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

504 Reviews of 174 New Kingston Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Skyway Camping Resort

    One night stoo

    Nice well maintained park, full hookups with cable and wifi. Office forgot to give us wifi info and had closed early. Very nice staff.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Hide-A-Way Campsites

    Quaint and truly hid away

    Well maintained clean campground. Friendly attendants guided us to site and directed in spot. Gravel unlevel pad full hookups.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Little Pond Campground

    Small sites and no service

    I didn’t hate this campground, but I won’t be going back.

    It’s a nice campground and perfect for single/family camping. I would not choose this location if I were taking a group of people. The sites are on the smaller side and many have slanted entrances.

    The campground is kept clean and the bathrooms were tidy. The campground is in bear country so you have to be mindful about leaving food out when you’re not at the site or asleep.

    There is a pond and there’s kayaks, canoes, etc for rent. The beach area is clean and the water is clear. I was there middle of August and the water was not cold and quite comfortable. There are some water front sites that you can use to access the water with a boat or paddle board.

    Cell service is non existent and they have a pay phone near the entrance booth where you can use to make/receive phone calls. It’s a 20 min drive back into town to get cell service. That’s a non- starter for me. It would be beneficial if they had service near the entrance at least for people to check in with Family.

  • Joe M.
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Peaceful Valley Campsite

    STAY FAR AWAY!!!

    Stay clear!  Owner is a rude, nasty, vile human being!  He doesn’t care about paying costumers, they are a nuisance to him!  He overcharges customers constantly.  Cabins and bathrooms are filthy.  0 stars

  • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Hartwick Highlands Campground

    Closest campground to Dreams Park

    Great campground very well kept and closest to Dreams Park. We drove around to the three closest RV parks to Dreams Park and would definitely stay here with the team and / or on your own. Security gate to enter and exit, pool, store, arcade, wide open where the RV’s are.

  • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Cooperstown Beaver Valley Campground

    Great proximity to Dreams Park

    Cute cabins, lots of great amenities, pools, corn hole, volleyball net, nicely kept baseball fields , store, areas for group picnics. You could have the whole team stay here in the cabins and bring RV’s too. Only 10min or so to dreams park. Wooded area where RV’s are and separate area where the cabins are. Great spot. Festive and well kept.

  • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Cooperstown Family Campground

    Great spot for a week at Dreams Park

    Peaceful, quiet, spread out. We had a big grass baseball field almost all to ourselves. Showers, bathrooms, efficient store, 24 hours laundry, 12 or so arcade machines in a cute barn they’ll open up for you when you want to play. Fire circles great for evening campfires. A pool across the street that seemed well cared for. A couple ponds that have Canadian geese. You feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere. Tons of trees and wide open space. Healthy grass sites to park on with water, electric and sewer hook ups.

  • Olivia K.
    Aug. 1, 2025

    Never Sink Hideaway

    Full of Trash

    I just arrived at this location and it is filled with trash. Do NOT book here. There are houses right behind and it’s just off the side of a dirt road. The river isn’t even visible.

  • B
    Jul. 21, 2025

    Foothills

    Nice place

    Foothills is a great choice for families or groups of friends who want to immerse themselves in nature with many gentle amenities and relaxing spaces.


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.