Camping options near Wallkill, New York range from primitive tent sites to cabin accommodations across several state forests and recreation areas. Located in the Mid-Hudson Valley region with elevations between 350-1,000 feet, the area experiences typical Northeast seasonal patterns with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winter dropping to 20-30°F. Most campgrounds in this region operate from April through October, with limited winter availability at select locations.
What to do
Hiking accessible trails: North-South Lake Campground connects visitors to multiple trail networks in the Catskills. "I go there almost every year to go swimming with my family and friends and it's always a good time," mentions Lizz H. The campground provides "awesome access to the Catskill Escarpment trail from here," according to Maribeth W.
Fishing opportunities: Ocquittunk offers fishing in both lake and stream environments. Vito M. notes, "Nice place to set up and car camp. Enjoyed some fishing and hiking within walking distance from the site." Many fishing spots are accessible directly from campsites.
Swimming in natural waters: North-South Lake Campground provides swimming areas with beach access. Chris D. shares, "I'm a native of the Catskills and spent many an afternoon with my family enjoying the facilities at North/South Lake. Camping, swimming, hiking, boating, biking, this place has it all."
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Camping areas near Wallkill typically offer well-separated sites. At Ocquittunk, Catherine S. notes, "The sites had a fire ring with a cooking grate and a picnic table and were well spaced out from other sites. The views of the lake are nice, very peaceful." Sites typically accommodate multiple tent configurations or small to medium RVs.
Clean facilities: Stokes State Forest maintains high standards for bathrooms and amenities. One camper at the Ocquittunk area mentions, "The bathrooms are clean and nicely placed." E.M.V. adds, "Bathrooms and shower were all single stall and very clean, only a 5 min walk from our site. Two water sources nearby as well."
Waterfront options: Select campsites offer direct lake access. Kara L. who stayed at Ocquittunk site #T007 reports, "It was a short walk from the car to the site, but so worth it for many reasons. The site itself is huge and we were able to position our tent facing the lake, it was beautiful!"
What you should know
Reservation timing: During peak seasons, campgrounds fill quickly. For North-South Lake, Rachel G. advises, "Reserve very early for waterfront." Similarly, at busier times, Tara L. suggests visitors "avoid holidays to avoid the crowds."
Winter camping options: Some campgrounds offer year-round access including cabin rentals. At Stokes State Forest, W.L. shares, "Rented a cabin in November (#009) and again in December (#008) of 2021. The cabins are reasonably priced and well-appointed, if a bit rustic." Winter visitors should plan for heating needs: "The wood stove definitely heats the room up nicely. I went through two bundles of wood in one night."
Wildlife awareness: The area requires proper precautions. One reviewer notes, "Remember, this is bear country so proper food storage is a must. Bear lockers are not provided. The area also has ticks and rattlesnakes." Food storage containers or bear-resistant methods are strongly recommended.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly swimming: Multiple beach areas accommodate various swimming abilities. One visitor to North-South Lake notes, "The lake is huge" and describes it as "great for families." Water activities are typically supervised during summer months.
Cabin options for beginners: For those new to equestrian camping near Wallkill, New York, cabin rentals provide comfort while maintaining an outdoor experience. Amy B. shares about Stokes State Forest, "We stay in the cabins. It's great to have the small kitchen when camping with the family. A must see campground."
Nature learning opportunities: The region offers educational experiences about local ecology. Jessica W. mentions, "A lot of the hiking nearby is also relatively easy and includes the newly opened (as of 2016) viewing platform for Kaasterskill falls, which is minutes down the road from the campground."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: Not all campgrounds accommodate large RVs. Josh S. from Ocquittunk advises, "If you are looking for more secluded campsites try to get 13 or 14 as they seem to stick back more. Sites 8-11 are adjacent to the road and in peak times probably have a fair amount of foot and vehicle traffic."
Hookup availability: Electric, water, and sewer connections vary by campground. Eliany L. from North-South Lake Campground notes, "This campground has many different size sites big enough for groups and small for just single." Before booking, confirm which utilities are available at specific sites.
