The Stuyvesant area sits at the eastern edge of the Catskill Mountains with elevations ranging from 160 to 1,800 feet across nearby camping destinations. Winter temperatures can drop to 14°F while summer averages 83°F, creating distinct camping seasons from May through October at most locations. Most glamping sites near Stuyvesant offer canvas accommodation options with varying levels of amenities and proximity to natural features.
What to do
Hiking nearby trails: Taconic State Park provides access to several trails including paths to Bash Bish Falls. "Nice campground, friendly staff, great trails around it. Would come back," notes Priscilla M. about Taconic Copake Falls.
Swimming in natural areas: Lake Taghkanic State Park offers clean swimming areas with dedicated facilities. "Great beach, 5 minute drive from campgound. Clean facilities, with a rec room for rainy days," shares Kurt S. about Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground, adding that there's "A camp store with all the supplies you might have forgotten."
Stargazing opportunities: The region's low light pollution creates excellent night sky viewing. Seth K. describes Lake Taghkanic as ideal: "Late night, stargazing over the lake is a great pastime, because the water is calm and the light pollution is low."
What campers like
Platform tent sites: Many campgrounds offer raised platforms for tent setup to keep gear dry. Rosie R. mentions about Lake Taghkanic: "The platforms kept us off the ground and were helpful in setting up appropriate tarp protection! The lake is gorgeous and there are nearby hikes for exploring."
Accessible wildlife viewing: The natural areas around campsites host diverse animal species. John E. from Taconic Copake Falls notes: "The taconic mountains offer some great flora and fauna. We had several species of frogs and toads wandering about in the evening, giant millipedes were plenty, and even found a meet on our hike."
Dog-friendly options: Multiple campgrounds accommodate pets with designated areas. Erin B. advises: "There are 2 dog friendly loops at the back. Overall, very quiet and friendly... If you are traveling with a dog, be sure to bring proof of rabies— they ask."
What you should know
Weekend crowds: Proximity to NYC means busier weekends at many campgrounds. "This was a truly great campground, but it's proximity to NYC draws large crowds on weekends," cautions John E. about Taconic Copake Falls.
Weather considerations: Rain can significantly impact the camping experience in this region. David S. from Brookside Campground explains: "During the heavy rains water flowed down the roads ways due to the clay based soil and looked like it pooled up in places near the tent areas."
Site selection matters: Many campgrounds have varied site quality and privacy. Desiree M. advises about October Mountain: "What site you get makes all the difference. There are Many, I would say most, Sites that you feel very exposed and out in the open. Just plopped next to someone on the grass. Look for the sites that go off to the side (not on the loops) like 39-40."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Campgrounds with designated children's activities provide better family experiences. Michael A. from Brookside shares: "I went last year with my kids they loved the arcade small but it's a camp ground the playground area was nice... They have animals the kids can go check out."
Swimming options for children: Some locations offer specialized swimming areas for younger campers. Erin B. notes: "2 lIfeguarded swimming areas — a kiddie pool and a deep area with floating dock to jump off of" at Taconic State Park.
Weather backup plans: Having indoor alternatives helps during inclement weather. Kurt S. mentions that Lake Taghkanic offers "a rec room for rainy days," which can be valuable when camping with children who need entertainment during storms.
Tips from RVers
Site grade challenges: Many RV sites in the area have uneven terrain. Ray P. from Spacious Skies Woodland Hills notes: "Terrain is uneven. Hit and miss on how flat or leave sights are," and in another review adds: "The site I had was steep grade from steps to picnic table. Flat ground area for camper was very narrow."
Luxury glamping alternatives: For those seeking higher-end accommodations, Whispering Timbers Glamping offers exclusive canvas tent sites with amenities. With only two sites total, these accommodations provide more privacy than standard campgrounds in the region.
RV hook-up options: Full-service sites are available but limited in some locations. Kat from Spacious Skies Woodland Hills describes their experience: "Our site #1A was a quick back in site with full hookups and a perfect view day or night, right on their pond."
