The Wallkill area offers both primitive and luxury camping experiences at elevations ranging from 300-800 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures average 70-85°F with cooler evenings in spring and fall. Most Wallkill glamping accommodations operate seasonally, with peak availability from May through October when weather conditions are optimal for outdoor activities.
What to do
Water activities: Jellystone Park Gardiner has a shallow water park section that's ideal for younger children. According to Amanda S., "Nice pool that is shallow so you can relax and let the little ones go in the water park section alone or they have a 3 ft pool also. My older kids preferred a deeper pool but they still had a great time."
River exploration: Camp along the river at Oakland Valley Campground for direct water access. "We spent most of early spring at Oakland Valley right on the river... They loved to fish and play in the river, explore the woods and ride bikes around," shares Katrina R. The riverfront sites provide natural entertainment for all ages.
Hiking options: Explore trails near campsites or venture to nearby state parks. "We went to see Acosting falls one morning but due to the drought it was a trickle instead of a waterfall," notes Stephanie H. about day trips from Jellystone Park. The Shawangunk Mountains provide additional hiking opportunities.
Laser tag and games: Entertainment beyond water features includes active options for older children. "They have lasertag which they enjoy. And a bounce pillow," mentions Amanda S. These structured activities supplement natural exploration opportunities.
What campers like
Weekend events: Jellystone Park Gardiner schedules regular activities for families. Jennifer I. notes, "This campground is great for kids. It has a event just about every weekend with kid activity." These organized events help structure camping trips, especially for first-time campers.
Adult amenities: While many campgrounds prioritize children's activities, some offer adult-focused options. "Great pool with beverages for the adults.... Making this a yearly trip as well," says Jody B. about Jellystone Park's balance of family and adult experiences.
Privacy levels: The Awosting Club Members-Only Campground provides exclusive camping with more seclusion than public options. For those seeking middle ground, Thousand Trails Rondout Valley offers varied privacy. "This is what I want for a Catskill campground. It is not a concrete pad haven and yes, there is mud. Our site was even and easy to level on," explains Ian R.
Natural water features: Many visitors specifically appreciate creeks and rivers at campsites. "The creek that runs by the campground is gorgeous, and my kids had fun finding Crayfish," shares Kasey M. about Thousand Trails Rondout Valley. Water features consistently rank high in positive reviews.
What you should know
Bathroom facilities: Bathroom quality varies significantly between campgrounds. At Oakland Valley Campground, "Top level has a pool, showers and bathrooms with laundry area and game room. Middle level has open field with bathrooms with sinks and running water...River level has more primitive bathrooms and some bathrooms with running water," explains Jeanne-Marie P.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience significant noise issues. "Campsite can be a bit close to each other," mentions Jenna S. about Jellystone Park. Samantha H. notes about Oakland Valley: "The downside though was how loud it got at night with parties and music...the noise wasn't addressed by members of the staff and continued well into the a.m."
Camping levels: Several campgrounds feature tiered camping areas with different amenities. Oakland Valley offers three distinct levels with varying proximity to water and facilities. David S. mentions site challenges: "Only reason I didn't give 5 stars was because the sites were a bit difficult to back into and unlevel."
Military-only options: For military families, West Point FMWR Round Pond Outdoor Recreation Area provides exclusive access. "We love that its a place specifically for Vets and active Military. Everyone is amazingly respectful of each other and the caretakers take such care of the grounds," explains a camper identified as "Name."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: High Point State Park Campground in nearby New Jersey offers varied camping options. "Camping right along the lake was nice, small trail to walk around river and trails to hike into the mt," notes Christine N. Consider proximity to water features when selecting sites with children.
Age considerations: When glamping in Wallkill with diverse age groups, check activity appropriateness. "I was worried my 12 year old would be too old for it but he enjoyed making friends there," shares Stephanie H. about Jellystone Park. Older children often enjoy social opportunities at busier campgrounds.
Expectation management: Some glamping facilities advertise more than they deliver. "The kids were around until about 10:30 or so each night. People tend to walk through your campsite constantly. Even adults with their dogs," reports Stephanie H., highlighting the reality of popular family campgrounds.
Preparation for weather: The Wallkill area experiences seasonal temperature fluctuations. Plan for cooler evenings, especially in spring and fall. "It was Memorial Day Sunday when we stopped in...Our location was by the river and did not disappoint. It was a rocky location but we didn't mind," shares Tonya D. about Oakland Valley Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Prepare for potentially uneven sites at area campgrounds. David S. notes about Oakland Valley: "The sites were a bit difficult to back into and unlevel. Otherwise a very nice place to relax." Bring leveling blocks for RVs.
Rental equipment: Some campgrounds offer golf cart rentals, but consider cost vs. benefit. "Love it here but renting a golf cart is prob not the best option $175 for 2 days and it only goes 5mph I can walk faster than that," advises Scott about Jellystone Park.
Recovery experiences: Skyway Camping Resort provides full hookups with additional amenities. "Nice well maintained park, full hookups with cable and wifi," reports Jackie M. For technical difficulties, many campgrounds accommodate extended stays. "Our truck broke down and they were able to accommodate us for an extra nights stay while it was being fixed," shares David S. about Oakland Valley Campground.
Wi-Fi access: Internet connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. "The Wi-Fi is also bad here," notes Stephanie H. about Jellystone. For remote workers, this consideration may influence site selection more than recreational amenities.
