Best Campgrounds near New Kingston, NY

Campgrounds surrounding New Kingston in New York's Catskill region provide a range of accommodations from primitive tent sites to full-service RV facilities. Little Pond Campground offers 67 tent and trailer sites plus 8 remote tent sites around a 13-acre pond, while Woodland Valley Campground provides more secluded sites with stream access. Several locations throughout the area feature mixed-use campgrounds that accommodate both tent and RV camping, with options like Kenneth L. Wilson Campground offering lakeside sites and hiking trails. Public lands in the Catskills support primitive camping with varying levels of amenities, from established campgrounds with electric hookups to more remote backcountry sites.

Seasonal considerations heavily influence camping experiences in the region, with most established campgrounds operating from mid-May through early October. Winter conditions make many forest roads impassable, while spring brings muddy conditions that can limit access. Elevation differences create noticeable temperature variations, particularly at higher campsites in the mountains. Advance reservations are recommended for weekend stays at developed campgrounds, especially during summer and fall foliage season. Cell service is limited or nonexistent at most campgrounds in the area, with several reviews noting complete disconnection from service. A review noted, "NO cell service, most campsite are very close together so not much privacy. Dead end road so virtually no road traffic at all."

Campers consistently highlight water features as key attractions in the area. Sites adjacent to creeks, ponds, and lakes receive particularly positive feedback, with some offering direct water access from campsites. Alder Lake receives high ratings for its spacious, private sites and natural setting, with one camper commenting, "The campsites are very spacious with lots of room between you and other campers, and have a fire pit and some have picnic tables." Proximity to hiking trails is another significant draw, with many campgrounds providing direct access to the extensive trail networks throughout the Catskill Forest Preserve. The region's mixed forests create well-shaded sites in summer, though some campgrounds have limited privacy between sites. Bear activity is common throughout the region, with proper food storage required at all campsites.

Best Camping Sites Near New Kingston, New York (174)

    1. Little Pond Campground

    21 Reviews
    Margaretville, NY
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 439-5480

    $22 / night

    "Pros: Near wonderful, little-used hiking trails - challenging ones, too!

    - Close to Catskill town options to explore, e.g."

    "You can see a picture here of the water just a 10 foot trail away from our campsite. All in all a great trip."

    2. Woodland Valley Campground — DEC

    29 Reviews
    Phoenicia, NY
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 688-7647

    $20 / night

    "water to play in right behind tent. I do prefer fire pits over the brick stove. this had the stove. more advanced hiking in walking distance. no cell service. my gps on phone was able to track though."

    "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. "

    3. Alder lake

    7 Reviews
    Margaretville, NY
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 256-3076

    "There are two campsites located right outside of the park where you can park your car next to your tent but we opted to hike in."

    "There are several beautiful, secluded hike-in sites along the lake which I would love to return to someday. The hike around the lake is a lovely, easy walk."

    4. Nickerson Park Campground

    8 Reviews
    Gilboa, NY
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 588-7327

    "Our site was on top of the creek, close to the path down to the water and close to a hiking trail. During our visit we drove around the nearby towns and didn't find much to see or do with our time."

    "We had reservations about being side by side with other RVs but the site we were in was so big and being in a valley with huge trees all around a large open grassy area in the middle made everything feel"

    5. Catskill/Kenneth L Wilson Campground

    23 Reviews
    Shokan, NY
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 679-7020

    $22 / night

    "This campground is nestled in the Catskills, New York, with easy access to New Jersey and Connecticut."

    "Access to fresh water spouts and clean bathrooms were just a walk away from most sites, theres a beautiful pond on site and beautiful views of the Catskills, Woodstock is a 15 min drive if you’re looking"

    6. Giant Ledge Primitive Camp

    6 Reviews
    Big Indian, NY
    18 miles

    "You will see a yellow little circle sign on a tree with a tent on it, a short distance down that side trail there is the site. It has rock benches and a fire pit. Primitive."

    "However the descriptions of this place in reviews here and elsewhere provided very little info and once I got out to the trail realized how different it was to what I expected."

    7. North-South Lake Campground

    43 Reviews
    Palenville, NY
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 589-5058

    $22 - $44 / night

    "Our first campground was in New York Aug 8th. Unfortunately, Debbie was socking New York hard. North South Lake Campground in the Catskills was our camping home."

    "Had a great time at this campground- surrounded by many returning campers which gave the whole experience a good community vibe. Ice cream truck comes around each evening in the summer."

    8. Beaverkill Campground

    6 Reviews
    Roscoe, NY
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 439-4281

    $20 - $40 / night

    "This campground was so pleasant, very clean and quiet, I loved how close the river was to our campground, only a few steps away."

    "Bathrooms were very cleaned and everybody respected COVID-related social distancing. Would come again!"

    9. Bear Spring Mountain — DEC

    7 Reviews
    Downsville, NY
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 865-6989

    $18 - $40 / night

    "Went here with some friends who had never been outside NYC before. They were absolutely blown away. For me, it was a nice site but not exceptional. Bring or rent a kayak!"

    "I drove to NYC for a business trip and ended up driving 1 and a half hour to reach this place. I always carry a tent in the back of my trunk and decided to go camping."

    10. Crazy Acres Campground at Beaver Spring Lake

    5 Reviews
    Maryland, NY
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 278-5293

    "This was a great campground and I am sure they do even more when social distancing is not required."

    "The tone of the place is set when you drive in (although we drove past it). Everyone, staff and campers are friendly respectful even the kids!"

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Recent Reviews near New Kingston, NY

514 Reviews of 174 New Kingston Campgrounds


  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2025

    Gunx Camping on a Horse Farm

    No Amenities but Great Location for the Gunks

    This campground is just mowed spots on a hillside in Kerhonkson. There are no facilities aside from some port-o-sans that the owners didn't recommend using. But the location is great for accessing the Shawamhunks. Given the lack of affordable RV campgrounds (and even the few expensive ones) in the area, this stands out.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Osa Trail

    Gorgeous Views

    Had a great time here with my wife and 2 little kids and our dog.  One of the most beautiful sunrises we've ever seen!  Very secluded, though Alex is right down the driveway so didn't feel like the middle of nowhere.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Pine Crest Campground

    Great place

    Nice private campground. Host was very generous. Used Coin operated laundry facilities. Full hookups for a reasonable price. Would return again.

  • FThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Mills Norrie State Park Campground

    Great staff but back-to-back campsite

    We stayed a coupe of days in Oct. This is a beautiful site to camp out. The staffs are friendly and very attentive.
    Bathroom and water pressure was ok. But one shower location for 50 campsites. Three small showers units and three toilet.
    I never stayed a state campsite where the sites are so close each other. If you like a “normal” distance to your neighbors, I'd not recommend this place.

  • Chelsea B.
    Oct. 10, 2025

    New York City North-Newburgh KOA

    Good amenities and fun experience!

    Campsites Great campsites, wooded and cozy, though a little tight for longer rigs as our neighbors found out when they ran over a wooden post backing in. But spaced apart nicely with lots of vegetation between. Nice and level. Amenities Bathrooms are older and need of some repair but let me tell you I was very happy to see a normal shower head with real hot water! So no complaints here. Laundry facilities were clean and open 24/7 with reasonable prices 2.50/2.00 washer/dryer. And the dryers actually worked. Small dog park, communal spaces, and a camp store all made the place feel like a little village. They even have a wine store- cab sav was good. WiFi I work remotely and WiFi is always an issue. We have Starlink but in a wooded campsite, connecting is an issue but luckily their WiFi was great. Had no issues and could stream just fine. Halloween! We visited mid October and folks had sites decorated and the KOA has trick or treating and other activities every weekend in Oct. we were SO bummed to be leaving on a Friday and miss the festivities because it looked really fun. Would definitely go back. Also, staff was super nice.

  • A
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Russell Brook Campsites

    Clean, Friendly, and Right on the Water

    Loved this place! It's clean and well-maintained - even the restrooms. Every site is well-equipped with its own water, electricity, fire pit, and picnic table. The best part is the waterfront sites. We were right next to a small brook, and falling asleep to the sound of the water behind our tent was amazing. Everyone we met was super friendly. We will definitely be back!

  • Chelsea B.
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Brookside Campground

    Not a recreational campsite

    Full disclosure, we did not stay here. PLEASE, folks that leave reviews on this app, PLEASE say whether it’s a full-timer campsite or a recreational campsite. We paid for two weeks in advance of arriving at this site based on reviews available on Google and Dyrt. However, when we arrived we were surprised that this was mostly a trailer park. Call me picky, but I really prefer not to camp in an area where folks are living full time. Just not the vibe I’m going for. We decided to leave without staying. We called to see if we could get a refund and they were very kind and it wasn’t a problem. But just be warned… this is not a recreational campsite.

  • Chelsea B.
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Whip O Will Campsites

    Not for recreational campers

    Full disclosure, we did not stay here. PLEASE, folks that leave reviews on this app, PLEASE say whether it’s a full-timer campsite or a recreational campsite. We arrived after leaving another campsite in the area (that was also 100% full timers) and were disappointed to find that this site was all permanent campers with crap everywhere. One site even had a funeral home sign hanging out front of an entire plywood addition to their camper…like what? Call me picky, but I don’t feel entirely comfortable camping for fun next to folks who live in the campground like this. After driving through the super narrow and rutted out roads to the site they recommend, a man came hauling a** into our site (with a beer in his hand) and was saying “hello hellooooo.” Said he was the owner of the campsite and asked if we were staying, we said we were thinking about it, just checking out the available sites (as the lady up front told us to do). TL;DR- bad vibes. Didn’t stay. Be warned this is a full time campsite with crap everywhere. The lady working the office was super nice though.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Mills Norrie State Park Campground

    Average

    We stayed one night in late September without a reservation. Bathhouse is old but was adequate with hot showers. We’re from out of state and paid about $23 for a tent site which was reasonable for the facilities.


Guide to New Kingston

Camping near New Kingston, New York, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: The area is known for its scenic trails. Many campers enjoy the nearby Kaaterskill Falls, which is described as "short, easy trail" but can get crowded quickly. Be prepared to take a shuttle if you want to visit during peak times.
  • Fishing: Campgrounds like Little Pond - DEC are close to great fishing spots. One reviewer mentioned, "Close to the Beaverkill and lots of great fly fishing."
  • Swimming: Many campgrounds have lakes with swimming areas. For example, North-South Lake Campground features two nice lakes with beaches, perfect for a refreshing dip.

What campers like:

  • Natural Beauty: Campers rave about the stunning scenery. One visitor to Woodland Valley Campground - DEC said, "Gorgeous. There was a brook not far from our campsite, and it was really peaceful."
  • Privacy: Many sites are well-spaced, providing a sense of seclusion. A camper at Kenneth L. Wilson Campground noted, "While some of the spots were fairly close together, they seem more spread out than in other Catskill camping sites."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers appreciate helpful staff. One reviewer at Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds mentioned, "The staff were friendly and welcoming."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds, like Devil's Tombstone Campground, have little to no cell service. A visitor shared, "There is NO cell service here. You have to drive about 5 minutes towards Hunter to get service."
  • Basic Facilities: Some campgrounds may lack modern amenities. For instance, Woodland Valley Campground - DEC has been noted for having "half the bathrooms don’t work" and "no firewood for sale."
  • Bear Activity: Campers should be cautious about wildlife. One reviewer at North-South Lake Campground mentioned, "There are bears that visit the campground."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds has playgrounds and a pool, making it a hit with families. A parent shared, "Plenty to do and the staff were friendly."
  • Plan for Quiet Time: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially on weekends. A camper at Kenneth L. Wilson Campground noted, "Things were pretty quiet (though that could have been because of the rain)."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: With limited markets nearby, it's smart to bring your own food. One visitor at Woodland Valley Campground - DEC mentioned, "I felt like I might as well have just stopped at a rest area and went for a hike."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Some campgrounds have tight spots. A reviewer at Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds warned, "We were assured that it would fit. It did—technically."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Hookups: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. For example, Little Pond - DEC has no water hookups, so plan accordingly.
  • Explore Nearby Towns: If you need supplies or want to explore, towns like Woodstock are just a short drive away. A camper at Kenneth L. Wilson Campground mentioned, "Woodstock NY is only a few miles away as is Phoenicia."

Camping near New Kingston, New York, offers a variety of experiences, from serene lakes to challenging hikes. With a little planning, you can enjoy everything this beautiful area has to offer!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any quiet campgrounds near New Kingston?

For a peaceful camping experience near New Kingston, consider Devil's Tombstone Campground, which offers a more simple, back-to-basics camping experience perfect for those seeking tranquility between hikes in the Hunter-West Kill Wilderness. The campground is bisected by Route 214, but it remains relatively quiet. Another serene option is Little Pond Campground, which provides a quiet setting with access to wonderful, little-used hiking trails. The campground is also conveniently located near Catskill town options like Livingston Manor while maintaining its peaceful atmosphere.

Where can I find camping sites near Kingston, NY?

The Catskill region near Kingston offers several excellent camping options. Catskill/Kenneth L Wilson Campground is nestled in the Catskills with easy access to New Jersey and Connecticut, featuring large campsites mostly surrounded by trees for a good balance of privacy and community. Another popular option is Phoenicia Black Bear Campground, located just outside downtown Phoenicia with creek front and wooded campsites, each equipped with a fire ring and picnic tables. Both campgrounds are within reasonable driving distance from Kingston and provide convenient access to the natural beauty and outdoor activities of the Catskill Mountains.

Are there public camping lands available in the New Kingston area?

Yes, the New Kingston area has several public camping options. Bear Spring Mountain — DEC near Downsville offers drive-in access with reservable sites, water, toilets, and is big-rig friendly. For those seeking a more primitive experience, Giant Ledge Primitive Camp provides free camping with hike-in access. The Catskill region is home to numerous Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) campgrounds that provide affordable public camping opportunities with varying levels of amenities. Most public campgrounds in the area require reservations during peak season and have established facilities like fire rings, picnic tables, and access to water.

Where can I camp and fish near New Kingston?

Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds offers excellent fishing opportunities with two private lakes on-site. Visitors can also fish in the nearby river with a New York State fishing license. The campground includes additional amenities like playgrounds, basketball courts, a pool, and a remote control car track. For a more nature-immersed experience, North-South Lake Campground features a huge lake perfect for fishing. The campground is one of the larger public options in New York with well-spaced sites, making it great for families who want to combine camping with fishing activities.