Dispersed camping options near North Blenheim include primitive sites in state forests where campers can enjoy more secluded experiences away from established campgrounds. Located at elevations between 1,800-2,200 feet in the western Catskills, this region experiences cool summer nights with temperatures often dropping into the 50s even during July and August. Winter camping conditions can be challenging with several feet of snow common between December and March.
What to do
Hiking from campsites: Betty Brook Camp offers direct stream access with established fire pits alongside hiking opportunities. "Love to camp here all year long have been coming to the area for a couple of decades now. Remote. Sometimes you never see anyone. Sometimes you see some people. You camp on the stream," notes camper Robert B.
Explore local waterfalls: Though Max V. Shaul State Park Campground doesn't have a lake, campers appreciate the nearby natural features. "There's no pond/lake here but there's several waterfalls nearby and vromans nose," shares Brian H. These waterfalls make excellent day trips from camp.
Swimming and water activities: During summer months, visitors can enjoy water recreation at multiple locations. At North-South Lake Campground, one camper notes, "I go there almost every year to go swimming with my family and friends and it's always a good time."
What campers like
Clean, updated facilities: The bathhouse quality often determines comfort during longer stays. A camper at Max V. Shaul shares, "The bath house is clean and modern. $27.50/night for non-resident." Another notes that the campground has "new bathrooms/showers and family bathrooms."
Privacy between sites: Woodland Valley Campground offers well-spaced sites that campers appreciate. "Large campsite, clean facilities, fire pit, friendly and knowledgeable staff. This is an excellent site if you're looking to explore the Slide Mountain Wilderness," notes Derek W.
Creek-side camping: Several campgrounds feature stream access that adds to the experience. At Woodland Valley, John N. describes, "The mountain creek is like nature singing a lullaby - sleeping next to it was very relaxing; weather was great and we could see the stars through the canopy."
What you should know
Road conditions to dispersed sites: Some primitive camping areas require vehicles capable of handling rough terrain. At Duck Pond Campsite, a camper warns, "The road in on old cemetery rd was pretty rough, so we decided to go out the other way, which was way worse... Intermittent cell service which was frightening while driving on these rough roads."
Limited cell service: Most campgrounds in the area have minimal or no connectivity. At Woodland Valley, a camper notes, "Cell service is limited, but that wasn't a problem for us," while another adds, "No mobile signal, but that's the point, isn't it? You get to disconnect from it all for a while."
Water quality concerns: Bring your own drinking water, especially at some locations. One reviewer at Nickerson Park Campground warns, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and activities: Country Roads Campground offers organized events that kids enjoy. William R. notes, "They have special events in a pavilion near the RVs including bingo." The campground also has spacious tent sites beyond the RV area.
Look for campgrounds with recreational areas: Families should consider places with dedicated play spaces. At Max V. Shaul, a camper mentions, "There is a children's playground and pavilion. Firewood is available to purchase."
Water-based recreation options: Families with children often prefer campgrounds with swimming options. As a camper at North-South Lake explains, "Located just about a mile from Kaaterskill Falls this campground couldn't be in a better spot. We had a wonderful weekend there."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: For RVers needing electric and water connections, Little Lake Campground offers updated utilities. "Electric, water, and septic hookups were all modern and in great shape," notes Benjamin C., who adds that the campground features "many pull through sites, lots of wooded sites, and open areas for kids to play."
Dog friendly campgrounds near North Blenheim: RVers with pets should note that most established campgrounds accept leashed dogs, but have specific pet policies. Max V. Shaul gets positive reviews from pet owners, with one camper noting, "Great campsite, cleanest facilities ever! Good adjustable campfire cooking rack. Friendly staff, lots of dogs, all on leash!"
Site spacing for larger rigs: Some campgrounds offer better spacing for RVs than others. At Nickerson Park, Sarah S. observes, "Groups of sites sit on level terraces stepped down toward the river. The center area of each grouping of sites had a common use area... Each site itself was spacious."