Best Glamping near Waccabuc, NY

This campground changed in the last few years, but not for the better. It is apparent that the manager does not like campers. If you have a tent, you are treated ok, until you violate one of their endless rules. Then they have the police escort you out.. If you have a pop-up or anything above the ground on wheels they make your life miserable and prevent you from camping in the front row where the sites are larger, level, and have a lake view. Bathrooms are dirty and uncared for, toilet paper is non-existent in the afternoon. Alcohol is not allowed but is poorly enforced. Quiet hours are not enforced. Two cars per site is not enforced. Loud Boomboxes are the norm. People using the lakeside state park walk through your campsite to go use the campground bathroom and showers - hence the toilet paper issue in the bathroom. Unfortunately, some of those day picnickers think your stuff is free for the taking. NEVER LEAVE YOUR STUFF UNGUARDED. The numerous skunks are an unwelcomed camp amenity. Watch your children, cars go racing through the campground! If you are looking for stress free and peaceful, this is not the place. It is party central on the weekends.The staff leaves at random times, either 3 pm, 5 pm or 9 pm and then you are on your own. But don't worry, there is a sometimes functioning emergency phone outside the camp office. Oh yes, and there is no cell service in that area. Have fun. But I'm not going back. Are you sure you want to camp here?

Yes, this is a military-only campground but, that doesn't take away from how incredible it is and that is properly advertised. 

This place is incredible.  Being military-only keeps standards high, the campground clean and well maintained.  We've spent years here, with Dan & Janet but, are looking forward to returning this year under new management, as they enjoy retirement after many years of hard work. Boy, does their hard work show! They have poured so much love and attention into the building and maintaining of Lake Frederick! 

Between rustic power-only campsites that give you a true camping experience and upgraded but, still simple cabins which allow campers of all ages and abilities to enjoy the outdoor experience, there is something for everyone.  The new docks around the swimming area create a safer swimming experience for even the most inexperienced swimmers, allowing them safe and obvious perimeters.  The bath house is always well stocked and clean, ready for end of the day cleanup and the laundry facilities are a great bonus for those of us who like to stay longer than a couple days.  

You won't want for anything at Lake Frederick and it will be a great way to unplug, kick back and enjoy God's Creation!

We stayed at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort along the Walllkill River in Gardiner, NY, for a four-night chill-out vacation. We’re so glad we did! 

Our site was called Riverfront Red Carpet. It was spacious, level, waterfront, and partially shaded thanks to some mature trees. Site#22 included a large concrete pad, picnic table, charcoal grill, and large fire ring. Everything was in great condition. It was nice having plenty of space to not be on top of our neighbors. We had full hookups with 50-amp electrical service- which all worked fine. 

The entire park seemed to be well maintained and clean. There’s a small waterpark which seemed good for younger kids, an eatery, and ice cream shop. The camp store was well-stocked with food, camping supplies, and souvenirs. There is a game room and multiple bath houses(which we didn’t use). The park’s roadways are all paved and easy to navigate. Despite being nearly filled to capacity including tons of young children, the park was quiet each night with no noisy ‘bad campers.’ 

We found our interactions with the staff to be helpful and attentive. We really appreciate friendly staff. 

Overall, this was a great stay at a great RV park. I’d only mention two negatives, neither was a big deal. It took 45-minutes to check-in. In fairness, we arrived at check-in time(3:00 PM) on a Sunday. There were a dozen other RVs checking in at the same time and they just weren’t equipped for that. Also, our Verizon cell service was practically non-existent and the park’s wifi service was just as horrible. If we needed connectivity, this would have been a major problem. I reduced a star in my review simply because it’s 2021 and wifi has become an expectation. 

We booked on campspot.com and paid$196 per night+$35 to lock our site+$2 booking fee less a 20% promo discount.

The campground is beautiful and the staff was wonderful! We started our camping season off right with a quick weekend stay at Round Pound. We were very impressed with the playground on site! Unfortunately, due to our early start in the camping season the weather did not allow us to enjoy fishing or the beach or water hook ups, however all areas looked well maintained. We are looking forward to stopping by Round Pond again in the near future.

Just a note to other campers with T-Moblie, we did not have any service on the campsite, however just a hop in the car or a quick walk down the mountain for 5G service near the entrance off the main road. There is also free wifi at the commissary/exchange, which is about 2 miles away.

1. Plan on bringing your own food and cooking. It is a 10 mile drive that takes about a half an hour to complete to get any take-out.

2. The Snack Shack is only open on weekends and its future is in doubt as this year's owners said they don't plan to renew contract. Cash only at present.

3. If you have your own paddleboard or canoe or kayak, this would be a good place to use them. If you don't there are very expensive rentals available on site.

4. Ice is $2 a bag and firewood $5 a bundle. Cash only. Good quality.

5. The camp office is only staffed until 5 pm!

6. There is a really great (but very short .65 miles) hiking trail behind the campground and a cool big rock to climb on near the bathrooms further away from the office and a field that would be good for flying kites, model airplanes or drones behind the state park parking lot.

7. It is possible to get a phone signal up at the "lookout" of the hike.

8. Monday apparently is trash day in the area for all the homes around the lake. They start collecting very early and the sound really carries over the lake.

9. Bring scooters or bikes for little kids to use within the camp.

10. There is a lot of good hiking that can be done within a 20 min-1/2 hour 8-12 mile drive. A good one would be the Steep Rock Association's Macricostas Preserve, where you can hike up and see the sun set over the lake.

11. The swimming area is an absolute joke, unless you are 18 months old, and then its probably perfect. (Extremely small, extremely shallow, and some sand to dig in.)

12. You will not feel like you are getting out in nature. The lake area is very built up and all private, except for the nice promenade area of the state park campground, which is not at all rustic, but good for drinking coffee or reading by the lake.

13. Every campsite has deep drainage ditches,  likely roots, and stumps as well, but not too much pine in the immediate vicinity to make a mess of your gear.

14. The roads around the campground are very narrow with a lot of blind curves. Be careful and aware when driving, and I think cyclists are taking a gamble.

15. Fair number of motorcyclists on a sunny Sunday afternoon, but they seemed fairly quiet and aware, so weren't bothersome.

16. A car alarm at a nearby house went off, and didn't turn off until the battery died.

It was not at all what we expected, but we tried to make the best of it. We were disappointed. I don't even know why anyone would go to the regular state park at all. CT has much nicer ones with more to do.