188 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"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."
"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."
"When you are camping with a large group of friends and don't all have access to a car, this is the perfect spot."
"We were right next to the entrance for hiking trails which was convenient. The facilities are a bit of a walk, but that means it is spread out and there's plenty of room to relax and have fun."
from $21 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $21 - $102 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
from $25 - $30 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"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."
from $21 - $24 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $20 - $42 / night
Check Availability
ScoutThis is not the place to come if what you are looking for is a nice quiet, peaceful nature retreat. The "full shade" sites really aren't, it's crowded with kids yelling and running everywhere, and honestly, you're better off camping in your backyard.
ScoutThe neighbor cry about a dog that barks and then we are no good
RangerThis is an A.T. shelter and campsite. First come, first served. Privy was nice. Flat tentsites for 6 or more. Good for Hammocking also.
TravelerWe were looking for a campsite on our way up north and we’re so happy to find this one. While it is a commercial site. It is located in the woods. It has full hook up and portable water at the site. We couldn’t be happier with a warm welcome we received late at night and the cleanliness of the bathrooms and each site. I would highly recommend this campsite.
LegendExcellent campground! The forest is beautiful, the Hudson River is super close, there are great trails, and the surrounding area is beautiful. Sites are electric only, so make sure your water pump is working and fresh water tank is full. There are spigots for filling and a nice dump station. The player is excellent. I don't think tetn camping here would be great because the tent sites are closer together and there are trains that pass regularly. We couldn't hear the trains in our camper and our site was large and private with great Forest and hammock trees. The mansion tours at Vanderbilt and Mills were awesome!
ScoutThe main issue with the sites was that they were primitive -- no water. The campsites were basically just wooden platforms, with a picnic table and fire pit. There were also a lot of bugs, though this may be due to the rain. The location itself was fairly pretty and there were a number of hiking trails of not-overly-serious difficulty. The particular site we picked left is a little farther from our car than we would have liked, but for other sites you can bring your car closer.
TravelerPeople are super friendly and helpful. Campground is well maintained and very secure. RV site was very large and mostly level. Good location. Close to Hudson River and Albany.
GuideStayed for 2 nights in June and it was delightful. Facilities were very clean, had flush toilets and showers, and the trails around the pond were great for my dog. Sites were well maintained, but a little close together for my preference. We stayed at site 146. Would definitely come back and hope to get a site along the pond next time!
GuideTall pines, the sound of the mighty housatonic river, and some car noise on the nearby 2 lane. The campground is landscaped and maintained beautifully. the highlight is the river, ever-present in sound. The primo sites are on the northern end , where most sites are right on the water, and just a small descent. Bathrooms are good, not great. Showers are push button automatic, water was warm. We have a small RV, the dump site is up the main road about a 1/2 mile in a turnout. Free for campers, on your honor. At office were college aged young men and women in very casual street clothes all very nice, and mannerly, but not very knowledgeable, and hard to believe they could handle an adverse situation. I asked for the soap to be filled in the mens room on Thursday afternoon at 4 and it was still not done at noon the next day. -it’s a 2 minute walk from the office. I asked about a hike, they told me a trail head was a mile up the road. We found a spur directly across the street. I miss real docents, with knowledge, and wearing the garb. All sites not directly on the river side have paths down to get there. Did a nice little moderate hike just across the street called Pine Knob. Nice vista, quick 760ft ascent, combines withe AT for a length, then back down total 3 miles the way we did it. Some nice restaurants in Kent. Found a good breakfast in Goshen. We’ll be going back.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 188 campgrounds and RV parks near Plattekill, NY and 11 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 11 free dispersed camping spots near Plattekill, NY.
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