Camping in the eastern Catskills around Phoenicia, New York provides access to numerous wilderness areas at elevations ranging from 800 to 4,000 feet. The region experiences temperature fluctuations with summer nights dropping into the 50s even when daytime temperatures reach the 80s. Most campgrounds require bear-resistant food storage containers due to active black bear populations throughout the area.
What to do
Creek fishing access: Little Pond Campground offers shoreline fishing in a quiet mountain setting. "I saw beavers and eagles," notes Lauren S., who rented a kayak during her stay.
Hiking to viewpoints: Giant Ledge Primitive Camp offers challenging terrain leading to panoramic vistas. "It is a near vertical hike the first mile with 90% or more being over rock gardens. It doesn't wind its way up the mountain, someone picked a side and said 'we go up from here, straight up'," explains Caleb J.
Swimming holes: The Blue Hole near Peekamoose Valley provides natural swimming opportunities. "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," says Meike W.
Paddling opportunities: North-South Lake Campground maintains a large lake system with kayak and canoe rentals. "I go there almost every year to go swimming with my family and friends and it's always a good time," mentions Lizz H., highlighting the recreational opportunities.
What campers like
Creekside camping: Phoenicia Black Bear Campground features sites along flowing water. "I stayed at one of the creek front campsites and highly recommend doing so. They're slightly more expensive but the view is so worth it. The creek was perfect for dipping your feet and just hanging out," shares Derek W.
Natural sound barriers: Woodland Valley Campground offers creekside sites where water noise creates privacy. "The mountain creek is like nature singing a lullaby - sleeping next to it was very relaxing," describes John N.
Secluded walk-in sites: Peekamoose Valley offers primitive camping with river access and substantial distance between sites. "This was a good campground for a base point for hiking around the peekamoose area...there is plenty of privacy between spots," reports Ali B.
Free camping options: Allaben Campground provides no-cost camping within minutes of Phoenicia. "Park on side of road, campfire located down slope. Very little traffic. Felt safe," notes Tam E. about this accessible option.
What you should know
No cell service: Most campsites around Phoenicia have extremely limited connectivity. "No mobile signal at Woodland Valley, but that's the point, isn't it? You get to disconnect from it all for a while," mentions John N.
Bear precautions: Kenneth L. Wilson Campground enforces strict food storage regulations. "The campground is in bear country so you have to be mindful about leaving food out when you're not at the site or asleep," explains Giselle P.
Variable shower availability: Devil's Tombstone Campground lacks shower facilities. "For showers you have to head 9 miles to North South Lake," notes Phillip L., highlighting the limited amenities at some sites.
Weekend crowding: Popular areas fill quickly during peak season. "Always packed, but always beautiful. Awesome access to the Catskill Escarpment trail from here," warns Maribeth W. about North-South Lake's popularity.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Rip Van Winkle Campground offers extensive recreational facilities. "Amazing campground with perfectly spaced large sites. There's a few playgrounds a great pool and a lot of amenities," reports Richard V.
Flat terrain considerations: Look for level sites when setting up family camps. "Campsite is flat and packed dirt instead of gravel, which was great," notes Katherine P. about her experience at Kenneth L. Wilson.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds offer beaver, deer, and bird watching possibilities. "I stayed in the upper field and had to walk pretty far with everything," mentions Guy M. about Peekamoose Valley, suggesting families choose sites closer to parking areas.
Tips from RVers
Limited full-hookup options: Most campgrounds offer only partial hookups. "There are no hookups for RVs, the only facilities they do offer are bathrooms and showers," reports Gabriella G. about Little Pond.
Road access challenges: Several campgrounds have narrow access roads. "The long, narrow, and winding road from Route 28 to Woodland Valley campground should not keep you from camping there!" encourages Gary G.
Leveling requirements: Many Catskill sites require significant leveling for RVs. "Busy but Private...Campsite is flat and packed dirt instead of gravel, which was great," notes Katherine P. about her site at Kenneth L. Wilson.
