Northern New York's camping opportunities typically fall between 200-1400 feet elevation, with the Middletown region sitting at approximately 520 feet above sea level. The area experiences average summer highs of 85°F and winter lows around 19°F, making late spring through early fall the prime camping season. Most campgrounds near Middletown remain open from April through October, with limited winter options available at select facilities.
What to do
Fishing in local waters: The Delaware River near Kittatinny Campground offers excellent fishing opportunities. "My college friends go here each year to meet up and we have so much fun. The group sites are great and perfect for our 30-50 people. Definitely go for the rafting/tubing package, it was the best part of the trip!" says Maggie K.
Hiking the Appalachian Trail: Access points to the famous trail can be found near Beaver Pond Campground. "I stopped at this shelter while hiking the AT in High Point SP. It was raining the entire day and the shelter provided a dry place to take a break. The shelter has the usual facilities, privy, water source (must be filtered), bear box, etc," notes Richard M.
Lake activities: Many local campgrounds feature lakes for recreation. Justin P. from High Point State Park explains: "We fit in a hike up to the Appalachian Trail from our campsite, swam at the pond (Lake Marcia), and got in a fishing session at Steeny Kill Lake. The slight downside was that we had to drive between the different lakes."
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Winding Hills Park receives high marks for its secluded camping spots. "Love this place. We have stayed here multiple times since it's so close to home... It's deep in the woods of the park so there is good shade which is nice on the hotter days. The campgrounds have two bathroom facilities which have showers," writes Amanda B.
Water features: The natural waterways enhance camping experiences throughout the region. Karl F. mentions: "The forest is beautiful around the park. Lake is pretty too. Site we stayed at was nice and level for a tent, plenty of trees for a hammock."
Seasonal beauty: Fall foliage makes autumn camping particularly appealing. Steve W. from Beaver Pond Campground describes: "Offering the peaceful tranquility of sitting under the changing oak, sumacs, maples, and poplars... The trails in the area are friendly to hikers, bikers, and the non arthritic kneers, as most are rated moderate to challenging."
What you should know
Noise levels vary: Many campgrounds can become loud, especially on weekends. "Busy campground no quiet time loud music till 3 in the morning. Very clean, workers very friendly and helpful but after dark no one around. If you looking for a peaceful campground not the place to go," warns Jim D. about Kittatinny Campground.
Bathroom facilities: Standards vary widely between campgrounds. At Oakland Valley Campground, "Top level has a pool, showers and bathrooms with laundry area and game room. Middle level has open field with bathrooms with sinks and running water... River level has more primitive bathrooms and some bathrooms with running water," explains Jeanne-Marie P.
Bears are present: Take precautions with food storage, especially in northern areas. Steve W. notes: "Welcome to Bear Mountain" grumbles the park ranger as he sits in complete darkness! He is in his ranger hut, checking in the late evening arrivals to the campground... He offers us a highlighted map to our site, wishes us a good stay, and gives us the run down on bear activity in the area."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Jellystone Park Gardiner specializes in family 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. My older kids preferred a deeper pool but they still had a great time there they have lasertag which they enjoy. And a bounce pillow," recommends Amanda S.
Look for playgrounds: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. Jill R. shares: "This place was so fun for the entire family, it wasn't that busy, so we didn't really have to worry all the time about the kids getting ran over! The park ranger person came through and gave the kids cool posters, and just made it a very fun place for all the kids."
Ice cream availability: Many campgrounds offer this popular treat for kids. Amanda B. notes, "Each time we have been there there was an ice cream truck that goes through each day..some days it's multiple times."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds require work to level RVs. Gabbie Y. from Black Bear RV Park reports: "We decided that since it was just one night and weren't even unhitching, we would simply pull into the empty site next to the one we were supposed to have. Unfortunately at this site, the heated water pipe was broken so we had no water for the night."
Hookup availability: Water and electrical connections vary significantly between campgrounds. David S. comments: "Only reason I didn't give 5 stars was because the sites were a bit difficult to back into and unlevel. Otherwise a very nice place to relax."
Reservation systems: Many of the best places to camp near Middletown, New York require advance planning. Dave S. explains: "Have stayed here several times - great location and nice, full hook-up sites. Back-in and pull through sites and can accommodate large rigs. A little expensive but everything is included."
