Camping options near Livingston Manor, New York range from tent sites by rivers to year-round glamping accommodations across the Catskills region. Located at approximately 1,400 feet elevation, the area experiences four distinct seasons with warm summers reaching into the 80s and cold winters often dropping below freezing. Water access is abundant with numerous streams and lakes providing fishing opportunities throughout the camping season, which typically runs April through October for most developed sites.
What to do
Fishing in the Beaverkill River: Located at Roscoe Campsites, the river offers excellent trout fishing opportunities. "Right on the Beaverkill River, it's quiet, clean, gorgeous... Fisherman's heaven," notes Richard V. in his review of Roscoe Campsites.
Hiking around Alder Lake: The loop trail circling the lake provides an easy walking option for campers of all abilities. "The hike around the lake is a lovely, easy walk. The hike trail that connects to the far end of the lake is 6+ miles and while there were no real views, it was lovely," shares Erik C. about his experience at Alder Lake.
Water activities at Keen Lake: The large lake supports multiple water-based activities. "We had SUPs and kayaks to take on the lake and our sites were right next to the boat launch. Each day we would paddle over to the swimming area on the lake. It was awesome," says Shannon C. about staying at Keen Lake Resort Campground.
What campers like
Quick access to town: Campers appreciate the proximity to local businesses. "The downtown area is adorable, well-stocked in terms of stores/restaurants, and only 3 minutes down the road. Plus there is a brewery AND a distillery," mentions Justin H. about Roscoe Campsites.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms rank high on camper priority lists. "Bathrooms were very clean every time we needed them, and they were easy to access from the tent sites," notes Justin H. about his experience at Roscoe Campsites.
Family activities: Many campgrounds offer organized events and amenities for children. "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. about her stay at Jellystone Park Gardiner.
What you should know
Site crowding varies by campground: Some locations pack campsites close together. "The sites were close together and everyone was super loud which didn't bother me. I enjoyed hearing other people's music and laughter," says Margarita Z. about Kittatinny Campground.
Water levels affect activities: Stream-based recreation depends on seasonal conditions. "With how shallow the river was, I would have been pretty nervous to take a tumble out of a kayak or paddle board. Maybe the river is higher at different times of the year and these activities are less dangerous?" observes Justin H. regarding Roscoe Campsites.
Firewood quality varies: Don't assume all campground firewood burns well. "Don't buy their wood - it didn't burn and was a waste of $ and time," warns Ryan B. about his experience at Roscoe Campsites.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with playgrounds: Kid-friendly amenities make a significant difference for family camping. "The farm, playground, beach, and shallow river make it a great, easy entry point for new and younger campers," explains Justin H. about Roscoe Campsites.
Water activities keep kids entertained: Lakes and pools provide hours of entertainment. "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," shares Amanda S. about Jellystone Park Gardiner.
Consider glamping close to Livingston Manor, New York for less experienced campers: Luxury camping options make outdoor experiences more accessible. "Beautiful, secluded hike-in sites along the lake which I would love to return to someday," reports Erik C. about the glamping options at Alder Lake.
Tips from RVers
Concrete pads available: Some campgrounds offer solid foundations for larger rigs. "Brand new cabins and concrete pads," mentions Richard V. about Roscoe Campsites, which makes setup easier for RVs.
Site selection matters: Research your specific site before booking. "Our site was massive (39) and had direct access to Russell Brook. Couldn't keep my son out of the water," explains Mike C. about his stay at Russell Brook Campsites.
Seasonal considerations: Some RV parks offer extended seasons. "This is a Thousand trails campground so it was free. I think the regular price is $64. Full hookups, tents and cabins to rent," notes Robert M. about his experience at Thousand Trails Rondout Valley, adding "Sites are well groomed. We had one and a babbling brook was 30 feet behind us. Great spot for morning coffee."
