Water access is a major consideration when camping near West Kill, New York, with several sites offering direct creek frontage or small pond settings. Elevations in the Catskills region range from about 1,200 to 4,000 feet, creating significant temperature variations between valley and mountain sites. Campgrounds in this area have different wind exposure characteristics, with some receiving natural cooling breezes in summer months while others remain more sheltered.
What to do
Creek activities: Kenneth L Wilson Campground provides access to water recreation areas including a lake with a fishing pier. "We had a great time and definitely seemed family friendly. Great price and lots of good hiking near," shares one camper about their experience at the Kenneth L Wilson Campground.
Hiking options: Giant Ledge Primitive Camp offers direct access to challenging trails. A camper reports, "From the parking area of Giant Ledge/Panther Mountain this was a fairly decent and semi challenging hike... There is much more to see if you keep going! We hiked all the way to where it starts going vertical up Panther Mountain," at Giant Ledge Primitive Camp.
Swimming areas: Many campgrounds feature natural swimming spots. "I go there almost every year to go swimming with my family and friends and it's always a good time," notes a visitor about the lakes at North-South Lake Campground.
What campers like
Creek sounds: Campers frequently mention the natural white noise from moving water. "The mountain creek is like nature singing a lullaby - sleeping next to it was very relaxing," reports a visitor at Woodland Valley Campground.
Backpack sites: Some campgrounds offer more remote sites that require hiking in. "We had a walk in site and it was fantastic! Right on the water and pretty private. Each walk in site has its own bear box and outhouse," explains a camper at Little Pond Campground.
Stargazing opportunities: Clear night skies are a highlight for many visitors. "Weather was great and we could see the stars through the canopy - very very enjoyable," notes a Woodland Valley Campground visitor who appreciated the natural canopy views.
What you should know
Bear precautions: Bear activity is common throughout the area. "We watched the top of a tree fall through the forest, cool to see but worth being on the lookout as it seemed quite a few trees had tops that were dead or dying," warns a camper at Giant Ledge Primitive Camp, highlighting multiple environmental hazards.
Site selection considerations: Campgrounds have varying site characteristics. "Campsite is flat and packed dirt instead of gravel, which was great. There's a standard picnic table and a decent raised fire pit, and a spigot at our site," explains a Kenneth L Wilson camper.
Firewood availability: Not all campgrounds sell firewood on-site. "There was no fire wood available at the campsite so buy before you come (available in Phoenicia and Woodstock, both close)," advises a Woodland Valley visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds have dedicated play areas for children. "The campground has everything that you need: public toilets, showers, public phone, picnic tables, grills, firewood (for sale), dump station," notes a Woodland Valley Campground visitor.
Water slide options: Certain campgrounds feature water recreation beyond natural swimming. "Amazing campground with perfectly spaced large sites. There's a few playgrounds a great pool and a lot of amenities," shares a visitor at Rip Van Winkle Campground.
Site privacy levels: Family campers often prefer more secluded sites. "Groups of sites sit on level terraces stepped down toward the river. The center area of each grouping of sites had a common use area with tether ball, playgrounds, privies, or additional parking," explains a Nickerson Park visitor.
Tips from RVers
Hookup options: Full-service sites can be limited. "Very easy to level and setup on #7. Full connections. Pay showers and laundry onsite. Loved having gated security," notes an RVer at Rip Van Winkle Campground.
Road conditions: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. "The long, narrow, and winding road from Route 28 to Woodland Valley campground should not keep you from camping there!" encourages a visitor, noting that the journey is worth the effort.
Off-grid management: Several campgrounds lack full hookups but provide alternatives. "This campground has no hookups for RVs, the only facilities they do offer are bathrooms and showers," explains a Little Pond Campground visitor, suggesting those with RVs should prepare accordingly.
