Best Camping near Palenville, NY

Palenville is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Find the best campgrounds near Palenville, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Best Camping Sites Near Palenville, NY (166)

    Camper-submitted photo from North-South Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from North-South Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from North-South Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from North-South Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from North-South Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from North-South Lake Campground

    1. North-South Lake Campground

    43 Reviews
    170 Photos
    726 Saves
    Palenville, New York

    North South Lake Campground is the biggest and most popular state campground in the Catskill Forest Preserve, offering extraordinary scenic beauty, and historical sites, such as: Alligator Rock, Kaaterskill Falls, and the former site of the Catskill Mountain House. An abrupt change in elevation occurs from about 540 feet above sea level at the base of the escarpment to approximately 2,250 feet at the site of the former Catskill Mountain House. The provinces around the lakes have long provided visitors with exceptional views of the surrounding countryside. It is said that on a clear day, five states can be viewed from the escarpment. 7 camping loops; 219 tent and trailer sites; 2 lakes; 2 beaches; Two picnic areas: one on North Lake with two picnic pavilion rentals a 20' X 32' and a 44' X 24' (the larger of the two with electricity) and one on South Lake with a 40' X 60' picnic pavilion rental (with electricity).; 2 picnic areas with tables and fireplaces or charcoal grills; playground; flush toilets; hot showers; boat launch (no motorized vessels); rowboat, canoe, kayak and paddle boat rentals; firewood sales; volleyball; horseshoes; fishing; playing field; trailer dump station; recycling center; solar cell phone charging station; ADA fishing platform.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $22 - $27 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Catskill/Kenneth L Wilson Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Catskill/Kenneth L Wilson Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Catskill/Kenneth L Wilson Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Catskill/Kenneth L Wilson Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Catskill/Kenneth L Wilson Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Catskill/Kenneth L Wilson Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Woodland Valley Campground - DEC
    Camper-submitted photo from Woodland Valley Campground - DEC
    Camper-submitted photo from Woodland Valley Campground - DEC
    Camper-submitted photo from Woodland Valley Campground - DEC
    Camper-submitted photo from Woodland Valley Campground - DEC
    Camper-submitted photo from Woodland Valley Campground - DEC

    3. Woodland Valley Campground - DEC

    29 Reviews
    79 Photos
    594 Saves
    Phoenicia, New York

    Nestled at the foot of Slide Mountain, the tallest peak in the Catskills, and surrounded by Panther, Cornell, and Wittenberg Mountains is Woodland Valley Campground. The campground offers 70 tent and trailer sites, a picnic area with tables and grills, flush toilets, hot showers, a trailer dump station and a recycling center. Woodland Valley Campground serves as the trailhead for both Slide-Wittenberg Trail and Woodland Valley-Denning Trail. Area attractions include the Village of Phoenicia which offers tubing on the Esopus Creek (famous for its trout fishing), a railroad museum, train rides on the Catskill Mountain Railroad, fine shops, antiques and restaurants. 70 tent and trailer sites, picnic area with tables and grills, flush toilets, hot showers, trailer dump station, recycling center, mobility impaired accessibility, pay phone.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $20 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds
    Camper-submitted photo from Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds
    Camper-submitted photo from Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds
    Camper-submitted photo from Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds
    Camper-submitted photo from Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds
    Camper-submitted photo from Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds

    4. Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds

    16 Reviews
    42 Photos
    170 Saves
    Saugerties, New York

    We invite you to leave the fast life behind and escape to our 160-acre woodland paradise. We offer spacious sites to tuck you away from the world while still providing the modern amenities necessary for your comfort. Come experience Catskills camping at its best at Rip Van Winkle Campground!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park

    6. Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park

    20 Reviews
    48 Photos
    146 Saves
    Copake Falls, New York

    Taconic State Park is located along 16 miles of the Taconic Mountain Range and great for camping near New York, sharing a border with Massachusetts and Connecticut. Two developed areas, Copake Falls and Rudd Pond, offer an extensive trail system with terrain that varies from easy to challenging, offering spectacular views. The extensive campground at Copake Falls has sites to accommodate campers seeking a more rustic experience, as well as those seeking a more "home like" experience. There are 45 tent sites, 25 tent platforms, 36 trailer sites and three cabin areas for a total of 106 campsites and 18 cabins. The trailer sites allow trailers up to 30 feet in length, but do not offer hook up facilities. Centrally located restroom and shower facilities are located in all campsite areas. The cabin areas vary in number of cabins, location and size. The smallest cabins accommodate up to 4 people and the largest 6 people. All cabins have electricity, lights, hot and cold running water, a kitchen with a refrigerator and stove, a dining area, a picnic table, and outdoor camp fire ring with grill. The "Ironworkers" cabins are equipped with private showers and flush toilets; campers in the "Bash Bish" cabins utilize a centrally located shower facility with flush toilets. Some cabins in the Greenwich Cabin Area are wheelchair accessible and offer extra amenities such as a microwave, sofa, shower, dishwasher and cable television hookup.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Devil's Tombstone Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Devil's Tombstone Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Devil's Tombstone Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Devil's Tombstone Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Devil's Tombstone Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Devil's Tombstone Campground

    7. Devil's Tombstone Campground

    10 Reviews
    36 Photos
    226 Saves
    Elka Park, New York

    24 tent and trailer sites, Notch Lake, 2 picnic areas with tables and fireplaces or charcoal grills, children's playground, volleyball, horseshoes, hunting outside campground boundaries, hiking trails. Swimming, boating, and showers are available at North-South Lake Campground - 8 miles away. * Please take note that at facilities that offer swimming beaches, there are days which lifeguards are unavailable. For the safety of our customers, these beaches will not be open and swimming will be prohibited.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group

    $16 - $21 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Schodack Island State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Schodack Island State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Schodack Island State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Schodack Island State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Schodack Island State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Schodack Island State Park Campground

    8. Schodack Island State Park Campground

    17 Reviews
    50 Photos
    188 Saves
    Selkirk, New York
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $15 - $23 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Mills Norrie State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Mills Norrie State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Mills Norrie State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Mills Norrie State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Mills Norrie State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Mills Norrie State Park Campground

    9. Mills Norrie State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    20 Photos
    224 Saves
    Staatsburg, New York

    A serene wooded area with glimpses of the river provides an ideal location for camping. Campers will have convenient access to attractions within the park and in nearby towns like Hyde Park, Rhinebeck and Poughkeepsie. There are 46 tent sites and 10 cabins available for rental at the park. Recreational vehicles are also welcome; however, the park does not offer hook up facilities. River access is available for campers with boats at the Norrie Marina and at the Norrie Environmental Center. Restroom facilities and showers are located within walking distance.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $19 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Whip O Will Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Whip O Will Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Whip O Will Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Whip O Will Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Whip O Will Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Whip O Will Campsites

    10. Whip O Will Campsites

    6 Reviews
    18 Photos
    87 Saves
    Round Top, New York
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $33 - $113 / night

Showing results 1-10 of 166 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Palenville

Recent Reviews in Palenville

598 Reviews of 166 Palenville Campgrounds


  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mirror Lake Retreat
    Oct. 31, 2024

    Mirror Lake Retreat

    I stayed up there for work it was nice

    I was only up there for a few days for work. But it was really nice and had great play scale

  • Megan S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Schodack Island State Park Campground
    Oct. 31, 2024

    Schodack Island State Park Campground

    Great camping spot

    The staff was friendly. The sites are spaced out enough and have greenery in between so it feels a little more private than some places. Bathrooms and showers were very clean.

  • SJ W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Alder lake
    Oct. 29, 2024

    Alder lake

    Beautiful single drive in site!

    Love this place will definitely be back, not sure why it didn’t show up for free camping when I had it filtered, found it on another app. Was not the easiest for my RV van to get up the hill with the ruts, but I have a small lift so it helps, lower clearance vans might not make it. It’s a single camper site at the top of the hill left before the trailhead parking.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Spacious Skies Woodland Hills
    Oct. 8, 2024

    Spacious Skies Woodland Hills

    Tightly squeezed sites.

    Although sites are squeezed in, it is a nice family campground. However the site I had was steep grade from steps to picnic table. Flat ground area for camper was very narrow.Tricky footing for older folks like my wife and I. Particularly since my wife uses a cane.

  • Carol S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Privacy Campground
    Oct. 6, 2024

    Privacy Campground

    Private but needs updates

    I thought I read someplace that there is new ownership, at any rate the folks there were very nice. And the place lives up to its name. We’re not fond of RV parking lots and the sites were well spaced which gets it many extra points. We had a popup in a drive-through site at the bottom of the hill which was fine, though pretty muddy after a day of rain. With that hill there’s no place for larger RVs here unless they were to decide to use the field at the bottom. As far as infrastructure a lot of what is here is very old and dated, sometimes to the point of being comical, but it does appear some updates are happening. Bathroom building is decent and kept very clean (though it would be nice if any of the door latches on the women’s toilets worked.) It appears they have built or rebuilt some cabins. Hiking up and down the hill to the bathroom does get old and there is really no place to park there like most places have without blocking the road. Can squeeze in one car near the (ancient and yucky cold water) dishwashing station. There is a tiny campsite with cabin on the road below it, with a firepit and table like a foot away from the road. Maybe they should eliminate that site to make parking for a couple cars at least, as its a terrible campsite probably the only bad one there. (One night that site had 2 cars, with one blocking the road when we tried to drive past - they should have made the extra car stay down in the lot.) People moved their car a bit, but still had to drive very close to their bonfire. Like much of the area, there is essentially no cell coverage here. An area with wifi would be an excellent upgrade. I know, you’re camping, but sometimes you just need to do something, make a restaurant reservation, or check the weather.

    Update- I just found and read an article about the change of ownership. Showed a picture of a recreation room. Where the heck was that? In the building labeled “the Barn?” Which I thought was an actual barn and off limits. The dyrt says there is wifi, maybe it was there? Would have been nice to know about.

  • Elizabeth D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Dingman's Family Campground
    Sep. 30, 2024

    Dingman's Family Campground

    One of the nicest campgrounds!

    Absolutely loved this campground, sites are well spaced and the surrounding area is gorgeous! We had a tent site right on the river and couldn’t have been happier with our stay. Each site has a fire pit and a picnic table. Facilities were exceptionally clean and the camp store was stunning!

  • Jared W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Osa Trail
    Sep. 29, 2024

    Osa Trail

    Great family campsite!

    We had a great time staying here. It's a very beautiful campsite. There's lots of great hiking and activities in the area.

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Schodack Island State Park Campground
    Sep. 25, 2024

    Schodack Island State Park Campground

    Top Quality State Park

    Beautiful state park campground with all the amenities you expect, located on the Hudson River.

    The state did an excellent job designing sites with dense foliage as sound and site barriers creating good privacy for campers.

    Sites are all within 200 feet of the bathrooms. The bathrooms have good showers and were very clean during our stay. There is also a dishwasher sink and even bookshelves with books available to borrow.

    Our favorite feature was the day use and boat ramp on the Hudson River. We saw many larger boats (maybe smaĺl yachts?) during the day. The view from the boat ramp area was amazing. However, stay away if you see boat going by. The boat ramp dock turns into a death trap when a big wake from a boat hits the river bank!

  • Eleanor the Airstream R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Schodack Island State Park Campground
    Sep. 16, 2024

    Schodack Island State Park Campground

    Beautiful, spacious state park

    Wide spaces near the Hudson River are beautiful. Campgrounds are under renovation to clear some trees and improve facilities in what might be the best state park we’ve camped at. Lots of well marked trails with great views of the river (cannot be seen from campsites).

    Electric only on site but lots of spots to fill fresh water in campgrounds. Bathrooms are big and very clean.

    At&t one bar. Site was open enough that Starlink was great.

  • Jacob D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Fernwood Forest Campground
    Sep. 15, 2024

    Fernwood Forest Campground

    Great and Friendly

    This campground has a lot of amenities for what you pay. You can get a site with just water, or electric and water. Can do RV or tent. Warm showers and playground for kids with communal areas. Quiet and dark both nights and the staff is very friendly, the campground is in the family. Will definitely stay here again!

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Allaben Campground
    Sep. 2, 2024

    Allaben Campground

    Close to town, but private

    Park on side of road, campfire located down slope. Very little traffic. Felt safe.

  • YThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Duck Pond Campsite
    Sep. 2, 2024

    Duck Pond Campsite

    Open quite campsites

    After driving unpaved dirt road for a while, we arrived a surprisingly well maintained beautiful campsites. The pond is small so the mosquitos were not too bad. So few people passed by and very unknown quite and we just loved the experience. Just be careful driving in the sometimes rough conditions.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hide-A-Way Campsites
    Aug. 30, 2024

    Hide-A-Way Campsites

    Quite suprise

    This is a small campground but very quiet and nice. The people that run it are very nice and accommodating. Would highly recommend it.

  • Cynthia K.
    Camper-submitted photo from North-South Lake Campground
    Aug. 29, 2024

    North-South Lake Campground

    New York

    We were on a 5 state East Coast camping trip. Our first campground was in New York Aug 8th. Unfortunately, Debbie was socking New York hard. North South Lake Campground in the Catskills was our camping home. Thursday & Friday it was Neverending rain & wind. Saturday was the nice day.

    North South Lake has no electricity. The sites are almost all beautiful, tucked in under shady trees. Not a good way to try out our solar panel! Some are by a stream. A few are by the lake. This is a tent campers paradise. New York tent campers are hard core camping during Tropical Storm Debbie!

     There are 7 loops. We were in loop 2. Site 85. There are some sites with an incline down to the site. That might give some rvs trouble. It did for us & I had to be driven out of the campground to call 911. Thank you Mary!! It all ended well & we got a different site.

     There are bears that visit the campground & one came one of the nights & visited our camping neighbor's site. They showed us a picture- it was a large black bear. 

    Generators are allowed for 5 hours & they tell you when you can use them. 

    The bathrooms/showers are state park clean- which means not very.

     There is NO cell service & just forget about WiFi. You are unplugged.

    This is a hiking park & for this middle aged overweight flatlander they are pretty strenuous. Kaaterskill Falls is an exception - short, easy trail, but the parking fills up quickly. Then they close it! You'll have to take a shuttle to get in.

    The trail to the Mountain House Site is also pretty easy, with more of an incline.

    There's 2 nice lakes with beaches. 

    The Catskills are very scenic& we enjoyed our time there!

  • Drew H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Allaben Campground
    Aug. 27, 2024

    Allaben Campground

    Nothing too special but got the job done

    A great free spot for dispersed camping tucked right off the road. Had a fire pit and picnic table

  • Sue O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from A Tiny House Resort
    Aug. 20, 2024

    A Tiny House Resort

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  • Michael G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Mongaup Pond
    Aug. 18, 2024

    Mongaup Pond

    Great Catskill Campgroud

    Really enjoyed our 2nd stay at Mongaup and will return. Good, private sites and a great pond. Facilities were clean and staff was very helpful and friendly.

  • SomadNomad M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from October Mountain State Forest
    Aug. 17, 2024

    October Mountain State Forest

    WHAT!?

    First off no same day reservations or walk ups allowed, second it yells you that the fee is $17.50 per site, I expected a little added extra fee for booking etc.... check out was $58.50 per night. I would have if they weren't so manipulative about it.



Guide to Palenville

Camping near Palenville, New York, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're a tent camper or an RVer, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from that cater to different needs and preferences.

What to do

  • Hiking: The area is known for its scenic trails. Many campers enjoy the nearby hiking options, like Kaaterskill Falls, which is described as "short, easy trail" but can get crowded quickly.
  • Fishing: If you love fishing, the Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds has two private lakes and a river where you can cast your line. One reviewer mentioned, "You’ve got fishing either in 2 private lakes or you can fish in the river."
  • Kayaking and Canoeing: At Little Pond - DEC, you can rent kayaks and canoes. A visitor noted, "There’s a nice little loop trail around the lake," making it perfect for a day of paddling.

What campers like

  • Natural Beauty: Campers rave about the stunning views and peaceful surroundings. One camper at North-South Lake Campground said, "The Catskills are very scenic, and we enjoyed our time there!"
  • Privacy: Many sites offer a good amount of space between them. A reviewer at Clarence Fahnestock State Park mentioned, "Each of the campsites in our loop has a lot of foliage around it, creating privacy."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner have tons of activities for kids. One parent shared, "This place is so much fun. My whole family loved the activities."

What you should know

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A visitor at Woodland Valley Campground - DEC noted, "No cell service anywhere close, so you may be stuck driving around for a while looking for some."
  • Restroom Conditions: Some campgrounds have older facilities. A camper at Clarence Fahnestock State Park described the bathrooms as "very old and very clean," indicating they might not be the most modern.
  • Crowded on Weekends: If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting during the week. A camper at Woodland Valley Campground - DEC mentioned, "If you want a smidgen of privacy or quiet, go during the week."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids, like Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner, which has a water park and playgrounds. One reviewer said, "Kids were at the playground 8 am or before, and the noise woke us up."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring food and snacks, as some campgrounds don’t have markets nearby. A camper at North-South Lake Campground noted, "There is NO market."
  • Pack for Activities: Bring gear for fishing, hiking, or swimming. A visitor at Little Pond - DEC mentioned, "There are picnic tables and room to park at your site."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds said, "We were assured that it would fit. It did—technically."
  • Be Prepared for Tight Spaces: Some campgrounds have narrow roads. A reviewer at Taconic State Park mentioned, "Sites are a little close together for my liking."
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need amenities, check for campgrounds with full hookups. A camper at Mt. Greylock Campsite Park appreciated the "plenty of water pressure with grey water hookups."

Camping near Palenville, New York, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available near Palenville, NY?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Palenville, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 166 campgrounds and RV parks near Palenville, NY and 14 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Palenville, NY?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Palenville, NY is North-South Lake Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 43 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Palenville, NY?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 free dispersed camping spots near Palenville, NY.

  • What parks are near Palenville, NY?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 parks near Palenville, NY that allow camping, notably Northfield Brook Lake and Upper Delaware National Scenic and Recreation River.