Tent camping near Ulster Park, New York offers primitive and established options throughout the Catskill Mountains and surrounding areas. The region sits at elevations ranging from 200 to 4,000 feet with a temperate climate that averages 37°F in winter and 71°F in summer. Summer camping typically requires advance reservations at established sites, while spring and fall provide more availability with cooler temperatures that deter insects.
What to do
Rock climbing access: Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground offers tent camping with excellent access to climbing areas. "Located really close to the Gunks for climbing and also some great hikes around the area," notes one camper. The campground caters specifically to climbers with communal facilities that encourage interaction among the climbing community.
Hiking to mountain views: Giant Ledge Primitive Camp provides challenging hiking with rewarding panoramic views. A camper reports, "This was a near vertical hike the first mile with 90% or more being over rock gardens. Not some rocks littering the trail." The effort pays off with multiple scenic overlooks along the trail. Another visitor mentions, "The spring water source is a short hike back from the campsite, relatively convenient to restock from camp."
Swimming holes exploration: The Blue Hole near Peekamoose Valley offers a natural swimming spot during summer months. A camper notes, "The 'Blue Hole' is amazing and it's quite beautiful to stay right on the creek." Access requires a free permit during peak season (May 15-September 15) and visitors must obtain this permit at least 24 hours in advance.
What campers like
Community facilities: The pavilion at Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground gets high marks. One review points out the "Covered communal pavilion with picnic tables, big sinks for washing dishes, and lighting (which shuts off at 9:47PM)." Another mentions "a 'comfort station' for the campsites farther from the main pavilion with bathrooms and big sinks for dish washing."
River access campsites: The Peekamoose Valley offers sites next to moving water. "The area was pretty big and we walked down the river to watch the sunset which was beautiful. At night, the only noise you'll hear is from the river and animals in the forest," writes one visitor. Another adds, "It's actually a set of 4 campgrounds, the lower field, the middle field, the upper field, and the trailer field."
Level tent platforms: Many campers appreciate the flat tent pads at designated campgrounds. One reviewer describes the sites as "The nicest, most level tent site you'll ever find. So easy to set up, and no worries whatsoever about roots or rocks." This feature makes setup much easier, especially for less experienced campers or those arriving after dark.
What you should know
Limited facilities at primitive sites: Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed offers basic camping without services. A camper explains, "There are absolutely no amenities whatsoever & barely even a signal here, but it's quiet & off the beaten path. The parking lot only holds about 4-5 cars, 6 if you park real tight." Sites require walking at least 150 feet from the parking area.
Bears are active: Bear activity is common throughout camping areas near Ulster Park. One camper at Giant Ledge reports, "Bring a bear bell and bear mace can to be safe. We did not see any but definite signs of them." Most established campgrounds provide bear boxes, but primitive campers should come prepared with proper food storage methods.
Walk-in requirements: Many tent sites require carrying gear from parking areas. At Peekamoose Valley, "I was in the lower area and had to walk pretty far with everything and make at least 6-8 trips for each load-in and out." Consider bringing a wagon for gear transport, though one camper notes, "I went and bought a wagon after the first day to carry the firewood down to our site, But the terrain was so rough it almost didn't help."
Tips for camping with families
Reservation requirements: Family camping requires advance planning, especially at popular sites. Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground uses an assignment system where "We were assigned our reserved site rather than choosing it." This prevents families from selecting specific sites based on needs.
Port-a-potty locations: At Peekamoose Valley, bathroom facilities are limited to parking areas. "The ports potties are in the parking lot so it's likely that you won't make the trek up to them. Make sure you know the rules about how far away from the water you should pee and whatnot," advises a camper. Families with young children should consider this when selecting campsites.
Site privacy considerations: For families seeking more seclusion, look for walk-in sites. At Echo Lake, "There are tent sites around the whole lake with fire pits and 1 lean-to site at the end of the trail when you first arrive at the lake." Another camper notes that sites here are "relatively flat and well shaded with trees," making them suitable for family tents.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: RVs have few choices in the immediate Ulster Park area. Creek View Campground offers basic RV camping with 30-amp hookups, though one camper cautions, "you are basically camping in this guy's back yard, so don't expect any feeling of being in nature. you are also right next to the road and will hear some traffic."
Per-person pricing: Unlike many RV parks that charge by site, some local campgrounds charge per person. At Creek View Campground, "you pay per person. $15 each." This can affect the overall value for RV campers traveling with larger groups.
