Glamping in the New Paltz area features a variety of accommodation types set between the Shawangunk Ridge and Catskill Mountains, with elevations ranging from 200 feet near the Hudson River to over 4,000 feet in the Catskills. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F, while spring and fall can fluctuate between 40-70°F, making seasonal preparation important for outdoor stays.
What to do
Water activities at Lake Taghkanic: The lake provides clean swimming areas with distinct depth sections for different ages. "Big lake with swimming and boating as well as many hiking trails," notes Mary-Kate L. about Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground. Boat rentals are available, and personal watercraft require a $15 fee.
Stargazing opportunities: Light pollution is minimal around the campgrounds, especially near water features. "Late night, stargazing over the lake is a great pastime, because the water is calm and the light pollution is low," shares Seth K. about his experience at Lake Taghkanic.
Local exploration: The Hudson Valley region offers numerous historical sites within driving distance of major glamping areas. "The nearby towns are adorable and offer shopping, hiking, farms, and more," explains Kasey M. about her stay at Thousand Trails Rondout Valley.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many glamping sites maintain well-kept bathroom and shower facilities. "The bathrooms are clean and the water stayed hot until the last weekend of the season," reports Seth K. about camping in mid-October at Lake Taghkanic State Park.
Creek access for wildlife viewing: Natural water features provide opportunities for wildlife observation. "The creek that runs by the campground is gorgeous, and my kids had fun finding Crayfish," says Kasey M. about her family's experience at Thousand Trails Rondout Valley.
Tent platforms: Some sites offer elevated platforms that improve the camping experience during wet weather. "The platforms kept us off the ground and were helpful in setting up appropriate tarp protection!" explains Rosie R. about her rainy stay at Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park.
What you should know
Bathroom facilities vary widely: While some glamping locations offer premium facilities, others have limited capacity. "They need to add more bathrooms. They rarely cleaned the bathroom in all the 6 days that I stayed," warns Elizabeth M. about her experience at Jellystone Park Gardiner.
Military-only options: Some excellent campgrounds in the area have restricted access. "Round Pond is camping reserved for active and retired military personnel only," notes Ethan K. "Similar to Lake Frederick campsite, Round Pond had a beautiful lake that would be ideal for a hot summer day."
Site privacy concerns: Many glamping sites prioritize amenities over privacy. "It is a bit more open and campsite can be a bit close to each other," mentions Jenna S. about Jellystone Park. At some locations, foot traffic can be an issue as "People tend to walk through your campsite constantly. Even adults with their dogs."
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity considerations: Sites near play areas provide convenience but come with noise tradeoffs. "We got a red carpet site by the Gaga pit and near the water park and it was a convenient yet noisy site. Kids were at the playground 8 am or before and the noise woke us up," shares Stephanie H. about Jellystone.
Age-appropriate activities: While many glamping sites market to families with young children, older kids can still find enjoyment. "I was worried my 12 year old would be too old for it but he enjoyed making friends there," reports Stephanie H. about her experience at Jellystone Park.
Pool options for different ages: Swimming facilities often cater to various comfort levels. "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," explains Amanda S. about Skyway Camping Resort, noting it works well for family camping.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require additional preparation for comfortable RV setup. "Our site was even and easy to level on," reports Ian R. about Thousand Trails Rondout Valley, though he notes that mud can be an issue during wet periods.
Golf cart rental considerations: While convenient, powered transport at some glamping sites may not meet expectations. "Renting a golf cart is prob not the best option $175 for 2 days and it only goes 5mph I can walk faster than that," advises Scott about Jellystone Park.
Hookup placements: RV campers should check the positioning of utilities before setting up. "The sewer connection in 372 ran uphill for me, but my pipe sits very low," shares Inez W. about Osa Trail, emphasizing the importance of checking connections upon arrival.
