The Catskill Mountains surrounding West Shokan sit at elevations ranging from 600 to over 3,000 feet, creating diverse microclimates across camping areas. Most camping spots near West Shokan, New York operate in a May to October season, with campground temperatures typically 5-10 degrees cooler than valley locations. Several campgrounds maintain hiking trailheads within their boundaries, providing direct access to wilderness areas.
What to do
Creek exploration: Woodland Valley Campground provides immediate access to Woodland Creek with shallow areas ideal for wading. "The mountain creek is like nature singing a lullaby - sleeping next to it was very relaxing," notes camper John N., who appreciated the natural soundtrack.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer pond or lake fishing without permits. At Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds, "the pond is fun to fish in," according to camper Kathy G., making it accessible for beginners or experienced anglers.
Radio-controlled track use: For campers with RC vehicles, Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds maintains a dedicated track. "The RC track is great for those who are into it," mentions Kathy G., providing an unusual recreation option not common at most campgrounds.
Star viewing: Giant Ledge Primitive Camp offers exceptional night sky viewing from its elevated position. "Yes you can star gaze by the views near the camp," states reviewer Ryan, noting the combination of altitude and distance from light pollution creates prime conditions.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Catskill/Kenneth L Wilson Campground, campers appreciate the natural buffers between camping areas. "Campsites are fairly close together with a variety of levels of privacy. Ours allowed you to be pretty far back from the road for more privacy," reports Katherine P.
Clean facilities: Catskill/Kenneth L Wilson Campground receives consistent praise for maintenance. "The showers are really clean and didn't see much campers using them," notes Phillip L., while another camper mentioned, "The ladies that run this campground are absolute queens and were so nice and helpful."
Water access: Multiple campers value proximity to streams or lakes. At The Peekamoose Valley, "The area was pretty big and we walked down the river to watch the sunset which was beautiful," according to Nora S., highlighting how water features enhance camping experiences.
Off-grid experience: Limited connectivity appeals to many visitors seeking disconnection. "No mobile signal, but that's the point, isn't it? You get to disconnect from it all for a while," mentions John N. at Woodland Valley Campground.
What you should know
Bear activity: Wildlife encounters require preparation throughout the region. At Devil's Tombstone Campground, "There are bears and if you leave food out you will get a warning notice if seen," explains Phillip L., underscoring the importance of proper food storage.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity is minimal or non-existent at most campgrounds. At Devil's Tombstone Campground, "There is NO cell service here. You have to drive about 5 minutes towards Hunter to get service," advises Sam L.
Bathroom facilities vary: Campgrounds offer different bathroom options. At The Peekamoose Valley, "There is 1 portapotty," notes Ali B., while Giant Ledge has none, requiring campers to follow backcountry waste disposal practices.
Campsite selection timing: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. At North-South Lake Campground, "Reserve very early for waterfront," suggests Rachel G., highlighting the need for advance planning.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. At Thousand Trails Rondout Valley, "This is a large family campground with tons of stuff to do," notes Katie B., mentioning the playground and recreation options.
Water activities: Kid-friendly water features rank high with families. At Jellystone Park Gardiner, "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," explains Amanda S.
Seasonal programming: Many campgrounds offer structured activities. Jellystone Park Gardiner "has a event just about every weekend with kid activity," according to Jennifer I., providing scheduled entertainment throughout the season.
Noise considerations: Family-oriented campgrounds may have higher activity levels. "Kids were at the playground 8 am or before and the noise woke us up. The kids were around until about 10:30 or so each night," reports Stephanie H. at Jellystone Park.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: RV campers should verify site specifications before booking. At Thousand Trails Rondout Valley, campers report varying site sizes with full hookup options but note that some "sites on top of each other" according to reviewer Denise S.
Leveling requirements: Terrain affects setup ease across the region. At Kenneth L. Wilson Campground, "Campsite is flat and packed dirt instead of gravel, which was great," reports Katherine P., noting this reduces the need for extensive leveling equipment.
Water/electric hookup access: Connection locations vary between campgrounds. At North-South Lake Campground, multiple reviewers note adequate space for parking but advise bringing extension cords and water hoses to reach connections that may be awkwardly positioned.
Dump station availability: Several campgrounds provide on-site dump stations, while others require off-site disposal. Thousand Trails Rondout Valley offers "a service to come to your rig to collect waste if you don't want to move it," according to Robert M., providing convenience for longer stays.
