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.

Best Camping Sites Near Plattekill, New York (181)

    1. Jellystone Park Gardiner

    32 Reviews
    Gardiner, NY
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 255-5193

    "With a new check in area, Gardiner has really stepped up. They expanded the pool area to include another pool plus splash area and water slides."

    "We got a red carpet site by the Gaga pit and near the water park (Cindy bear lane) and it was a convenient yet noisy site. Kids were at the playground 8 am or before and the noise woke us up."

    2. New York City North-Newburgh KOA

    13 Reviews
    Plattekill, NY
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 564-2836

    "They have the best staff and they are everywhere, if you need someone they are always around and super friendly also."

    "Location- 4 stars- close to NYC but kinda just in the woods and close to homes, not much around. Sites- 4 stars- a real mixed bag- the rv/trailer only section is really nice, wooded."

    3. Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Fishkill, NY
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 225-7207

    $17 / night

    "This park has a nice open beach on Canopus Lake with a concession area and bathhouse, which we found to be quite clean! They even have boat rentals - or you can bring your own boat to launch!"

    "When you are camping with a large group of friends and don't all have access to a car, this is the perfect spot."

    4. Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground

    8 Reviews
    Accord, NY
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 951-4571

    "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"

    "There are drive-up sites and also walk-in sites. No fire pits at individual campsites, though. Only a group fire pit."

    5. Winding Hills Park

    8 Reviews
    Montgomery, NY
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 457-4918

    $25 - $30 / night

    "We have stayed here multiple times since it’s so close to home. Reservations are needed only for major holidays during camping season; Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day."

    "The trails to walk on are perfect to get out of the campsite for a few hours. There are no spots with sewer hookup but they have a dumping area."

    6. Mills Norrie State Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    Staatsburg, NY
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 889-4646

    $17 - $102 / night

    "There are great hiking trails on the Hudson River right outside your campsite. Amenities are the great outdoors and an ancient bath house built during the New Deal in the 1930's."

    "Firewood wasn’t available at the camp, had to drive about a mile to grab some. Close to town so easy to grab needed items."

    7. Thousand Trails Rondout Valley

    13 Reviews
    Accord, NY
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Great place situated in a great area with lots to do all within an hour's drive. Even camping during a pandemic was peaceful & fun!"

    "This is a Thousand trails campground so it was free. I think the regular price is $64. Full hookups, tents and cabins to rent. Pleanty to do in and around campground."

    8. Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park

    41 Reviews
    Pomona, NY
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 947-2792

    $17 - $20 / night

    "15 dolares la noche para los que viven en el Estado de New York o New York city .. si es fuera del estado son $5 dolares mas!!"

    "Drive-in tent campgrounds. Adequate restroom facilities sprinkled amongst tent sites. Some campsites have raised platforms. All sites have picnic tables and fire ring with flip-top grill."

    9. Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Plattekill, NY
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 256-3000

    "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."

    10. Sam Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground — Minnewaska State Park Preserve

    3 Reviews
    Gardiner, NY
    10 miles
    Website

    $20 - $42 / night

    "Most acidic lake in New York but completely safe."

    "It’s got good access to Lake Minnewaska (driving), staff was nice and polite. But I thought the sites were on the smaller side and no fire is allowed."

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Recent Reviews near Plattekill, NY

816 Reviews of 181 Plattekill Campgrounds


  • Chelsea B.
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Brookside Campground

    Not a recreational campsite

    Full disclosure, we did not stay here. PLEASE, folks that leave reviews on this app, PLEASE say whether it’s a full-timer campsite or a recreational campsite. We paid for two weeks in advance of arriving at this site based on reviews available on Google and Dyrt. However, when we arrived we were surprised that this was mostly a trailer park. Call me picky, but I really prefer not to camp in an area where folks are living full time. Just not the vibe I’m going for. We decided to leave without staying. We called to see if we could get a refund and they were very kind and it wasn’t a problem. But just be warned… this is not a recreational campsite.

  • Chelsea B.
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Whip O Will Campsites

    Not for recreational campers

    Full disclosure, we did not stay here. PLEASE, folks that leave reviews on this app, PLEASE say whether it’s a full-timer campsite or a recreational campsite. We arrived after leaving another campsite in the area (that was also 100% full timers) and were disappointed to find that this site was all permanent campers with crap everywhere. One site even had a funeral home sign hanging out front of an entire plywood addition to their camper…like what? Call me picky, but I don’t feel entirely comfortable camping for fun next to folks who live in the campground like this. After driving through the super narrow and rutted out roads to the site they recommend, a man came hauling a** into our site (with a beer in his hand) and was saying “hello hellooooo.” Said he was the owner of the campsite and asked if we were staying, we said we were thinking about it, just checking out the available sites (as the lady up front told us to do). TL;DR- bad vibes. Didn’t stay. Be warned this is a full time campsite with crap everywhere. The lady working the office was super nice though.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park

    Convenient pit stop

    This spot is easy to find and access, and had decent ATT service. There's only a few spots, and the road is narrow with not much turnaround room, I wouldn't recommend for trailers or RVs.

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Point Folly Campground

    Great

    I’ve been coming here for decades. Little store has what you need if you can find the shop keeper. Great access to bantam lake. You can leave you canoes/kayaks tied up in the water. Great fishing. Love it overall. The only issue I have is the pit toilets are brutal. If you are tent camping, beware!

  • Christine S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Cozy Hills Campground

    Quiet and clean

    So far it's been pretty quiet but we are here at the beginning of October on a Monday. Nice area.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Mills Norrie State Park Campground

    Average

    We stayed one night in late September without a reservation. Bathhouse is old but was adequate with hot showers. We’re from out of state and paid about $23 for a tent site which was reasonable for the facilities.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Sylvan Lake Beach Park

    Great Beach Lake for summer swimming and Boating

    This is an old campground, but is quite quaint. Reminds me of lake camping that I grew up with. Hosts are very nice and helpful. This is more of a seasonal camping site. Do not follow your GPS directions. Get directions from the campground staff.

  • Mindie C.
    Sep. 27, 2025

    West Point FMWR Round Pond Outdoor Recreation Area

    West Point

    No frills but beautiful. Bath houses are absolutely spotless. Fire pits, electric and water hook ups only. Will return! Staff is friendly and helpful. Military families should check it out!

  • Tamar W.
    Sep. 22, 2025

    The Peekamoose Valley

    Not all sites open

    Despite current info posted online and even at the Lower Field site, not all sites are open. Only the Lower Field site is open. We walked down the hill, across the bridge, and looked at a few sites in each direction. It was walk-in only and about a 5-10 minute walk to the first site. The setting was nice, close to the creek, with a stone fire ring at each. You can see the folks in the next site but there’s quite a bit of privacy. There wasn’t much wood laying around to make a fire, so plan ahead. The ports potties are in the parking lot so it’s likely that you won’t make the trek up to them. Make sure you know the rules about how far away from the water you should pee and whatnot. I believe it’s on the info sign nearby. We have a roof top tent and we were stopping in the middle of a long drive so we just waited until dark and popped it in the parking lot and then left in the morning but I don’t think you’re supposed to do that. FYI they empty the dumpsters at 4am on Monday and then do the ports potties at 7am. Yay.


Guide to Plattekill

Camping near Plattekill, New York offers diverse options within the Catskill foothills at elevations ranging from 400-1,000 feet. The region's microclimate creates distinct seasonal camping experiences, with fall temperatures averaging 10-15 degrees cooler than summer highs. Several campgrounds feature waterfront access while others focus on proximity to hiking trails and state park amenities.

What to do

Hiking at Minnewaska State Park Preserve: Access over 50 miles of carriage roads and footpaths with moderate terrain suitable for day hikes from nearby campgrounds. "The hiking in the area is for all levels and ages. If you like to be outside, you won't be disappointed," notes a visitor to New York City North-Newburgh KOA.

Fishing opportunities: Multiple lakes and ponds within a 20-minute drive offer fishing for bass and panfish. "There is another lake and two ponds that our neighbor campers said were great for catching panfish - one fisherman said he had caught several bass weighing over 3 pounds," reports a camper at Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground.

Rock climbing access: The Shawangunk Ridge (known as "the Gunks") provides world-class climbing opportunities. "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. People travel from all over the world to rock climb here," explains a visitor at Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground.

What campers like

Peaceful waterfront sites: Campsites along creeks, ponds, and lakes earn premium ratings for their ambiance and recreational options. "The creek was perfect for dipping your feet and just hanging out," notes a visitor from Phoenicia Black Bear Campground.

Natural privacy: Many campgrounds feature wooded sites with natural separation. "The sites were a little on the small side and stacked a little closer than I like, but we had a good time, some beautiful views from some beautiful motorcycle roads," mentions a guest at New York City North-Newburgh KOA.

Seasonal attractions: Fall camping provides unique foliage viewing opportunities. "We make a habit of going during the end-of-summer/fall when you can watch the leaves change along the hiking trails, go apple and pumpkin picking near the campsites, and eat some scrumptious apple cinnamon doughnuts and drink pumpkin hot chocolate," shares a visitor to Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground.

What you should know

Bathroom facilities vary significantly: Cleanliness and maintenance of bathrooms differs widely between campgrounds. "The bathrooms are okay, showers are free. The water smells a bit," notes a camper at Winding Hills Park.

Many campgrounds close seasonally: Most sites operate from April/May through October/November with limited winter options. "When not going on a holiday it is first come first serve spots which is good if you just need to spend one night here. Pull into whichever site you want and at some point the groundskeepers will come to collect your money," explains a Winding Hills Park visitor.

Reservation requirements vary: Some campgrounds require advance booking while others operate on first-come, first-served basis. "We stayed for one night. Very nice private pull-through site with many trees. Wonderful store with fun things to buy! Decorated nicely for Halloween. Well kept grounds," reports a New York City North-Newburgh KOA camper.

Tips for camping with families

Look for campgrounds with dedicated children's activities: Several sites offer structured programs. "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," shares a visitor to New York City North-Newburgh KOA.

Consider campgrounds with beach access: Swimming options provide essential family entertainment. "The campground was nicely maintained and space was restricted between sites due to Covid. Firewood wasn't available at the camp, had to drive about a mile to grab some," notes a camper at Mills Norrie State Park Campground.

Budget for additional activities: Many family-oriented campgrounds charge for extra amenities. "Love it here but renting a golf cart is prob not the best option $175 for 2 days and it only goes 5mph I can walk faster than that," mentions a visitor to Jellystone Park Gardiner.

Tips from RVers

Check site access and leveling: Some campgrounds have challenging terrain for larger rigs. "They have been working on upgrades and adding more patio sites which does improve the place. They have lots of things to do for the kids and a fishing pond as well," explains a Thousand Trails Rondout Valley visitor.

Electric hookup limitations: Many campgrounds offer only partial hookups or limited amperage. "Each site has a picnic table & fire ring. The sites are gravel/dirt & grass. Quiet hours are from 10pm-7am. We found the sites closer to the Playground side/closer to the bathrooms to be more noisy," advises a Winding Hills Park camper.

Consider campground location: The best places to camp near Plattekill balance seclusion with convenience. "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," notes a Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground visitor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Plattekill, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, Plattekill, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 181 campgrounds and RV parks near Plattekill, NY and 9 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Plattekill, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Plattekill, NY is Jellystone Park Gardiner with a 4.3-star rating from 32 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Plattekill, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 free dispersed camping spots near Plattekill, NY.