The Catskill Mountains surrounding New Kingston, New York feature densely forested terrain at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 2,500 feet. Winter temperatures typically drop below freezing from December through March, while summer highs average in the mid-70s. The region receives approximately 45 inches of rainfall annually, creating lush vegetation but sometimes challenging camping conditions during spring melt.
What to do
Hiking at Alder Lake: Located about 30 minutes from New Kingston, this area offers both lakeside trails and more challenging forest routes. A visitor reported, "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."
Fishing in multiple waterways: Russell Brook Campsites provides direct stream access where campers can enjoy freshwater fishing. One camper shared, "Our site was massive (39) and had direct access to Russell Brook. Couldn't keep my son out of the water."
Visit Minekill State Park: Just 5 minutes from Nickerson Park Campground, this park offers additional outdoor recreation opportunities. A reviewer noted, "There are also a lot of places in the area to visit. Minekill state park is only a 5 minute drive."
Explore Roscoe's downtown: Known as "Trout Town USA," Roscoe offers convenient supplies and local flavor just minutes from camping areas. A visitor mentioned, "The downtown area is adorable, well-stocked in terms of stores/restaurants, and only 3 minutes down the road. Plus there is a brewery AND a distillery."
What campers like
Secluded wilderness sites: Alder Lake offers walk-in tent sites that provide genuine forest immersion. One camper noted, "The campsites are very spacious with lots of room between you and other campers, and have a fire pit and some have picnic tables."
Family-friendly amenities: Crazy Acres Campground at Beaver Spring Lake offers organized activities for children throughout the season. A reviewer shared, "We are full timers and took our daughter, her boyfriend and our granddaughter for a weekend camping. We had fun, plenty of activities, a big lake to fish in and a pool to relax by. Nighttime family fun as well."
Clean facilities: Max V. Shaul State Park maintains exceptionally clean restrooms and shower facilities. One camper reported, "Great campsite, cleanest facilities ever! Good adjustable campfire cooking rack. Friendly staff, lots of dogs, all on leash!"
Tent-specific areas: Country Roads Campground separates tent campers from RV sections. A visitor explained, "Mainly an RV ground, but they have about 10-15 great tent sites back beyond the RV area. There are water spigots near all the tent sites and they are nice and spread out."
What you should know
Water quality varies: Some campgrounds have reported water issues that may affect your stay. At Nickerson Park, a camper warned, "THE WATER! ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTING! I'm guessing the new owners didn't do as much as the previous owners as far as water treatments. It smelled like raw sewage, loaded with sediment and very discolored."
Site accessibility: Several glamping options near New Kingston require walking from parking areas. At My Friends Place, yurts and cabins are accessed via short trails from the main parking area.
Seasonal operations: Most glamping opportunities around New Kingston are available from May through October. Russell Brook Campsites operates "May 1 - Oct 31," while Max V. Shaul State Park is open "May 19 to October 10."
Reservation requirements: Popular glamping yurts in the area require advance booking. The Blueberry Patch offers limited accommodations that fill quickly during peak season.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Max V. Shaul State Park Campground offers dedicated play areas for children. A visitor mentioned, "There is a children's playground and pavilion. Firewood is available to purchase."
Water recreation options: Multiple areas offer safe water play for children. At Russell Brook Campsites, a parent shared, "Couldn't keep my son out of the water. Very peaceful. Felt like we had the place to ourselves."
Organized activities: Some campgrounds schedule family-friendly events. A Country Roads visitor noted, "They have special events in a pavilion near the RVs including bingo."
Space between sites: When glamping with families in New Kingston, choose locations with adequate separation between accommodations. At Alder Lake, a camper praised, "The campsites are very spacious with lots of room between you and other campers."
Tips from RVers
Site preparation: Some access roads require appropriate vehicles. An RV camper at Alder Lake warned, "Was not the easiest for my RV van to get up the hill with the ruts, but I have a small lift so it helps, lower clearance vans might not make it."
Utilities and hookups: Crazy Acres Campground provides essential services for RVs. One visitor noted, "My site had 30 amp electric (also 2 extension cord outlets in the box) and water. Very quiet as they had just opened."
Parking configurations: Russell Brook Campsites offers well-designed RV sites with thoughtful layouts. A reviewer shared, "Every site is well-equipped with its own water, electricity, fire pit, and picnic table."
Seasonal considerations: Late spring brings increased precipitation and potentially muddy conditions at some New Kingston area sites. Plan arrivals during drier periods for easier positioning of larger vehicles.
