The Catskills region near Philmont, New York sits at elevations ranging from 400 to 4,000 feet, creating diverse camping microclimates throughout the area. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F while fall brings cooler 40-65°F conditions with vibrant foliage. Most camping options cluster along the eastern edge of the Catskills, offering proximity to both mountain recreation and Hudson Valley attractions.
What to do
Swimming opportunities: Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground has a clean, lifeguarded swimming area. "This campground has a lake with boat rentals. Late night, stargazing over the lake is a great pastime, because the water is calm and the light pollution is low," notes one visitor.
Hiking trails: Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park provides direct access to several trails including the popular route to Bash Bish Falls. "There are plenty of hiking trails nearby and of course, trails to Bash Bish Falls which is beautiful. It was low the first time we visited and we were able to make it to the top of the falls to go swimming and the views were incredible," a camper explains.
Fishing spots: The Catskills region offers multiple fishing locations for various skill levels. "The creek that runs by the campground is gorgeous, and my kids had fun finding Crayfish," reports a visitor to Thousand Trails Rondout Valley. Other campgrounds provide stocked ponds where beginners can practice casting.
Local towns: The area features several historic small towns within 15-30 minutes of most campgrounds. "The nearby towns are adorable and offer shopping, hiking, farms, and more," notes a camper from Thousand Trails Rondout Valley.
What campers like
Platform tent sites: Several parks offer raised wooden platforms that simplify tent setup. "Each of the sites had a large platform (enough room for one very large tent or 2-3 smaller tents), a fire pit, and picnic table," a camper at Taconic State Park observed.
Clean facilities: Rudd Pond Area — Taconic State Park receives consistent praise for maintenance. "New bath house with multiple shower rooms. Wonderful hiking trails. Pond for fishing & swimming. Kiddie pond, children's playground," mentions one reviewer.
Water features: Several campgrounds include ponds or creeks that enhance the camping experience. "The lake is beautiful and clean. Expect to pay $15 fee (I think) to use your paddleboards / kyacks etc. Worth every penny," noted a Lake Taghkanic State Park visitor.
Seasonal activities: Many campgrounds organize themed events during peak season. "It was Christmas in July while I was there, with decorations and planned activities to accompany it," reported a visitor at Interlake RV Park.
What you should know
Campsite privacy varies: Site spacing differs significantly between campgrounds and loops. "The campsites are pretty close together, so if the campground is full, you are rather close to your neighbors," warns a visitor to Rudd Pond Area.
Weather preparedness: The Catskills experience rapid weather changes, particularly in spring and fall. "This was our second time coming to this campground and our second time getting dumped on by the rain, but have no fear!! The platforms kept us off the ground and were helpful in setting up appropriate tarp protection!" shares a Lake Taghkanic camper.
Reservation timing: Most campgrounds fill quickly for summer weekends and holidays. "Avoid Weekends. This was a truly great campground, but its proximity to NYC draws large crowds on weekends," advises a Taconic State Park visitor.
Terrain considerations: Many campgrounds feature sloped sites that require leveling. "Our site was not that flat, but we made it work. You get a pretty decent view of Rudd Pond, and the sunsets are pretty," notes a camper.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground offers family-friendly amenities. "Clean facilities, with a rec room for rainy days. A camp store with all the supplies you might have forgotten," a visitor reports.
Kid-friendly swimming: Several parks feature designated shallow swimming areas for younger children. "The swimming there felt really clean and I loved the dock. Close to great hiking," notes a Taconic State Park visitor.
Site selection: Choose sites based on bathroom proximity when camping with children. "My advice would be to take the sites on the hill, nearest to the bathrooms, as all these sites seemed to be generally very well maintained," recommends a Lake Taghkanic camper.
Evening activities: Bring glow sticks and flashlights for after-dark fun. "There is a trailhead at the end of the campground that connects to the other trails in Taconic State Park," notes a Rudd Pond visitor, suggesting opportunities for early evening nature walks.
Tips from RVers
Access challenges: Many campgrounds have narrow access roads requiring careful navigation. "This is a large family campground with tons of stuff to do, I was pleasantly surprised by how quiet it was," notes a visitor to Thousand Trails Rondout Valley.
Site leveling: RV parks near Philmont often have uneven sites requiring blocks or levelers. "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," reports one RVer at Thousand Trails Rondout Valley.
Utility connections: RV hookup quality varies between parks. "This was my first stay at any TT campground and I wasn't sure what to expect with this campground as the reviews are so mixed... If you have an RV, they have 30/50 amp with electric and water. There is no sewer, but they have a dump-station and on-site Honeywagon truck that you can schedule," explains a camper at Treetopia Campground.
Reservation requirements: Most RV parks near Philmont require advance booking during peak season (May-October). "We went in late September and stayed on one of their deck sites with our Class B (Winnebago). I LOVED sitting out on the deck every morning for my coffee while taking in the fall air," shares a Treetopia camper.
