Campgrounds near Shandaken, New York range in elevation from 1,000 to 2,500 feet, creating varied microclimates throughout the camping season. The region experiences temperature drops of 10-15°F at night compared to daytime highs, even during summer months. Many campgrounds remain open from mid-May through October, with peak season running July through August when daytime temperatures average 75-85°F.
What to do
Hiking access from campsites: Woodland Valley Campground offers immediate access to several Catskill high peaks including Slide Mountain. According to camper Derek W., "This is an excellent site if you're looking to explore the Slide Mountain Wilderness and a great place to prep if you're planning to go backpacking as well." The trailhead for Giant Ledge is accessible from Giant Ledge Primitive Camp, which requires about "an hour ish to get to camp/ledge view" for average hikers according to Ryan.
Water activities on calmer waters: North-South Lake provides swimming and boating opportunities with equipment rentals available. "We happened to spend the weekend on a day with free canoe/kayak rentals which was great!" notes Kyla B. about her experience at Kenneth L Wilson Campground, which includes a lake with swimming.
Stargazing opportunities: Light pollution is minimal at most Catskill campsites, especially at higher elevations. As John N. describes his experience at Woodland Valley: "Weather was great and we could see the stars through the canopy - very very enjoyable!" Bring red-filtered headlamps to preserve night vision while moving around camp after dark.
What campers like
Creek-front sites: Several campgrounds offer premium spots adjacent to running water. Derek W. from Phoenicia Black Bear Campground shares, "I stayed at one of the creek front campsites and highly recommend doing so. They're slightly more expensive but the view is so worth it. The creek was perfect for dipping your feet and just hanging out."
Privacy between sites: Campground layouts vary significantly in how much separation exists between neighbors. At Little Pond Campground, Mike C. notes, "I had a great time on a one night stay here at site 36. Very private and right on the pond. All sites are fairly private. The site next to mine (37) is possibly the most private of the pond side sites."
Wildlife viewing: Bear sightings are common throughout the region but can be managed with proper precautions. Kane B. from Kenneth L Wilson Campground explains, "It was the wildest weekend I ever had, I'm not being sarcastic. The hiking areas are great, the weather is perfect and the bear was very nice for a bear." Woodland Valley campers report seeing "black bears but they do frequent the area."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Digital connectivity is unreliable or nonexistent at most campsites. Daniel L. from Kenneth L Wilson Campground reports: "Although no cell service site was nice. Was our first shakedown camping trip." At Alder Lake, reviews confirm "no cell service" throughout the camping area.
Road conditions vary: Some campgrounds require navigating unpaved roads. At Alder Lake, one camper notes the access is "pretty easy to access with paved road the whole way there except for the last 1/2 mile where it is very bumpy. Some might say 4*4 but we made it just fine in our little Camry."
Site size considerations: Campsite dimensions vary significantly even within the same campground. C R. describes their site at Kenneth L Wilson: "We LOVED our site (site 9). It was absolutely massive! The photo doesn't do it justice. It was set back very far from the main road and was an extremely large site!" However, at other campgrounds like Devil's Tombstone, some sites are described as "small" with limited space.
Tips for camping with families
Best swimming spots: North-South Lake ranks highly for family swimming. According to Lizz H., "I go there almost every year to go swimming with my family and friends and it's always a good time." The area features designated swimming beaches with gradual entry points suitable for younger children.
Camp activity options: Some campgrounds offer structured recreation for younger visitors. Richard V. notes that Rip Van Winkle Campground is an "Amazing campground with perfectly spaced large sites. There's a few playgrounds a great pool and a lot of amenities." Many families report this campground as particularly kid-friendly.
Accessibility factors: Consider hiking distances when planning with young children. At Giant Ledge Primitive Camp, Caleb J. warns, "It is a near vertical hike the first mile with 90% or more being over rock gardens. Not some rocks littering the trail. I think the trail used to be a stream or creek." Always research trail difficulty ratings before attempting with children.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Many campgrounds offer limited or no hookups for RVs. Katherine P. from Kenneth L Wilson Campground shares details about their setup: "Campsite is flat and packed dirt instead of gravel, which was great. There's a standard picnic table and a decent raised fire pit, and a spigot at our site."
Campground navigation: Internal roads at some campgrounds can be challenging for larger rigs. Kathy G. notes about Rip Van Winkle Campground: "I was a little skeptical that we wouldn't get to choose our site, but you can't go wrong, they are all wooded, private and well situated... full hookups are the cherry on top."
Leveling challenges: The mountainous terrain means many sites require careful leveling. At Kenneth L Wilson, one reviewer notes, "We had a 3-day weekend tent camping at this site from July 24-26 2020, at site 58 on Loop C... Campsite is flat and packed dirt instead of gravel, which was great." Research individual site dimensions and levelness when making reservations.
