Selkirk sits at the eastern edge of New York's Catskill Mountains at approximately 300 feet elevation. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer highs averaging 80°F and winter lows frequently below freezing. Fall camping remains popular through mid-October when temperatures range from 40-65°F, coinciding with peak foliage season in the surrounding hills and valleys.
What to Do
Hiking at nearby Vromans Nose: Campers staying at Max V. Shaul State Park Campground can access this moderate trail about 10 minutes from the campground. "There's no pond/lake here but there's several waterfalls nearby and vromans nose," notes Brian H.
Fishing in the stocked pond: Spacious Skies Woodland Hills maintains a fishing pond that's popular with families. "The pond has a fountain which sounds like a small waterfall at night, and wildflowers were in bloom," reports Ann B., highlighting the peaceful ambience.
Community activities: Seasonal events add variety to camping weekends. "Over the weekend they had organized corn hole games and several other ways to get physical and have a blast. They also had a community 'Father's Day' breakfast (fathers ate free!) which was open to all and yummy!" shares Kat about activities at Spacious Skies.
What Campers Like
Privacy options: The level of seclusion varies between campgrounds. At Taconic State Park, "I can here to spend time with friends and i feel like we got lucky with our site. It had a nice wooded area behind us and felt more private than some of the other site," explains Emily F.
Swimming facilities: Several campgrounds offer swimming options with varying amenities. "The swimming there felt really clean and I loved the dock. Close to great hiking," notes Emily F. about Taconic State Park's swimming area.
Bathroom quality: Clean facilities rank high on camper priorities. At Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground, "Showers are hot and there's great water pressure. The cleanliness of the bathrooms depends on how busy the campground is," reports Perrin M.
What You Should Know
Site terrain varies: Be prepared for uneven ground at some campgrounds. At Spacious Skies Woodland Hills, "Terrain is uneven. Hit and miss on how flat or leave sights are," notes Ray P., while another camper mentions, "the site I had was steep grade from steps to picnic table. Flat ground area for camper was very narrow."
Seasonal populations: Some campgrounds have long-term residents. At Brookside Campground, one reviewer noted, "when we arrived we were surprised that this was mostly a trailer park," while another mentioned, "This is basic dry camping it is fun but there is no electric or water at the sites only in the bathhouse."
Camping atmosphere varies by timing: Weekends tend to be busier across most sites. "This was a truly great campground, but it's proximity to NYC draws large crowds on weekends," cautions John E. about Taconic State Park.
Tips for Camping with Families
Animal encounters: Brookside Campground features a small farm that children enjoy. "Quain little campground, nice pool, large activities field, some things for kids to do. Small farm right next to our site, goats, cow chickens, ducks, geese," shares David R.
Platform camping for weather protection: Platform sites provide advantages during wet conditions. At Lake Taghkanic, "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!" explains Rosie R.
Kid-friendly amenities: October Mountain State Forest Campground offers facilities specifically for children. "The far off sites (like 39-40) the sound is still there but more distant," notes Desiree M., referencing the ambient noise from a nearby station.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: For RVers with mobility concerns, choosing the right site matters. "The site I had was steep grade from steps to picnic table. Flat ground area for camper was very narrow. Tricky footing for older folks like my wife and I. Particularly since my wife uses a cane," advises Ray P. about his experience at Spacious Skies Woodland Hills.
Hookup availability: Full-service sites are limited at some campgrounds. "No hookups, just a picnic table, firepit," notes Holly R. about Max V. Shaul State Park, while others like Whispering Timbers Glamping focus exclusively on glamping accommodations with electric hookups but without sewer connections.
Staff assistance: First-time RVers can find help at some locations. "This was my very first campground stay. Jamie was incredibly helpful, same with the staff that helped me park," shares Ellyn F. about her experience at Spacious Skies Woodland Hills.
