The Catskill foothills surrounding Olivebridge, New York sit at elevations between 600-1,200 feet, creating distinct microclimates that affect camping conditions throughout the season. The area receives approximately 44 inches of rainfall annually, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 55-85°F. Tent and RV camping options near Olivebridge tend to be less crowded during weekdays, with most sites requiring advance booking during peak summer months.
What to do
Lake activities at Lake Taghkanic: About 40 minutes from Olivebridge, Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground offers swimming and boating opportunities. Visitors note that "Late night, stargazing over the lake is a great pastime, because the water is calm and the light pollution is low." The lake also features boat rentals for day use.
Hiking nearby trails: The area surrounding glamping in Olivebridge, New York provides access to numerous hiking paths. At Alder Lake, "The hike around the lake is a lovely, easy walk. The hike trail that connects to the far end of the lake is 6+ miles and while there were no real views, it was lovely." Many trails connect to fire towers with panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape.
Farm visits: Several glamping sites in the Olivebridge area feature working farms. Brookside Campground includes "a small farm right next to our site, goats, cow chickens, ducks, geese" where families can observe farm animals up close. These agricultural experiences add an educational component to glamping stays in the region.
What campers like
Secluded spots: Campers seeking privacy appreciate the more isolated glamping options near Olivebridge. At Alder Lake, "The campsites are very spacious with lots of room between you and other campers, and have a fire pit and some have picnic tables." This seclusion creates a more immersive nature experience.
Water features: Creeks and brooks enhance the glamping experience throughout the area. At Thousand Trails Rondout Valley, campers mention "a babbling brook was 30 feet behind us. Great spot for morning coffee." These water features provide both scenic value and recreational opportunities for visitors.
Clean facilities: Quality bathrooms and showers rank high in camper satisfaction. Lake Taghkanic State Park receives praise because "Showers are hot and there's great water pressure. The cleanliness of the bathrooms depends on how busy the campground is." Well-maintained facilities significantly improve the glamping experience, particularly for those new to outdoor accommodations.
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Most glamping sites near Olivebridge operate on limited schedules. Skyway Camping Resort runs from "May 1 - Oct 14," which aligns with the general operational season for most accommodations in the area. Weather conditions often dictate exact opening and closing dates.
Site variations: The quality of individual sites varies significantly within the same property. At Thousand Trails Rondout Valley, a camper noted, "My Starlink didn't work at the first site (372 - full hookup) but they let me choose another site (435 - no sewer) and I was happy as a clam." Researching specific site numbers before booking improves satisfaction.
Noise considerations: Sound travels easily between sites at some locations. One camper at Blue Mountain Campground reported, "The site we have was pretty closed to the others and so at night it got a bit loud." Weekends typically bring higher occupancy rates and increased noise levels at most glamping facilities.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Jellystone Park Gardiner specializes in family programming with "a event just about every weekend with kid activity." Another visitor adds that it "has a 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."
Wildlife observation: Children particularly enjoy spotting local fauna near glamping sites. In Thousand Trails Rondout Valley, "The creek that runs by the campground is gorgeous, and my kids had fun finding Crayfish." These natural encounters create memorable educational experiences during family glamping trips.
Site selection for noise: Families should consider site placement carefully. At Jellystone Park, a camper shared: "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." Choosing sites further from play areas ensures better rest for light sleepers.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: RVers report mixed experiences with site leveling throughout the Olivebridge area. At Thousand Trails Rondout Valley, one visitor mentioned "Our site was even and easy to level on," though conditions vary greatly between individual sites and after heavy rainfall.
Parking limitations: Some glamping properties near Olivebridge have restricted access for larger vehicles. At Alder Lake, an RVer noted it "Was not the easiest for my RV van to get up the hill with the ruts, but I have a small lift so it helps, lower clearance vans might not make it." Calling ahead to verify accessibility prevents arrival complications.
Resort amenities: For glamping enthusiasts traveling with RVs who want additional facilities, Skyway Camping Resort provides "full hookups with cable and wifi" though one camper mentioned "Office forgot to give us wifi info and had closed early." Calling ahead for access codes prevents connectivity frustrations upon arrival.
