Glamping and camping options near Monticello, New York encompass a diverse landscape spanning the Upper Delaware River Valley and western Catskills, with elevations ranging from 400 to 1,800 feet. The region experiences distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping months (May-October), while several sites remain operational year-round. Winter camping opportunities exist with specialized accommodations designed for temperatures that can drop below freezing.
What to do
River activities on the Delaware: Visitors at Kittatinny Campground can enjoy rafting and tubing packages with shuttle service. "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!" notes Maggie K.
Fishing opportunities: The region's waterways offer good fishing spots particularly at dawn and dusk. "We spent most of early spring at Oakland Valley right on the river. Even though covid really forced a shutdown on activities, this one was of my kids favorite places of the year. They loved to fish and play in the river, explore the woods and ride bikes around," shares Katrina R. about her experience at Oakland Valley Campground.
Swimming and water activities: Multiple sites provide safe swimming areas with varying depths suitable for different skill levels. "This campground was a nice and quiet stop on our way home from a trip to Vermont. Our truck broke down and they were able to accommodate us for an extra nights stay while it was being fixed," reports David S. about Oakland Valley Campground.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers value the separation between camping spaces. "Not near any other campers and every site is right on the water. Tons of amenities," states Hall S. about Slumberland at the River's Edge, one of the luxury glamping options near Monticello.
Riverside locations: Sites directly on water remain the most sought-after. "Me and two friends do a yearly kayak trip down the Delaware river and have progressively moved north each year. The accommodations were top notch, with lights already on, and a table set, along with a grill, fire pit, and covered porch and canvas tent that housed two queen sized beds along with an electric stove and a woodstove," explains Brooks B. after staying at Slumberland.
Family activities: Many campgrounds provide structured recreation options. "This campground is great for kids. It has a event just about every weekend with kid activity," mentions Jennifer I. about Jellystone Park Gardiner, which offers organized entertainment options throughout the camping season.
What you should know
Noise levels vary significantly: Some sites enforce quiet hours while others have a more social atmosphere. "If you're looking for a chill place to camp next to the river where you can tube, kayak and enjoy your peaceful weekend, this is NOT the place. The amount of money we spent for 2 nights was outrageous for such a sucky weekend," warns Janine D. about her experience at Kittatinny Campground.
Seasonal operation: Most glamping sites near Monticello operate from May through October, though select options remain open year-round. "I stayed here for Columbus Day weekend. I believe it was one of the last weekends it was open for the season, so it was pretty quiet," notes Dawn E. about Oakland Valley Campground.
Cell service limitations: Limited connectivity exists throughout the region, particularly at riverside locations. "The campground's family-friendly atmosphere and waterfront location added an extra layer of beauty to our stay. The serene river provided the perfect backdrop for relaxation and water-based activities," explains Mayra O. at Slumberland.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access for children: Neversink River Resort provides swimming options with varying depths. "Very clean park. Lots of families. Tubing was fun. Bring bug spray," advises Evan F.
Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated youth programming. "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," shares Amanda S. about Jellystone Park Gardiner.
Playground access: Several campgrounds include play structures for younger campers. "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," reports Jill R. about her experience at Kittatinny.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds feature natural terrain with uneven sites. "The only problem I had was that my Starlink didn't work at the first site (372 - full hookup) but they let me choose another site (435 - no sewer) and I was happy as a clam. Oh yea, the sewer connection in 372 ran uphill for me, but my pipe sits very low," explains Inez W. about Thousand Trails Rondout Valley.
Hookup availability: Full service sites with water, electric and sewer exist but require advance booking. "Our site was up front and we didn't venture into the park. We did use the laundry room, which needed some updates, especially some lighting," notes Jason E. about his stay at Thousand Trails Rondout Valley.
Campground layout considerations: Some parks have tiered or sectioned layouts with varying amenities. "Nice, family friendly campground with 3 levels to camp at. 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. There is water and electric on the sites at the middle level. River level has more primitive bathrooms," explains Jeanne-Marie P. about Oakland Valley Campground.
