The Catskill Mountains region near Slingerlands sits at elevations between 1,000 and 4,000 feet, creating distinct microclimates that affect camping conditions throughout the year. Winter temperatures can drop below 10°F at higher elevations, while summer brings warm days with cooler nights. Many glamping sites in the area are positioned to maximize views of the mountain valleys, with several locations offering both summer and limited winter accommodations.
What to do
Hiking near waterfalls: Max V. Shaul State Park Campground provides access to several nearby waterfalls for day hikes. "There's no pond/lake here but there's several waterfalls nearby and vromans nose," notes Brian H. The park serves as an excellent base camp for waterfall enthusiasts.
Paddle sports on small lakes: Woodford State Park Campground offers a beautiful reservoir for kayaking and canoeing. A visitor mentioned, "The reservoir is beautiful- plenty of space to spread out for paddling and swimming." The campground also provides a separate beach area designated for swimmers.
Wildlife observation: At A Promise to Gaia/Garden of One, guests can experience a dedicated sanctuary setting. Ashley F. described it as a "Plant, Wildlife and Butterfly Sanctuary," making it ideal for nature photographers and those seeking to observe native species in their natural habitat.
What campers like
Modern bathroom facilities: Campers consistently highlight the quality of facilities at many glamping locations near Slingerlands. At Moreau Lake State Park Campground, a visitor noted: "Facilities are relatively modern but still basic, nice and clean. Most sites aren't right along the lake but it's still so close."
Private, spacious sites: Many campers appreciate the layout and spacing at campgrounds in the region. According to one reviewer at Moreau Lake, "Campsites are spacious, shady, and had good separation between the neighboring sites which we enjoyed."
Family-friendly amenities: Spacious Skies Woodland Hills offers numerous activities for families. "They have a pond for swimming and softball field. They allow late check-ins!" notes Jennie. Another visitor mentioned, "Over the weekend they had organized corn hole games and several other ways to get physical and have a blast."
What you should know
Seasonal operation limitations: Most glamping sites near Slingerlands operate primarily from May through October. Some locations like Frosty Acres Campground offer limited winter options. As James S. explains, "We stayed from April until October then decided to stay over winter. They have a small winter section. You'll have the entire mountain side all to yourself!"
Weather considerations: At higher elevations, conditions can change rapidly. One camper at Frosty Acres noted, "Very remote. Windy as all get out. Elevation about 1409 feet."
Reservation requirements: Most glamping sites require advance booking, especially for specialty accommodations like treehouses or cabins. Weekends fill quickly during peak summer months (June-August).
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with organized activities: Many locations offer scheduled events that keep children engaged. At Spacious Skies Woodland Hills, a visitor reported, "They also had a community 'Father's Day' breakfast (fathers ate free!) which was open to all and yummy!"
Consider proximity to swimming areas: Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park offers multiple swimming options. Christina M. observed, "There was a very large open grassy field for play/sports, a playground and life guarded portion of the lake for swimming."
Check for playground facilities: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. Margaret L. wrote about Max V. Shaul State Park: "There's a playground, a pavilion, they do fireside jams. I wish they'd bring back open mic!"
Tips from RVers
Site gradient challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain that affects RV parking. At Spacious Skies Woodland Hills, Ray P. noted, "Terrain is uneven. Hit and miss on how flat or level sites are. The site I had was steep grade from steps to picnic table. Flat ground area for camper was very narrow."
Hookup availability: When glamping near Slingerlands with an RV, verify which amenities are available. Nancy W. explained about Moreau Lake State Park Campground, "This is dry camping so there are no hook-ups but there are restrooms and shower. Both were clean but the shower fluctuated between lukewarm, hot, and warm during my shower."
Access considerations: Some campgrounds have limitations for larger vehicles. Holly R. mentioned about Max V. Shaul, "The Max V. Shaul State Park is small and quiet - only 30 sites here, which are large, flat and sited well apart from each other. The park is currently undergoing construction on 2 new bathhouses. No hookups, just a picnic table, firepit."
