The greater New York area has campgrounds ranging in elevation from sea level at coastal locations to over 1,200 feet in the nearby Catskill foothills. Most RV camping near New City, New York operates seasonally due to winter conditions, with typical camping season running April through October. Overnight temperatures can drop below 50°F even in summer months at higher elevation campgrounds.
What to Do
Fishing at Delaware River: Tri-State RV Park provides direct river access for anglers. "Beautiful river on the property" notes a recent visitor who appreciated the convenient location for water activities.
Beach swimming: Beaver Pond Campground at Harriman State Park offers a "lifeguard monitored sandy beach which is open during the summer season for swimming, fishing, and small boat craft further out," according to a camper who enjoyed the water access just steps from their site.
Explore historic ruins: Hiking trails near Beaver Pond lead to Revolutionary-era sites. "Here you can find some of the Appalachian Trail, with various smaller trail heads for this historic (Revolutionary Times 1770s) part of the region including the one to Doodle Town... the area is a ruins with markers showing where a house was."
Crayfish hunting: At Thousand Trails Rondout Valley, "the creek that runs by the campground is gorgeous, and my kids had fun finding Crayfish" reports a family who enjoyed this simple water activity.
What Campers Like
Direct NYC transit connections: Liberty Harbor RV Park offers unparalleled city access. "The light rail is a block away, and the path train is about 8... Having a view of Lady Liberty out your window is priceless," mentions a visitor who appreciated the convenient public transit options.
Platform tent sites: Many sites at Beaver Pond Campground feature elevated platforms. "Many of the camping options were on platforms which is especially nice if it recently rained or if you are expecting rain during your stay," notes a camper who found this feature particularly useful.
Winter accessibility: Several campgrounds remain open year-round, unlike most seasonal operations. "Open during the winter. Easy on, easy off. Lots of pull through sites... CLEAN bathrooms, showers, laundry... Perfect for an overnight stop," reports a winter visitor to Tri-State RV Park.
Off-season tranquility: Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground offers quieter experiences outside peak season. "We walked 20 min from our site to the beach across the 2-lane highway. The lake is clear and sandy... The beach is closed after Labor Day to the public, but open to people staying at the campsite."
What You Should Know
Site variety between campgrounds: Each location offers distinctly different camping experiences. "The sites aren't anything glamorous but the hookups are great and easy to pull through" at Mountain Top RV Park, while at Black Bear RV Park, sites are "nice, full hook-up... Back-in and pull through sites and can accommodate large rigs."
Highway noise factors: Location relative to major roads affects campground quietness. "Located just off the highway so lots of vehicle noise 24/7. Sites are on a gravel lot" warns a Tri-State RV Park visitor, while others note you can "actually feel the heavier trucks go by" at some locations.
Bathroom availability varies seasonally: Winter campers should verify facilities. "Bathrooms for our area looks well kept outside, but, closed due to covid. Other campgrounds have just stepped up the cleaning and remained open for convenience of the campers," reported a Black Bear RV Park visitor.
Wildlife encounters: Bear activity requires proper food storage. "The wildlife do roam around your campsite so be mindful of putting food and garbage away before sleeping," advises a Beaver Pond camper who experienced local animal visitors.
Tips for Camping with Families
Off-season discounts: Camping rates drop significantly during shoulder seasons. "This is an off-grid camping experience... They have a beach. Their staff is friendly. I love going here. Camping for just $15," notes a budget-conscious Beaver Pond visitor.
Kid-friendly amenities: Skyway Camping Resort caters specifically to families. "Very nice and clean... This is a good family campground for kids. It large with nice size sites," mentions a visitor who appreciated the facilities designed for younger campers.
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. "Short distance from NYC, very organized, clean pond, has a playground, showers, bathroom. Your phone will have signal," notes a parent who camped at Beaver Pond with children.
Communal facilities: Shared amenities simplify family camping logistics. "I also particularly enjoyed the communal sink which made it very convenient and easy to wash dishes and fill up water" at Beaver Pond Campground.
Tips from RVers
Satellite reception limitations: Tree coverage affects connectivity. At many forested campgrounds, satellite internet and TV reception can be completely blocked by dense canopy.
Entry road navigation: Some campgrounds have challenging access routes. At Liberty Harbor RV Park, "Getting in and out of the city is an adventure. Stay right off the highway to avoid the $30 tunnel toll. Follow RV life pro and not Waze."
Seasonal facilities: Winter RV campers should verify what's open. "At least we had a place to park for the night, and power, but unfortunately it was very overpriced for what we got" reported a winter camper at Black Bear RV Park who found water hookups unusable in winter.
Levelness considerations: Site conditions vary widely between campgrounds. "Sites kind of level and very close" at Liberty Harbor, while Black Bear RV Park offers more spacious accommodation for larger rigs.
