Dispersed camping near Maplecrest is available throughout the eastern Catskills region at elevations ranging from 1,200-3,500 feet. The area receives approximately 50 inches of annual precipitation, creating lush forested conditions during the May-October camping season. Most campgrounds in the vicinity operate seasonally, with only Blue Mountain Campground remaining accessible year-round for winter camping enthusiasts.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: 5-minute drive to Minekill State Park from Nickerson Park Campground. "There are also a lot of places in the area to visit. Minekill state park is only a 5 minute drive," notes Jennifer P.
Farm animal visits: Kid-friendly activity at Brookside Campground's small farm. "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," writes David R.
Hiking trail access: Direct connections to wilderness trails from Max V. Shaul State Park Campground. "I love this little place! No hook ups, but there are water spigots nearby. There is a children's playground and pavilion. Firewood is available to purchase," reports Darby R.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Spacious layouts at Country Roads Campground provide separation between camping areas. "Beautiful campground. Stayed in The Pines section. Spacious sites. Super friendly and helpful staff," reports Tom R. This glamping close to Maplecrest, New York offers excellent seclusion for those seeking quieter experiences.
Modern bathhouse facilities: Recently renovated at Taconic State Park with clean showers. "The facilities were just what you needed after a long day of hiking and swimming," notes Jackie G. The park also offers "platform sites are great it makes it real easy to set up a tent because of the platform that the tent goes on," according to Amanda S.
Swimming options: Lifeguarded areas available for different skill levels. At Taconic State Park, there are "2 lifeguarded swimming areas — a kiddie pool and a deep area with floating dock to jump off of," writes Erin B.
What you should know
Water quality concerns: Potential issues at some campgrounds during peak season. At Nickerson Park, a camper warns: "THE WATER! ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTING! I'm guessing the new owners didn't do as much as the previous owners as far as water treatments. It smelled like raw sewage, loaded with sediment and very discolored." Consider bringing your own drinking water.
Site selection strategy: Request elevated spots at Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground for better camping conditions. "My advice would be to take the sites on the hill, nearest to the bathrooms, as all these sites seemed to be generally very well maintained," suggests Kurt S.
Seasonal operation limitations: Most facilities close after Columbus Day. Max V. Shaul State Park operates from "May 19 to October 10," while Country Roads Campground runs from "May 15 to Columbus Day," making autumn glamping opportunities near Maplecrest somewhat limited.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple options for children at several campgrounds. At Brookside Campground, Michael A. reports, "I went last year with my kids they loved the arcade small but it's a camp ground the playground area was nice. We use tents and got a bad storm the owner called and let up bunk in the arcade for the night since she was worried."
Wildlife education opportunities: Native species viewing at A Promise to Gaia/Garden of One. This unique conservation-focused glamping option near Maplecrest, New York serves as a "Plant, Wildlife and Butterfly Sanctuary" where visitors can learn about ecological restoration while enjoying cabin accommodations.
Weather contingency plans: Indoor options available during inclement conditions. Lake Taghkanic offers "Clean facilities, with a rec room for rainy days. A camp store with all the supplies you might have forgotten," according to Kurt S.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility assessment: Advanced planning required for larger vehicles. At Country Roads Campground, William R. notes it's "Mainly an RV ground, but they have about 10-15 great tent sites back beyond the RV area. There are water spigots near all the tent sites and they are nice and spread out."
Full-timer vs. recreational considerations: Research campground demographics before booking extended stays. Chelsea B. shares this important advice about Brookside: "PLEASE, folks that leave reviews on this app, PLEASE say whether it's a full-timer campsite or a recreational campsite... when we arrived we were surprised that this was mostly a trailer park. Call me picky, but I really prefer not to camp in an area where folks are living full time."
Utility hookup planning: Check specific options before arrival as services vary significantly. At Treetopia Campground, Jeff & Steff explain: "If you have an RV, they have 30/50 amp with electric and water. There is no sewer, but they have a dump-station and on-site Honeywagon truck that you can schedule."
