Mountainville camping options span elevations from 400-1,800 feet across the western Hudson Valley region. The area sits at the foothills of the Catskill Mountains with diverse terrain ranging from riverside locations to woodland settings. Temperatures typically range from 40-80°F during the main camping season from April through October, with higher elevation sites experiencing cooler overnight temperatures.
What to do
Hiking trails: Near High Point State Park Campground, trails provide direct access to the Appalachian Trail with varying difficulty levels. "We took one afternoon to visit the High Point Monument, which was lovely. No room for yard games, but we spent the time relaxing and burning stuff. The site was very secluded," writes one High Point State Park Campground visitor.
Water activities: Campsites along waterways allow for convenient kayaking and fishing opportunities. A visitor to Stokes State Forest noted, "We stayed at site 11 on Lake Ocquittunk... water about 50 yards away... After packing up we drove down the road and were able to get in a nice 5 mile hike up to the fire tower."
Military recreation access: For military personnel and families, specialized facilities provide exclusive outdoor experiences. At West Point FMWR Round Pond, a reviewer shared, "The campground is beautiful and the staff was wonderful! We were very impressed with the playground on site! Unfortunately, due to our early start in the camping season the weather did not allow us to enjoy fishing or the beach or water hook ups."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Bathroom maintenance varies significantly between properties. A visitor to West Point FMWR Lake Frederick Outdoor Recreation Area praised, "The bath house is always well stocked and clean, ready for end of the day cleanup and the laundry facilities are a great bonus for those of us who like to stay longer than a couple days."
Diverse accommodation types: Glamping close to Mountainville, New York ranges from basic canvas structures to elaborate domes. A reviewer at Moon Valley Campground remarked, "This was a great campsite nestled in the foothills of Northern NJ on the NY border. Small, clean with great views and great location for hiking, cruising etc. Bring your tent or use the existing glamping tents."
Secluded settings: Several campgrounds offer more private sites away from main thoroughfares. A Stokes State Forest visitor advised, "If you are looking for more secluded campsites try to get 13 or 14 as they seem to stick back more. Sites 8-11 are adjacent to the road and in peak times probably have a fair about of foot and vehicle traffic."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds operate April through October with limited winter availability. A reviewer at Thousand Trails Rondout Valley shared, "Once school is out, I'm sure it will be busier. The campground itself is pretty quiet, although there is some noise by the playground."
Site selection matters: Research individual site characteristics as quality and features vary widely within the same property. A High Point camper warned, "I chose this campsite, 031, based on the photos on the reservation website and boy was I disappointed... The photos did not convey the actual steepness of this site!! The gravel driveway is on a 30-40 degree incline."
Noise levels: Weekend activity levels increase significantly at certain properties. One camper at Neversink River Resort noted, "We were just there for the weekend to sit around the fire and catch up with friends. They had the bounce pillow and a small pool."
Tips for camping with families
Platform camping: Some sites include elevated platforms for tent placement. A Stokes State Forest visitor explained, "Campsite was very spacious and had a platform where we were able to fit two tents. There was plenty of space on the site for more tents."
Water features: Splash areas and swimming options appeal to children of different ages. A camper at Neversink River Resort mentioned, "Playground definitely needs to be replaced. It was more like a few metal bars for hanging. But they had a jump blob thing my kids loved."
Space limitations: Some campgrounds have tight sites requiring careful planning. A visitor observed, "This loop for tent campers is mixed. Some of the sites are literally on the road - stay away from the sites on the same side of the road as the pond. I saw a family who literally had to block the road a little bc they couldn't park their car and have a tent on the tiny site."
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain requiring significant adjustment. A camper at Neversink River Resort noted, "We were there at the end of the season, which we loved bc we practically had this huge campground to ourselves. Our spot backed up to the river, which was great, but we had to try 2 different spots bc some of them are VERY un level."
Full hookups: Service types and availability vary across the region. A reviewer of Thousand Trails Rondout Valley shared, "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."
Winter options: Limited year-round facilities for cold weather camping exist. A visitor to Stokes State Forest described the cabins: "The cabins are reasonably priced and well-appointed, if a bit rustic... features are just what you'd expect for getting away for the weekend... a wood stove set into a fireplace... The wood stove definitely heats the room up nicely. I went through two bundles of wood in one night."
