Best Campgrounds near Plattekill, NY
Plattekill, New York sits within a diverse camping landscape that includes established campgrounds, state parks, and forest preserves within the Hudson Valley and Catskill regions. The New York City North-Newburgh KOA operates directly in Plattekill, offering both tent and RV accommodations with full hookups from May through November. Within a 30-minute drive, campers can access the Shawangunk Gateway Campground near Minnewaska State Park Preserve, Jellystone Park in Gardiner, and the more primitive Hemlock Ridge MUA dispersed camping area. These facilities range from family-oriented resorts with amenities to basic tent sites with minimal facilities.
Reservations are essential during the peak season from Memorial Day through Labor Day, particularly for weekend stays. Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from April through October or early November, closing during winter months. Cell service varies significantly throughout the area, with many campers reporting limited or no connectivity at campgrounds in the Catskills. "There is NO cell service and just forget about WiFi. You are unplugged," noted one visitor to North-South Lake Campground. Wildlife encounters, particularly black bears, are common enough that proper food storage is mandatory at most sites. The terrain features rolling hills and wooded areas with some sites requiring short walks from parking areas.
Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors to the region, with creekside and lakefront sites commanding premium prices but delivering memorable experiences. "The creek was perfect for dipping your feet and just hanging out," reported one camper at Phoenicia Black Bear Campground. Many campgrounds feature wooded sites that provide natural privacy between neighbors, though site spacing varies considerably between facilities. Proximity to hiking trails, particularly those connecting to the Appalachian Trail and Catskill Forest Preserve, represents a major draw for outdoor enthusiasts. Families appreciate the campgrounds with recreational amenities like swimming beaches, fishing ponds, and playgrounds, while those seeking solitude can find more remote options in the surrounding state forests.