The Catskill region near Shokan, New York sits at elevations between 600-3,000 feet, creating varied camping microclimates throughout the seasons. Overnight temperatures can drop 15-20 degrees below daytime highs even in summer months, making climate-controlled accommodations particularly valuable. Local camping options range from basic tent sites to upscale glamping experiences with varying levels of accessibility during the region's wet seasons.
What to do
Fishing at local streams: Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground offers excellent fishing opportunities with calm waters perfect for stargazing afterward. According to one camper, "The lake is gorgeous and there are plenty of nearby hikes for exploring. Wish I would have brought my fishing pole."
Farm animal encounters: Brookside Campground features a small farm adjacent to camping areas. As one visitor noted, "Small farm right next to our site, goats, cow chickens, ducks, geese." This provides an educational experience for children interested in farm life.
Creek exploration: Thousand Trails Rondout Valley has a picturesque creek running through the property. According to a reviewer, "The creek that runs by the campground is gorgeous, and my kids had fun finding Crayfish." Water levels vary seasonally, with spring offering the most active creek conditions.
Hiking accessible trails: Osa Trail provides multiple hiking options directly from the campsite. A camper mentions, "It's a very beautiful campsite with lots of great hiking and activities in the area." Trails range from easy 1-mile loops to more challenging terrain.
What campers like
Spacious camping areas: Alder Lake receives praise for its well-separated sites. One reviewer states, "The campsites are very spacious with lots of room between you and other campers, and have a fire pit and some have picnic tables." Sites closest to water fill quickly during summer weekends.
Clean bathroom facilities: Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground maintains well-kept bathhouses. A camper notes, "Showers are hot and there's great water pressure. The cleanliness of the bathrooms depends on how busy the campground is."
Natural sounds and quietude: Glamping close to Shokan, New York often includes peaceful overnight experiences. An Alder Lake visitor shared, "There's no noise at night apart from the running water of the stream and we had a very peaceful weekend."
Platform tent sites: For those seeking elevated glamping accommodations near Shokan, Lake Taghkanic offers unique tent platforms. "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!"
What you should know
Access challenges: Some luxury camping sites near Shokan require navigating rough terrain. An Alder Lake reviewer warned, "The place is pretty easy to access with paved road the whole way there except for the last 1/2 mile where it is very bumpy."
Weekend crowds: Popular glamping locations fill quickly during peak season. A visitor to Alder Lake reported, "We arrived around 11:00 am and the parking lot was already packed and cars were lined up along the road... it was so packed and pretty loud."
Cell service limitations: Jellystone Park Gardiner and other glamping sites have inconsistent connectivity. According to one visitor, "The Wi-Fi is also bad here." Prepare important information offline before arrival.
Bathroom maintenance varies: During peak periods, facilities can become strained. As one reviewer of Jellystone Park Gardiner noted, "They need to add more bathrooms. They rarely cleaned the bathroom in all the 6 days that I stayed."
Tips for camping with families
Early arrival importance: Arriving before noon secures better glamping sites. An Alder Lake camper shared, "We arrived here early afternoon, which ended up being perfect timing as we could set up everything and catch sunset by the fire."
Activity planning: Skyway Camping Resort offers structured recreation for children. A visitor mentioned, "This is a good family campground for kids. It's large with nice size sites."
Weather preparation: When glamping near Shokan with children, pack for temperature swings. A Lake Taghkanic camper noted, "The platforms kept us off the ground and were helpful in setting up appropriate tarp protection!"
Pool availability: Many family-friendly sites feature swimming options. A Skyway Camping Resort reviewer simply stated, "Nice pool, this is a good family campground for kids." Pools typically operate from Memorial Day through Labor Day, weather permitting.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Blue Mountain Campground has some uneven terrain. According to one visitor, "The tent site are very richly and uneven, it was very hard to pitch a tent."
Full hookup availability: Thousand Trails Rondout Valley offers comprehensive RV services. A visitor noted, "As part of the Thousand Trails group, this campground has many amenities." Reservation requirements vary by season, with 1-2 week advance booking recommended during peak months.
Service accessibility: Some glamping accommodations provide waste collection services. A visitor to Rondout Valley mentioned, "Dump stations if need and a service to come to your rig to collect waste if you don't want to move it." This service typically costs $15-25 depending on tank size.
