North-south of Tivoli, New York, camping locations extend from the Hudson River shoreline to elevations of 3,000+ feet in the nearby Catskill Mountains. The region features a mix of deciduous forest and riverside terrain with moderate summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping months. Most camping spots near Tivoli operate seasonally from May through mid-October with limited availability during holiday weekends.
What to do
Hiking the Catskill Escarpment trail: Access this notable trail system from North-South Lake Campground where multiple paths connect to panoramic viewpoints. "Awesome access to the Catskill Escaprment trail from here," notes Maribeth W., though she cautions it's "always packed, but always beautiful."
Waterfall viewing: Kaaterskill Falls sits minutes from North-South Lake Campground. Jessica W. describes it as "the newly opened (as of 2016) viewing platform for Kaasterskill falls, which is minutes down the road from the campground." Similarly, Taconic State Park provides access to another notable cascade. "Trails to Bash Bish Falls which is beautiful. It was low the first time we visited and we were able to make it to the top of the falls to go swimming and the views were incredible," says Jackie G.
Creek wading: Several campgrounds feature stream access ideal for cooling off without full swimming facilities. At Woodland Valley Campground, John N. describes how "the mountain creek is like nature singing a lullaby - sleeping next to it was very relaxing; weather was great and we could see the stars through the canopy."
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Campers frequently mention site separation and privacy as key advantages in Tivoli area camping spots. At Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds, Kathy G. notes, "Rip Van Winkle is a beautiful campground, it's well run, well maintained... you can't go wrong, they are all wooded, private and well situated."
Clean facilities: Bathroom and shower quality receives consistent positive feedback. Robert M. describes Brookside Campground as having "bathroom and bathhouse were a bit run down looking from the outside, but inside they were updated and clean." At Kenneth L. Wilson Campground, Katherine P. reports, "Bathrooms were a bit of a hike, but they were clean and had plenty of signage advising people during the pandemic."
Platform tent sites: Several camping areas provide wooden platforms as tent bases. Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground user Rosie R. explains, "The platforms kept us off the ground and were helpful in setting up appropriate tarp protection!" Similarly, Christina M. at Taconic State Park noted each site had "a large platform (enough room for one very large tent or 2-3 smaller tents), a fire pit, and picnic table."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Peak summer weekends book rapidly, especially at waterfront sites. At North-South Lake Campground, Rachel G. advises to "reserve very early for waterfront." Similarly, Tara L. suggests you "avoid holidays to avoid the crowds."
Limited cell service: Several camping areas have minimal connectivity. At Kenneth L Wilson Campground, Daniel L. notes there is "no cell service" but the "site was nice." Similarly, Katherine P. confirms "there was no cell service in the campground."
Wildlife awareness: Black bears frequent some campgrounds. Kane B. dramatically recalls, "Got chased off by a bear" at Kenneth L. Wilson Campground, adding "It was the wildest weekend I ever had, I'm not being sarcastic... the bear was very nice for a bear." Phillip L. warns, "There are bears and if you leave food out you will get a warning notice if seen."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Multiple campgrounds feature designated swimming areas with safety features. At North-South Lake Campground, Lizz H. shares, "One of my favorite swimming spots. I go there almost every year to go swimming with my family and friends and it's always a good time." Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground receives similar praise from Taylor P., though with a caution: "Very nice beach but packed. Huge parties at the picnic area."
Kid-friendly amenities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated recreational facilities. Richard V. describes Rip Van Winkle as having "a few playgrounds a great pool and a lot of amenities." Similarly, Michael A. notes Brookside Campground has "the arcade small but it's a camp ground the playground area was nice... they offer fun activists for the kids as well."
First-time camping locations: For families new to camping, certain sites provide gentler entry points. Katie S. recommends Rip Van Winkle: "First trip to ease my way into camping!! Plenty of space, your car is right there next to you, and the camp store has every essential you could ever need if you left anything at home or are just stopping by!!"
Tips from RVers
Full hook-up availability: Several campgrounds near Tivoli accommodate large rigs with comprehensive services. At Interlake RV Park & Campground, David P. notes it was "priced very reasonably for full hook up and about a half hour from stunning views."
Seasonal stays: Many RVers utilize Tivoli area campgrounds for extended periods. Jean C. observed at Interlake RV Park, "It took me a while to identify a campground that was convenient for exploring the Hyde Park area... 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."
Accessibility considerations: Site configuration varies significantly between campgrounds. C O. shares about Rip Van Winkle: "Very easy to level and setup on #7. Full connections. Pay showers and laundry onsite. Loved having gated security... Cell coverage was good for us to work (att & Verizon)."
