The Catskill Mountain foothills surrounding Rock Tavern, New York offer diverse camping options in a region with elevations ranging from 400-1,200 feet. The area's seasonal conditions include humid summers with temperatures averaging 75-85°F and cool evenings typically requiring light layers. Most campgrounds near Rock Tavern operate from April through October, with limited winter availability at select locations.
What to do
Tubing and water activities: Many campsites near Rock Tavern provide river access for cooling off during summer months. At Kittatinny Campground, visitors frequently combine camping with water recreation. "My college friends go here each year to meet up and we have so much fun. The group sites are great and perfect for our 30-50 people. Definitely go for the rafting/tubing package, it was the best part of the trip," notes a reviewer.
Hiking trails: The region offers varied terrain for all skill levels, from gentle nature walks to challenging climbs. Near West Point FMWR Round Pond Outdoor Recreation Area, campers can access numerous hiking options. According to one visitor, "Beautiful but small-ish tent sites. Lots of great hiking in the area in addition to beautiful Cold Spring, NY for the small-town charm."
Scenic viewpoints: Drive or hike to elevated areas for panoramic vistas. At High Point State Park Campground, "You can drive to High Point monument that is 1803 feet above sea level and you get a spectacular panorama view. There are hiking trails and fresh water for kayaking."
What campers like
Military-exclusive camping areas: Both Round Pond and Lake Frederick recreation areas cater specifically to military personnel and veterans, creating a unique atmosphere. As one veteran explained about West Point FMWR Lake Frederick Outdoor Recreation Area: "This place is incredible. Being military-only keeps standards high, the campground clean and well maintained."
Variety of yurt camping options: For those seeking yurt camping near Rock Tavern, New York, several campgrounds provide these accommodations with varying levels of amenities. Thousand Trails Rondout Valley offers yurt rentals alongside other lodging types. A visitor commented, "As part of the Thousand Trails group, this campground has many amenities. It offers a pool, playground, and activities that include bocce ball, shuffleboard, and horseshoes."
Riverfront sites: Many campers prioritize waterfront locations for the ambiance and recreational opportunities. A visitor to Oakland Valley Campground stated, "We spent most of early spring at Oakland Valley right on the river. Even though covid really forced a shutdown on activities, this one was of my kids favorite places of the year. They loved to fish and play in the river, explore the woods and ride bikes around."
What you should know
Campground noise levels vary greatly: Some locations enforce quiet hours while others have a more social atmosphere. A visitor to Kittatinny Campground warned, "Busy campground no quiet time loud music till 3 in the morning. Very clean, workers very friendly and helpful but after dark no one around. If you looking for a peaceful campground not the place to go."
Bathroom facilities differ by location: Amenities range from primitive vault toilets to modern shower houses. At Stokes State Forest, a camper reported, "Bathrooms and shower were all single stall and very clean, only a 5 min walk from our site. Two water sources nearby as well."
Site sizes and privacy: Site dimensions and spacing vary substantially between campgrounds. A camper at Neversink River Resort noted, "We were a party of 8 so we needed 2 sites, the first sites we booked were horrible - so so tiny (E11 & E12) and right on a swampy pond where the grass is growing into the water so it was hard to see where the water line was."
Tips for camping with families
Water features for children: Pools and water play areas provide entertainment for families. A visitor to Jellystone Park Gardiner remarked, "This place is great for kids or diverse groups that all want to do different things. It's very family themed and fun for everyone. However, it can end up being as crowded as an amusement park depending on when you go."
Look for dedicated kid activities: Some campgrounds offer structured programming specifically for children. A reviewer at Thousand Trails noted, "This is a large family campground with tons of stuff to do, I was pleasantly surprised by how quiet it was. I really enjoyed our visit."
Consider cabins for easier family trips: For families new to camping or those with very young children, cabin rentals provide more comfort. A Stokes State Forest visitor shared, "The cabins are reasonably priced and well-appointed, if a bit rustic. The interior features are just what you'd expect for getting away for the weekend."
Tips from RVers
Site levelness varies: Many campgrounds in this hilly region have uneven sites. A camper at Oakland Valley Campground reported, "Only reason I didn't give 5 stars was because the sites were a bit difficult to back into and unlevel. Otherwise a very nice place to relax."
Limited hookup options at some locations: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. A visitor to Neversink River Resort explained, "The only problem I had was that my Starlink didn't work at the first site (372 - full hookup) but they let me choose another site (435 - no sewer) and I was happy as a clam. Oh yea, the sewer connection in 372 ran uphill for me, but my pipe sits very low."
Reservation recommendations: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially for premium sites. One RVer at Rondout Valley advised, "Our site was up front and we didn't venture into the park. We did use the laundry room, which needed some updates, especially some lighting."
