Camping near Staatsburg sits at the edge of the Catskill Mountains, with elevations ranging from 200-400 feet near the Hudson River to peaks over 3,000 feet in the western reaches. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-85°F, with occasional thunderstorms that can create muddy conditions at certain campgrounds. Most pet-friendly campgrounds near Staatsburg operate from May through mid-October, with peak season during July and August.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: North-South Lake Campground offers two connected lakes for fishing, with easy access from multiple points around the shoreline. As one camper notes, "I go there almost every year to go swimming with my family and friends and it's always a good time." The lakes are stocked seasonally.
Hiking near campgrounds: Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds provides access to nearby trails in the Catskills. According to a visitor, "Minnewaska state park was gorgeous, and the hikes around Kaaterskill as well. The creek on the property (Plattekill) is great, the pond is fun to fish in." Many trails are moderate difficulty with some steep sections.
Kayak rentals: Mills Norrie State Park Campground offers kayak rentals directly from their marina on the Hudson River. A camper mentions, "Boat access, Marina, Kyack" as amenities available on-site. Rental rates start at approximately $25 per hour.
Rock climbing access: Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground serves as a base camp for accessing world-class climbing routes. One visitor explains it's "Near world class hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, swimming holes and waterfalls," making it ideal for active outdoor enthusiasts.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds receives praise for its natural setting. As one camper observed, "Amazing campground with perfectly spaced large sites. There's a few playgrounds a great pool and a lot of amenities can't wait to go back." Sites are separated by mature trees.
Clean facilities: Catskill/Kenneth L Wilson Campground maintains high standards for cleanliness. A camper reports, "Bathrooms were a bit of a hike, but they were clean and had plenty of signage advising people during the pandemic. The park staff were keeping things really clean as well."
Proximity to water: Campers appreciate sites near water features. At Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds, one visitor shared, "Our site was on the creek and we went with three little nieces who had a wonderful time." Many sites offer either creek, river, or lake access within walking distance.
Wildlife viewing: Kenneth L Wilson Campground provides opportunities to spot local wildlife, including bears. One camper recounted, "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." Remember to secure all food properly.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds in the region have spotty connectivity. At Kenneth L Wilson Campground, visitors report, "There was no cell service in the campground." Consider downloading offline maps before arrival.
Reservation requirements: Most dog-friendly campgrounds near Staatsburg fill quickly during summer months. For North-South Lake Campground, a visitor advises, "Reserve very early for waterfront" sites, as these are typically booked 6-9 months in advance.
Campfire regulations: Campgrounds have varying rules about fires. At Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground, "There are no fire pits at campsites" but instead features "one communal campfire" area for socializing. Check specific campground rules.
Bear precautions: Multiple campgrounds report bear activity. At Kenneth L Wilson Campground, "There are bears and if you leave food out you will get a warning notice if seen." Always use provided bear boxes or secure food in vehicles overnight.
Tips for camping with families
Pool amenities: Jellystone Park™ Gardiner offers excellent water recreation for children. A parent shares, "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."
Playground options: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas for kids. At Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds, a visitor mentioned, "This place had was huge and had a lot of things for kids to do. Our site was on the creek and we went with three little nieces who had a wonderful time."
Organized activities: Jellystone Park Gardiner schedules regular events for children. One camper notes, "This campground is great for kids. It has a event just about every weekend with kid activity." Activity schedules are typically posted at registration.
Bathroom proximity: Consider site location relative to facilities. At Kenneth L Wilson Campground, site 71 was praised because it was "just a 20-second walk from the bathroom. The bathrooms were very clean and new and the showers were free and temperature controlled to perfectly warm!"
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Check site specifications before booking. At New York City North-Newburgh KOA, one RVer cautions, "Sites are hard to get into and others are in more of a large parking lot." Request detailed site information when booking.
Hookup options: Full-service sites are available at several campgrounds. At Interlake RV Park & Campground, "This year the most basic site with water costs $46; add electric on up to sewer and cable tv and you'll pay as much as $60/night." Prices vary seasonally.
Big rig accessibility: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger vehicles. One visitor to New York City North-Newburgh KOA suggests, "If staying here and concerned about branches I'd suggest one of the pull through sites. Specifically 138, 146 and 145 have a nice concrete patio and nicer firepit if you want to spend a little more."
Dump station details: Mills Norrie State Park Campground provides sanitary dump facilities, though some visitors note limited capacity during busy weekends. Plan dump station visits during off-peak hours (typically mid-week or early morning) to avoid waiting.
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