Best Campgrounds near Prattsville, NY

The Catskill Mountains surrounding Prattsville, New York feature a range of camping experiences from developed state facilities to primitive backcountry sites. North-South Lake Campground in Haines Falls provides tent and RV sites with amenities like picnic tables and fire pits, while nearby Nickerson Park and Country Roads campgrounds in Gilboa offer more extensive hookups for RVs. Within a 30-minute drive, campers can access dispersed camping at Burnt Rossman State Forest and Duck Pond Campsite, which provide more secluded experiences with minimal facilities. The region includes both DEC-managed campgrounds with established facilities and more rustic options in state forests where campers can enjoy greater solitude.

Most campgrounds in the Catskills operate seasonally from mid-May through mid-October, with limited winter access. Cell service is notably absent throughout much of the region, as one camper noted at North-South Lake: "There is NO cell service and just forget about WiFi. You are unplugged." Visitors should be prepared for variable weather conditions, including summer thunderstorms. Black bears are common visitors to campgrounds, requiring proper food storage. Many sites require advance reservations through ReserveAmerica, particularly during summer weekends and fall foliage season. The terrain can present challenges for larger RVs, with one reviewer mentioning: "There are some sites with an incline down to the site. That might give some RVs trouble."

Waterfront camping locations receive consistently high ratings from visitors to the Prattsville area. Kenneth L. Wilson Campground features "large campsites with most surrounded by trees" providing "the right mix of privacy and community." Woodland Valley Campground offers streamside sites that campers praise for their natural setting, though some note the sites are "very close together so not much privacy." Families particularly enjoy North-South Lake Campground where "sites are tucked away in the trees" and an "ice cream truck comes around each evening in the summer." The proximity to hiking trails is frequently mentioned as a highlight, with many campgrounds offering direct access to trailheads leading to scenic Catskill Mountain viewpoints.

Best Camping Sites Near Prattsville, New York (169)

    1. North-South Lake Campground

    44 Reviews
    Palenville, NY
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 589-5058

    $22 - $44 / night

    "Our first campground was in New York Aug 8th. Unfortunately, Debbie was socking New York hard. North South Lake Campground in the Catskills was our camping home."

    "Had a great time at this campground- surrounded by many returning campers which gave the whole experience a good community vibe. Ice cream truck comes around each evening in the summer."

    2. Nickerson Park Campground

    8 Reviews
    Gilboa, NY
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 588-7327

    "Our site was on top of the creek, close to the path down to the water and close to a hiking trail. During our visit we drove around the nearby towns and didn't find much to see or do with our time."

    "We had reservations about being side by side with other RVs but the site we were in was so big and being in a valley with huge trees all around a large open grassy area in the middle made everything feel"

    3. Woodland Valley Campground — DEC

    29 Reviews
    Phoenicia, NY
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 688-7647

    $20 / night

    "water to play in right behind tent. I do prefer fire pits over the brick stove. this had the stove. more advanced hiking in walking distance. no cell service. my gps on phone was able to track though."

    "Close to Woodstock, NY, many trails and other attractions. You need to plan for it, there's a lot to explore; some trails are challenging. "

    4. Country Roads Campground

    3 Reviews
    North Blenheim, NY
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 827-6397

    $34 - $55 / night

    "There are water spigots near all the tent sites and they are nice and spread out. They have special events in a pavilion near the RVs including bingo"

    5. Max V. Shaul State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Fultonham, NY
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 827-4711

    $17 - $50 / night

    "Just ok distance between camp sites. If we return we might try the more upper loop further from the front"

    "there's no pond/lake here but there's several waterfalls nearby and vromans nose"

    6. Catskill/Kenneth L Wilson Campground

    23 Reviews
    Shokan, NY
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 679-7020

    $22 / night

    "This campground is nestled in the Catskills, New York, with easy access to New Jersey and Connecticut."

    "Access to fresh water spouts and clean bathrooms were just a walk away from most sites, theres a beautiful pond on site and beautiful views of the Catskills, Woodstock is a 15 min drive if you’re looking"

    7. Devil's Tombstone Campground

    10 Reviews
    Elka Park, NY
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 688-7160

    $16 / night

    "this is close by to many catskill hiking trails"

    "It was close to trails and town"

    8. Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp

    2 Reviews
    North Blenheim, NY
    12 miles

    "Entrance is soft"

    "Was a great location for winter camping. Site easily accessible from road. Beautiful, peaceful, great time!"

    9. Duck Pond Campsite

    2 Reviews
    North Blenheim, NY
    13 miles

    "After driving unpaved dirt road for a while, we arrived a surprisingly well maintained beautiful campsites. The pond is small so the mosquitos were not too bad."

    "Intermittent cell service which was frightening while driving on these rough roads"

    10. Whispering Timbers Glamping

    1 Review
    Hensonville, NY
    12 miles
    +1 (516) 729-6558

    $125 - $160 / night

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Recent Reviews near Prattsville, NY

547 Reviews of 169 Prattsville Campgrounds


  • M
    Oct. 26, 2025

    North-South Lake Campground

    Beautiful grounds HORRIBLE STAFF

    I don’t normally write reviews especially a negative one. We had a very upsetting experience at North-South Lake. We drove over two hours to visit my husband’s childhood campground for the first time with our three kids(ages 5, 7, and 9). When we arrived at the entrance, we were asked if it was a day visit, and we said yes, we were only staying for the day. We paid the fee, received a map, and drove in. My husband was so excited to finally share this place and create memories with our children. Looking for a place to park, we thought we were lucky to find an empty campsite in one of the loops where he used to camp as a child.

    We parked the car hoping to enjoy the view of the lake, take a walk, and maybe make the kids a couple of s’mores before heading home.

     At around 2:15–2:30 p.m., the “SUPERVISOR” in the white Kia approached us in an extremely rude and nasty manner, speaking as if we were committing a serious crime and comparing our situation to“sleeping in someone else’s hotel room.” She asked us if we had a reservation; we said no. She said,“Someone else reserved this spot.” We were very apologetic, embarrassed, and immediately put our stuff in the car. I said they could have told us; we would have moved right away. I’m sorry. 

    She said,“They aren’t supposed to talk to you; that’s why they send me here.” She told us we had ten minutes to leave, waited there while we put our chair, blanket, and s’more cookies in the car, and refused our 9-year-old daughter access to the bathroom while we packed up our three things, and even followed us out of the loop to make sure we didn’t park elsewhere. My daughter came to us crying because the lady told her she couldn’t use the bathroom and had to get in the car. Well, she had an accident in the car right as we were pulling out. 

    We were mortified and apologetic. My husband even offered to leave the firewood we had just purchased for the next campers, but she was dismissive and harsh about that as well. 

    The following day, I called and asked to speak with a manager to explain how we were treated. The manager was just as unfriendly and miserable sounding as the supervisor. I was told they had been looking for us“for hours” and that it’s“common sense” not to park in a campsite. She actually said it’s considered trespassing. So, a friendly warning for first-time visitors: Apparently, if you don’t know that“day use” doesn’t mean“park in any empty campsite,” just for the day, you’re officially a trespassing criminal, at least according to the manager. 

    Reading the website now, I see that check-in for people with reservations is at 2 p.m., which was the time we were trying to make a small fire, so unless someone left their site and returned, it’s unclear how they could have been looking for us“for hours.” We were right there at 2pm. 

    The website also states: Day Use• Anyone who is not camping is a day-user. Day-use hours are from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Day-users are not allowed between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. 

    We were not camping but didn’t realize we couldn’t park in an empty campsite. I think“common sense” would be to inform DAY USE visitors at the ENTRANCE to use public parking, especially for families or first-time visitors who may not be camping experts. Bottom line: this was my husband’s childhood family spot. We just wanted to take a beautiful fall drive and have a special day with our kids. 

    We understand now that we needed to reserve the parking spot ahead of time, and it was an honest misunderstanding. I would have even offered to pay for the campers’ stay for their trouble. What we wish for is that the staff had approached us respectfully and explained the situation instead of treating us like criminals. Imagine being such a miserable person and working in such a BEAUTIFUL and peaceful place for families. 

    This was meant to be a special family day, honoring memories of my father-in-law and creating new ones with our children. Instead, it became stressful and humiliating. Sadly, this is what our children will remember about the day and about North South Lake

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2025

    Gunx Camping on a Horse Farm

    No Amenities but Great Location for the Gunks

    This campground is just mowed spots on a hillside in Kerhonkson. There are no facilities aside from some port-o-sans that the owners didn't recommend using. But the location is great for accessing the Shawamhunks. Given the lack of affordable RV campgrounds (and even the few expensive ones) in the area, this stands out.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Osa Trail

    Gorgeous Views

    Had a great time here with my wife and 2 little kids and our dog.  One of the most beautiful sunrises we've ever seen!  Very secluded, though Alex is right down the driveway so didn't feel like the middle of nowhere.

  • FThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Mills Norrie State Park Campground

    Great staff but back-to-back campsite

    We stayed a coupe of days in Oct. This is a beautiful site to camp out. The staffs are friendly and very attentive.
    Bathroom and water pressure was ok. But one shower location for 50 campsites. Three small showers units and three toilet.
    I never stayed a state campsite where the sites are so close each other. If you like a “normal” distance to your neighbors, I'd not recommend this place.

  • A
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Russell Brook Campsites

    Clean, Friendly, and Right on the Water

    Loved this place! It's clean and well-maintained - even the restrooms. Every site is well-equipped with its own water, electricity, fire pit, and picnic table. The best part is the waterfront sites. We were right next to a small brook, and falling asleep to the sound of the water behind our tent was amazing. Everyone we met was super friendly. We will definitely be back!

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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 Prattsville

Prattsville camping areas sit in the northern Catskills at elevations of 1,000-3,500 feet, creating cooler summer temperatures than nearby lowland areas. The region receives approximately 45 inches of annual precipitation with summer daytime highs typically reaching 70-80°F while dropping into the 50s at night. Fall camping season extends through mid-October when leaf colors peak and temperatures cool significantly.

What to do

Streamside hiking: Connect directly to trails from Woodland Valley Campground. Situated near the Slide Mountain Wilderness, the campground provides immediate access to popular Catskill hiking routes. "Large campsite, clean facilities, fire pit, friendly and knowledgeable staff. This is an excellent site if you're looking to explore the Slide Mountain Wilderness and a great place to prep if you're planning to go backpacking as well," notes Derek W.

Waterfall exploration: Reach Kaaterskill Falls within a short drive. Located just minutes from North-South Lake Campground, this 260-foot two-tier waterfall ranks among the region's most photographed natural features. "Located just about a mile from Kaaterskill Falls this campground couldn't be in a better spot. We had a wonderful weekend there," writes Brittany W.

Fishing access: Cast for trout in local streams year-round. The Schoharie Creek and its tributaries near Max V. Shaul State Park Campground offer good fishing opportunities. The park provides streamside access points and flat terrain for easy casting. "Great small campground. Lots of space between sites," reports Tom S., noting the convenient location for anglers.

What campers like

Privacy levels: Sites at Kenneth L Wilson offer excellent separation. The campground features wooded sites set back from access roads. "We LOVED our site (site 9). It was absolutely massive! The photo doesn't do it justice. It was set back very far from the main road and was an extremely large site!" writes C R., highlighting the spaciousness many campers seek.

Water recreation: Swimming and boating options at multiple locations. North-South Lake Campground offers two connected lakes with swimming beaches and boat rentals. "I go there almost every year to go swimming with my family and friends and it's always a good time," mentions Lizz H., emphasizing the recreational water access.

Bathroom facilities: Recently renovated facilities at several parks. Many campgrounds have upgraded their bathhouses in recent years. "The bathrooms were very clean and new and the showers were free and temperature controlled to perfectly warm!!" reports Melanie H. about Kenneth L Wilson Campground, while Tom S. notes Max V. Shaul's "bath house is clean and modern."

What you should know

Cell service limitations: Prepare for disconnection at most sites. The mountainous terrain blocks signals throughout much of the area. Sam L. notes about Devil's Tombstone: "There is NO cell service here. You have to drive about 5 minutes towards Hunter to get service."

Road conditions to dispersed sites: High-clearance vehicles recommended. Accessing more remote camping spots requires navigating rough forest roads. At Duck Pond Campsite, one camper cautions: "The road in on old cemetery rd was pretty rough, so we decided to go out the other way, which was way worse... Intermittent cell service which was frightening while driving on these rough roads."

Reservation requirements: Book early for prime weekends. Most established campgrounds fill quickly, especially during fall foliage season. "Reserve very early for waterfront," advises Rachel G. about North-South Lake Campground, where lakeside sites are particularly sought after.

Wildlife considerations: Bear-resistant food storage essential. Black bears are active throughout the Catskills. Derek W. mentions: "Did not encounter black bears but they do frequent the area," highlighting the importance of proper precautions even when bears aren't immediately visible.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. Devil's Tombstone includes a playground for children. "There is a playground for kids so you don't have to watch over them while you set up," notes Phillip L., mentioning this convenient feature.

Swimming options for various ages: Choose sites with gentle water entry. Country Roads Campground receives consistent praise for its family-friendly atmosphere. William R. describes it as a "great family spot" noting that beyond the RV area "they have about 10-15 great tent sites back beyond the RV area" and mentions special events including "bingo" that appeal to families.

Sites with natural entertainment: Select locations with streams or interesting terrain. Woodland Valley features sites alongside a mountain creek that creates natural white noise. John N. describes it as "the mountain creek is like nature singing a lullaby - sleeping next to it was very relaxing."

Tips from RVers

Site inclines: Request level sites when booking. Many Catskill camping spots near Prattsville feature sloped terrain that can challenge RV setup. "There are some sites with an incline down to the site," notes one camper about accessibility concerns.

Seasonal facility limitations: Check hookup availability by date. Most campgrounds in the region operate with reduced services in early spring and late fall. "No hookups, just a picnic table, firepit," mentions Holly R. about Max V. Shaul State Park, though water spigots are available nearby.

Size restrictions: Measure your rig before booking at smaller campgrounds. Nickerson Park Campground accommodates larger RVs more easily than some state facilities. Sarah S. describes the layout: "Groups of sites sit on level terraces stepped down toward the river. The center area of each grouping of sites had a common use area with tether ball, playgrounds, privies, or additional parking."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Prattsville, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, Prattsville, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 169 campgrounds and RV parks near Prattsville, NY and 12 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Prattsville, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Prattsville, NY is North-South Lake Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 44 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 free dispersed camping spots near Prattsville, NY.