Best Campgrounds near Olivebridge, NY

The Catskill Mountains surrounding Olivebridge, New York feature diverse camping options within a short drive, from established campgrounds to primitive backcountry sites. Kenneth L Wilson Campground in Mt. Tremper offers spacious, tree-surrounded sites with a mix of privacy and community feel, while North-South Lake Campground provides lakeside camping with beach access. Thousand Trails Rondout Valley in nearby Accord accommodates both tent and RV campers with full hookup options. The region's camping landscape ranges from state-managed facilities with basic amenities to private campgrounds with more extensive services, all set against the backdrop of the scenic Catskill Forest Preserve.

Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from May through October, with limited winter access. Cell service is notably sparse throughout the region, with many campers reporting complete disconnection at sites like Woodland Valley and North-South Lake. "There is NO cell service and just forget about WiFi. You are unplugged," notes one North-South Lake visitor. Black bears are common visitors to campgrounds, requiring proper food storage. Weather conditions can change rapidly in the mountains, with summer thunderstorms and significant temperature drops at night even during warm months. Advance reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekend stays between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Proximity to hiking trails ranks as a top feature in camper reviews of the area. The Giant Ledge trail, accessible from several nearby campgrounds, offers what one visitor called "amazing views overlooking the entire area" and is particularly recommended for sunrise viewing. Waterfront sites command premium prices but receive consistently high ratings. "The creek was perfect for dipping your feet and just hanging out," reports one camper at Phoenicia Black Bear Campground. Site privacy varies considerably, with some campgrounds featuring closely spaced sites while others offer more seclusion. Many campgrounds provide access to fishing opportunities, with the Beaverkill area known for excellent fly fishing. Weekend crowds are common at most locations, with several reviewers noting the stark contrast between busy weekends and quiet weekdays.

Best Camping Sites Near Olivebridge, New York (179)

    1. Catskill/Kenneth L Wilson Campground

    23 Reviews
    Shokan, NY
    7 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"

    2. Woodland Valley Campground — DEC

    29 Reviews
    Phoenicia, NY
    11 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. "

    3. Jellystone Park Gardiner

    32 Reviews
    Gardiner, NY
    17 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."

    4. North-South Lake Campground

    43 Reviews
    Palenville, NY
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 589-5058

    $22 - $44 / night

    "Our first campground was in New York Aug 8th. Unfortunately, Debbie was socking New York hard. North South Lake Campground in the Catskills was our camping home."

    "Had a great time at this campground- surrounded by many returning campers which gave the whole experience a good community vibe. Ice cream truck comes around each evening in the summer."

    5. 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."

    6. Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds

    16 Reviews
    Saugerties, NY
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 246-8334

    "You’ve got fishing either in 2 private lakes or you can fish in the river but to do the river you’ll need a New York State fishing license."

    "I was a little skeptical that we wouldn’t get to choose our site, but you can’t go wrong, they are all wooded, private and well situated. The campground is centrally located you many things to do."

    7. Mills Norrie State Park Campground

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

    $17 - $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."

    8. Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground

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

    "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"

    "There are drive-up sites and also walk-in sites. No fire pits at individual campsites, though. Only a group fire pit."

    9. The Peekamoose Valley

    7 Reviews
    Claryville, NY
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 256-3076

    "We got to the spot at around 4pm, and choose a spot in the “upper field”, although we didn’t see anyone at the lower spots on the road."

    "This was a good campground for a base point for hiking around the peekamoose area. I stayed in the middle field campground site #6 (which is the worst spot on that field)."

    10. Giant Ledge Primitive Camp

    6 Reviews
    Big Indian, NY
    13 miles

    "You will see a yellow little circle sign on a tree with a tent on it, a short distance down that side trail there is the site. It has rock benches and a fire pit. Primitive."

    "However the descriptions of this place in reviews here and elsewhere provided very little info and once I got out to the trail realized how different it was to what I expected."

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Recent Reviews near Olivebridge, NY

701 Reviews of 179 Olivebridge Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park

    Convenient pit stop

    This spot is easy to find and access, and had decent ATT service. There's only a few spots, and the road is narrow with not much turnaround room, I wouldn't recommend for trailers or RVs.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Mills Norrie State Park Campground

    Average

    We stayed one night in late September without a reservation. Bathhouse is old but was adequate with hot showers. We’re from out of state and paid about $23 for a tent site which was reasonable for the facilities.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Sylvan Lake Beach Park

    Great Beach Lake for summer swimming and Boating

    This is an old campground, but is quite quaint. Reminds me of lake camping that I grew up with. Hosts are very nice and helpful. This is more of a seasonal camping site. Do not follow your GPS directions. Get directions from the campground staff.

  • Mindie C.
    Sep. 27, 2025

    West Point FMWR Round Pond Outdoor Recreation Area

    West Point

    No frills but beautiful. Bath houses are absolutely spotless. Fire pits, electric and water hook ups only. Will return! Staff is friendly and helpful. Military families should check it out!

  • Tamar W.
    Sep. 22, 2025

    The Peekamoose Valley

    Not all sites open

    Despite current info posted online and even at the Lower Field site, not all sites are open. Only the Lower Field site is open. We walked down the hill, across the bridge, and looked at a few sites in each direction. It was walk-in only and about a 5-10 minute walk to the first site. The setting was nice, close to the creek, with a stone fire ring at each. You can see the folks in the next site but there’s quite a bit of privacy. There wasn’t much wood laying around to make a fire, so plan ahead. The ports potties are in the parking lot so it’s likely that you won’t make the trek up to them. Make sure you know the rules about how far away from the water you should pee and whatnot. I believe it’s on the info sign nearby. We have a roof top tent and we were stopping in the middle of a long drive so we just waited until dark and popped it in the parking lot and then left in the morning but I don’t think you’re supposed to do that. FYI they empty the dumpsters at 4am on Monday and then do the ports potties at 7am. Yay.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Skyway Camping Resort

    One night stoo

    Nice well maintained park, full hookups with cable and wifi. Office forgot to give us wifi info and had closed early. Very nice staff.


Guide to Olivebridge

Camping sites near Olivebridge, New York span a diverse forest ecosystem where elevations range from 600 to 2,000 feet throughout the Catskill Forest Preserve. The camping season typically runs mid-May through late October, with higher elevation sites often closing earlier due to unpredictable fall weather conditions. Primitive camping options become significantly more challenging to access after rainfall, when forest roads may become temporarily impassable.

What to do

Swimming access: 45-minute drive to North-South Lake Campground's dual lakes, where the swimming areas feature designated beaches with lifeguards during peak season. "I go there almost every year to go swimming with my family and friends and it's always a good time," notes one visitor to North-South Lake Campground.

Rock climbing: Technical routes for all levels at the Shawangunk Gateway Campground area, with both traditional and sport climbing routes. A camper describes it as "the closest campground to world renowned rock climbing in 'the gunks' and also offers many other outdoor activities including some great hikes and rock scrambles, swimming holes and waterfalls."

Blue Hole swimming: Permit required May-September for the natural swimming area near Peekamoose Valley. "The 'Blue Hole' is amazing and it's quite beautiful to stay right on the creek," explains a visitor to The Peekamoose Valley, though they caution about ticks in the area.

Forest hiking: Direct trail access from multiple campgrounds with varying difficulty levels. A Kenneth L Wilson visitor shared, "Just a stone's throw from NYC, this state campground has lots of wooded sites. Easily accessible, with fire pits, picnic tables and great hiking."

What campers like

Creek access for cooling off: Shallow water areas provide relief during hot summer days. A camper at Woodland Valley Campground notes, "If you like to camp by water, this is the perfect place for you. It has amazing on the water sites you can camp at, plus a stunning view of the Catskills."

Tent platforms at certain sites: Wooden platforms provide flat, well-drained areas for setting up camp. According to one visitor to Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground, "The nicest, most level tent site you'll ever find. So easy to set up, and no worries whatsoever about roots or rocks."

Communal campfire opportunities: Several campgrounds feature shared fire rings that build community. One camper noted, "They have eliminated fire rings at each site and opted for one, communal fire pit to encourage more social interaction."

Evening quiet at state-run sites: Enforcement of quiet hours helps ensure peaceful nights. A Rip Van Winkle visitor mentioned, "Amazing campground with perfectly spaced large sites. There's a few playgrounds a great pool and a lot of amenities."

What you should know

Bear activity requires proper precautions: Food storage protocols are strictly enforced at all sites. A camper at Kenneth L Wilson Campground shared a memorable encounter: "It was the wildest weekend I ever had, I'm not being sarcastic. The hiking areas are great, the weather is perfect and the bear was very nice for a bear."

Limited or no shower facilities at primitive sites while established campgrounds offer varying bathroom quality. One camper noted about Woodland Valley, "The facilities are on par with most parks. They are dog friendly, so we took our dog with us on our camping trip in May (she loved it)."

Weekday vs. weekend crowds: Dramatic difference in campground occupancy and noise levels. A Mills Norrie visitor observed, "Campground is empty during the week, and more crowded on weekends. We would return here if in this area again."

Site selection impacts privacy: Research site maps before booking as proximity varies widely. A Kenneth Wilson camper advised, "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."

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly amenities: Jellystone Park in Gardiner offers specialized activities. "This campground is great for kids. It has an event just about every weekend with kid activity," mentions a visitor to Jellystone Park Gardiner.

Swimming for different ages: Pools with shallow areas accommodate younger children. A camper noted, "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."

Playground access: Some sites feature multiple play areas spread throughout. One visitor reported, "This is a very nice campground for families. Has a lot of activities and facilities for campers."

Nature-based activities: Stream exploration keeps kids entertained for hours. A Rondout Valley camper shared, "The creek that runs by the campground is gorgeous, and my kids had fun finding Crayfish."

Tips from RVers

Site leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at many locations. A camper at Thousand Trails Rondout Valley noted, "Our site was up front and we didn't venture into the park. We did use the laundry room, which needed some updates, especially some lighting."

Water and electric hookups: Available at select campgrounds but often limited. "Full hookups, tents and cabins to rent. Plenty to do in and around campground. Grounds has a pool, concession stand, game room, playgrounds, sports field and more."

Road access limitations: Some campgrounds have narrow entrance roads. One RVer advised, "The long, narrow, and winding road from Route 28 to Woodland Valley campground should not keep you from camping there!"

Advance reservation requirements: Book early for prime RV sites with hookups. A visitor recommended, "Very easy to level and setup on #7. Full connections. Pay showers and laundry onsite. Loved having gated security."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Olivebridge, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, Olivebridge, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 179 campgrounds and RV parks near Olivebridge, NY and 14 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Olivebridge, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Olivebridge, NY is Catskill/Kenneth L Wilson Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 23 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Olivebridge, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 free dispersed camping spots near Olivebridge, NY.