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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.
"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."
"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."
"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."
from $17 - $102 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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"
"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"
from $22 / night
Check Availability"When you are camping with a large group of friends and don't all have access to a car, this is the perfect spot."
"We were right next to the entrance for hiking trails which was convenient. The facilities are a bit of a walk, but that means it is spread out and there's plenty of room to relax and have fun."
from $17 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $20 - $42 / night
Check Availability"There are absolutely no amenities whatsoever & barely even a signal here, but it’s quiet & off the beaten path. The parking lot only holds about 4-5 cars, 6 if you park real tight."
"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. "
from $20 / night
Check Availability
GuideWe were in campsite 20 with lots of room. The first night we were there we were near very loud groups which was difficult to sleep through. The next night everyone cleared out and we had a peaceful crowd. Bathrooms are nice, the park has great hiking trails and a nice day use area! There is also an area where we can rent canoes. I would definitely return, just wish there was a little more crowd control.
TravelerThis area seems to be devoid of campgrounds except for this one. It’s basically just a large parking lot with hook ups. Completely open, which is great for Starlink. Bathrooms were slightly above average; fairly clean and places to hang clothes for your shower. Has a laundry but be sure to bring quarters. It is about 100 yards from the interstate so you’ll get a lot of noise and diesel exhaust fumes.
ScoutWe really loved this spot- it was relaxing to listen to the sounds of the creek and not having any camping neighbors. The night sky was filled with stars and we even saw a rocket. I also appreciated having an outhouse on site- i would say the only downside was having to take our bag of poop+pee out with us when we left (site rules). The only other thing that was bothersome was being told that wood is provided at the site and then not realizing until after we got there that we would have to Venmo the owner $10 per bundle (I don’t mind paying, just wouldn’t been nice to know ahead of time that it wasn’t included in the price). I recommend this site for anyone who enjoys privacy and doesn’t mind a detox from WiFi.
ScoutRip Van Winkle Campground
Catskills NY
The Good:
1. The location
2. The actual campground itself. There are roomy sites with trees.
The Bad:
1. If you are lucky enough to get an assigned campsite away from the busy road, it is a HALF MILE walk to the only showers in the ENTIRE campground. They have nearly 200 campsites and ONE set of showers.
2. The speed bumps are beyond ridiculous. Two humpers and high as Bob Marley.
3. If you call the office for help (our electrical post was out) they record you without your knowledge.
The Ugly:
1. The campground lost power on my electrical post and tried to blame ME for it. I own a Bulldog surge protector, yeah, so it wasn't me. How it was handled was unbelievable. I have never been treated so rudely. A simple apology would have gone a long way.
ScoutNo hookups. It was wooded, quiet and dark at night. I used the dump station on my way out. The first time I ever saw a poop fountain. The sewer opening sticks up above ground level. The cover swivels away, so I couldn't put it on top of my hose. And then, when I tried to rinse it, there was nowhere for it to go, because the inlet is elevated.
ScoutWe reserved for a day. Very bad service. The river is super dirty and they did not even clean the trash cans. Besides, the fire ring has no grill cooking grate, so if you don’t bring your own NO GRILLING. Ryan was the person in front that took care of us, he was rude, my kids felt weird because he was not welcoming at all. Also, we try to ask for a partial refund since we did not felt comfortable since the beginning, and they said NO. We have experience camping, but this one was simply THE WORST. We lost the money but we won’t put our kids in a difficult situation. Thanks.
ScoutWe stay at a lot of Jellystone parks so have become accustomed to the park layouts and activities. This one was well maintained with clean facilities. Some things like the mini golf and fire pits needed maintenance. The pools were nice but get very busy later in the day. The sites up on the hills are nice but beware, it’s a hill! There is little to no WiFi or cell service or it gets easily bogged down, so be ready for that. Food was basic but good. Some activities like bingo were a bit chaotic and there were a lot of ground hornets around the jumping pillows. Would totally go again.
ScoutThe neighbor cry about a dog that barks and then we are no good
RangerThis is an A.T. shelter and campsite. First come, first served. Privy was nice. Flat tentsites for 6 or more. Good for Hammocking also.
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.
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."
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!!"
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."
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."
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.
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