Camping options within 30 miles of Westbrookville, New York range from primitive tent sites to full-service campgrounds with modern amenities. The region sits at elevations between 400-1,800 feet, creating temperature variations that can drop 10-15 degrees at higher elevations compared to valley campgrounds. Most campgrounds operate from April through October, though some spots like Neversink River Resort remain open year-round.
What to do
Tubing and rafting on the Delaware River: At Kittatinny Campground, water recreation forms the centerpiece of the camping experience. "My college friends go here each year to meet up and we have so much fun. The group sites are great and perfect for our 30-50 people. Definitely go for the rafting/tubing package, it was the best part of the trip!" says Maggie K. The campground offers package deals that include river activities.
Hiking to scenic viewpoints: Stokes State Forest provides access to 21 marked trails covering over 63 miles, including 12 miles of the Appalachian Trail. One camper recommends: "We spent two nights camping with my niece and this campground was perfect. The site was maybe a 50-yard walk-in and we barely heard anyone around us and had a real wilderness feel. We fit in a hike up to the Appalachian Trail from our campsite."
Wildlife viewing and fishing: The lakes and streams near Westbrookville attract diverse wildlife. "We spent most of early spring at Oakland Valley right on the river. Even though covid really forced a shutdown on activities, this one was of my kids favorite places of the year. They loved to fish and play in the river, explore the woods and ride bikes around," reports Katrina R. Early mornings and evenings offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
What campers like
River access campsites: Oakland Valley Campground offers prime spots along the water. "Nice, family friendly campground with 3 levels to camp at. Top level has a pool, showers and bathrooms with laundry area and game room. Middle level has open field with bathrooms with sinks and running water. River level has more primitive bathrooms and some bathrooms with running water. You can camp right next to the river and it has a great view," explains Jeanne-Marie P.
Quiet, wooded sites: Campers consistently rate Winding Hills Park highly for its secluded atmosphere. "We were there in late October, towards the end of the season, and there were only a few other campers there, and it was a weekend! So nice to have the whole place feel so quiet and desolate. No reservations taken other than for certain popular holidays. You just show up and pick a spot and the ranger will come around and collect fees," shares Laura M.
Tent platforms and improved sites: Several campgrounds in the area offer elevated tent platforms that keep campers dry. At Stokes State Forest, campers appreciate this feature: "Campsite was very spacious and had a platform where we were able to fit two tents. There was plenty of space on the site for more tents. Site came with bear proof bin for garbage and fire ring."
What you should know
Quiet hours enforcement varies significantly: Not all campgrounds maintain the same standards for noise control. "Busy campground no quiet time loud music till 3 in the morning. Very clean, workers very friendly and helpful but after dark no one around. If you looking for a peaceful campground not the place to go," reports Jim D. about Kittatinny Campground.
Bathroom and shower facilities differ widely: From primitive to modern, the area's campgrounds offer varying levels of bathroom comfort. At Neversink River Resort, a camper noted: "Very clean park. Lots of families. Tubing was fun. Bring bug spray." However, another camper at a different location mentioned: "It could benefit from some sprucing up. If I was passing through the area and needed a place to stay, I would stop here, but probably would not go back as a camping destination."
Cell service coverage: Signal strength varies dramatically by carrier and location. In some campgrounds, connectivity is nonexistent: "One thing to also consider is we had horrible cell service (we have sprint). Could not make calls or use internet at campgrounds or the park but did see others who were using cellphones...so if you have sprint don't plan on making calls."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Jellystone Park Gardiner specializes in entertaining younger campers. "This place is great for kids. It has a event just about every weekend with kid activity," reports Jennifer I. Another camper adds, "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. My older kids preferred a deeper pool but they still had a great time there they have lasertag which they enjoy. And a bounce pillow."
Animal interactions: Several campgrounds feature farm animals that children can observe or interact with. "The farm has goats, a donkey, and a pony within the campground. Very cool," shares one camper about Pleasant Acres Farm. These encounters provide educational opportunities for children to learn about animals.
Consider campsite location relative to amenities: At larger campgrounds, the distance between your site and facilities matters with children. One parent advised: "The office, playground, dog park, pool, laundry are located at the top of the hill. Camping spots are downhill, a good distance from the office and amenities." Planning for this distance can prevent long walks with tired children.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many RV sites in the region require significant leveling. At High Point State Park Campground, one RVer noted: "So, we got in with no reservation, which was great. It's in the same park as the high point, also great. The sites are varied, some have tent platforms, it's just off the AT, but we have a trailer and the 'trailer' sites aren't level. Showers are at the day use area, from 10-5:30, no trailer dump."
Limited hookup options: Many campgrounds offer partial hookups only. "We were just there for the weekend to sit around the fire and catch up with friends. They had the bounce pillow and a small pool. It could benefit from some sprucing up. If I was passing through the area and needed a place to stay, I would stop here, but probably would not go back as a camping destination," advised an RVer about availability and quality of services.
Year-round accessibility: For those camping outside peak season, Tri-State RV Park remains open through winter. "Open during the winter. Easy on, easy off. Lots of pull through sites. Next to grocery store. CLEAN bathrooms, showers, laundry. Super nice owners. Perfect for an overnight stop," reports one winter camper.
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