Plattekill sits at approximately 1,100 feet elevation in Ulster County, New York, where the Catskill foothills meet the Hudson Valley region. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F with moderate humidity. Camping facilities near Plattekill operate primarily from April through October, with most sites closing before the first significant snowfall in November.
What to do
Swimming and water activities: Thousand Trails Rondout Valley features a creek where children can explore aquatic life. "The creek that runs by the campground is gorgeous, and my kids had fun finding Crayfish," notes Kasey M. Water activities are available through mid-September at most locations.
Hiking nearby trails: Several campgrounds offer direct access to hiking paths. At High Point State Park Campground, one visitor reported, "We fit in a hike up to the Appalachian Trail from our campsite, swam at the pond (Lake Marcia), and got in a fishing session at Steeny Kill Lake." Trails range from easy 1-mile loops to more challenging terrain.
Lawn games and outdoor sports: Family-oriented activities at Jellystone Park Gardiner include various sports options. "This campground has a lot of activities and has kids of all ages galore," writes Stephanie H., who mentions available activities like "basketball courts" and "Gaga pit."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Several campgrounds maintain well-kept grounds and amenities. At Skyway Camping Resort, a camper commented, "Very nice and clean... Nice pool, this is a good family campground for kids. It large with nice size sites." The resort opens from May through mid-October.
Military-exclusive options: Active and retired military personnel have dedicated camping facilities. "We've been coming here for at least 13 years. We love that its a place specifically for Vets and active Military," shares one visitor about West Point FMWR Round Pond Outdoor Recreation Area, adding that "the caretakers take such care of the grounds."
Tranquil settings: Some campgrounds maintain quiet environments despite being family-oriented. Jody B. at Jellystone Park Gardiner praises it as "Nice. QUIET. Great pool with beverages for the adults." The peaceful settings allow for relaxation even at busier campgrounds.
What you should know
Varying bathroom conditions: Bathroom quality differs significantly between facilities. One visitor to High Point State Park noted, "Clean-ish bathrooms with flush toilets, no sinks, no showers, with that awful outhouse smell. Bringing your own toilet paper is a good idea as the park didn't replace it enough."
Site layout challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain that may not be apparent in reservation photos. "The photos did not convey the actual steepness of this site!! The gravel driveway is on a 30-40 degree incline," warns a camper about High Point State Park.
WiFi limitations: Connectivity issues are common at most glamping locations near Plattekill. One camper at Thousand Trails Rondout Valley mentioned, "The only problem I had was that my Starlink didn't work at the first site (372 - full hookup) but they let me choose another site (435 - no sewer)."
Tips for camping with families
Book waterfront sites: Camping near water provides built-in entertainment for children. Justin P. at High Point State Park shares, "The site was maybe a 50-yard walk-in and we barely heard anyone around us and had a real wilderness feel. We fit in a hike up to the Appalachian Trail from our campsite, swam at the pond (Lake Marcia), and got in a fishing session."
Consider noise levels: Some campgrounds maintain family-friendly quiet hours while others are more lenient. A reviewer at Kittatinny Campground noted, "A great place if you're a college kid looking to blast music and party into the late hours. Loud music blasting until 1-2am and it picks back up by 9-10am." Choose sites based on your family's sleep needs.
Pack entertainment for rainy days: Weather in the Catskills can change quickly. Ian R. at Thousand Trails Rondout Valley cautions, "This is what I want for a Catskill campground. It is not a concrete pad haven and yes, there is mud." Bring indoor activities for unexpected wet weather.
Tips from RVers
Consider electrical limitations: Not all sites provide adequate power for larger rigs. At Skyway Camping Resort, full hookups include "cable and wifi," though one camper noted that staff "forgot to give us wifi info and had closed early."
Level sites vary by campground: Finding level ground can be challenging at certain locations. At High Point State Park, one RVer complained, "we have a trailer and the 'trailer' sites aren't level. Showers are at the day use area, from 10-5:30, no trailer dump."
Golf cart rentals may not be worth the cost: At some larger campgrounds, additional transportation can be expensive. Scott at Jellystone Park Gardiner warns, "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."
