Tent campers near Pine Plains, New York can access pristine wilderness at elevations ranging from 500 to 2,200 feet throughout the Hudson Valley and nearby Catskill Mountains. The region experiences distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during the day and dropping to 55-65°F at night. Many dispersed camping areas require hikers to trek 1-2 miles from parking areas to reach remote campsites.
What to Do
Hiking the Appalachian Trail: Access points near Brassie Brook Shelter provide challenging terrain with significant elevation changes. "We started our hike at the under-mountain trailhead, located right off route 41, and climbed up the mountain. Be prepared for steep inclines, and lots of rocks," notes camper Nora S.
Rock climbing: The Shawangunk Mountains offer world-class climbing opportunities near Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground. "This is the closest campground to world renowned rock climbing in 'the gunks' and also offers many other outdoor activities including some great hikes and rock scrambles, swimming holes and waterfalls," explains Cory D.
Swimming and fishing: Several backcountry lakes provide refreshing swimming spots during summer months. James A. mentions that Echo Lake is "surrounded by hills and there is a small lean to with a few campfire spots."
What Campers Like
Privacy in backcountry sites: The walk-in tent sites at Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground receive high praise. Kelsey R. recommends "trying to get the walk-in sites (8-15) because they're just a little bit more set back and kind of wonderfully wooded all around. 8 & 9 seemed like the star sites."
Bear safety measures: Alander Trail Campground provides secure storage for food. "They also have bear boxes at each site! Although we were the only campers at the time the area was emmaculate and not one piece of trash on the ground anywhere!" reports Liz P.
Scenic water access: Lakeside camping creates memorable experiences. At Echo Lake, Kate notes the sites are "relatively flat and well shaded with trees," though she warns "it can get swampy near the edge of the lake."
What You Should Know
Distance considerations: Many of the best tent camping sites near Pine Plains require significant hiking. Kay D. shares that at Alander Trail Campground "you have to park at the entrance and hike in about 1.5-2 miles with everything on your back to get to the spots."
Fire restrictions: Rules vary significantly between locations. At Riga Lean-To, no fires are permitted despite the excellent location. Nora S. notes, "We absolutely loved this little lean-to next to Bear Mountain... There's no picnic tables at the other spots but there is one for the lean-to."
Weather preparedness: Mountain elevations experience rapid temperature changes. When camping at Laurel Ridge, Tina D. reported that "it was pretty cold in the 50s and down to 40s late at night (this was OCT)."
Tips for Camping with Families
Choose accessible sites: For families with young children, look for campgrounds with shorter walks from parking. At Laurel Ridge, Nora S. advises, "It's quite a hike to get to this dispersed campground, so be prepared! We packed on our backpacks early in the morning and arrived there mid-afternoon."
Pack for variable temperatures: Mountain camping requires layered clothing, especially in spring and fall. Tina D. shares from Brassie Brook: "Our trip was sadly cut short because we were freezing and it was raining a lot LOL but hey it's part of the experience."
Consider bug protection: Low-lying areas near water often have insect issues. Kelsey R. warns that at Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground, sites "11-15 are within 50 feet of a wet area, and the bugs in late May were pretty annoying."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most camping near Pine Plains caters to tent campers with few dedicated RV sites. At Creek View Campground, campers note the facilities are "low-frills" with just "an electrical outlet sticking up out of the ground here and there."
Research access roads: Mountain roads to the best tent camping sites near Pine Plains can be steep and narrow. Judith S. advises arriving early at Creek View Campground: "Park by the entrance, go in and say hello & confirm it is cool to go ahead and set up."
Consider alternative accommodations: For those seeking more comfort, some properties offer cabin options. At Getaway Catskill Campground, Ashley F. notes, "Each site has a private bathroom and hot shower, as well as a kitchenette."
