Best Tent Camping near Ulster Park, NY

The Shawangunk Ridge region surrounding Ulster Park, New York offers diverse tent camping options with both established campgrounds and primitive backcountry sites. Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground in Gardiner provides dedicated tent campsites with both drive-up and walk-in options, particularly popular among rock climbers visiting "the Gunks." Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed camping area offers more secluded primitive tent camping with minimal amenities for those seeking solitude. The Peekamoose Valley, located within reasonable driving distance, features walk-in tent sites divided into three field areas along a river, providing free primitive camping with basic fire rings.

Tent sites throughout the region vary significantly in terrain and amenities. At Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground, campers find level tent pads specifically designed for easy setup, though individual sites lack fire rings in favor of a communal fire pit. The walk-in tent sites (numbered 8-15) offer more seclusion and wooded surroundings than the drive-up options. Primitive tent camping at Hemlock Ridge requires self-sufficiency as there are no toilets, water sources, or designated fire rings. Bear activity is common throughout the area, with bear boxes available at some established campgrounds. Most sites enforce strict pack-in, pack-out policies, with limited or no trash facilities available at primitive locations.

Campers report varying experiences with privacy and noise levels across tent campgrounds. According to reviews, the walk-in sites at Shawangunk Gateway Campground provide better separation from other campers, with one visitor noting, "The walk-in sites are just a little bit more set back and wonderfully wooded all around." At Peekamoose Valley, a camper described finding "plenty of privacy between spots" despite proximity to a lightly trafficked road. Hemlock Ridge offers perhaps the most solitude, with one visitor reporting, "I was the only one here and it was a very peaceful and relaxing night." Backcountry tent camping options like Echo Lake in the Catskills provide tent sites around the water with fire pits, though they can become crowded during peak periods.

Best Tent Sites Near Ulster Park, New York (39)

    1. Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground

    8 Reviews
    Accord, NY
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 951-4571

    "I definitely recommend trying to get the walk-in (meaning you can't drive to them) sites (8-15) because they're just a little bit more set back and kind of wonderfully wooded all around. 8 & 9 seemed"

    "This is a very nice modern campground with great access to amazing hiking and climbing in the area! About half the sites are walk-in and half the sites are drive-up."

    2. Creek View Campground

    2 Reviews
    High Falls, NY
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 658-9142

    $15 - $45 / night

    3. Sam Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground — Minnewaska State Park Preserve

    3 Reviews
    Gardiner, NY
    14 miles
    Website

    $20 - $42 / night

    "Most acidic lake in New York but completely safe."

    "It’s got good access to Lake Minnewaska (driving), staff was nice and polite. But I thought the sites were on the smaller side and no fire is allowed."

    4. Rustic Lean-To

    1 Review
    Stanfordville, NY
    12 miles
    +1 (484) 529-8957

    $43 - $45 / night

    "We're happy to have this property on our platform. This site feature a fire-pit, wooded platform and picnic table. Check them out and leave them some love."

    5. Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Plattekill, NY
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 256-3000

    "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."

    6. Echo Lake

    2 Reviews
    Woodstock, NY
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 652-7365

    "This campground was my first backpacking trip and it was perfect! "

    "Lake is surrounded by hills and there is a small lean two with a few campfire spots."

    7. Stony Rose Farms

    Be the first to review!
    Hurley, NY
    7 miles

    $45 - $100 / night

    8. Giant Ledge Primitive Camp

    6 Reviews
    Big Indian, NY
    25 miles

    "Get tracking poles if you don't already have some. Very helpful here.

    This was one of my favorite weekend backpacking trips."

    "However the descriptions of this place in reviews here and elsewhere provided very little info and once I got out to the trail realized how different it was to what I expected."

    9. The Peekamoose Valley

    6 Reviews
    Claryville, NY
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 256-3076

    "Quiet, next to a lightly trafficked road. There was a port a potty. Campsites in middle field are just clearings with fire pits and nothing else. Soft ground for staking a tent. Very few bugs."

    "This was a good campground for a base point for hiking around the peekamoose area. I stayed in the middle field campground site #6 (which is the worst spot on that field)."

    10. Stonecutters Ledge

    Be the first to review!
    West Hurley, NY
    10 miles
    +1 (518) 365-5317

    $135 / night

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Tent Camping Reviews near Ulster Park, NY

639 Reviews of 39 Ulster Park Campgrounds



Guide to Ulster Park

Discover the beauty of tent camping near Ulster Park, New York, where nature meets adventure in stunning landscapes and well-maintained sites.

Tips for tent camping near Ulster Park

  • When staying at Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground, consider booking one of the walk-in sites for a more secluded experience surrounded by woods.
  • Be prepared for bear encounters at The Peekamoose Valley, where bear lockers are provided, ensuring your food is safe while you enjoy the great outdoors.
  • If you prefer a more primitive experience, Creek View Campground offers a low-frills environment perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Ulster Park, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Ulster Park, NY is Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 8 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Ulster Park, NY?

TheDyrt.com has all 39 tent camping locations near Ulster Park, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.