Best Tent Camping near West Shokan, NY

The Catskill Mountains surrounding West Shokan, New York offer diverse tent camping options ranging from primitive backcountry sites to established campgrounds with basic amenities. Giant Ledge Primitive Camp provides hike-in tent sites with spectacular mountain views, while The Peekamoose Valley features walk-in tent camping across three wooded areas (upper, middle, and lower fields) along Rondout Creek. Alder Lake offers both drive-in and walk-in tent sites with access to hiking trails and water recreation. Echo Lake provides tent sites around the perimeter of the lake with a lean-to option for backpackers. Most tent-only areas are within 30 minutes of West Shokan, making them accessible for weekend camping trips while still providing a sense of remoteness.

Tent campsites in this region typically feature basic amenities with varying access requirements. Most primitive tent camping areas include fire rings but limited other facilities. According to campers, Peekamoose Valley sites require walking 200+ feet from parking areas to reach campsites, so visitors should be prepared to carry all gear. The terrain at most sites is soft ground suitable for tent stakes, though some areas can become swampy near water. Portable toilets or pit toilets are available at some locations, but drinking water is rarely provided. Bear activity is common throughout the region, with campers at Giant Ledge noting "definite signs of them" and recommending bear bells and proper food storage. Ticks are also prevalent, particularly at Peekamoose Valley, where one camper dubbed it "Tic-a-Moose."

Walk-in tent sites offer greater seclusion than drive-up options. One visitor to Alder Lake reported, "The campsites are very spacious with lots of room between you and other campers, and have a fire pit and some have picnic tables." At Peekamoose Valley, a camper noted, "On a Wednesday night in early September I had the whole campground to myself." Sites along water features tend to be more popular, with riverside locations at Peekamoose offering "good water access" and "plenty of privacy between spots." Weekday camping generally provides more solitude, while summer weekends can become crowded at more accessible locations. Most backcountry tent camping areas follow Leave No Trace principles, requiring visitors to pack out all trash and properly store food away from wildlife.

Best Tent Sites Near West Shokan, New York (41)

    1. Giant Ledge Primitive Camp

    6 Reviews
    Big Indian, NY
    8 miles

    "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."

    2. The Peekamoose Valley

    6 Reviews
    Claryville, NY
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 256-3076

    "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)."

    3. Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground

    8 Reviews
    Accord, NY
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 951-4571

    "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."

    4. Slide Mountain Wilderness Roadside Campsite

    1 Review
    Big Indian, NY
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 256-3000

    "There are two primitive campsites at this location. The small parking area can accommodate several cars. One site is to the left, one to the right."

    5. Upper Esopus Creekside Camp

    1 Review
    Big Indian, NY
    11 miles
    +1 (917) 577-8780

    $130 / night

    6. Echo Lake

    2 Reviews
    Woodstock, NY
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 652-7365

    "This campground was my first backpacking trip and it was perfect! "

    "Lake is surrounded by hills and there is a small lean two with a few campfire spots."

    7. Alder lake

    7 Reviews
    Margaretville, NY
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 256-3076

    "We arrived here early afternoon, which ended up being perfect timing as we could set up everything and catch sunset by the fire."

    "There are several beautiful, secluded hike-in sites along the lake which I would love to return to someday. The hike around the lake is a lovely, easy walk."

    8. Sam Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground — Minnewaska State Park Preserve

    3 Reviews
    Gardiner, NY
    17 miles
    Website

    $20 - $42 / night

    "Most acidic lake in New York but completely safe."

    "It’s got good access to Lake Minnewaska (driving), staff was nice and polite. But I thought the sites were on the smaller side and no fire is allowed."

    9. Creek View Campground

    2 Reviews
    High Falls, NY
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 658-9142

    $15 - $45 / night

    10. Peekamoose Blue Hole Campground

    Be the first to review!
    Claryville, NY
    8 miles
    +1 (845) 256-3076

    $3 / night

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Showing results 1-10 of 41 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near West Shokan, NY

590 Reviews of 41 West Shokan Campgrounds



Guide to West Shokan

Tent camping near West Shokan, New York, offers a variety of scenic spots perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature.

Tent campers should check out Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground

  • This campground features well-maintained sites with picnic tables and firewood available, making it ideal for a cozy camping experience. Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground is also pet-friendly, allowing you to bring your furry friends along for the adventure.
  • Located close to excellent rock climbing areas, this campground is a favorite among climbers and hikers alike, providing easy access to the stunning Shawangunk Ridge.
  • With amenities like drinking water and clean toilets, you can enjoy the great outdoors without sacrificing comfort.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Enjoy hiking and exploring the breathtaking trails at Lake Minnewaska Picnic Area, where you can take in the stunning views of the lake and surrounding landscapes.
  • For a more primitive experience, The Peekamoose Valley offers a tranquil setting by the river, perfect for fishing and relaxing in nature.
  • If you're up for a challenge, the hike to Giant Ledge Primitive Camp rewards you with breathtaking views and a sense of accomplishment.

Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $30

  • Many campgrounds, like Alder Lake, offer free camping options, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious campers.
  • For those looking for a more developed experience, Yogi Bears Jellystone Park Camp-Resort at Lazy River provides family-friendly amenities at a reasonable price, typically around $30 per night.
  • Primitive sites at Giant Ledge Primitive Camp are free, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the Catskills without breaking the bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near West Shokan, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near West Shokan, NY is Giant Ledge Primitive Camp with a 4.8-star rating from 6 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near West Shokan, NY?

TheDyrt.com has all 41 tent camping locations near West Shokan, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.