The Catskill Mountains surrounding Mount Tremper rise to elevations between 3,000-4,000 feet, creating diverse camping microclimates throughout the region. Located in Ulster County, Mount Tremper sits at approximately 2,740 feet above sea level, with camping options concentrated along the area's numerous waterways and valley floors. Weather patterns can change rapidly, especially during summer thunderstorm season from June through August.
What to do
Hiking nearby trails: Access the Overlook Mountain Trail in Woodstock, just 15 minutes from Mount Tremper. This moderately difficult 4.6-mile round trip hike rewards with mountain views and ruins of the old Overlook Hotel. At Alder Lake, a camper noted, "The hike around the lake is a lovely, easy walk. The hike trail that connects to the far end of the lake is 6+ miles and while there were no real views, it was lovely."
Waterfront recreation: Cool off at the swimming areas throughout the region, including the beach at Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground where a visitor reported, "Very nice beach but packed. Huge parties at the picnic area. If your okey with all that then it was a great time." The lake offers kayak and paddleboard rentals for $15 per day.
Local farm visits: Several small farms near Mount Tremper welcome visitors seasonally (typically May-October). A camper at Brookside Campground mentioned, "Small farm right next to our site, goats, cow chickens, ducks, geese." These agricultural operations offer insight into the region's farming heritage.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Many glamping accommodations near Mount Tremper feature secluded forest settings. At Whispering Timbers Glamping, electricity and toilet facilities blend with forest seclusion, creating a comfortable wilderness experience that earned a 5-star rating.
Water features: Creeks, lakes and ponds enhance numerous camping locations. At Thousand Trails Rondout Valley, one reviewer shared, "The creek that runs by the campground is gorgeous, and my kids had fun finding Crayfish. The nearby towns are adorable and offer shopping, hiking, farms, and more."
Family-friendly activities: Recreational facilities keep children engaged at many campgrounds. One visitor to Jellystone Park Gardiner noted, "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."
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds near Mount Tremper operate from April through October, closing for winter. The camping season typically runs from "May 1 to Columbus Day" at Nickerson Park Campground and "May 6 to October 15" at Lake Taghkanic State Park.
Reservation requirements: Glamping sites like Sundown in Kerhonkson have limited availability with only 2 sites, making advance booking essential. Larger campgrounds fill quickly on summer weekends and holidays.
Weather variability: The Catskill region experiences significant temperature fluctuations, even in summer. Pack layers for cool mornings (50s°F) and warm afternoons (80s°F). A camper at Alder Lake advised, "We stayed three nights in late October. Grabbed on of the two vehicle accessible campsites along the road which had some very light traffic."
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated kid zones: Select campgrounds with designated children's areas. A visitor to Nickerson Park Campground said, "They had a pool and water slides for the kids. The owner and staff were so friendly and welcoming. We can't wait to go back."
Consider noise levels: Some campgrounds maintain strict quiet hours while others permit more activity. A Jellystone Park Gardiner visitor noted, "This campground has a lot of activities and has kids of all ages galore. I was worried my 12 year old would be too old for it but he enjoyed making friends there."
Plan for bathroom access: Evaluate bathroom proximity when booking tent sites. One review mentioned, "We appreciated the proximity of the compost toilets as there is only 1 bathhouse in the campground," highlighting the importance of checking facility distribution before arrival.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many Catskill campgrounds feature sloped terrain requiring leveling blocks. At Brookside Campground, a reviewer observed, "The bathroom and bathhouse were a bit run down looking from the outside, but inside they were updated and clean. During the heavy rains water flowed down the roads ways due to the clay based soil."
Water quality concerns: Some campgrounds have reported water quality issues. At Nickerson Park Campground, a camper warned about "little to no pressure and a couple times no water at all," suggesting visitors might want to bring drinking water.
Access road conditions: Some glamping destinations near Mount Tremper have challenging access roads. One Alder Lake visitor noted, "The place is pretty easy to access with paved road the whole way there except for the last 1/2 mile where it is very bumpy. Some might say 4*4 but we made it just fine in our little Camry."
