176 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"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. "
from $20 / night
Check Availability"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"
from $22 / night
Check Availability"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."
"This is a truly beautiful and scenic campground, easily one of the best places we have visited in New York State."
from $22 - $44 / night
Check Availability"this is close by to many catskill hiking trails"
"It was close to trails and town"
from $16 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
from $22 / night
Check Availability"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"
from $35 - $65 / night
Check Availability"A great free spot for dispersed camping tucked right off the road. Had a fire pit and picnic table"
"Short walk to all campsites."
"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."
"Cool spot next to a pond. There are a few others that aren’t next to a pond, and therefore not as cool… but still pretty cool bc it’s free and you can walk up a little to a pond."
"Nice spot right off the main road and close to town. Small pond-don’t think there are any fish. Picnic table. Fire pit with cooking griddle. Trails to the fishing access across the road."
GuideStayed at lot #71, loop B! It’s across from the bathrooms, behind there’s a trail that takes you to the lake (about a 5 min walk). No electric, water, or dump station. Firewood is near the entrance, they give you a burlap sack to fill up with!
TravelerWe were looking for a campsite on our way up north and we’re so happy to find this one. While it is a commercial site. It is located in the woods. It has full hook up and portable water at the site. We couldn’t be happier with a warm welcome we received late at night and the cleanliness of the bathrooms and each site. I would highly recommend this campsite.
LegendExcellent campground! The forest is beautiful, the Hudson River is super close, there are great trails, and the surrounding area is beautiful. Sites are electric only, so make sure your water pump is working and fresh water tank is full. There are spigots for filling and a nice dump station. The player is excellent. I don't think tetn camping here would be great because the tent sites are closer together and there are trains that pass regularly. We couldn't hear the trains in our camper and our site was large and private with great Forest and hammock trees. The mansion tours at Vanderbilt and Mills were awesome!
TravelerPeople are super friendly and helpful. Campground is well maintained and very secure. RV site was very large and mostly level. Good location. Close to Hudson River and Albany.
GuideStayed for 2 nights in June and it was delightful. Facilities were very clean, had flush toilets and showers, and the trails around the pond were great for my dog. Sites were well maintained, but a little close together for my preference. We stayed at site 146. Would definitely come back and hope to get a site along the pond next time!
TravelerArrived at night on a weekday to find two other vehicles parked in the lot, srilll was able to find a fire ring with a level area relatively easy. Very quiet, just the sounds of owls hooting at night. Very nice mixed forest, seems managed well. It is somewhat buggy. But doesn’t seem to be overly infested with ticks at least.
ScoutGilbert Lake State Park is located about 11 miles north of Oneonta, New York. I have camped here for a number of summers at their Hilltop Section, never dissapointed. There are a few trails that traverse the park for a few miles that are always green and shady. The lake offers swimming and kayaking. There is a concession stand and even a small museum that chronicles the efforts of the national CCC program under Roosevelt that constructed the park in the 1930's. After a long day of hiking, the campgrounds hot showers offer a great reprieve.
ScoutNow that All Star Baseball purchased this Oneonta campground this year, don't expect to stay here if you are not a baseball family. I went there in person yesterday for two nights at their"primitive" tent sites. After Hanna checked her computer, my dates were all cleared...great, then let me pay the $70... but no... she had to check with management first. I thought that was strange since that never happened to me before when getting any campsites elsewhere. I was told I'd be called later that day but nobody called me. I went back the next day only to be told all sites for the summer were rented out. Clearly that was not true based on her computer check the day before. BOTTOMLINE: if you are not a baseball family spending $1000's here, don't expect to even get the time of day. Therefore, they do not deserve anyone's business.
GuideSpent one night here. The park is quiet. The facilities are a little outdated, although they said that newer ones had been built by the marina. I wasn’t up for the 15 minute walk, having just hiked up a mountain. My spot included electrical and water hook ups.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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 176 campgrounds and RV parks near Shandaken, NY and 17 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 17 free dispersed camping spots near Shandaken, NY.
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