Camping in the Catskill Mountains near Mount Tremper, New York ranges from streamside sites at 1,500 feet elevation to mountain campgrounds at over 2,100 feet. The area receives approximately 50 inches of precipitation annually with winter temperatures frequently dropping below freezing, while summer daytime temperatures average in the mid-70s. Primitive camping options require carrying in all supplies, while established campgrounds provide varying levels of amenities.
What to do
Hiking from camp access points: Several campgrounds offer direct trail connections to popular Catskill peaks. At Woodland Valley Campground, campers can quickly reach major hiking destinations. "The campground has everything that you need: public toilets, showers, public phone, picnic tables, grills, firewood (for sale), dump station. 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," notes camper John N.
Creek exploration: Local streams provide natural swimming and wading spots adjacent to camping areas. The Phoenicia Black Bear Campground offers creek front sites. Camper Derek W. states, "They offer creek front and wooded campsites. Each comes with a fire ring and picnic tables. I stayed at one of the creek front campsites and highly recommend doing so. The creek was perfect for dipping your feet and just hanging out."
Local town excursions: Several campgrounds are situated within walking distance of Catskill towns offering food, shopping, and entertainment options. "River access for tubing! Love the owner! 2 minutes walk to town," reports Kendra P. about Phoenicia Black Bear Campground.
What campers like
Wildlife encounters: The Catskills host diverse wildlife, including black bears, which sometimes make appearances near camping areas. At Kenneth L Wilson Campground, camper Kane B. had an unexpected encounter: "It was the wildest weekend I ever had, I'm not being sarcastic. The hiking areas are great, the weather is perfect and the bear was very nice for a bear."
Disconnect from technology: The limited connectivity creates opportunities for unplugged relaxation. Woodland Valley camper John N. observed, "The mountain creek is like nature singing a lullaby - sleeping next to it was very relaxing; weather was great and we could see the stars through the canopy - very very enjoyable! No mobile signal, but that's the point, isn't it? You get to disconnect from it all for a while."
Spacious, private sites: Many campgrounds offer secluded spots with ample room. Katherine P. from Kenneth L Wilson Campground shared, "Campsites are fairly close together with a variety of levels of privacy. Ours allowed you to be pretty far back from the road for more privacy, but some of the other sites were literally next to the road. Campsite is flat and packed dirt instead of gravel, which was great."
What you should know
Permits and reservation systems: Many primitive sites require registration or permits obtained in advance. At Giant Ledge Primitive Camp, a hike-in camping area, spaces are first-come, first-served. "There's a couple marked campsites scattered along the trail, we camped at the first one on the way up. Good hike with a bit of a challenge climbing rocks at the end towards the ledge but nothing crazy," reports Emily S.
Terrain challenges: Some campsites require navigating difficult terrain to access. Caleb J. warns about Giant Ledge: "It is a near vertical hike the first mile with 90% or more being over rock gardens. Not some rocks littering the trail. I think the trail used to be a stream or creek. It doesn't wind its way way up the mountain, someone picked a side and said 'we go up from here, straight up'."
Water sources: Campgrounds have varying access to potable water. John S. at Giant Ledge notes, "The spring water source is a short hike back from the campsite, relatively convenient to restock from camp. Thought I heard bears come through overnight, but may have been a lucid dream. Bear can was undisturbed in the morning."
Tips for camping with families
Playground-adjacent sites: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. North-South Lake Campground offers family-friendly amenities. "Large family friendly campground with all the amenities - boating, showers, great hiking," says Becky G.
Swimming options: Lakes and streams provide natural swimming areas appropriate for various ages. Lizz H. from North-South Lake Campground states, "I go there almost every year to go swimming with my family and friends and it's always a good time."
Educational opportunities: Many campgrounds organize nature-focused activities or provide access to educational trails. Chris D. shares, "I'm a native of the Catskills and spent many an afternoon with my family enjoying the facilities at North/South Lake. I've recently started going there again with my own family and it's great to see them take the same enjoyment I did. Camping, swimming, hiking, boating, biking, this place has it all."
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger RVs, and site privacy levels vary significantly. At Rondout Valley RV Campground, camper Scott notes, "There must be new management because many upgrades have been made over the past year which include all new SWE (full hookups) street lighting, and campground markings/numbering."
Hookup access: Full-service sites are available at specific campgrounds but require advance reservations. Robert M. at Rondout Valley explains, "Full hookups, tents and cabins to rent. Pleanty to do in and around campground. Grounds has a pool, concession stand, game room, playgrounds, sports feild and more. Sites are well groomed. We had one and a babbling brook was 30 feet behind us."
Terrain challenges: The mountainous landscape presents driving and parking challenges. Jason E. from Rondout Valley advises, "Nice, quiet place. 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. It has a pretty large staircase and at night with a handful of laundry, it was a little scary navigating without lights."
