171 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The Catskill Mountain region surrounding Stamford, New York contains a mix of established campgrounds and dispersed camping areas. Several state-managed campgrounds, including Max V. Shaul State Park Campground near Fultonham and Nickerson Park Campground in Gilboa, offer varying levels of amenities. Dispersed camping options exist on state forest lands, with sites like Betty Brook Camp, Duck Pond Campsite, and Burnt Rossman State Forest providing more primitive experiences. The area accommodates tent campers, RV travelers, and those seeking cabin rentals, with most developed campgrounds operating seasonally from May through October.
Road conditions vary significantly between developed campgrounds and the more remote dispersed sites. Forest roads leading to primitive campsites often require careful navigation, especially during wet conditions. "The road in on old cemetery rd was pretty rough, so we decided to go out the other way, which was way worse," reported one visitor to Duck Pond Campsite. Most established campgrounds in the region close after Columbus Day weekend, with reopening dates typically in mid-May. Cell service ranges from reliable at developed campgrounds to intermittent or nonexistent at remote sites, making advance planning essential for those venturing to dispersed locations. Elevation changes throughout the region affect both accessibility and temperature variations.
Waterfront camping represents a common feature at several locations, with stream-side sites available at Country Roads Campground and Betty Brook Camp. Campers frequently mention the quietness and privacy of the dispersed sites, though accessibility concerns are noted for larger vehicles. A camper at Betty Brook Camp wrote, "Love to camp here all year long have been coming to the area for a couple of decades now. Remote. Sometimes you never see anyone." The more developed campgrounds feature amenities like swimming pools, playgrounds, and organized activities that appeal to families. Several campgrounds in the area maintain a balance of seasonal and transient sites, with reviews indicating spacious layouts even at more developed properties. Bathroom facilities and water access vary widely between primitive and established campgrounds, with state park facilities typically offering upgraded restroom buildings.
"Our site was on top of the creek, close to the path down to the water and close to a hiking trail. During our visit we drove around the nearby towns and didn't find much to see or do with our time."
"We had reservations about being side by side with other RVs but the site we were in was so big and being in a valley with huge trees all around a large open grassy area in the middle made everything feel"
"Just ok distance between camp sites. If we return we might try the more upper loop further from the front"
"Watched a video on YouTube that was a walk through of each site. So peaceful. Lots of good hiking. Sinks for dishes, clean bathrooms and showers."
from $21 - $50 / night
Check Availability"This was a great campground and I am sure they do even more when social distancing is not required."
"The tone of the place is set when you drive in (although we drove past it). Everyone, staff and campers are friendly respectful even the kids!"
"There are water spigots near all the tent sites and they are nice and spread out. They have special events in a pavilion near the RVs including bingo"
from $34 - $55 / night
Check Availability"Entrance is soft"
"Was a great location for winter camping. Site easily accessible from road. Beautiful, peaceful, great time!"
"After driving unpaved dirt road for a while, we arrived a surprisingly well maintained beautiful campsites. The pond is small so the mosquitos were not too bad."
"Intermittent cell service which was frightening while driving on these rough roads"
"I live near this campground. I'm about a mile away and I pass it every day. It is rather remote, but it is right along West kill road."
"Our first campground was in New York Aug 8th. Unfortunately, Debbie was socking New York hard. North South Lake Campground in the Catskills was our camping home."
"This is a truly beautiful and scenic campground, easily one of the best places we have visited in New York State."
from $22 - $44 / night
Check Availability"water to play in right behind tent. I do prefer fire pits over the brick stove. this had the stove. more advanced hiking in walking distance. no cell service. my gps on phone was able to track though."
"Close to Woodstock, NY, many trails and other attractions. You need to plan for it, there's a lot to explore; some trails are challenging. "
from $20 / night
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TravelerThis campground is beautiful. The lake is good sized and clean. The property has beautiful fields and a creek that runs along the back. This is not a party campground and people are not packed in on top of each other. The little store is cute & affordable and the owners are on site 24/7.
GuideStayed at lot #71, loop B! It’s across from the bathrooms, behind there’s a trail that takes you to the lake (about a 5 min walk). No electric, water, or dump station. Firewood is near the entrance, they give you a burlap sack to fill up with!
TravelerWe were looking for a campsite on our way up north and we’re so happy to find this one. While it is a commercial site. It is located in the woods. It has full hook up and portable water at the site. We couldn’t be happier with a warm welcome we received late at night and the cleanliness of the bathrooms and each site. I would highly recommend this campsite.
TravelerThis was the sweetest campground around!! They deliver fire wood right to your site along with anything else you need. Free delivery of amazing pizza on Friday nights(delivered by a 1969 pink beetle!!). There is a giant river, a dog park and the camp ground is close to town, but far enough away so that you still feel like your camping! Amazing bathroom/shower facilities and a clean swimming pool:)
TravelerPeople are super friendly and helpful. Campground is well maintained and very secure. RV site was very large and mostly level. Good location. Close to Hudson River and Albany.
TravelerLock 15 is big area with varied places to park. There is a port a potty and potable water and All free. Shaded areas and picnic tables. It is located on the Mohawk River. It is a busy train location across the river. A boat did not enter the lock during our visit but it is an active lock on the Erie Canal. There is ample parking for a dozen or more campervans. It’s only 25 miles from Copperstown, NY. Felt very safe here.
GuideStayed for 2 nights in June and it was delightful. Facilities were very clean, had flush toilets and showers, and the trails around the pond were great for my dog. Sites were well maintained, but a little close together for my preference. We stayed at site 146. Would definitely come back and hope to get a site along the pond next time!
ScoutGilbert Lake State Park is located about 11 miles north of Oneonta, New York. I have camped here for a number of summers at their Hilltop Section, never dissapointed. There are a few trails that traverse the park for a few miles that are always green and shady. The lake offers swimming and kayaking. There is a concession stand and even a small museum that chronicles the efforts of the national CCC program under Roosevelt that constructed the park in the 1930's. After a long day of hiking, the campgrounds hot showers offer a great reprieve.
ScoutNow that All Star Baseball purchased this Oneonta campground this year, don't expect to stay here if you are not a baseball family. I went there in person yesterday for two nights at their"primitive" tent sites. After Hanna checked her computer, my dates were all cleared...great, then let me pay the $70... but no... she had to check with management first. I thought that was strange since that never happened to me before when getting any campsites elsewhere. I was told I'd be called later that day but nobody called me. I went back the next day only to be told all sites for the summer were rented out. Clearly that was not true based on her computer check the day before. BOTTOMLINE: if you are not a baseball family spending $1000's here, don't expect to even get the time of day. Therefore, they do not deserve anyone's business.
Dispersed camping options near Stamford, New York range from primitive forest sites to family-friendly campgrounds with amenities. The region sits at elevations between 1,800-2,500 feet, creating temperature variations that can drop 10-15 degrees cooler than surrounding lowlands. Seasonal operation typically runs mid-May through mid-October, with limited winter access at select dispersed sites.
Hiking to waterfalls: Minekill State Park is located just 5 minutes from Nickerson Park Campground, offering waterfall views and trail access. "There are also a lot of places in the area to visit. Minekill state park is only a 5 minute drive," notes Jennifer P. from Nickerson Park Campground.
Fishing in stocked ponds: Crazy Acres Campground features a large lake for fishing along with swimming options. "We had fun, plenty of activities, a big lake to fish in and a pool to relax by," shares Robert M. who visited Crazy Acres Campground at Beaver Spring Lake.
Family recreation: North-South Lake Campground provides swimming, boating, and biking opportunities. "Camping, swimming, hiking, boating, biking, this place has it all," explains Chris D., who visited with family at North-South Lake. The facility includes beach areas that are "always clean" according to Jessica W.
Spacious campsites: Country Roads Campground offers generous spacing, particularly in their tent camping section. "Mainly an RV ground, but they have about 10-15 great tent sites back beyond the RV area... and they are nice and spread out," reports William R. from Country Roads Campground.
Modern bathhouse facilities: Max V. Shaul State Park has recently upgraded their bathroom buildings. "They have new bathrooms/showers and family bathrooms," reports Margaret L., who rated her stay 5 stars. Another camper noted, "The bath house is clean and modern," adding that non-resident fees run $27.50 per night.
Stream access: Woodland Valley Campground features sites situated directly on Woodland Creek. "If you like to camp by water, this is the perfect place for you. It has amazing on the water sites you can camp at, plus a stunning view of the Catskills," writes Meike W. about Woodland Valley Campground. The creek provides natural relaxation with one camper describing it as "the mountain creek is like nature singing a lullaby."
Road conditions vary significantly: Duck Pond Campsite features challenging access roads that may limit vehicle types. "The road in on old cemetery rd was pretty rough, so we decided to go out the other way, which was way worse," warns a camper named The L. in their review of Duck Pond Campsite. Despite access challenges, they reported the site itself was "pretty nice, Fire pit, trickling stream."
Water quality concerns: Some campgrounds may have water supply issues. "THE WATER! ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTING! I'm guessing the new owners didn't do as much as the previous owners as far as water treatments," reported Peter S. at Nickerson Park. Consider bringing your own drinking water.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Stamford, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, Stamford, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 171 campgrounds and RV parks near Stamford, NY and 16 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Stamford, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Stamford, NY is Nickerson Park Campground with a 3.5-star rating from 8 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Stamford, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 free dispersed camping spots near Stamford, NY.
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