Best Campgrounds near Palenville, NY
The Catskill Mountains surrounding Palenville, New York provide a range of camping options from developed campgrounds to dispersed sites. North-South Lake Campground, one of the largest and most popular facilities in the area, offers spacious tent and RV sites with access to two lakes and numerous hiking trails. Several other established campgrounds dot the region, including Devil's Tombstone Campground, Woodland Valley Campground, and Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds, which also offers cabin accommodations. Echo Lake represents one of the few dispersed camping opportunities, accessible only by hiking trail.
Most campgrounds in the Catskills operate seasonally, typically from mid-May through mid-October, with North-South Lake and others closing by late October. Many sites require advance reservations, particularly for summer weekends and fall foliage season. The region has active black bear populations, requiring proper food storage and waste management at all camping areas. Cell service is limited or non-existent throughout much of the camping region, particularly at North-South Lake. A camper noted, "There is NO cell service and just forget about WiFi. You are unplugged."
Waterfront camping spots at North-South Lake command particular attention from visitors seeking recreation opportunities. The campground provides beach access, kayak rentals, and swimming during peak season when lifeguards are present. Proximity to notable hiking destinations represents another major draw, with trails to Kaaterskill Falls, Mountain House site, and Newman's Ledge accessible directly from some campgrounds. Several visitors mentioned the family-friendly atmosphere at many campgrounds, with one review highlighting that "This is a great spot for young kids" despite the strict enforcement of quiet hours from 10pm to 7am. Tent campers particularly appreciate the shaded, private sites available throughout the region's campgrounds, though some note that RV sites with hookups can be more limited and closer together.