Woodland Valley Campground offers tent and RV sites within the heavily forested Catskill Mountain region at 1,319 feet elevation. The campground sits along Woodland Creek with 72 campsites arranged in a wooded setting. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing, with summer highs rarely exceeding 85°F, creating a moderate climate for camping from May through October.
What to do
Hiking to scenic views: Multiple hiking trails connect directly to Kenneth L Wilson Campground, providing access to Catskill peaks. The campground serves as a strategic base for hikers seeking to explore multiple trails. "Most important is the fact that you can quickly get to many great hikes in the Catskills including Hunter, Slide, Plateau Rock, and many others," notes Gary G.
Swimming and water activities: The calm waters at North-South Lake Campground provide swimming opportunities for all ages during summer months. "I go there almost every year to go swimming with my family and friends and it's always a good time," reports Lizz H., highlighting its consistent appeal for water recreation.
Fishing access: Multiple creeks and ponds provide fishing options, with Allaben Primitive Campsites offering direct water access. "Nice spot right off the main road and close to town. Small pond... Trails to the fishing access across the road," notes Breanne H. about the convenient location for anglers.
What campers like
Creek sounds for sleeping: The natural soundscape of flowing water creates a peaceful camping environment at many sites. "The mountain creek is like nature singing a lullaby - sleeping next to it was very relaxing," explains John N. from Woodland Valley Campground.
Private wooded sites: Many campgrounds feature natural separation between sites, with Kenneth L Wilson Campground offering particularly spacious options. "We had a 3-day weekend tent camping at this site from July 24-26 2020, at site 58 on Loop C... Campsite is flat and packed dirt instead of gravel, which was great," reports Katherine P.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Bear sightings are relatively common in the region. "Got chased off by a bear... It was the wildest weekend I ever had, I'm not being sarcastic. The hiking areas are great, the weather is perfect and the bear was very nice for a bear," shares Kane B. about his memorable wildlife encounter at Kenneth L Wilson.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Most campgrounds have minimal to no connectivity, particularly in valley locations. "No mobile signal, but that's the point, isn't it? You get to disconnect from it all for a while," notes John N. at Woodland Valley Campground.
Varying bathroom facilities: Campgrounds offer different levels of bathroom amenities. "The bathrooms were fine. They were clean but sometimes ran out of toilet paper," reports C R. from Catskill/Kenneth L Wilson Campground.
Seasonal considerations: The camping season runs primarily from May through October, with specific opening and closing dates varying by campground. "The site is one of the oldest I've been to... at night it is really quiet and you have a lot of privacy. For reservation you have to book 2 days ahead. Do not come during the summer because it is swamped here and it the busiest time," advises Phillip L. about Devil's Tombstone.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some dog friendly campgrounds near Phoenicia include play areas for children. "There is a playground for kids so you don't have to watch over them while you set up," mentions Phillip L. about Devil's Tombstone Campground.
Water features: Stream access provides natural entertainment for children. "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. The hikes are just easy enough for anyone in the family," reports Meike W. about Woodland Valley.
Family-oriented campgrounds: Some facilities specifically cater to families with organized activities. "Rip Van Winkle is a beautiful campground, it's well run, well maintained, and has a lot to do! I was a little skeptical that we wouldn't get to choose our site, but you can't go wrong, they are all wooded, private and well situated," explains Kathy G.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Pet-friendly RV sites vary in size and privacy levels. At Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds, "Amazing campground with perfectly spaced large sites. There's a few playgrounds a great pool and a lot of amenities can't wait to go back," notes Richard V.
Hookup availability: Electric, water and sewer connections are available at select campgrounds for those traveling with pets. "Very easy to level and setup on #7. Full connections. Pay showers and laundry onsite. Loved having gated security," reports Daniel L. about the convenient setup at Rip Van Winkle.
Access road considerations: Some dog-friendly campgrounds near Phoenicia have challenging access routes. "The long, narrow, and winding road from Route 28 to Woodland Valley campground should not keep you from camping there! The campground is located on a nice stream and has some really nice sites," advises Gary G.
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