2 campgrounds with availability next weekend
The Shawangunk Ridge area near Wallkill, New York offers diverse tent camping options with both established campgrounds and primitive sites. Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground in Gardiner provides dedicated tent campsites with both drive-in and walk-in options, making it popular among rock climbers visiting "the Gunks." The campground features level tent pads, picnic tables, and communal facilities including fire pits with supplied wood. Nearby, The Peekamoose Valley offers free primitive tent camping in a wooded setting along a river, with 24 campsites spread across three areas. Hemlock Ridge MUA provides dispersed backcountry tent camping for those seeking more solitude, though with minimal amenities.
Tent sites throughout the region vary considerably in terrain and amenities. At Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground, walk-in sites (numbered 8-15) provide more seclusion than drive-up areas, with sites 8 and 9 positioned higher on the terrain. Most primitive tent camping areas require visitors to pack in their own water and supplies. Bear activity is common in the region, with bear boxes available at some sites. The Peekamoose Valley campsites feature soft ground for tent stakes and basic fire rings, with a 200+ foot walk from parking areas to some sites. Seasonal considerations include potential closures during snow conditions, particularly at Shawangunk Gateway Campground.
Experienced campers report that walk-in tent sites offer superior experiences compared to drive-up options. According to one visitor at Shawangunk Gateway, "The walk-in sites are just a little bit more set back and wonderfully wooded all around," noting that sites 8 and 9 provide better elevation and fewer bugs than lower sites. Another camper at Peekamoose Valley mentioned having "the whole campground to myself" during a midweek September stay, highlighting the quiet atmosphere and soft ground for tent stakes. Tent campers should be prepared for varying levels of privacy between sites, with some campgrounds becoming crowded on weekends and during peak summer months. Most tent-only areas maintain a quieter atmosphere, with climbers and hikers typically retiring early.
"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."
"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."
"Arrived at night on a weekday to find two other vehicles parked in the lot, srilll was able to find a fire ring with a level area relatively easy."
"In September my Girlfriend (who has never been camping) and I made the trip to New York."
from $90 / night
from $15 - $45 / night
"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. "
from $20 - $150 / night
"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)."
"Campfires are restricted to certain areas and you have to share. They do have bear boxes available as this is bear country. Very well run campground and cabins. Great Lake to swim."
"I camped on one of the platforms, which was very nice and did not feel crowded even with other people on neighboring platforms. One highlight was having meals cooked by the stellar chef."
"Tent sites are very private with some dirt roads to exit out but thats what make it unique experience! Bathrooms with shower is near by and has plenty porta potties all around."
"Peaceful and gorgeous campsite, with plenty of space between sites. Great view of the Hudson, and playground within sight of our camper."
from $30 - $60 / night
from $90 / night
"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."
ScoutOctober leaves starting to fall makes for a very quiet, peaceful midweek evening in one of the two dispersed car camping sites. Exactly what I was hoping for - private and empty and lovely. Easy to find - two dispersed car sites are to the left at the fork in the road before the trailhead.
GuideMade a reservation (site44) since I arrived as the sun had set. Office registration was open until 8. Staff was neither friendly nor unfriendly. Bathroom was dated but fine and a short walk from my site. CG was emptier being a Tuesday night in mid-October, so was plenty of space.
Great trail following the Hudson River. Beautiful fall colors.
ScoutI stayed here in March 2026 for a night before going snowboarding at Belleayre Mountain. It was in the middle of a snowstorm on a Tuesday night, so I had the whole place to myself, which was nice.
TravelerA nice wooded campground that was quiet despite being almost full on our Friday night stay.
The site we stayed at (64) had some pretty large roots to drive over and may have been an issue for a low clearance vehicle (we have a Subaru Outback).
The shower / house bathroom combo units weee very clean with hot water and baby changing station.
ScoutNice campground, bathrooms are clean but dated, first come first serve for the sites.
Travelerbeautiful quiet space, great home base for the Catskills and small towns around here. note there's only a few spots. road conditions were fine.
RangerI'll start by saying this is a site-specific review (C20). I booked using Campspot and didn't select my own site but put in the criteria for my rig (30ft TT plus truck) and got a 50A back-in spot. The site was big but abnormal. Between the picnic table placement and the trees, I ended up right around 50ft from the electric and water, and the water spigot was so low I could barely put on my camco filter. With the uneven dirt roads, I had to unhitch with my truck in a gigantic puddle (lol). The site was otherwise fine aside from my gate code not working on Day 2. As for the campground as a whole, I thought it was pretty unique place by the river that offered several good amenities and activities, like downstream river tubing, an arcade, bathroom/shower facilities, a small store, little trails, and more. I would say this place borders the more primitive side.
GuideDefinitely a wide variety of sites—look at the site pictures before booking—there are two areas where it’s just an open field with bonfires and picnic tables that I’d avoid. I could see a large group going there or something but personally it doesn’t offer any privacy.
BUT if you book one of the other sites that DOES have privacy you’ll be in camping heaven. The “hike in” sites are more like “walk-in,” I was worried at first but it’s some are as little as a few yards from the road. The most annoying part was lugging the cooler back and forth, but totally worth it
GuideWe went the 2nd week of October and seems like we had just missed the foliage peak but it was still beautiful.
Everyone minded their business and most sites were 2-4 people, showers were clean and warm but the kind where you gotta push the button every 30 seconds. Toilets were clean and running smoothly (we were in the southernmost loop, closest to the camp office)
No cellphone reception but we could get satellite signal to text our loved ones that we were alive and well!
We loved the hiking and especially kayaking on the pond
Tent campsites near Wallkill, New York lie within the Hudson Valley region at elevations ranging from 250-1,200 feet above sea level. The area features deciduous forest terrain with rocky outcrops and varied soil composition. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-85°F during day with nighttime lows of 55-65°F, while spring and fall camping seasons bring temperature fluctuations of 30-40°F between day and night.
Swimming and water recreation: Visitors to Croton Point Park can enjoy swimming in designated areas along the Hudson River with lifeguards on duty from Wednesday through weekend. The park includes a private beach area with swimming permitted only within marked buoys, offering a refreshing break during hot summer days. According to one camper, "There's a gorgeous scenery along the river and a private beach which is opened from Wednesday to the weekend with life guards on duty!"
Rock climbing at The Gunks: Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground provides direct access to world-class climbing routes. The proximity to climbing areas makes this campground particularly popular among rock climbing enthusiasts visiting from around the world. One reviewer noted it's "mainly a rock climber campground" with climbers typically retiring early to prepare for the next day's activities. Another climber mentioned, "Love this campground! Have been here several times and have never had a complaint... Located really close to the Gunks for climbing and also some great hikes around the area."
Hiking network: The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center offers extensive trail connections through Harriman State Park with varied terrain for all skill levels. Trails lead through forests, around lakes, and connect to longer routes. "Great trails to hike for novices looking to branch out but not too large that you'll be lost forever," one visitor commented. The park provides trail maps at entry points and central facilities.
Communal campground atmosphere: Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground features a central gathering area with a communal fire pit and supplied firewood, encouraging interaction among campers. A reviewer highlighted the "Communal fire pit and supplied wood" and "Covered communal pavilion with picnic tables, big sinks for washing dishes, and lighting." The campground eliminated individual fire rings in favor of a single shared space.
Rustic cabin alternatives: Tent campers who prefer more shelter can find basic cabin accommodations at Sebago Cabin Camp in Harriman State Park. These structures provide minimal amenities but offer protection from weather. A visitor described them as "VERY rustic, four walls, a cot, and a fridge. You still feel like you are 'roughing it' but with the convenience of a fridge." Another camper added they "do not have plumbing or heat. It is a step up from cabin camping."
Secluded creek-side camping: The Peekamoose Valley offers riverside tent sites in a forested setting with natural sound barriers. A camper who stayed in early September described having "the whole campground to myself" during a midweek stay. Sites feature varying levels of proximity to water, with some offering direct creek access. "The setting was nice, close to the creek, with a stone fire ring at each. You can see the folks in the next site but there's quite a bit of privacy," reported a recent visitor.
Bear management protocols: Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed camping area has bear activity requiring appropriate food storage techniques. Located within a densely wooded 80-acre tract, campers must follow Leave No Trace principles and keep food secured. A reviewer mentioned that while the area "has no amenities whatsoever & barely even a signal," it provides a "quiet peaceful wooded area" for those who prefer dispersed camping.
Walk-in site planning: At multiple campgrounds including The Peekamoose Valley, tent sites require carrying equipment from parking areas. One camper at Peekamoose noted: "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. 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."
Seasonal tick activity: Peekamoose Valley experiences significant tick populations during warmer months. One camper noted "Peekamoose should be renamed Tic-a-Moose" due to the prevalence of ticks during their stay. Campers should perform regular tick checks and use appropriate repellent, especially when camping near grassy areas or during spring and early summer months when nymphal ticks are most active.
Playground access: Croton Point Park includes a playground visible from camping areas, making it convenient for families with children to monitor play activities from their site. A reviewer mentioned, "Great view of the Hudson, and playground within sight of our camper." The campground's family-friendly layout places tent sites within walking distance of playground equipment and open fields.
Educational campground programs: Sebago Cabin Camp offers ranger-led activities specifically designed for younger campers. According to visitor reports, "Ranger Joe is [great] with the kids" and they "also have movie nights they do big bon [fire] on Saturday very kid friendly." These structured activities typically occur on weekend evenings during summer months, providing entertainment options for families.
Site selection for privacy: When selecting a tent campsite at Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground, families should consider the walk-in sites (8-15) for more separation from facilities and roadways. One camper specified that "sites 8 & 9 seemed like the star sites, because they're up and away a little bit more than 10-15." For those concerned about minimizing hiking distance with children, site numbers 13-15 offer the best balance of privacy and accessibility.
Limited RV accommodations: Most camping areas near Wallkill primarily cater to tent campers rather than RVs. Creek View Campground offers some of the few RV sites in the immediate area, though facilities are basic. A camper reported, "you are basically camping in this guy's back yard, so dont expect any feeling of being in nature. you are also right next to the road and will hear some traffic. Showers and bathroom are decent. nothing special. campsites have their own fire ring."
Tent camping near Wallkill, New York provides access to diverse natural environments ranging from riverside sites to wooded mountain terrain, with options for both established campgrounds and more primitive experiences depending on your comfort level and equipment needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Wallkill, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Wallkill, NY is Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 9 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Wallkill, NY?
TheDyrt.com has all 53 tent camping locations near Wallkill, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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