Camping options near Rock Hill, New York extend from Sullivan County into neighboring Orange County, with most sites operating from May through October. Elevations in this region range from 700 to 1,500 feet, creating diverse terrain for camping experiences. Winter temperatures typically drop below freezing with occasional heavy snowfall, while summer daytime temperatures average 75-85°F with cooler evenings.
What to do
Water activities at lakes and streams: Winding Hills Park features a fishing lake where licenses are required, with park rangers checking regularly. "The lake is a nice size and has a trail so you walk the entire length with benches around a good portion to sit and/or fish," notes Amanda B., who visited the Winding Hills Park.
Hiking nearby trails: High Point State Park offers direct access to the Appalachian Trail from campsite areas. A camper at High Point State Park Campground reported, "We fit in a hike up to the Appalachian Trail from our campsite, swam at the pond (Lake Marcia), and got in a fishing session at Steeny Kill Lake."
Seasonal activities for children: Many campgrounds offer organized activities during peak season. At Jellystone Park Gardiner, "They have a event just about every weekend with kid activity," according to Jennifer I., making it ideal for families seeking structured recreation options.
What campers like
Privacy levels between sites: Campgrounds offer varying levels of seclusion. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Birchwood Acres, one visitor noted, "Our RV site was private, surround by trees with a nice fire pit and picnic table," highlighting the availability of more secluded options.
Swimming facilities: Many campgrounds feature pools as alternatives to river swimming. A visitor to Jellystone Park at Birchwood Acres described, "Nice pool with beverages for the adults.... Making this a yearly trip as well," noting the adult-friendly amenities.
Natural settings: The forested environment creates a peaceful atmosphere at many sites. "The forest is beautiful around the park. Lake is pretty too. Site we stayed at was nice and level for a tent, plenty of trees for a hammock," observed Karl F. about the natural setting at Winding Hills Park.
What you should know
Campsite terrain and elevation: Some campgrounds feature significantly sloped sites. A camper at High Point State Park Campground warned, "The gravel driveway is on a 30-40 degree incline. The tent was too long for the 12'x10' platform, so we had to set it up on the flattest part and hope not to roll down the hill."
Bathroom facilities vary widely: Quality and availability of facilities differs between rock hill NY campgrounds. At Kittatinny Campground, campers noted clean but basic facilities, while another visitor mentioned, "The bathrooms needed updating and people at the tent area made a comment that it took a while to get a turn at the showers."
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking during peak times, but some operate on first-come systems. Laura E. experienced this at Winding Hills Park: "The website says the park closes at 8 pm and we were due to arrive at 830. But the gate was open and we easily found an open site. Someone came by to register us and take our payment in the morning."
Tips for camping with families
Pool and water features: Family-oriented campgrounds offer water activities for various age groups. At Jellystone Park Gardiner, one parent shared, "Nice pool that is shallow so you can relax and let the little ones go in the water park section alone or they have a 3 ft pool also."
Planned activities: Weekend programs keep children engaged at many family-focused sites. Stephanie H. noted at Jellystone Park Gardiner, "The campground had a lot of activities but some were repetitive. It looks like Saturdays have the best activities but we were not there on a Saturday."
Age-appropriate amenities: Consider whether facilities match your children's ages. A parent reported about Jellystone Park Gardiner, "This campground has a lot of activities and has kids of all ages galore. I was worried my 12 year old would be too old for it but he enjoyed making friends there."
Tips from RVers
Site levelness: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain challenging for RVs. At Oakland Valley Campground, a camper noted, "The sites were a bit difficult to back into and unlevel. Otherwise a very nice place to relax."
Hookup availability: Electric, water and sewer connections vary across camping options near Rock Hill. David S. at Oakland Valley Campground mentioned, "Only reason I didn't give 5 stars was because the sites were a bit difficult to back into and unlevel," suggesting preparation for potentially challenging setups.
Rental options: Some campers opt for rental transportation at campgrounds. One visitor to Jellystone Park Gardiner shared, "Love it here but renting a golf cart is prob not the best option $175 for 2 days and it only goes 5mph I can walk faster than that."
