DEC noted, "No Verizon service and Starlink was spotty."
• Facilities Vary: Some campgrounds have older facilities. A visitor at Clarence Fahnestock State Park commented, "The bathrooms/showers are state park clean—which means not very."
• Bear Activity: Wildlife is common in the area. One camper at North-South Lake Campground shared, "There are bears that visit the campground."

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose the Right Campground: Look for family-friendly options like Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner, which has lots of activities. A parent said, "This place is so much fun. My whole family loved the activities."
• Plan for Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially during weekends. One camper at Taconic State Park mentioned, "There is a lot of noise, a lot of people."
• Pack for Activities: Bring gear for swimming, fishing, and hiking. A camper at Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds suggested, "Bring your inner tubes, bug spray!"

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds warned, "We were within 2 inches or less of trees on 4 or 5 instances getting in and out of our site."
• Look for Full Hookups: Many RVers prefer campgrounds with full hookups. One camper at Mt. Greylock Campsite Park appreciated the "plenty of water pressure with grey water hookups."
• Book Early: Popular campgrounds can fill up fast, especially on weekends. A camper at Woodland Valley Campground - DEC advised, "It can get a little busy on the weekends, so worth reserving in advance."

Camping near Catskill, New York, offers a variety of experiences, from serene nature to family fun. Whether you're tent camping or bringing your RV, there's something for everyone to enjoy!