The Catskill Mountains and Shawangunk Ridge create a diverse camping landscape surrounding New Paltz, New York. Elevation ranges from 200 feet above sea level in the valley to over 4,000 feet in the higher Catskill peaks. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-85°F during the day and drop to 55-65°F at night, with significantly cooler temperatures at higher elevations.
What to do
Hiking at Giant Ledge: The primitive camping area at Giant Ledge Primitive Camp offers access to challenging trails with significant elevation gain. "It is a near vertical hike the first mile with 90% or more being over rock gardens. Not some rocks littering the trail. I think the trail used to be a stream or creek," notes one camper who advises preparation for the terrain.
Swimming in Echo Lake: A 2-mile hike brings you to Echo Lake, where tent sites surround the water. "Lake is surrounded by hills and there is a small lean two with a few campfire spots. Other campsites are scattered and require navigating through small overgrown trails (wear pants)," advises a camper who found a perfect spot "on the hill with a beautiful view of the whole lake and breeze."
Rock climbing at Mohonk Preserve: The area near New Paltz is world-renowned for climbing opportunities. "This is the closest legal camping option to the trapps/mohonk preserve," notes a climber about Shawangunk Gateway Campground, adding that "there are discounts for being a member of the aac or mohonk preserve."
What campers like
Secluded forest camping: At Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed, campers appreciate the basic, no-frills experience. "The parking lot only holds about 4-5 cars, 6 if you park real tight. There's no spectacular mountain views from above, but rather a quiet peaceful wooded area," reports one visitor who enjoyed the solitude.
Riverside camping in Peekamoose Valley: The Peekamoose Valley offers three separate camping fields with wooded sites next to Rondout Creek. "It's actually a set of 4 campgrounds, the lower field, the middle field, the upper field, and the trailer field. All of the sites are walk in except for the trailer field," explains a camper who appreciated being "close enough to leave the food in the car rather than hanging the food up."
Modern amenities at established campgrounds: For those wanting more conveniences, some tent campsites near New Paltz provide updated facilities. "This is a very nice modern campground with great access to amazing hiking and climbing in the area," notes a visitor about Shawangunk Gateway Campground, highlighting "a covered communal pavilion with picnic tables, big sinks for washing dishes, and lighting."
What you should know
Bear activity requirements: Many camping areas enforce strict food storage protocols. "There was a port-a-potty. Campsites in middle field are just clearings with fire pits and nothing else," reports a Peekamoose Valley camper who suggests being prepared to manage food safely in bear country.
Reservation systems vary: Some campgrounds assign specific sites rather than allowing campers to choose. At Sam Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground — Minnewaska State Park Preserve, one visitor noted, "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."
Weather considerations: The mountains create variable conditions. "We watched the top of a tree fall through the forest, cool to see but worth being on the lookout as it seemed quite a few trees had tops that were dead or dying," warns a Giant Ledge camper, suggesting awareness of surroundings during storms or high winds.
Tips for camping with families
Choose established campgrounds for amenities: Families often prefer sites with facilities. "Big flat tent bases to set up on," notes a camper about Shawangunk Gateway Campground, which also offers "a picnic table at each site" and "a 'comfort station' for the campsites farther from the main pavilion with bathrooms and big sinks for dish washing."
Consider bug protection: Some camping areas have persistent insect issues. "The upper field spots have a little more flat area and were more secluded. The only thing was there was no port-a-potty at the upper field," reports a Peekamoose visitor, while another warns about ticks: "Peekamoose is a very nice place if you're into the primitive thing... Oh, did I mention the Tics!??"
Plan for varied terrain: Creek View Campground offers more basic accommodations that might work for families who need budget options. "If you are a tent camper who gets excited about an electrical outlet sticking up out of the ground here and there, the possible chance of a picnic table, fire ring, the existence of running water, a toilet, and consider a shower room a bonus, this is the campground for you."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most tent campsites near New Paltz don't accommodate larger RVs. "This isn't a fancy campsite and has no amenities. There is a small(10 car) parking lot and a trail that runs thru 80 acres of forest," notes a Hemlock Ridge visitor, indicating the challenges for RV access.
Consider trailer field at Peekamoose: For small trailer camping, Peekamoose Valley offers dedicated spaces. "It was nice to walk in but still be close enough to leave the food in the car rather than hanging the food up," notes a camper who appreciated the proximity to parking.
