155 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The Catskill Mountains region near Summit, New York features both established campgrounds and dispersed camping areas. Max V. Shaul State Park Campground in Fultonham provides tent and RV sites as well as cabin accommodations, while Betty Brook Camp offers more primitive dispersed camping opportunities approximately 5 miles from Summit. Little Lake Campground in Jefferson includes cabin rentals along with traditional tent and RV sites, making it suitable for families and groups seeking different accommodation options.
Road access to camping areas varies significantly depending on location and weather conditions. Most established campgrounds remain open from May through October, though some primitive sites may be accessible year-round. "Sites are well spaced out. Great for families. The lake is huge. Avoid holidays to avoid the crowds," noted one visitor describing North-South Lake Campground. Cell service can be limited in more remote areas, particularly in the valleys and forested regions. Several campgrounds, including Nickerson Park and Country Roads, offer full hookup options for RVs, while dispersed sites like Burnt Rossman State Forest typically have no amenities and require campers to be self-sufficient.
Water access represents a significant draw for campers in the region. Several developed campgrounds feature lake or pond frontage, with some offering fishing opportunities and boat rentals. According to a visitor at Little Pond Campground, "We were able to maximize our lake experience by bringing an inflatable kayak. I was able to explore many different parts of the lake and do a decent amount of fishing." Wildlife sightings, particularly black bears, are common throughout the area, and proper food storage is essential at all campgrounds. The region experiences typical northeastern seasonal patterns with warm summers and cold winters, making late spring through early fall the most comfortable camping period. Campgrounds closer to towns like Cooperstown provide convenient access to amenities, while more remote forest sites offer greater solitude and wilderness experiences.
"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"Only downside is there is not a hiking/walking path down to the lake from the campground. Very nice bathrooms w shower and wash station. Electricity and water available at or near each campsite."
"Close to Cooperstown and within driving distance from Oneonta. Quiet and spacious campsites"
from $18 - $30 / night
Check Availability"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"
"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."
"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"
"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"Although there may be times when there may be people and groups around for day use, the small number of cabins and they way they are spread out will make you feel like you are at your own private retreat"
from $200 / night
Check Availability
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!
GuideThis place is ab awesome getaway. It was so peaceful and quiet, not like some of the other campgrounds. The new owners are trying to make it all natural nature. They have a small trail around the campground, where you can see the creek and narure. While we were there, I saw 2 beautiful pheasants and rabbits. It was just what we needed, a nice quiet getaway and we will be back
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.
The Catskill Mountains around Summit, New York sit at elevations between 1,800-3,000 feet with terrain characterized by rolling hills, hardwood forests, and small streams. The region experiences typical Northeast seasonal patterns, with camping available from May through October at most established sites, though dispersed camping options like Betty Brook Camp remain accessible year-round with proper preparation.
Fishing opportunities: Betty Brook Camp offers fishing access along its namesake stream where campers can cast for local trout. "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. Sometimes you see some people. You camp on the stream," notes a regular visitor at Betty Brook Camp.
Hiking excursions: The surrounding state forests provide numerous trail options for day hikes. At Duck Pond Campsite, visitors note the secluded nature: "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."
Winter recreation: Unlike many camping areas that close during colder months, some sites remain accessible for winter activities. One camper at Burnt Rossman State Forest noted, "Was a great location for winter camping. Site easily accessible from road. Beautiful, peaceful, great time!"
Baseball Hall of Fame: Glimmerglass State Park Campground provides a convenient base for exploring nearby Cooperstown attractions. "With Cooperstown 15-20 minutes away no lack of things to do for adults and kids. Great restaurants also. No reason to ever get bored," shares one visitor.
Quiet, secluded settings: Many of the best places to camp near Summit, New York offer privacy without overcrowding. A visitor to Max V. Shaul State Park Campground commented, "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."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the area maintain well-kept amenities. One camper noted about Max V. Shaul, "Great campground, cleanest facilities ever! Good adjustable campfire cooking rack. Friendly staff, lots of dogs, all on leash!"
Family-friendly activities: Campgrounds offer organized events throughout the summer season. A visitor to Crazy Acres Campground shared, "We had fun, plenty of activities, a big lake to fish in and a pool to relax by. Nighttime family fun as well."
Spacious campsites: Many locations provide ample room between sites. A camper at Country Roads Campground observed, "Beautiful campground. Stayed in The Pines section. Spacious sites. Super friendly and helpful staff."
Road conditions: Access to dispersed camping areas can be challenging, particularly after rain. A camper at Duck Pond Campsite warned, "The road in on old cemetery rd was pretty rough, so we decided to go out the other way, which was way worse... Intermittent cell service which was frightening while driving on these rough roads."
Water quality concerns: Some campgrounds have reported issues with water systems. At Nickerson Park Campground, a seasonal camper noted, "The water smelled like raw sewage, loaded with sediment and very discolored. Little to no pressure and a couple times no water at all."
Management variations: Campground experiences can vary widely based on management. Nickerson Park received mixed reviews with one camper stating, "It was a last minute decision for us to come here and we were so glad we did... We loved the pool, walking to the creek, and how wonderfully quiet it was most of the time."
Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds near Summit require advance bookings, especially during peak season. Dispersed camping options like Burnt Rossman State Forest offer first-come, first-served alternatives without reservation systems.
Look for playgrounds: Several campgrounds near Summit feature dedicated play areas. A visitor to Max V. Shaul State Park Campground mentioned, "There is a children's playground and pavilion. Firewood is available to purchase. The bathrooms and showers are clean and well-kept."
Consider cabin options: For families new to camping, cabins provide a comfortable alternative to tents. Little Lake Campground offers cabin rentals alongside traditional sites. A visitor described it as a "Great place that's about 50/50 permanent sites and rentals. They have lots to do, the owners are very friendly and accommodating."
Check scheduled activities: Many campgrounds host family-oriented events, especially on weekends. A camper at Crazy Acres noted, "Excellent campground. The tone of the place is set when you drive in. Everyone, staff and campers are friendly respectful even the kids! Grounds are clean, kids were constantly busy and happy."
Find swimming options: Summer heat makes water access important for families. Country Roads Campground provides tent sites "nice and spread out" with "special events in a pavilion near the RVs including bingo."
Site selection: Choose campgrounds with adequate space for larger rigs. At Glimmerglass State Park Campground, a camper noted, "Sites are very easy to get into and well maintained. Water available and electric. The lake is pristine and wonderful to swim in."
Hookup availability: Many camping areas near Summit offer partial hookups. At Little Lake Campground, reviewers mentioned, "Electric, water, and septic hookups were all modern and in great shape."
Consider seasonal options: For frequent visitors, seasonal sites provide a cost-effective alternative. One Crazy Acres camper observed, "Seasonal sites are extremely well kept. Owners are relatively new (about 3 years) and have lots of new upgrades and improvements on deck."
Plan for varying road conditions: Some of the best RV camping near Summit, New York requires navigation of narrow country roads. A visitor to Country Roads Campground appreciated that "We were escorted to our site upon arrival and I certainly appreciated that as we were very tired after a long day of travel."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Summit, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, Summit, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 155 campgrounds and RV parks near Summit, NY and 17 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Summit, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Summit, NY is Max V. Shaul State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 8 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Summit, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 free dispersed camping spots near Summit, NY.
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