Best Campgrounds near Saugerties, NY
The Catskill Mountains surrounding Saugerties, New York feature a diverse range of camping environments within a 30-mile radius. North-South Lake Campground in Haines Falls offers shaded sites tucked under trees with some positioned near streams and lakes, while Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds in Saugerties itself provides tent, RV, and cabin accommodations with fishing access. The region includes both developed state park campgrounds with amenities and more primitive options like Echo Lake, which requires hiking in and offers no facilities. Most established campgrounds operate seasonally from May through mid-October, with the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) managing several properties throughout the area.
Reservations are essential during summer months when campgrounds frequently reach capacity, especially on weekends and holidays. Many campers report limited or no cell service throughout the Catskills camping areas. As one visitor to North-South Lake noted, "There is NO cell service and just forget about WiFi. You are unplugged." Weather conditions can change rapidly in the mountains, with summer thunderstorms and occasional tropical storm systems affecting the region. Black bears are common visitors to campgrounds, requiring proper food storage. Most developed sites provide fire rings, picnic tables, and access to bathrooms, though amenities vary significantly between state-run facilities and private campgrounds.
Waterfront sites at locations like Little Pond Campground and Beaverkill Campground command premium prices but offer direct water access. According to one camper, "Any of the sites along the water would be really nice and all sites are fairly private." Proximity to hiking trails represents another key consideration, with many campgrounds serving as trailheads to popular Catskill routes. Kenneth L. Wilson Campground provides "nearly 4 miles of trails within the campground and surrounding areas," while other properties connect to extensive trail networks. Weekday visits typically offer more solitude and availability than weekends, when family groups and day-trippers can create a busier atmosphere at popular swimming and picnic areas.