Best Campgrounds near Shokan, NY
The Catskill region around Shokan, New York features multiple developed campgrounds set within forested mountain terrain. Kenneth L. Wilson Campground provides wooded tent and RV sites with amenities like fire pits, picnic tables, and access to hiking trails. Other established options include Woodland Valley Campground and Phoenicia Black Bear Campground, all situated within short driving distance of Shokan. These mixed-use campgrounds generally accommodate both tent and RV camping, with some facilities like Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds and Thousand Trails Rondout Valley also offering cabin rentals. The Giant Ledge Primitive Camp area provides a more rustic alternative for tent campers seeking a less developed camping experience.
Camping season typically runs from May through mid-October in most Catskills campgrounds, with limited winter access. Many sites require advance reservations during peak summer weekends. "We camped during COVID a couple of weeks ago and the staff were not there to check us in upon arrival. It seemed they left early which also meant we couldn't buy wood from them but it all worked out," noted one visitor to Kenneth L. Wilson Campground. Cell service can be minimal or non-existent throughout the region, particularly in valley locations. Bears are common in the area, with most campgrounds requiring proper food storage and providing specific protocols for campers. Elevation in the region ranges from approximately 600 to 2,000 feet, bringing cooler temperatures even during summer months.
Campers consistently highlight the privacy and spaciousness of sites at Kenneth L. Wilson Campground. A review mentioned that "the sites were beautiful and spacious, the others around us seemed a too close for comfort but these four sites were spaced out very well." The region's campgrounds provide varying levels of amenities - some offer showers, bathrooms and electric hookups while more primitive sites have minimal facilities. Several campgrounds feature water access with ponds or creeks suitable for paddling or fishing. Proximity to hiking trails receives positive mentions, with many campgrounds serving as convenient base camps for exploring the Catskill Mountains. The mix of developed campgrounds and more rustic options makes the area suitable for various camping styles, from RVs with hookup needs to primitive tent camping experiences.
