Camping spots near Otisville, New York span across the Shawangunk Mountains region, with elevations ranging from 400 to 1,800 feet above sea level. The area experiences distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping months. Most camping facilities in the region operate from April through October, though several sites close earlier in mid-October due to the colder temperatures that settle into this part of the Hudson Valley.
What to do
Tubing and rafting adventures: Kittatinny Campground offers water activities on the Delaware River with package options. "My college friends go here each year to meet up and we have so much fun. The group sites are great and perfect for our 30-50 people. Definitely go for the rafting/tubing package, it was the best part of the trip!" notes one visitor to Kittatinny Campground.
Wildlife viewing and nature walks: Winding Hills Park features walking trails around a large lake with multiple fishing spots. "The forest is beautiful around the park. Lake is pretty too. Site we stayed at was nice and level for a tent, plenty of trees for a hammock," reports a camper at Winding Hills Park.
Mountain hiking: Stokes State Forest connects to the Appalachian Trail with 21 marked trails covering over 63 miles. A visitor shared: "There are trail heads near the campsites and longer trails, including access to the Appalachian Trail within a short 10-15 minute drive. You can also rent kayaks and SUP at the main office."
What campers like
Riverside camping spots: Oakland Valley Campground offers tiered camping with river-level sites providing direct water access. "We spent most of early spring at Oakland Valley right on the river. Even though covid really forced a shutdown on activities, this was one of my kids favorite places of the year. They loved to fish and play in the river, explore the woods and ride bikes around," reports a visitor to Oakland Valley Campground.
Swimming opportunities: High Point State Park offers lake swimming at Lake Marcia. "I spent two nights camping with my niece and this campground was perfect. We fit in a hike up to the Appalachian Trail from our campsite, swam at the pond (Lake Marcia), and got in a fishing session at Steeny Kill Lake," mentions one camper at High Point State Park Campground.
Site privacy: Many campgrounds offer secluded sites set back from main roads. "We stayed on a beautiful mossy bank, next to a river and a lake. The area was quiet and peaceful, and areas with waterfalls and great views were easily accessible," notes a visitor to Stokes State Forest.
What you should know
Tent platforms: Several campgrounds feature raised wooden platforms for tent placement. "Most sites have a tent platform. Many sites are a bit rocky," reports a visitor about Steam Mill Camping Area in Stokes State Forest.
Water quality varies: Some campgrounds have well water with mineral content. "The water smells a little like sulfur, so you may want to bring your own," advises a camper at Winding Hills Park.
Variable noise levels: Some campgrounds experience weekend party atmospheres. "Busy campground no quiet time loud music till 3 in the morning. Very clean, workers very friendly and helpful but after dark no one around," notes a visitor at Kittatinny Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Family-friendly activities: Jellystone Park Gardiner offers organized events and water features. "This campground has a lot of activities and has kids of all ages galore. I was worried my 12 year old would be too old for it but he enjoyed making friends there," shares a visitor to Jellystone Park Gardiner.
Animal encounters: Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort features farm animals for children to interact with. "The farm has goats, a donkey, and a pony within the campground. Very cool," notes a camper.
Playground options: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas at various quality levels. "This place was so fun for the entire family, it wasn't that busy, so we didn't really have to worry all the time about the kids getting ran over! The park ranger person came through and gave the kids cool posters," reports a visitor to Kittatinny.
Tips from RVers
Year-round options: Neversink River Resort in Cuddebackville remains open throughout winter. "Very clean park. Lots of families. Tubing was fun. Bring bug spray," advises a visitor to Neversink River Resort.
Site levelness: RVers should check site descriptions for uneven terrain. "We were there at the end of the season, which we loved bc we practically had this huge campground to ourselves. Our spot backed up to the river, which was great, but we had to try 2 different spots bc some of them are VERY un-level," shares a visitor to Neversink.
Hookup availability: Electric, water, and sewer connections vary widely between campgrounds. "This loop for tent campers is mixed. Some of the sites are literally on the road - stay away from the sites on the same side of the road as the pond," warns a camper about Neversink River Resort.
