Camping options around Shokan provide access to the western Catskills region where elevations range from 600 to over 3,000 feet, creating diverse camping microclimates. Summer temperatures typically hover between 75-85°F during the day and can drop to 50-60°F at night, making it essential to pack appropriate layers. The area's mixed hardwood forests provide natural shade at many campsites during summer months.
What to do
Creek exploration: Walking paths along Woodland Creek at Woodland Valley Campground offer easy access to water activities. "The mountain creek is like nature singing a lullaby - sleeping next to it was very relaxing," notes John N., who enjoyed the natural sounds. Multiple campsites are situated right along the creek banks, making water access convenient without requiring additional travel.
Hiking the Devil's Path: Multiple trail access points available within short drives from most area campgrounds. At Devil's Tombstone Campground, "This is hands down one of my favorite NYC escapes! A short drive to these rustic tent-only spots, dog friendly, nice rangers and great trees for hammocks!" writes Becky G. The campground serves as an excellent base for accessing multiple trails within the Hunter-West Kill Wilderness area.
Fishing: Several stocked ponds and streams provide fishing opportunities throughout the region. At Mills Norrie State Park, campers enjoy "boat access" and "marina" facilities according to Frank M. Many fishing spots are accessible within 30 minutes of Shokan, with species including trout, bass, and various panfish common in local waters.
What campers like
Privacy: Many sites offer natural buffers between camping spots. At Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds, campers appreciate that it has "perfectly spaced large sites" according to Richard V. Kathy G. adds that it's "wooded and private with full hook ups," noting "you can't go wrong, they are all wooded, private and well situated."
Clean facilities: Regularly maintained bathrooms and shower facilities at most established campgrounds. At Thousand Trails Rondout Valley, recent improvements were noted by Scott, who mentions "many upgrades have been made over the past year which include all new SWE (full hookups) street lighting, and campground markings/numbering." While some campgrounds have limited facilities, many provide well-maintained amenities.
Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk provide opportunities to spot local wildlife. At Giant Ledge Primitive Camp, John S. reports: "Thought I heard bears come through overnight, but may have been a lucid dream. Bear can was undisturbed in the morning." Many campers recommend bringing bear bells and proper food storage containers for safety, particularly in backcountry areas.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds in the region have poor or nonexistent mobile connectivity. At North-South Lake Campground, campers mention it's an "outdoor lovers dream" but emphasize the remote nature. Daniel L. notes that at Kenneth L Wilson there is "no cell service" but the "site was nice," highlighting the tradeoff between connectivity and natural setting.
Weather preparation: Temperature swings of 30+ degrees between day and night are common. Sam L. recommends "make sure to read the requirements" for specific campground rules when visiting Devil's Tombstone, where conditions can change rapidly in the mountain valley location.
Reservation timing: Popular sites fill quickly during peak season (June-August). Gabrielle C. shared her experience at Woodland Valley: "Spent a night here after a festival. Hiked the slide mountain loop the next morning. We asked in the am if there was anything available for the evening after our hike - there was not but they said we could have first dibs once we got back." Many campgrounds recommend booking 2-6 months in advance for summer weekends.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated recreation areas. Jellystone Park Gardiner gets high marks as "great for kids" with Jennifer I. noting "It has a event just about every weekend with kid activity." Amanda S. adds it has a "Nice pool that is shallow so you can relax and let the little ones go in the water park section alone or they have a 3 ft pool also."
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer water access for cooling off during hot summer days. Lizz H. considers North-South Lake Campground "one of my favorite swimming spots" noting "I go there almost every year to go swimming with my family and friends and it's always a good time."
Dog friendly campgrounds near Shokan: Check vaccination requirements before arrival. At Kenneth L Wilson, Katherine P. advises "If you bring a pet make sure you have your paperwork with you, they do actually look at it." Similarly, Sam L. notes that "NY has some strict requirements about proof of rabies vaccination for dogs, so make sure to read the requirements" when staying at dog-accommodating campgrounds in the area.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Many campgrounds have limited level sites suitable for larger RVs. Robert M. reports about Thousand Trails Rondout Valley: "Sites are well groomed. We had one and a babbling brook was 30 feet behind us. Great spot for morning coffee." He adds that the campground offers "dump stations if need and a service to come to your rig to collect waste if you don't want to move it."
Power options: Limited 50-amp service availability at many campgrounds. Several Shokan area pet-friendly campgrounds offer electric hookups but with varying amperage. C O. who stayed at Rip Van Winkle noted their site #7 had "Full connections" and was "Very easy to level and setup," which is valuable information for those with larger rigs requiring full hookups.
Access roads: Some campgrounds have narrow approach roads with tight turns. At Phoenicia Black Bear Campground, RVers appreciate that it's "right outside downtown Phoenicia" making it "perfectly situated for a multitude of activities" according to Derek W., while maintaining good accessibility for vehicles.
Guide
