Amanda W.
Scout
ScoutCherry Plain State Park Campground
Great family campground
My family and I enjoy going here durning the summer. Always clean campsites and bathrooms.
Camping near Saugerties, NY
174 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Camping near Saugerties, New York spans a 30-mile radius of the Catskill Mountains, ranging from developed campgrounds with tent, RV, and cabin options to primitive sites that require hiking in with no facilities. North-South Lake Campground in Haines Falls offers shaded sites tucked under trees with some positioned near streams and lakes, while Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds in Saugerties itself provides tent, RV, and cabin accommodations with fishing access. The region includes both developed state park campgrounds with amenities and more primitive options like Echo Lake, which requires hiking in and offers no facilities. Most established campgrounds operate seasonally from May through mid-October, with the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) managing several properties throughout the area.
Reservations are essential during summer months when campgrounds frequently reach capacity, especially on weekends and holidays. Many campers report limited or no cell service throughout the Catskills camping areas. As one visitor to North-South Lake noted, "There is NO cell service and just forget about WiFi. You are unplugged." Weather conditions can change rapidly in the mountains, with summer thunderstorms and occasional tropical storm systems affecting the region. Black bears are common visitors to campgrounds, requiring proper food storage. Most developed sites provide fire rings, picnic tables, and access to bathrooms, though amenities vary significantly between state-run facilities and private campgrounds.
Waterfront sites at locations like Little Pond Campground and Beaverkill Campground command premium prices but offer direct water access. According to one camper, "Any of the sites along the water would be really nice and all sites are fairly private." Proximity to hiking trails represents another key consideration, with many campgrounds serving as trailheads to popular Catskill routes. Kenneth L. Wilson Campground provides "nearly 4 miles of trails within the campground and surrounding areas," while other properties connect to extensive trail networks. Weekday visits typically offer more solitude and availability than weekends, when family groups and day-trippers can create a busier atmosphere at popular swimming and picnic areas.
Best Campgrounds near Saugerties (174)
1. North-South Lake Campground
"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."
"This is a truly beautiful and scenic campground, easily one of the best places we have visited in New York State."
from $22 - $44 / night
Check Availability2. Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds
"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."
3. Catskill/Kenneth L Wilson Campground
"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"
from $22 / night
Check Availability4. Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground
"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."
from $21 - $195 / night
Check Availability5. Mills Norrie State Park Campground
"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."
from $21 - $102 / night
Check Availability6. Blue Mountain Reservation
"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."
7. Woodland Valley Campground — DEC
"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. "
from $20 / night
Check Availability8. Devil's Tombstone Campground
"this is close by to many catskill hiking trails"
"It was close to trails and town"
from $16 / night
Check Availability9. Brookside Campground
"The bathroom and bathhouse were a bit run down looking from the outside, but inside they were updated and clean."
10. Echo Lake
"There are tent sites around the whole lake with fire pits and 1 lean-to site at the end of the trail when you first arrive at the lake. The sites are relatively flat and well shaded with trees. "
"Lake is surrounded by hills and there is a small lean two with a few campfire spots."
Drive Time
- 10 min from Kingston, NY
- 36 min from Albany, NY
- 50 min from Kiryas Joel, NY
- 1 hr 6 min from Pittsfield, MA
Recent Camping Photos near Saugerties, NY
454 Photos of 174 Saugerties Campgrounds
Richard V.
Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds
Laura
Gatherwild Ranch
Derek W.
Blue Mountain Reservation
Maria
Mia’s Glampaway
Norma H.
Chestnut Hill Farm Glamping Tents
The Dyrt
Tentrr Signature Site - Highwoods two
Kate
Echo Lake
The Dyrt
Tentrr Signature Site - Frisky Sward Barn Yard Bliss
The Dyrt
Tentrr Signature Site - FRISKY SWARD Upper Forest
The Dyrt
Tentrr Signature Site - Frisky Sward Lower Meadow 1
Molly G.
Brookside Campground
The Dyrt
Tentrr Signature Site - Sweet Hill Glamping
Recent Reviews near Saugerties, NY
710 Reviews of 174 Saugerties Campgrounds
- SSherree C.
GuideThompson's Lake Campground — Thacher State Park
Sleepy lake
Stayed at lot #71, loop B! It’s across from the bathrooms, behind there’s a trail that takes you to the lake (about a 5 min walk). No electric, water, or dump station. Firewood is near the entrance, they give you a burlap sack to fill up with!
Greg S.
LegendMills Norrie State Park Campground
4.7 stars
Excellent campground! The forest is beautiful, the Hudson River is super close, there are great trails, and the surrounding area is beautiful. Sites are electric only, so make sure your water pump is working and fresh water tank is full. There are spigots for filling and a nice dump station. The player is excellent. I don't think tetn camping here would be great because the tent sites are closer together and there are trains that pass regularly. We couldn't hear the trains in our camper and our site was large and private with great Forest and hammock trees. The mansion tours at Vanderbilt and Mills were awesome!
- A
Aimee K.
TravelerCamp Catskills
Nice
People are super friendly and helpful. Campground is well maintained and very secure. RV site was very large and mostly level. Good location. Close to Hudson River and Albany.
Erik C.GuideMongaup Pond
Great camp ground
Stayed for 2 nights in June and it was delightful. Facilities were very clean, had flush toilets and showers, and the trails around the pond were great for my dog. Sites were well maintained, but a little close together for my preference. We stayed at site 146. Would definitely come back and hope to get a site along the pond next time!
hutton familyTravelerSpacious Skies Woodland Hills
Amazing stay
I called as we were 3 hours away for a spot for the night. The lady who answered was amazing and asked everything to pick us the right spot. We showed up after hours and found our spot. It was so peaceful and so beautiful. Bathrooms were extremely clean! I recommend this spot to everyone! Well worth it!
- DDwight F.Guide
Housatonic Meadows State Park Campground
Nice midweek stay location
Tall pines, the sound of the mighty housatonic river, and some car noise on the nearby 2 lane. The campground is landscaped and maintained beautifully. the highlight is the river, ever-present in sound. The primo sites are on the northern end , where most sites are right on the water, and just a small descent. Bathrooms are good, not great. Showers are push button automatic, water was warm. We have a small RV, the dump site is up the main road about a 1/2 mile in a turnout. Free for campers, on your honor. At office were college aged young men and women in very casual street clothes all very nice, and mannerly, but not very knowledgeable, and hard to believe they could handle an adverse situation. I asked for the soap to be filled in the mens room on Thursday afternoon at 4 and it was still not done at noon the next day. -it’s a 2 minute walk from the office. I asked about a hike, they told me a trail head was a mile up the road. We found a spur directly across the street. I miss real docents, with knowledge, and wearing the garb. All sites not directly on the river side have paths down to get there. Did a nice little moderate hike just across the street called Pine Knob. Nice vista, quick 760ft ascent, combines withe AT for a length, then back down total 3 miles the way we did it. Some nice restaurants in Kent. Found a good breakfast in Goshen. We’ll be going back.
- JJanceTraveler
Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed
Charming mossy woods on a ridge
Arrived at night on a weekday to find two other vehicles parked in the lot, srilll was able to find a fire ring with a level area relatively easy. Very quiet, just the sounds of owls hooting at night. Very nice mixed forest, seems managed well. It is somewhat buggy. But doesn’t seem to be overly infested with ticks at least.
- DDwight F.Guide
Housatonic Meadows State Park Campground
The nice part of Connecticut
A really nice campground for tenters and dry campers. No hookups, but decent bathrooms, lukewarm showers and well kept. The Housatonic river is wide and shallow but good for soaking on a hot day and right behind pretty much every campsite. The riverside sites have a clear view, the others you walk through the woods. The only negative is Route 7, which gets busy in the mornings, and at rush hours, but quiets down at night. Not a busy highway to begin with, but a major route. A good up and down hike right across the street, 760 ft ascent in a mile or so, 3 mile loop, you see AT through hikers on the portion of the combined trail. There is a drinking water tap you can hook a hose to for filling your RV, or jugs. No dump station. We had our class B here. Sites mostly level. Come during the week for better privacy. Supposedly fly fisherman come on weekends. Cute cabins for rent in a awesome location.
Guide to Saugerties
Saugerties camping options feature sites at various elevations throughout the Catskill Mountain range, from approximately 800 to 2,200 feet above sea level. Most campgrounds in the region operate during a defined season from early May through mid-October, with peak rates during July and August. Weather patterns typically include warm summer days with temperatures averaging 75-85°F and cooler nights dropping to 50-60°F.
What to do
Kayaking access points: At Mills Norrie State Park Campground, visitors find direct water recreation options. "The park has a marina onsite with kayak rentals on the river," notes Michael G. The Hudson River access provides paddling opportunities for all skill levels.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple small bodies of water offer fishing throughout the area. "The pond is fun to fish in," says Kathy G. about Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds, adding that "the creek on the property (Plattekill) is great." Licenses required for ages 16+ can be purchased online or at local tackle shops.
Hiking networks: Several campgrounds serve as trailheads for significant Catskill routes. "This campground has nearly 4 miles of trails within the campground and surrounding areas," says one camper about Catskill/Kenneth L Wilson Campground. The Phoenicia area campgrounds also connect to major trail networks. "Great hiking nearby is fantastic," Jessica W. remarks. "A lot of the hiking nearby is also relatively easy and includes the newly opened viewing platform for Kaasterskill falls."
What campers like
Unplugged experience: Cell service limitations create forced disconnection at most sites. "No mobile signal, but that's the point, isn't it? You get to disconnect from it all for a while," says John N. about Woodland Valley Campground. The absence of connectivity creates a more immersive outdoor experience.
Swimming options: Lake-based campgrounds provide natural swimming areas. "I go there almost every year to go swimming with my family and friends and it's always a good time," notes Lizz H. about swimming at North-South Lake. At Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground, visitors find "great beach, 5 minute drive from campground" according to Mellisa T., who adds that "the lake is beautiful and clean."
Creek sounds: Some sites feature natural water sounds that enhance overnight stays. "The mountain creek is like nature singing a lullaby - sleeping next to it was very relaxing," says John N. about Woodland Valley. Creek-side sites typically book fastest, especially during peak season.
What you should know
Reservation timelines: Popular campgrounds require advance planning. "Reserve very early for waterfront," advises Rachel G. about North-South Lake Campground. Many waterfront and premium sites book 9 months in advance, particularly for summer weekends.
Bear activity: Food storage protocols remain critical for safety. "Got chased off by a bear," reports Kane B. about Catskill/Kenneth L Wilson Campground. Proper food storage in vehicles or bear-resistant containers required at all Catskill camping areas.
Site variations: Ground conditions vary significantly between campgrounds. At Devil's Tombstone Campground, "Be aware the site is very rocky, so a sleeping pad or air mattress would be ideal," notes Yasmin S. Several campgrounds feature either gravel or platform sites rather than standard dirt tent pads.
Tips for camping with families
Pool facilities: Several campgrounds offer swimming pools as alternatives to natural water. At Blue Mountain Reservation, "They have a pool which I did not use but it looked nice," reports Derek W. Brookside Campground also features "a great pool" according to Richard V.
Playground access: Family-friendly amenities exist at multiple locations. "There is a playground for kids so you don't have to watch over them while you set up," reports phillip L. about one campground. Richard V. notes that Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds has "a few playgrounds."
Recreation buildings: Some campgrounds provide indoor recreation spaces. "The rec room and snacks and nicely stocked camp store and exceptionally clean bath houses" are available at Blue Mountain according to Kimberly G., who adds there's a "basketball court" and "game room."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds feature uneven terrain. At Mills Norrie, "There are only a handful of sites with electric hookups and only one (site 51) is level," reports Kathy L., who adds "Some have a steep descent off the road, and there's a lip on the road that can scrape bottom of campers/RVs."
Dump station availability: Not all campgrounds offer full sewer service. "Sanitary dump station" is available at Devil's Tombstone Campground, though the campground lacks showers. Several parks require driving to neighboring facilities for full-service options.
Electric hookup limitations: Power availability varies widely between sites. At North-South Lake Campground, electric sites remain limited and require early reservation. Many tent-focused campgrounds provide electric options only in specific loops or areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best campgrounds near Saugerties, NY?
What are the best campgrounds near Saugerties, NY?
The Catskill region around Saugerties offers several excellent camping options. North-South Lake Campground is one of the larger public campgrounds in the area with well-spaced sites ideal for families. The huge lake provides recreational opportunities, though it can get crowded during holidays. Another standout option is Catskill/Kenneth L Wilson Campground, which features large, tree-surrounded campsites offering a good balance of privacy and community. The campground is nestled in the Catskills with easy access to surrounding areas, making it a convenient base for exploring the region.
What private campgrounds are available in Saugerties for family camping?
What private campgrounds are available in Saugerties for family camping?
Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds is an excellent private campground for families, featuring two private lakes for fishing (river fishing also available with a New York State license). The campground offers numerous family-friendly amenities including playgrounds, basketball courts, a swimming pool, and even a remote control car track. Another family-friendly option is Treetopia Campground, which provides a unique camping/glamping experience in the Catskills. They offer various accommodation options including RV sites and yurts, making it flexible for different family preferences and camping styles.
Are there any waterfront or beach camping options in the Saugerties area?
Are there any waterfront or beach camping options in the Saugerties area?
Yes, the Saugerties area offers several waterfront camping options. Phoenicia Black Bear Campground provides creek-front campsites with fire rings and picnic tables, perfect for those who want to camp alongside running water. The creek-front sites are particularly recommended for the peaceful water sounds and scenery. For lake swimming, Sam Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground near Minnewaska State Park Preserve offers access to a unique swimming experience in what's described as New York's most acidic lake (though it's completely safe for swimming).
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