Best Campgrounds near New Paltz, NY

Several camping areas surround New Paltz, New York, with North-South Lake Campground being one of the main spots in the area. The sites at North-South Lake come with picnic tables and fire rings, plus there are hiking trails that connect to some good lookout points nearby. Many of the state DEC campgrounds around New Paltz have decent facilities and sit in wooded settings. The sites vary in how much privacy they give you and how much tree cover you'll get, and they work for both tents and smaller RVs. Make sure you check the local rules about fires and whether you need permits before you go. During busy times, especially summer weekends, you should book ahead if you want to guarantee a spot. The state campgrounds typically have basic bathrooms and drinking water available. New Paltz camping works well for quick weekend trips or longer stays depending on what you're after.

Best Camping Sites Near New Paltz, New York (175)

    1. Jellystone Park Gardiner

    32 Reviews
    Gardiner, NY
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 255-5193

    "With a new check in area, Gardiner has really stepped up. They expanded the pool area to include another pool plus splash area and water slides."

    "We got a red carpet site by the Gaga pit and near the water park (Cindy bear lane) and it was a convenient yet noisy site. Kids were at the playground 8 am or before and the noise woke us up."

    2. New York City North-Newburgh KOA

    14 Reviews
    Plattekill, NY
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 564-2836

    "Lots to do around like New Paltz, Mohonk Preserve, Lake Minnewaska and my favorite hike Bonticou Crag…"

    "They have the best staff and they are everywhere, if you need someone they are always around and super friendly also."

    3. Mills Norrie State Park Campground

    16 Reviews
    Staatsburg, NY
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 889-4646

    $21 - $102 / night

    "There are great hiking trails on the Hudson River right outside your campsite. Amenities are the great outdoors and an ancient bath house built during the New Deal in the 1930's."

    "Firewood wasn’t available at the camp, had to drive about a mile to grab some. Close to town so easy to grab needed items."

    4. Thousand Trails Rondout Valley

    13 Reviews
    Accord, NY
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Great place situated in a great area with lots to do all within an hour's drive. Even camping during a pandemic was peaceful & fun!"

    "This is a Thousand trails campground so it was free. I think the regular price is $64. Full hookups, tents and cabins to rent. Pleanty to do in and around campground."

    5. Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground

    8 Reviews
    Accord, NY
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 951-4571

    "The second night, we stayed at site 31(drive up) and I recommend that as it is near the comfort station and back enough from the road and other sites that you have some space to yourself.The view of "the"

    "I definitely recommend trying to get the walk-in (meaning you can't drive to them) sites (8-15) because they're just a little bit more set back and kind of wonderfully wooded all around. 8 & 9 seemed"

    6. Catskill/Kenneth L Wilson Campground

    23 Reviews
    Shokan, NY
    21 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"

    7. Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Fishkill, NY
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 225-7207

    $21 / night

    "This park has a nice open beach on Canopus Lake with a concession area and bathhouse, which we found to be quite clean! They even have boat rentals - or you can bring your own boat to launch!"

    "When you are camping with a large group of friends and don't all have access to a car, this is the perfect spot."

    8. Sam Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground — Minnewaska State Park Preserve

    3 Reviews
    Gardiner, NY
    6 miles
    Website

    $20 - $42 / night

    "Most acidic lake in New York but completely safe."

    "It’s got good access to Lake Minnewaska (driving), staff was nice and polite. But I thought the sites were on the smaller side and no fire is allowed."

    9. Woodland Valley Campground — DEC

    29 Reviews
    Phoenicia, NY
    25 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. "

    10. Winding Hills Park

    8 Reviews
    Montgomery, NY
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 457-4918

    $25 - $30 / night

    "We have stayed here multiple times since it’s so close to home. Reservations are needed only for major holidays during camping season; Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day."

    "The trails to walk on are perfect to get out of the campsite for a few hours. There are no spots with sewer hookup but they have a dumping area."

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Recent Reviews near New Paltz, NY

725 Reviews of 175 New Paltz Campgrounds


  • Sue B.
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Ten Mile River Shelter — Appalachian National Scenic Trail

    Not a public campground!

    Ten Mile River Shelter and campsite is not a public campground. Sure, anyone can camp there, but it is designated for folks hiking the A.T., whether thru-hikers, section hikers, or whatever. While there are no rules about who can camp there, during thru-hiking season, consideration should be made for folks who rely on places like this during a long distance hike. It is at least a mile if not a mile and a half from approved parking (on the side of the road off the A.T.) to camp, either from the A.T. or a combo of the A.T. and a blue blaze trail (which is easier, imo). There are also no fires allowed on the CT A.T.

  • 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.

  • Erin N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Tri-State RV Park

    Friendly Owners and Reasonable rates

    We just stayed the night last minute. We hit unexpected traffic on the way and the owners were kind enough to wait for us to check in. The sites aren’t anything glamorous but the hookups are great and easy to pull through. It is by the highway so it can be loud at times but I don’t mind. Beautiful river on the property. Bathroom and showers were clean and well stocked.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Sage's Revine

    Not highest recommended

    There was a bunch of signs that said no parking so we parked at the entrance to the trailhead. The area itself is beautiful but I believe it is more for tent camping versus cars, overlanding vehicles and RVs.

  • 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.


Guide to New Paltz

The Shawangunk Mountains provide a striking backdrop for camping near New Paltz, New York, with elevations reaching up to 2,289 feet at Sam's Point. The area's mixed deciduous forest creates dense shade at most campsites during summer months, while fall brings vibrant foliage displays. Campgrounds in this region typically operate from April through November, with facilities closing during winter due to the area's average 49 inches of annual snowfall.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer fishing access, with Winding Hills Park providing multiple options. "There is a large lake to kayak and fish in... The lake is a nice size and has a trail so you walk the entire length with benches around a good portion to sit and/or fish. There is a nice sized pond at the park to fish which also has benches around it," notes Amanda B. at Winding Hills Park.

Rock climbing access: The Shawangunk Gateway Campground serves as a basecamp for climbers. Jackie B. explains, "Located really close to the Gunks for climbing and also some great hikes around the area," while Mollie R. adds it has "great access to amazing hiking and climbing in the area! About half the sites are walk-in and half the sites are drive-up."

Hiking trails and swimming: The Catskill region offers extensive hiking networks with varying difficulty levels. At Woodland Valley Campground, Derek W. mentions it's "an excellent site if you're looking to explore the Slide Mountain Wilderness and a great place to prep if you're planning to go backpacking as well." For swimming options, Lake Minnewaska provides a unique experience as Anthony S. notes it's the "most acidic lake in New York but completely safe."

What campers like

Peaceful water features: Many campgrounds feature streams or lakes that enhance the camping experience. John N. from Woodland Valley Campground describes how "the mountain creek is like nature singing a lullaby - sleeping next to it was very relaxing."

Privacy levels: Site selection matters when seeking seclusion. At Kenneth L Wilson Campground, Katherine P. observed, "Campsites are fairly close together with a variety of levels of privacy. Ours allowed you to be pretty far back from the road for more privacy, but some of the other sites were literally next to the road."

Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain good bathroom and shower standards. Laura E. from Winding Hills Park appreciates the "large private sites, some with electricity, clean bath house, hot showers in a quiet and wooded campground," while Melanie H. at Kenneth L Wilson notes, "The bathrooms were very clean and new and the showers were free and temperature controlled to perfectly warm!!"

What you should know

Reservation requirements: Booking policies vary significantly between campgrounds. Winding Hills Park offers flexibility as "reservations are needed only for major holidays during camping season; Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day," according to Amanda B., who adds that "when not going on a holiday it is first come first serve spots."

Fire restrictions: Some campgrounds have unique fire policies. At Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground, Mollie R. points out, "No fire pits at individual campsites, though. Only a group fire pit."

Water quality concerns: Water sources can vary in quality. Laura E. from Winding Hills Park warns, "The water smells a little like sulfur, so you may want to bring your own." This is important to know when planning meals and hydration needs.

Bear presence: Wildlife management is necessary in this region. Katherine P. from Kenneth L Wilson Campground notes, "There's a standard picnic table and a decent raised fire pit, and a spigot at our site... If you leave food out you will get a warning notice if seen."

Tips for camping with families

Playgrounds and activities: Family-oriented campgrounds provide structured recreation. At Jellystone Park Gardiner, Jennifer I. mentions it "has a event just about every weekend with kid activity," while Jenna S. confirms it's "a very nice campground for families. Has a lot of activities and facilities for campers."

Swimming options: Water features are important for family enjoyment. Amanda S. from Jellystone Park appreciates their "nice pool that is shallow so you can relax and let the little ones go in the water park section alone or they have a 3 ft pool also."

Noise considerations: Selecting the right campsite affects your family's sleep quality. At Kenneth L Wilson Campground, Melanie H. recommends considering your site location as she found the campground "quiet and so nice!! Site 71 was separated a little bit from other sites as you can see on the map which was so nice."

Tips from RVers

Site selection for RVs: Finding level, accessible sites can be challenging. At New York City North-Newburgh KOA, Greg S. notes the campground has "a real mixed bag- the rv/trailer only section is really nice, wooded. Has a classic campground feel. The other tent/cabin side was loud and not private."

Hookup availability: RV-specific amenities vary by campground. April L. provides insight about Newburgh KOA, saying, "Some sites are hard to get into and others are in more of a large parking lot, but I think that is for workers for local pipeline companies. They have been working on upgrades and adding more patio sites which does improve the place."

Access challenges: Some roads and entrances require caution. Kathy L. at Mills Norrie State Park Campground warns that "some have a steep descent off the road, abs there's a lip on the road that can scrape bottom of campers/RVs. This happened to our neighbor and it took out his RV sewer system, which will be not only a hassle but a costly repair."

Frequently Asked Questions

What campgrounds are available in and around New Paltz, NY?

The New Paltz area offers several excellent camping options. Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground provides basic but well-maintained sites popular with rock climbers visiting the Gunks. Mills Norrie State Park Campground offers large, nicely spaced sites with great hiking trails along the Hudson River. Other nearby options include North-South Lake Campground in the Catskills, Catskill/Kenneth L Wilson Campground with its mix of privacy and community, and Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds featuring private lakes for fishing. For those willing to drive a bit further, Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park and Croton Point Park along the Hudson provide additional camping experiences within reasonable distance of New Paltz.

Are there cabin or glamping accommodations in New Paltz for visitors who prefer not to tent camp?

Yes, visitors to New Paltz who prefer not to tent camp have several cabin and glamping options. Peace and Carrots Farm Bluebird Tiny Home offers a unique tiny home experience for those seeking comfort in a natural setting. Croton Point Park provides cabin rentals along with various family-oriented activities and Hudson River views. Additionally, Jellystone Park in Gardiner features comfortable cabin accommodations with resort-style amenities. For those seeking a middle ground between camping and resort stays, Thousand Trails Rondout Valley near Accord offers cabin options with more amenities than traditional camping while still providing an outdoor experience in the beautiful Hudson Valley region.

Is Jellystone Park in New Paltz good for family camping trips?

Jellystone Park Gardiner is an excellent choice for family camping trips near New Paltz. The park features family-focused amenities including water activities, themed weekends, and character appearances that children love. While not mentioned specifically in the reviews, Jellystone parks are nationally known for their kid-friendly environments with planned activities and entertainment options. For families seeking alternatives, New York City North-Newburgh KOA is another family-friendly option with clean facilities, friendly staff, and regular entertainment including live music and free breakfast events. Many families return year after year, particularly enjoying sites in the 30's section which offer a good balance of space and access to amenities.

What RV camping options exist in New Paltz, and are rentals available?

The New Paltz area offers several RV-friendly campgrounds. Thousand Trails Rondout Valley near Accord provides drive-in access with full hookups and is big-rig friendly. Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds offers RV sites with amenities like fishing in two private lakes, playgrounds, basketball courts, and a swimming pool. While specific rental information isn't detailed in the reviews, many campgrounds partner with local RV rental companies or offer on-site rental units. The New York City North-Newburgh KOA accommodates RVs with varying site sizes, though some sites may be challenging to access. For those needing a site for workers or longer stays, this KOA offers dedicated areas. Most RV-friendly campgrounds in the area require reservations, especially during peak season.