Camping in the Catskills region near Monticello, New York, offers diverse terrain at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 1,800 feet. The area maintains moderate summer temperatures averaging 75-80°F during peak camping season, with cooler nights dropping to the 50s. Most campgrounds operate from April through October, though several RV parks near Monticello remain open year-round with winter camping options.
What to do
Fishing access: Delaware River: Many sites at Soaring Eagle Campground and the Inn at Kellam's Bridge provide direct river access. "Nice campground right on the Delaware river great for fisherman, hikers also great for tubing down the Delaware or canoeing," notes one camper.
Water recreation: tubing and kayaking: The Delaware River corridor supports multiple water activities accessible from nearby campgrounds. "The creek that runs by the campground is gorgeous, and my kids had fun finding Crayfish," reports a family staying at Thousand Trails Rondout Valley.
Pickleball: new courts available: Several campgrounds have added modern recreational facilities. "A brand-new pickleball court that added a unique touch to the stay," mentions one visitor at Mountain Top RV Park.
Local farm visits: family-friendly: Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort offers animal interactions on-site. "The farm has goats, a donkey, and a pony within the campground. Very cool," according to a recent visitor.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: room to spread out: Multiple campgrounds offer larger-than-average sites. "The sites are larger than most campgrounds and well spaced out," writes a camper about Soaring Eagle Campground. Another notes, "Sites are huge, plenty of room for 2+ family campers."
Water activities: splash parks and pools: Families appreciate water-based amenities, particularly during summer. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park, "There's a fun splash park with water slides and 2 pools, restaurant onsite, clean bathrooms and showers. Our RV site was private, surround by trees with a nice fire pit and picnic table."
Natural settings: wooded privacy: Many campers value the balance between amenities and nature. "We loved our full hookup site minus the neighbors' weekend ragers. At least they turned off the music at quiet hours," mentions a Thousand Trails Rondout Valley visitor.
Seasonal camping: extended stays: Several parks accommodate longer-term arrangements. "A bit busy as usual but during the week it seems to be seasonal that stay," notes one Pleasant Acres visitor about the midweek atmosphere.
What you should know
Terrain variations: site selection matters: Campground elevation and drainage can create challenges during rainy periods. At Mountain Top RV Park, "If you're booking, it may be best to book on the upper levels because the lower area where we were did flood pretty bad a couple times when there was a lot of rain."
Weekend crowding: midweek alternatives: Occupancy patterns affect the camping experience. "Weekend was busy as usual but during the week it seems to be seasonal that stay," observes a camper at Pleasant Acres.
Facility closures: seasonal considerations: Off-season camping may involve limited amenities. "The restrooms were closed for the winter, so we didn't get to use or see those," reports a winter visitor to Mountain Top RV Park.
Rule enforcement: varies by campground: Management styles differ significantly across campgrounds. At Thousand Trails Rondout Valley, one camper observed, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: dedicated areas: Multiple campgrounds offer structured water recreation. "Our 21 month old had the time of his life here! The resorts is decked out with 2 playgrounds, a splash park, kiddie pool, family pool and hot tub," shares a visitor to Jellystone Park.
Animal interactions: farm experiences: On-site animal attractions provide entertainment for children. At Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort, "The farm has goats, a donkey, and a pony within the campground. Very cool."
Organized activities: weekend programming: Scheduled events enhance family camping. "They have activities on the weekends with Yogi the mascot such as wagon rides, dance parties, arts n crafts," notes a Jellystone Park camper.
Transportation considerations: golf carts: At larger resorts, renting a cart improves mobility. "Make sure you reserve a golf cart if you stay during the weekend - it's a must have to get from place to place and our little guy loved it!" advises a Jellystone Park visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: terrain challenges: Some campgrounds require additional effort for comfortable setup. At Black Bear RV Park, "Basic sites with full hookups for about $80 a night," notes one RVer, while another mentions at a different location, "Our site was even and easy to level on."
Connectivity: variable service: Internet access varies significantly. "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," shares an RV camper at Thousand Trails Rondout Valley.
Infrastructure upgrades: improving systems: Several RV parks near Monticello have invested in utility improvements. At Mountain Top RV Park, one camper appreciated "The newly upgraded camp infrastructure... The investment in new 50amp wiring, upgraded sewer systems, and newer water lines provided convenient camping experience."
Winter RVing: limited options: Year-round RV camping near Monticello requires planning. "Open during the winter. Easy on, easy off. Lots of pull through sites," reports a winter visitor to Tri-State RV Park, one of the few open during colder months.
