54 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Several tent camping options can be found in the forested highlands near Pine Bush, New York, with the Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground serving as a primary destination for tent campers seeking established sites. This campground, located close to the Shawangunk Mountains (known locally as "the Gunks"), offers both drive-up and walk-in tent sites with level tent pads. Hemlock Ridge MUA provides a more primitive backcountry tent camping experience for those seeking fewer amenities and more solitude, situated within 80 acres of forested land where campers can set up anywhere 150 feet from the trail.
Most tent sites in the region feature flat, prepared tent pads with wood chips or natural surfaces. The Samuel F. Pryor III campground includes amenities such as potable water, bathrooms, and pay showers, while sites like Hemlock Ridge MUA offer no facilities whatsoever. Several campgrounds maintain a communal fire ring rather than individual fire pits at each site. Bear activity is common in the region, with bear lockers provided at some established campgrounds. A review noted that "bear boxes were 1-10 feet away from tents in each campsite" at the Shawangunk Gateway Campground, indicating wildlife management is a consideration.
In early fall, tent campers experience some of the best conditions with reduced crowds and changing foliage. The area provides excellent access to hiking trails and world-class rock climbing opportunities, making these tent sites popular with outdoor enthusiasts looking for a base camp. Walk-in tent sites typically offer more seclusion and a deeper forest setting than drive-up options. The Peekamoose Valley area provides primitive tent camping directly beside Rondout Creek with sites that are "heavily wooded areas by a river" rather than open fields. One camper observed that "the only noise you'll hear is from the river and animals in the forest," highlighting the natural soundscape available at backcountry tent sites in the region.
"I definitely recommend trying to get the walk-in (meaning you can't drive to them) sites (8-15) because they're just a little bit more set back and kind of wonderfully wooded all around. 8 & 9 seemed"
"This is a very nice modern campground with great access to amazing hiking and climbing in the area! About half the sites are walk-in and half the sites are drive-up."
"There are absolutely no amenities whatsoever & barely even a signal here, but it’s quiet & off the beaten path. The parking lot only holds about 4-5 cars, 6 if you park real tight."
"Arrived at night on a weekday to find two other vehicles parked in the lot, srilll was able to find a fire ring with a level area relatively easy."
"In September my Girlfriend (who has never been camping) and I made the trip to New York."
from $90 / night
Check Availability"Quiet, next to a lightly trafficked road. There was a port a potty. Campsites in middle field are just clearings with fire pits and nothing else. Soft ground for staking a tent. Very few bugs."
"This was a good campground for a base point for hiking around the peekamoose area. I stayed in the middle field campground site #6 (which is the worst spot on that field)."
"Yes, this is a military-only campground but, that doesn't take away from how incredible it is and that is properly advertised.
This place is incredible. "
from $20 - $150 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $15 - $45 / night
Check Availability"Campfires are restricted to certain areas and you have to share. They do have bear boxes available as this is bear country. Very well run campground and cabins. Great Lake to swim."
"I camped on one of the platforms, which was very nice and did not feel crowded even with other people on neighboring platforms. One highlight was having meals cooked by the stellar chef."
"Get tracking poles if you don't already have some. Very helpful here. This was one of my favorite weekend backpacking trips."
"However the descriptions of this place in reviews here and elsewhere provided very little info and once I got out to the trail realized how different it was to what I expected."
from $90 / night
Check Availability"Fantastic loop hike near some amazing hidden lakes. One downside is there were obviously people who had visited and didn't understand what LEAVE NO TRACE means. We'll bring a trashbag next time."
"It is off the beaten path without any running water or showers within walking distance."
ScoutOctober leaves starting to fall makes for a very quiet, peaceful midweek evening in one of the two dispersed car camping sites. Exactly what I was hoping for - private and empty and lovely. Easy to find - two dispersed car sites are to the left at the fork in the road before the trailhead.
GuideMade a reservation (site44) since I arrived as the sun had set. Office registration was open until 8. Staff was neither friendly nor unfriendly. Bathroom was dated but fine and a short walk from my site. CG was emptier being a Tuesday night in mid-October, so was plenty of space.
Great trail following the Hudson River. Beautiful fall colors.
ScoutI stayed here in March 2026 for a night before going snowboarding at Belleayre Mountain. It was in the middle of a snowstorm on a Tuesday night, so I had the whole place to myself, which was nice.
ScoutNice campground, bathrooms are clean but dated, first come first serve for the sites.
Travelerbeautiful quiet space, great home base for the Catskills and small towns around here. note there's only a few spots. road conditions were fine.
RangerI'll start by saying this is a site-specific review (C20). I booked using Campspot and didn't select my own site but put in the criteria for my rig (30ft TT plus truck) and got a 50A back-in spot. The site was big but abnormal. Between the picnic table placement and the trees, I ended up right around 50ft from the electric and water, and the water spigot was so low I could barely put on my camco filter. With the uneven dirt roads, I had to unhitch with my truck in a gigantic puddle (lol). The site was otherwise fine aside from my gate code not working on Day 2. As for the campground as a whole, I thought it was pretty unique place by the river that offered several good amenities and activities, like downstream river tubing, an arcade, bathroom/shower facilities, a small store, little trails, and more. I would say this place borders the more primitive side.
GuideDefinitely a wide variety of sites—look at the site pictures before booking—there are two areas where it’s just an open field with bonfires and picnic tables that I’d avoid. I could see a large group going there or something but personally it doesn’t offer any privacy.
BUT if you book one of the other sites that DOES have privacy you’ll be in camping heaven. The “hike in” sites are more like “walk-in,” I was worried at first but it’s some are as little as a few yards from the road. The most annoying part was lugging the cooler back and forth, but totally worth it
GuideWe went the 2nd week of October and seems like we had just missed the foliage peak but it was still beautiful.
Everyone minded their business and most sites were 2-4 people, showers were clean and warm but the kind where you gotta push the button every 30 seconds. Toilets were clean and running smoothly (we were in the southernmost loop, closest to the camp office)
No cellphone reception but we could get satellite signal to text our loved ones that we were alive and well!
We loved the hiking and especially kayaking on the pond
GuideWe were in campsite 20 with lots of room. The first night we were there we were near very loud groups which was difficult to sleep through. The next night everyone cleared out and we had a peaceful crowd. Bathrooms are nice, the park has great hiking trails and a nice day use area! There is also an area where we can rent canoes. I would definitely return, just wish there was a little more crowd control.
Tent camping near Pine Bush, New York offers experiences across diverse terrains from dense forests to highland meadows. The region sits within the foothills of several mountain ranges with elevations between 400-1,200 feet throughout most camping areas. Fall temperatures typically range from 45-65°F, while summer camping conditions remain relatively moderate compared to surrounding regions, with daytime highs rarely exceeding 85°F.
Rock climbing access: The Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground serves as a strategic base for climbers visiting the area. "Located really close to the Gunks for climbing and also some great hikes around the area," explains Jackie B., highlighting the proximity to world-class climbing routes without needing to drive far from your tent site each morning.
Swimming options: During summer months, temperatures make water activities a priority for many campers. "Lake Minnewaska is amazing but completely safe" despite being "the most acidic lake in New York," according to one camper at Lake Minnewaska Picnic Area. The clear waters provide refreshing swimming opportunities after hiking.
Fall foliage viewing: September through mid-October brings spectacular seasonal color. "We went in September and the color of the leaves on the trees were stunning," shares Anthony S., noting that many trails and climbing areas become even more scenic during this period, with peak colors typically arriving in early October.
Rustic solitude: Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed offers a back-to-basics experience for tent campers seeking minimal infrastructure. "If you like dispersed camping, like me- this place is good. There are absolutely no amenities whatsoever & barely even a signal here, but it's quiet & off the beaten path," writes Dawn M., capturing the appeal for campers seeking true wilderness immersion.
Water features: Many tent campers specifically seek sites near water. "It was nice to walk in but still be close enough to leave the food in the car rather than hanging the food up," notes Mollie R. about camping along Rondout Creek, where the sound of flowing water masks other noises and creates a natural soundtrack for sleeping.
Seasonal considerations: Fall brings ideal camping conditions to the Pine Bush area. "In September my Girlfriend (who has never been camping) and I made the trip to New York," shares Anthony S., explaining how the moderate temperatures and reduced insects made for a comfortable first-time camping experience for his companion.
Bear awareness: Wildlife management is essential at most campsites near Pine Bush. "We watched the top of a tree fall through the forest, cool to see but worth being on the lookout as it seemed quite a few trees had tops that were dead or dying," notes Caleb J. from Giant Ledge Primitive Camp, highlighting both the natural beauty and potential hazards of forest camping.
Campfire regulations: Fire policies vary significantly between sites. "No fire pits at campsites," explains one reviewer about Samuel F. Pryor III campground, mentioning they've "eliminated fire rings at each site and opted for one, communal fire pit to encourage more social interaction." Other sites permit individual fires but may restrict them during dry periods.
Walk-in requirements: Many prime tent sites require carrying gear some distance from parking. "At the middle field, you have to walk 200+ feet from the parking lot to your campsite, so just be prepared to carry your stuff," advises Cameron about camping near Pine Bush, emphasizing the need for efficient packing or multiple trips to set up camp.
Accessibility options: When camping with children or older family members, consider proximity to facilities. "There are drive-up sites and also walk-in sites," explains Jackie B., noting that drive-up sites typically offer easier access for families with young children or lots of gear, while walk-in sites provide more seclusion.
Activity planning: The Peekamoose Valley offers water features that entertain children. "We walked down the river to watch the sunset which was beautiful," shares Nora S., suggesting that natural features like rivers provide entertainment without needing to bring additional activities.
Weather preparedness: Temperature swings can be significant, especially in spring and fall. "We stayed here mid-March and although it was a little chilly at night, overall a great spot," notes one camper, highlighting the need for extra layers and proper sleeping gear when tent camping with children during shoulder seasons.
Size limitations: Large RVs face significant challenges at most campgrounds near Pine Bush. "No big RVs," notes one camper at Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground, explaining that the campground layout prioritizes tent camping with limited space for larger vehicles. Most sites accommodate vans or small trailers at maximum.
Alternative lodging: West Point FMWR Lake Frederick Outdoor Recreation Area offers options between tent camping and RVs. "Between rustic power-only campsites that give you a true camping experience and upgraded but, still simple cabins which allow campers of all ages and abilities to enjoy the outdoor experience, there is something for everyone," explains Heather M. about the facilities available for those wanting more shelter than tents but not requiring full RV hookups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Pine Bush, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Pine Bush, NY is Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 9 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Pine Bush, NY?
TheDyrt.com has all 54 tent camping locations near Pine Bush, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
