Glamping near Ravena, New York offers wilderness experiences within a 30-mile radius of the small Hudson River town. Located in Albany County at 140 feet elevation, Ravena sits at the edge of the Catskill foothills where seasonal temperatures range from 16°F in winter to 85°F in summer. Most glamping sites in this region operate seasonally with closures during the snowy winter months when temperatures regularly drop below freezing.
What to do
Hiking at nearby attractions: Max V. Shaul State Park Campground provides access to several waterfall hikes and Vroman's Nose, a distinctive geological formation with panoramic views. One camper noted, "There's no pond/lake here but there's several waterfalls nearby and Vroman's Nose."
Car racing entertainment: When staying at Woodland Hills, consider visiting the Lebanon Valley Speedway for weekend races. A camper reported, "We needed a site close to the Lebanon Valley Speedway to watch a friend race. Our site #1A was a quick back in site with full hookups and a perfect view day or night, right on their pond."
Fishing opportunities: Multiple ponds at Spacious Skies Woodland Hills offer fishing areas for both adults and children. Campers appreciate that "the kids (and adults) fishing, paddling on the lake, swimming in the designated area and sitting/playing on the nice beach."
What campers like
Modern bathroom facilities: Campgrounds throughout the region have invested in bathroom upgrades. At Max V. Shaul, guests appreciate that "The bathrooms and showers are clean and well-kept. The staff is friendly and helpful, and check the campground regularly so you can feel safe."
Swimming options: Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground features one of the region's most popular swimming beaches. One visitor shared their experience: "Best swimming experience ever! I went there with a friend and her family on Tuesday and it was awesome!"
Night sounds and wildlife: The natural soundtrack at Woodland Hills enhances the camping experience. A guest mentioned, "The pond has a fountain which sounds like a small waterfall at night, and wildflowers were in bloom. Very nice bathrooms and showers, and my dog loved the dog park."
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Most glamping facilities in the area operate from May through October. Max V. Shaul State Park Campground specifies its season as "May 19 to October 10," while Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground runs from "May 6 to October 15."
Site terrain variations: The topography at Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park creates distinctive camping experiences. One camper explained, "The campground has 3 sections, located on different tiers of a hill. The lower level has RV sites, middle has tent sites, and upper has a few yurts."
Booking availability: Some glamping sites like Whispering Timbers Glamping have extremely limited capacity, with only two safari-style tents available. This ensures privacy but requires advance booking.
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Several campgrounds include child-friendly play areas. At Frosty Acres Campground, families will find "a children's playground and pavilion. Firewood is available to purchase."
Platform tent advantages: Lake Taghkanic platforms provide weather protection for family camping. A repeat visitor explained, "This was our second time coming to this campground and our second time getting dumped on by the rain, but have no fear!! The platforms kept us off the ground and were helpful in setting up appropriate tarp protection!"
Themed weekends: Seasonal campgrounds often schedule special events for families. Frosty Acres offers "Themed weekends and an annual car show," according to a returning camper who was "coming back for our 4th season."
Tips from RVers
Site grading considerations: Brookside Campground terrain presents challenges for some RV setups. A visitor cautioned, "The left over of hurricane Henri passed through during our stay so we were unable to utilize any of the facilities. During the heavy rains water flowed down the roads ways due to the clay based soil and looked like it pooled up in places."
Limited large rig availability: While many campgrounds accept RVs, sites for larger vehicles are more restricted. Taconic State Park accommodates bigger rigs in specific areas, as a camper noted, "The facilities were just what you needed after a long day of hiking and swimming."
Dump station access: Not all RV-friendly sites offer sewer hookups. Brookside campers reported, "The bathroom and bathhouse were a bit run down looking from the outside, but inside they were updated and clean."
