The Catskill region surrounding Preston Hollow sits at elevations between 1,000 and 2,000 feet, creating distinct seasonal camping patterns. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during the day with cooler 50-60°F evenings, while fall brings vibrant foliage and temperatures between 45-65°F. Most campgrounds in this area operate seasonally from May through mid-October due to harsh winter conditions.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: 15 minutes from Preston Hollow. Max V. Shaul State Park offers easy access to several waterfalls. As reviewer Brian H. notes, "there's no pond/lake here but there's several waterfalls nearby and vromans nose," referring to the popular hiking destination in the vicinity of the Max V. Shaul State Park Campground.
Bird watching: Dawn hours best. The certified wildlife sanctuary at A Promise to Gaia provides excellent opportunities for bird enthusiasts, particularly during migration seasons. Ashley F. mentions the property is "rented to others to help maintain and expand native and pollinating species of plants," making A Promise to Gaia/Garden of One an excellent base for nature observation.
Local farm visits: 10-minute drive. Several campgrounds in the area are near small local farms. At Brookside Campground, David R. observed there was a "small farm right next to our site, goats, cow chickens, ducks, geese," providing an agricultural experience especially appealing to younger campers.
What campers like
Clean, modern facilities: Recently renovated. Campgrounds in the area have been upgrading their amenities. At Treetopia, Janly P. raved "the bathrooms and showers are out of this world! Best of any campground we've ever visited!" making Treetopia Campground stand out for those prioritizing comfort.
Privacy between sites: Varies by campground. Max V. Shaul State Park receives consistent praise for site spacing. Holly R. noted, "only 30 sites here, which are large, flat and sited well apart from each other," creating a more secluded camping experience than many other options.
Winter camping options: Limited but available. Some campgrounds offer year-round access. At Frosty Acres, James S. shared his experience: "We stayed from April until October then decided to stay over winter. They have a small winter section. You'll have the entire mountain side all to yourself! Snowshoe, cross country ski. Winter campfires." Frosty Acres Campground sits at "elevation about 1409 feet" with "awesome" sunrise views.
What you should know
Site conditions: Variable terrain. Tent sites at some campgrounds can be challenging. At Blue Mountain Campground, Yolanda T. warned that "tent site are very richly and uneven, it was very hard to pitch a tent," suggesting campers bring appropriate gear for rocky ground.
Water quality: Bring your own. Some facilities have reported water issues. Peter S. at Nickerson Park Campground shared a concerning experience: "The water smelled like raw sewage, loaded with sediment and very discolored. Little to no pressure and a couple times no water at all," recommending visitors bring their own water supply.
Yurt camping Preston Hollow, New York: Limited availability. Yurt accommodations in the Preston Hollow area require advance booking, especially during peak summer months. Glimmerglass State Park Campground offers yurt options with Heather E. noting they have "large spots/mainly bigger setups" though "there is not a hiking/walking path down to the lake from the campground."
Seasonal operating schedules: May to October typical. Most campgrounds in the Preston Hollow region close after Columbus Day. Tom S. shared that Max V. Shaul charges "$27.50/night for non-resident" during its operational season.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Available at select sites. When yurt camping near Preston Hollow, New York with children, some campgrounds offer play equipment. Darby R. mentioned Max V. Shaul has "a children's playground and pavilion," making it suitable for families with young children.
Water recreation: Pools available. Several campgrounds feature swimming pools. Jennifer P. highlighted Country Roads has "a pool and water slides for the kids," making Country Roads Campground particularly attractive for families during hot summer days.
Group activities: Weekend programming. Campgrounds often schedule family events. William R. noted at Country Roads, "They have special events in a pavilion near the RVs including bingo," providing entertainment options beyond outdoor recreation.
Kid-friendly tent areas: Separate from RVs. Some campgrounds have designated tent sections. William also mentioned Country Roads has "about 10-15 great tent sites back beyond the RV area. There are water spigots near all the tent sites and they are nice and spread out."
Tips from RVers
RV size limitations: Check before booking. Not all campgrounds accommodate larger rigs. While Nickerson Park Campground can handle big rigs, Sarah S. observed a layout where "groups of sites sit on level terraces stepped down toward the river," creating a spacious feel without crowding.
Connectivity: Variable service. RVers working remotely should note cellular coverage varies. Taylor H. reported at Nickerson Park, "Verizon cell service was decent, and enough to work remotely," making it viable for digital nomads.
Parking configurations: Tiered sites common. The hilly terrain results in terraced campgrounds. Sarah S. described how at Nickerson Park, "The center area of each grouping of sites had a common use area with tether ball, playgrounds, privies, or additional parking."
