Best Campgrounds near Ravena, NY

The Hudson River Valley near Ravena, New York encompasses a variety of camping opportunities spanning from established state parks to family-owned campgrounds. Schodack Island State Park Campground provides electric hookups with spacious sites for tents and RVs along the Hudson River, while more rustic camping can be found at North-South Lake Campground in the nearby Catskill region. Several properties offer specialized accommodations beyond standard camping, such as Treetopia Campground with glamping options and yurts, Dingman's Family Campground with cabins, and Abracadabra Magic Farm featuring unique glamping experiences. The camping landscape includes both riverfront locations and mountain settings within 30 miles of Ravena.

State park campgrounds in the region typically operate seasonally, with most opening in late April or early May and closing in October. Campsites at Schodack Island State Park and Thompson's Lake Campground at Thacher State Park feature electric hookups, though water connections are limited to communal fill stations rather than individual sites. Facilities throughout the area generally include clean bathrooms, showers, and dump stations for RVs. Reservations are recommended, particularly for weekend stays during summer months when sites fill quickly. "The sites are spaced apart nicely and well maintained. There is electric at most sites with water near the ends and there is a tent area with nothing. Also each site had large fire pits and picnic tables," noted one camper at Schodack Island.

Wildlife viewing represents a notable feature at many campgrounds in the area, particularly at Schodack Island State Park where numerous reviewers mention rabbit sightings and birdwatching opportunities. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, campers appreciate the privacy between sites at several locations, with many mentioning the vegetation barriers that create secluded camping spaces. Multiple campers praised the exceptionally clean bathroom facilities at Schodack Island, with one noting they "had the cleanest bathrooms and shower facilities of any place I have ever been." Several campgrounds feature riverfront or lakeside access, though swimming is not permitted at all locations. Families appreciate the playgrounds and open spaces at several of the developed campgrounds, while those seeking a more immersive natural experience can find quieter sites at less developed properties.

Best Camping Sites Near Ravena, New York (168)

    1. Schodack Island State Park Campground

    17 Reviews
    Coeymans, NY
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 732-0187

    $17 - $26 / night

    "The park ensures you’ll have what you need with stores within close proximity and the staff even offers ice and firewood delivery to your site."

    "Wonderful hikes and beautiful walks. Boat docks looked pretty easy for ins and outs, and the pavilions were huge!"

    2. North-South Lake Campground

    44 Reviews
    Palenville, NY
    22 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."

    3. Foothills

    2 Reviews
    West Coxsackie, NY
    7 miles

    4. Abracadabra magic farm

    1 Review
    New Baltimore, NY
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (917) 834-5331

    $100 - $200 / night

    5. Thompson's Lake Campground — Thacher State Park

    7 Reviews
    Altamont, NY
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 872-1674

    $17 / night

    "Some of the lakeside sites have private foot trails down to the water which was very nice."

    "Hiking was near by and also the beach and if you wanted to drive to where the falls are and the overlook it wasn't too far! We had an amazing time!"

    6. Whip O Will Campsites

    7 Reviews
    Round Top, NY
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 622-3277

    $33 - $113 / night

    "From it bathrooms to its pool to its general store , playground , basketball courts , bocceball, 7 acre lake and 2 miles of walkable runable paths , Ted & Angela do a fantastic job of keeping the place"

    "It had a little arcade, a nice lake, and playground."

    7. Dingman's Family Campground

    3 Reviews
    Nassau, NY
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 766-2310

    "Great walking access to the river where you can launch your kayak/go tubbing or just go for a swim. Would return."

    "Absolutely loved this campground, sites are well spaced and the surrounding area is gorgeous! We had a tent site right on the river and couldn’t have been happier with our stay."

    8. Mt. Greylock Campsite Park

    30 Reviews
    Lanesborough, MA
    30 miles
    +1 (413) 447-9419

    $40 - $70 / night

    "Great access to Mt Greylock and LOTS of hiking close by. Staff was so accommodating-always willing to spend time giving recommendations."

    "Great family atmosphere w very positive neighbors and owners... Fantastic. 5 stars"

    9. Camp Catskills

    1 Review
    Athens, NY
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 517-4632

    $275 - $395 / night

    10. Treetopia Campground

    2 Reviews
    Catskill, NY
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 943-4513

    $60 - $100 / night

    "Treetopia is a unique and truly amazing camping/Glamping experience in the Catskills, New York!"

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 168 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Ravena, NY

569 Reviews of 168 Ravena Campgrounds


  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 10, 2025

    Allaben Primitive Campsites

    Pond spot

    Cool spot next to a pond. There are a few others that aren’t next to a pond, and therefore not as cool… but still pretty cool bc it’s free and you can walk up a little to a pond.

  • 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

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2025

    Zoar Outdoor

    Nice and would like to visit again but not within 12 hours-BOO

    I’m writing this mid-October from western MA. In between homes and looked forward to staying another night, but can not because of a 12 hour advance policy. There were plenty of tent sites available last night. Not a happy camper.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Sage's Revine

    Not highest recommended

    There was a bunch of signs that said no parking so we parked at the entrance to the trailhead. The area itself is beautiful but I believe it is more for tent camping versus cars, overlanding vehicles and RVs.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Hide-A-Way Campsites

    Quaint and truly hid away

    Well maintained clean campground. Friendly attendants guided us to site and directed in spot. Gravel unlevel pad full hookups.


Guide to Ravena

Camping near Ravena, New York, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do

  • Hiking: There are great trails nearby, like those at North-South Lake Campground. One camper mentioned, "This is a hiking park... Kaaterskill Falls is an exception - short, easy trail."
  • Fishing: The area is known for its fishing spots. A review from Little Pond - DEC highlights, "Close to the Beaverkill and lots of great fly fishing."
  • Swimming: Many campgrounds have access to lakes or streams. A visitor at Glimmerglass State Park Campground noted, "The amazing beach and waterfront on Otsego Lake... great kayaking on the lake."

What campers like

  • Scenic views: Campers appreciate the beautiful surroundings. One reviewer at Woodland Valley Campground - DEC said, "Gorgeous. There was a brook not far from our campsite, and it was only a short stroll to the lake."
  • Privacy: Many sites offer a sense of seclusion. A camper at Kenneth L Wilson Campground mentioned, "While some of the spots were fairly close together, they seem more spread out than in other Catskill camping sites."
  • Friendly staff: Campers often rave about the helpfulness of campground staff. A visitor at Mt. Greylock Campsite Park shared, "Pat and Gordon are incredibly welcoming hosts."

What you should know

  • Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have poor or no cell reception. A camper at North-South Lake Campground noted, "There is NO cell service & just forget about WiFi."
  • Bear activity: Some campgrounds have wildlife visitors. A review from Woodland Valley Campground - DEC mentioned, "There’s a lot of bear activity here, so constantly cleaning up your food is very important."
  • Busy weekends: If you prefer a quieter experience, consider going during the week. A camper at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner said, "The campground had a lot of activities but some were repetitive."

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and organized activities. A parent at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner mentioned, "This campground has a lot of activities and has kids of all ages galore."
  • Choose spacious sites: Opt for campgrounds with larger sites for more room to play. A review from Camping On The Battenkill noted, "Sites aren’t on top of each other but you can see your neighbors."
  • Plan for meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or check if the campground has food options. A visitor at Glimmerglass State Park Campground said, "The camp store was well-stocked with food, camping supplies, and souvenirs."

Tips from RVers

  • Check site sizes: Make sure the campground can accommodate your RV. A camper at Mt. Greylock Campsite Park shared, "My family would stay here again... plenty of water pressure with grey water hookups."
  • Look for amenities: Choose campgrounds with full hookups for convenience. A review from Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner highlighted, "We had full hookups with 50-amp electrical service."
  • Plan for check-in times: Arrive early to avoid long waits. A visitor at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner mentioned, "It took 45-minutes to check-in... they just weren’t equipped for that."

Camping near Ravena, New York, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RV enthusiast seeking adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Ravena, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, Ravena, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 168 campgrounds and RV parks near Ravena, NY and 15 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Ravena, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Ravena, NY is Schodack Island State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 17 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 free dispersed camping spots near Ravena, NY.