Camping near Purling, New York offers access to the northern region of the Catskill Mountains at elevations between 1,000-2,000 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-80°F while nighttime temperatures can drop into the 40s even in July. The region experiences frequent afternoon thunderstorms during summer months, with campers noting that weather patterns can shift rapidly due to the mountainous terrain.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Whip O Will Campsites in Purling, campers can access a 7-acre lake stocked for fishing. "Found this campground solely on Internet. Pleasantly surprised that it was more than expected when I arrived. Full facilities and nice fishing pond," notes George C.
Hiking trail access: Multiple trails ranging from beginner to advanced difficulty are accessible within a 15-minute drive of most campgrounds. "Plenty of trails nearby!" reports a visitor to Blue Mountain Reservation, while another camper at Kenneth L. Wilson Campground mentions it's "close to hiking trails and the facilities were in good shape."
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer swimming during the warmer months. A camper at Schodack Island State Park notes, "Our favorite feature was the day use and boat ramp on the Hudson River. We saw many larger boats during the day. The view from the boat ramp area was amazing."
Wildlife viewing: The region supports diverse bird populations and mammals. At Schodack Island State Park, one visitor reported "excellent birding" and "hiking out to a couple of different blinds to look for birds. Did see a juv eagle." The park is known for its "abundance of wildlife" according to multiple reviews.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds in the region prioritize privacy between sites. At Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds, "you can't go wrong, they are all wooded, private and well situated," according to Kathy G. Another camper mentions, "Amazing campground with perfectly spaced large sites."
Clean facilities: Campground cleanliness is consistently praised. A visitor to Kenneth L. Wilson Campground states, "The ladies that run this campground are absolute queens and were so nice and helpful. The bathrooms were very clean and new and the showers were free and temperature controlled to perfectly warm!!"
Recreational amenities: Many campgrounds offer additional activities beyond nature exploration. At Treetopia Campground, "they have RV sites, yurts, custom furnished treehouses with electricity, beautiful tiny homes with outdoor living spaces, remodeled vintage airstreams, and gorgeous private cabins!" explains one reviewer.
Water features: Lakes, streams and rivers enhance camping experiences throughout the region. A camper at Devil's Tombstone Campground indicates the proximity to water is a major draw: "The campground is on either side of a fairly steep valley" with access to nearby water features.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. "There was no cell service in the campground," reports a camper at Kenneth L. Wilson Campground. At other sites, service is adequate but spotty.
Bear safety: Black bears are active throughout the region. One visitor to Devil's Tombstone Campground mentions, "If you leave food out you will get a warning notice if seen." Another camper at Kenneth L. Wilson Campground had a more direct experience: "Got chased off by a bear. It was the wildest weekend I ever had."
Weather preparation: Mountain weather systems can change rapidly. "Check the weather," advises a camper at Whip O Will Campsites. "We forgot to check the weather, and came in right before a thunderstorm. After the storm, the staff came out to check on us individually to make sure we were okay!"
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance bookings, especially for weekend stays between June and September. At Devil's Tombstone Campground, "for reservation you have to book 2 days ahead. Do not come during the summer because it is swamped here and it the busiest time."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated recreational facilities. "Large family friendly campground with all the amenities - boating, showers, great hiking," notes a camper at Kenneth L. Wilson Campground. Another mentions the "lake is huge" providing ample recreation opportunities.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature playground equipment. At Brookside Campground, "The sports 'complex' and pool actually looked very nice and well maintained. There were kids everywhere," notes one visitor. Another mentions, "The playground area was nice."
Educational opportunities: Wildlife and natural features offer learning experiences. At Schodack Island State Park, a camper mentions it's a "great place for family fun and education. We have camped here for the last 3 years. They have excellent services and activities."
Safety considerations: Campgrounds with clearly marked boundaries help keep children from wandering. "The gated security" was specifically mentioned as a positive feature at Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds, where visitors felt comfortable even when temporarily leaving their campsite.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose sites based on your specific needs and rig size. At Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds, "very easy to level and setup on #7. Full connections," reports one RVer. The camper appreciated that management carefully matched RVs to appropriate sites.
Hookup availability: Electric and water hookups are common but sewer connections are limited. At Treetopia Campground, "if you have an RV, they have 30/50 amp with electric and water. There is no sewer, but they have a dump-station and on-site Honeywagon truck that you can schedule."
Road conditions: Access roads to campgrounds can present challenges. At Schodack Island State Park, "the roads in are definitely patched and bumpy, but once your in the loop things are smooth!" Another camper mentions "large sites with power hookups. There is water available to fill your fresh water tank along the main road."
Winter closure: Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from May through October, with few options for off-season camping. Always verify opening dates when planning trips outside the peak summer months.
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