Camping options surround Stuyvesant, New York, with sites ranging from 300 to 1,100 feet in elevation across the Hudson Valley and nearby Catskill foothills. This area experiences warm, humid summers with temperatures typically ranging from 75-85°F in peak season. Several campgrounds near Stuyvesant offer access to the Hudson River with variable water conditions depending on tides and season.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: North-South Lake Campground offers abundant wildlife viewing with many campers reporting diverse sightings. "I go there almost every year to go swimming with my family and friends and it's always a good time," notes Lizz H., who visits regularly. Chris D. adds that the area provides "camping, swimming, hiking, boating, biking, this place has it all."
Hiking trails and waterfalls: Several parks offer hiking trails with varied difficulty levels. A camper at Taconic State Park remarks, "Located just about a mile from Kaaterskill Falls this campground couldn't be in a better spot." The park offers "excellent location" with "plenty of hiking trails, a bike trail, a really awesome playground, boat dock, and lots of picnicking" according to Brittany W.
Swimming in natural settings: Lake swimming is available at multiple locations with varying facilities. "The lake is huge," notes Tara L. about North-South Lake. The swimming areas are typically open from Memorial Day through Labor Day with most offering lifeguarded sections during peak hours. "One of my favorite swimming spots," writes a visitor who returns annually for the clean waters.
What campers like
Private, spacious sites: Schodack Island State Park Campground offers exceptional site privacy according to Kevin C.: "The state did an excellent job designing sites with dense foliage as sound and site barriers creating good privacy for campers." Chris D. adds that "large sites with power hookups" make this park particularly comfortable.
Clean facilities: Bath facilities receive high marks at several campgrounds. Kara W. notes at Schodack Island that "The bathrooms are clean. The showers are large," though she does caution about the push-button shower system that doesn't allow temperature adjustments. At Lake Taghkanic State Park, a visitor appreciates that "Showers are hot and there's great water pressure. The cleanliness of the bathrooms depends on how busy the campground is."
Recreational amenities: Multiple campgrounds feature swimming areas, sports fields, and other recreation options. The Brookside Campground visitor notes "The sports complex and pool actually looked very nice and well maintained. There were kids everywhere." A Spacious Skies Woodland Hills camper mentions "They have a pond for swimming and softball field" that provides built-in entertainment for guests.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially for waterfront sites. "Reserve very early for waterfront," advises Rachel G. about North-South Lake. Most campgrounds allow reservations 9 months in advance through Reserve America or the New York State Parks reservation system.
Rabies documentation: Pet documentation requirements are strictly enforced at several pet-friendly camping destinations near Stuyvesant, New York. "Be sure to bring your dogs rabies records!! They don't let you in with just the tag, it has to be the paper records," warns Kara W.
Campground character: Some locations offer more secluded, nature-focused camping while others have more of a community feel. Whip O Will Campsites "has lots to do with a rec center, playground, and pool," according to Nicholas F. This creates "a nice family friendly campground with all the amenities," as described by Becky G.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play equipment for children. "Large family friendly campground with all the amenities - boating, showers, great hiking," writes Becky G. about North-South Lake, making it ideal for families with mixed ages and interests.
Swimming options: Spacious Skies Woodland Hills provides family-friendly water features. Amy G. reports, "The site was pretty and there are so many places to hike." Another camper mentions seeing "kids fishing, paddling on the lake, swimming in the designated area and sitting/playing on the nice beach."
Animal encounters: Some campgrounds feature small farm animals or wildlife viewing opportunities that children enjoy. At Brookside Camp Grounds, Michael A. notes, "They have animals the kids can go check out," which provides educational entertainment. Michael also mentions that "they offer fun activities for the kids" throughout the camping season.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Camp Catskills offers RV accommodations with electric, water, and sewer connections. Though reviews are limited, the campground provides 40 sites suitable for recreational vehicles with standard amenities. Sites are set up to accommodate various RV sizes and camping styles.
Site leveling considerations: RV campers should prepare for variable terrain at some campgrounds. Ray P. notes about Spacious Skies Woodland Hills: "Terrain is uneven. Hit and miss on how flat or level sites are." He also mentions that at some locations, "the site I had was steep grade from steps to picnic table. Flat ground area for camper was very narrow."
Dump station access: Most campgrounds with RV accommodations provide dump stations, though not all offer full hookups. At Taconic State Park, Erin B. mentions "no electric hookups, but plenty of water," which requires planning for power management. The campground does provide "bathroom facilities are adequate" for those camping without full facilities.
