Camping near Pine Bush, New York offers outdoor experiences across the diverse terrain of the mid-Hudson Valley, with elevations ranging from 400 to 1,200 feet throughout the region. The camping season typically runs from April to October, with July and August bringing average high temperatures of 85°F and occasional evening thunderstorms. Weekday camping often provides more solitude, especially at county-run facilities like Winding Hills Park.
What to do
Hiking trails at Shawangunk Ridge: Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground serves as a base camp for exploring the Gunks and Mohonk Preserve, a world-renowned climbing area. "There is a large lake to kayak and fish in. NO SWIMMING. The lake is a nice size and has a trail so you walk the entire length with benches around a good portion to sit and/or fish," notes Amanda B. from Winding Hills Park.
Water activities at Minnewaska State Park: Located minutes from Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground, the park offers crystal-clear lakes for swimming. "Good for skinny dipping and other fun things! Most acidic lake in New York but completely safe," writes Luke A.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds maintain stocked ponds and lakes requiring New York fishing licenses. "There is a pond when you first turn into the park. The pond also has benches around it but not all the way around. Fishing license is required to fish here and they do come around to check licenses," cautions a Winding Hills Park visitor.
Rock climbing access: The Gunks draw climbers from around the world. "Perfect location for a climb in the Gunks or a hike in Minnewaska. Have been here several times and have never had a complaint," shares Jackie B. about Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Winding Hills Park offers secluded camping spots with natural surroundings. "It's deep in the woods of the park so there is good shade which is nice on the hotter days. Some spots are more secluded than others," explains Amanda B.
Clean facilities: Despite being rustic, most campgrounds maintain their amenities well. "Great place in the shadow, plenty of big sites. The bathrooms are okay, showers are free. The water smells a bit... most of the sites have electricity," shares Nils from Winding Hills Park.
Riverside settings: Several campsites feature water access. "We had a nice tent site (92) along the river. I called myself captain planet because I fished a coffee cup from the river," writes Eric R. about Korns Campgrounds.
On-site activities: Many campgrounds offer recreational options beyond hiking. "The playground has a volleyball net and other Normal playground equipment that I saw driving past it. Each time we have been there there was an ice cream truck that goes through each day..some days it's multiple times," notes Amanda B. about Winding Hills Park.
What you should know
Reservation systems vary: While some parks require advance booking, others operate differently. "Reservations are needed only for major holidays during camping season; Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day. Must book the entire holiday weekend 3 days ($90 for non-electric sites add $5 each day for electric)," explains a visitor to Winding Hills Park.
Cell reception challenges: Coverage can be spotty in forested areas. "We had horrible cell service (we have sprint). Could not make calls or use internet at campgrounds or the park but did see others who were using cellphones...so if you have sprint don't plan on making calls," warns Amanda B. at Winding Hills Park.
Water quality considerations: Some campers note water issues at certain facilities. "The water smells a little like sulfur, so you may want to bring your own," advises Laura E. from Clarence Fahnestock State Park.
Noise levels: Campground ambiance varies significantly by location and day. "Campsites are pretty close to a road. It's not particularly busy, but the speed limit is 55 so you do get some pretty decent whooshing sounds while you're trying to sleep," notes Kelsey R. about Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Choose age-appropriate campgrounds: New York City North-Newburgh KOA offers extensive kid programming. "I love this campground they have counselors who lead activities with kids in the summer and two pools plus a rock climbing tower, manifold, basketball and a bounce pillow and more... they have rental boats for a lake and fishing at the lake too," recommends Amanda S.
Consider site layout: For families with small children, proximity to bathrooms matters. "The sites closer to the Playground side/closer to the bathrooms to be more noisy. Also those sites are closer together which would be good for larger groups," suggests Amanda B. about site selection.
Check for weekend activities: Many campgrounds concentrate family programming on weekends. "We visited mid October and folks had sites decorated and the KOA has trick or treating and other activities every weekend in Oct. we were SO bummed to be leaving on a Friday and miss the festivities because it looked really fun," shares Chelsea B. about New York City North-Newburgh KOA.
Plan for weather contingencies: Hudson Valley weather can change quickly. "Even when it rains they have activities in the tent outside!" notes Amanda S. about the New York City North-Newburgh KOA's rainy-day options.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: Thousand Trails Rondout Valley offers varied RV sites with different features. "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. The only problem I had was that my Starlink didn't work at the first site (372 - full hookup) but they let me choose another site (435 - no sewer) and I was happy as a clam," shares Inez W.
Hookup considerations: Check what utilities are available at specific sites. "There are water spigots around the grounds and attached to the bathroom facilities. But no actual sites with water hookups for RVs," notes Amanda B. about Winding Hills Park.
Accessibility challenges: Some campgrounds have terrain limitations. "If staying here and concerned about branches I'd suggest one of the pull through sites. Specifically 138, 146 and 145 have a nice concrete patio and nicer firepit if you want to spend a little more," advises April L. about New York City North-Newburgh KOA.
Size restrictions apply: Smaller campgrounds cannot accommodate larger rigs. "Only small tow behinds or popups, no large RVs," states the information for Boulder Point Campground, making it suitable only for compact RVs or travel trailers.
