Best Campgrounds near Shandaken, NY

The Catskill region surrounding Shandaken, New York features a mix of established campgrounds and primitive sites across forested mountain terrain. Woodland Valley Campground and Kenneth L. Wilson Campground provide developed camping options with amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and shower facilities. Most campgrounds in the area accommodate both tent and RV camping, though site sizes and hookup availability vary significantly. Several locations like Giant Ledge Primitive Camp offer more remote experiences for those seeking solitude in the Catskill Forest Preserve.

Camping seasons typically run from mid-May through early October, with most facilities closing by mid-autumn. Many campgrounds require advance reservations, particularly for summer weekends and holiday periods. "North South Lake has no electricity. The sites are almost all beautiful, tucked in under shady trees. Not a good way to try out our solar panel! Some are by a stream. A few are by the lake. This is a tent campers paradise," noted one visitor. Cell service is limited or nonexistent throughout much of the region, particularly in valley locations. Bear activity is common, and proper food storage is essential at all campgrounds. Elevation changes affect temperatures, with cooler conditions persisting even during summer months.

Waterfront sites consistently rank among the most popular camping options, with several campgrounds offering access to lakes, ponds, or streams. According to one camper, "We 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." Hiking trails connect directly to many campgrounds, providing immediate access to the extensive trail network throughout the Catskills. Privacy between sites varies considerably across campgrounds, with some offering secluded, wooded settings while others feature more open layouts. The region's mixed-use campgrounds balance accessibility with natural settings, making them suitable for families and solo adventurers alike. Winter camping is limited, though some areas permit year-round use for experienced cold-weather campers.

Best Camping Sites Near Shandaken, New York (172)

    1. Woodland Valley Campground — DEC

    29 Reviews
    Phoenicia, NY
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 688-7647

    $20 / night

    "water to play in right behind tent. I do prefer fire pits over the brick stove. this had the stove. more advanced hiking in walking distance. no cell service. my gps on phone was able to track though."

    "Close to Woodstock, NY, many trails and other attractions. You need to plan for it, there's a lot to explore; some trails are challenging. "

    2. Catskill/Kenneth L Wilson Campground

    23 Reviews
    Shokan, NY
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 679-7020

    $22 / night

    "This campground is nestled in the Catskills, New York, with easy access to New Jersey and Connecticut."

    "Access to fresh water spouts and clean bathrooms were just a walk away from most sites, theres a beautiful pond on site and beautiful views of the Catskills, Woodstock is a 15 min drive if you’re looking"

    3. North-South Lake Campground

    44 Reviews
    Palenville, NY
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 589-5058

    $22 - $44 / night

    "Our first campground was in New York Aug 8th. Unfortunately, Debbie was socking New York hard. North South Lake Campground in the Catskills was our camping home."

    "Had a great time at this campground- surrounded by many returning campers which gave the whole experience a good community vibe. Ice cream truck comes around each evening in the summer."

    4. Giant Ledge Primitive Camp

    6 Reviews
    Big Indian, NY
    5 miles

    "You will see a yellow little circle sign on a tree with a tent on it, a short distance down that side trail there is the site. It has rock benches and a fire pit. Primitive."

    "However the descriptions of this place in reviews here and elsewhere provided very little info and once I got out to the trail realized how different it was to what I expected."

    5. Devil's Tombstone Campground

    10 Reviews
    Elka Park, NY
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 688-7160

    $16 / night

    "this is close by to many catskill hiking trails"

    "It was close to trails and town"

    6. Little Pond Campground

    21 Reviews
    Margaretville, NY
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 439-5480

    $22 / night

    "Pros: Near wonderful, little-used hiking trails - challenging ones, too!

    - Close to Catskill town options to explore, e.g."

    "You can see a picture here of the water just a 10 foot trail away from our campsite. All in all a great trip."

    7. Phoenicia Black Bear Campground

    4 Reviews
    Phoenicia, NY
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 688-7405

    $35 - $65 / night

    "Right outside downtown Phoenicia the black bear campground is perfectly situated for a multitude of activities. They offer creek front and wooded campsites."

    "2 minutes walk to town"

    8. Allaben Campground

    3 Reviews
    Shandaken, NY
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 256-3076

    "A great free spot for dispersed camping tucked right off the road. Had a fire pit and picnic table"

    "Short walk to all campsites."

    9. Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds

    16 Reviews
    Saugerties, NY
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 246-8334

    "You’ve got fishing either in 2 private lakes or you can fish in the river but to do the river you’ll need a New York State fishing license."

    "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. The campground is centrally located you many things to do."

    10. Alder lake

    7 Reviews
    Margaretville, NY
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 256-3076

    "There are two campsites located right outside of the park where you can park your car next to your tent but we opted to hike in."

    "There are several beautiful, secluded hike-in sites along the lake which I would love to return to someday. The hike around the lake is a lovely, easy walk."

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Recent Reviews near Shandaken, NY

564 Reviews of 172 Shandaken Campgrounds


  • M
    Oct. 26, 2025

    North-South Lake Campground

    Beautiful grounds HORRIBLE STAFF

    I don’t normally write reviews especially a negative one. We had a very upsetting experience at North-South Lake. We drove over two hours to visit my husband’s childhood campground for the first time with our three kids(ages 5, 7, and 9). When we arrived at the entrance, we were asked if it was a day visit, and we said yes, we were only staying for the day. We paid the fee, received a map, and drove in. My husband was so excited to finally share this place and create memories with our children. Looking for a place to park, we thought we were lucky to find an empty campsite in one of the loops where he used to camp as a child.

    We parked the car hoping to enjoy the view of the lake, take a walk, and maybe make the kids a couple of s’mores before heading home.

     At around 2:15–2:30 p.m., the “SUPERVISOR” in the white Kia approached us in an extremely rude and nasty manner, speaking as if we were committing a serious crime and comparing our situation to“sleeping in someone else’s hotel room.” She asked us if we had a reservation; we said no. She said,“Someone else reserved this spot.” We were very apologetic, embarrassed, and immediately put our stuff in the car. I said they could have told us; we would have moved right away. I’m sorry. 

    She said,“They aren’t supposed to talk to you; that’s why they send me here.” She told us we had ten minutes to leave, waited there while we put our chair, blanket, and s’more cookies in the car, and refused our 9-year-old daughter access to the bathroom while we packed up our three things, and even followed us out of the loop to make sure we didn’t park elsewhere. My daughter came to us crying because the lady told her she couldn’t use the bathroom and had to get in the car. Well, she had an accident in the car right as we were pulling out. 

    We were mortified and apologetic. My husband even offered to leave the firewood we had just purchased for the next campers, but she was dismissive and harsh about that as well. 

    The following day, I called and asked to speak with a manager to explain how we were treated. The manager was just as unfriendly and miserable sounding as the supervisor. I was told they had been looking for us“for hours” and that it’s“common sense” not to park in a campsite. She actually said it’s considered trespassing. So, a friendly warning for first-time visitors: Apparently, if you don’t know that“day use” doesn’t mean“park in any empty campsite,” just for the day, you’re officially a trespassing criminal, at least according to the manager. 

    Reading the website now, I see that check-in for people with reservations is at 2 p.m., which was the time we were trying to make a small fire, so unless someone left their site and returned, it’s unclear how they could have been looking for us“for hours.” We were right there at 2pm. 

    The website also states: Day Use• Anyone who is not camping is a day-user. Day-use hours are from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Day-users are not allowed between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. 

    We were not camping but didn’t realize we couldn’t park in an empty campsite. I think“common sense” would be to inform DAY USE visitors at the ENTRANCE to use public parking, especially for families or first-time visitors who may not be camping experts. Bottom line: this was my husband’s childhood family spot. We just wanted to take a beautiful fall drive and have a special day with our kids. 

    We understand now that we needed to reserve the parking spot ahead of time, and it was an honest misunderstanding. I would have even offered to pay for the campers’ stay for their trouble. What we wish for is that the staff had approached us respectfully and explained the situation instead of treating us like criminals. Imagine being such a miserable person and working in such a BEAUTIFUL and peaceful place for families. 

    This was meant to be a special family day, honoring memories of my father-in-law and creating new ones with our children. Instead, it became stressful and humiliating. Sadly, this is what our children will remember about the day and about North South Lake

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2025

    Gunx Camping on a Horse Farm

    No Amenities but Great Location for the Gunks

    This campground is just mowed spots on a hillside in Kerhonkson. There are no facilities aside from some port-o-sans that the owners didn't recommend using. But the location is great for accessing the Shawamhunks. Given the lack of affordable RV campgrounds (and even the few expensive ones) in the area, this stands out.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Osa Trail

    Gorgeous Views

    Had a great time here with my wife and 2 little kids and our dog.  One of the most beautiful sunrises we've ever seen!  Very secluded, though Alex is right down the driveway so didn't feel like the middle of nowhere.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Sage's Revine

    Not highest recommended

    There was a bunch of signs that said no parking so we parked at the entrance to the trailhead. The area itself is beautiful but I believe it is more for tent camping versus cars, overlanding vehicles and RVs.

  • FThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Mills Norrie State Park Campground

    Great staff but back-to-back campsite

    We stayed a coupe of days in Oct. This is a beautiful site to camp out. The staffs are friendly and very attentive.
    Bathroom and water pressure was ok. But one shower location for 50 campsites. Three small showers units and three toilet.
    I never stayed a state campsite where the sites are so close each other. If you like a “normal” distance to your neighbors, I'd not recommend this place.

  • Chelsea B.
    Oct. 10, 2025

    New York City North-Newburgh KOA

    Good amenities and fun experience!

    Campsites Great campsites, wooded and cozy, though a little tight for longer rigs as our neighbors found out when they ran over a wooden post backing in. But spaced apart nicely with lots of vegetation between. Nice and level. Amenities Bathrooms are older and need of some repair but let me tell you I was very happy to see a normal shower head with real hot water! So no complaints here. Laundry facilities were clean and open 24/7 with reasonable prices 2.50/2.00 washer/dryer. And the dryers actually worked. Small dog park, communal spaces, and a camp store all made the place feel like a little village. They even have a wine store- cab sav was good. WiFi I work remotely and WiFi is always an issue. We have Starlink but in a wooded campsite, connecting is an issue but luckily their WiFi was great. Had no issues and could stream just fine. Halloween! We visited mid October and folks had sites decorated and the KOA has trick or treating and other activities every weekend in Oct. we were SO bummed to be leaving on a Friday and miss the festivities because it looked really fun. Would definitely go back. Also, staff was super nice.

  • A
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Russell Brook Campsites

    Clean, Friendly, and Right on the Water

    Loved this place! It's clean and well-maintained - even the restrooms. Every site is well-equipped with its own water, electricity, fire pit, and picnic table. The best part is the waterfront sites. We were right next to a small brook, and falling asleep to the sound of the water behind our tent was amazing. Everyone we met was super friendly. We will definitely be back!

  • Chelsea B.
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Brookside Campground

    Not a recreational campsite

    Full disclosure, we did not stay here. PLEASE, folks that leave reviews on this app, PLEASE say whether it’s a full-timer campsite or a recreational campsite. We paid for two weeks in advance of arriving at this site based on reviews available on Google and Dyrt. However, when we arrived we were surprised that this was mostly a trailer park. Call me picky, but I really prefer not to camp in an area where folks are living full time. Just not the vibe I’m going for. We decided to leave without staying. We called to see if we could get a refund and they were very kind and it wasn’t a problem. But just be warned… this is not a recreational campsite.

  • Chelsea B.
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Whip O Will Campsites

    Not for recreational campers

    Full disclosure, we did not stay here. PLEASE, folks that leave reviews on this app, PLEASE say whether it’s a full-timer campsite or a recreational campsite. We arrived after leaving another campsite in the area (that was also 100% full timers) and were disappointed to find that this site was all permanent campers with crap everywhere. One site even had a funeral home sign hanging out front of an entire plywood addition to their camper…like what? Call me picky, but I don’t feel entirely comfortable camping for fun next to folks who live in the campground like this. After driving through the super narrow and rutted out roads to the site they recommend, a man came hauling a** into our site (with a beer in his hand) and was saying “hello hellooooo.” Said he was the owner of the campsite and asked if we were staying, we said we were thinking about it, just checking out the available sites (as the lady up front told us to do). TL;DR- bad vibes. Didn’t stay. Be warned this is a full time campsite with crap everywhere. The lady working the office was super nice though.


Guide to Shandaken

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Shandaken, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, Shandaken, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 172 campgrounds and RV parks near Shandaken, NY and 15 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Shandaken, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Shandaken, NY is Woodland Valley Campground — DEC with a 4.2-star rating from 29 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Shandaken, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 free dispersed camping spots near Shandaken, NY.