Camping options near Wurtsboro, New York extend across three counties, with elevations ranging from 400 to 1,800 feet above sea level. Sites within this 30-mile radius experience wide temperature variations, with evening temperatures typically 15-20 degrees cooler than daytime highs during summer months. Several campgrounds remain open well into October, allowing visitors to experience the region's fall foliage season.
What to do
Tubing and rafting on the Delaware River: At Kittatinny Campground, river activities serve as the main attraction. "The most beautiful campsite ever. Don't cheap out. Get the tubing package as well," recommends one visitor, noting the water activities enhance the overall experience.
Fishing in stocked waterways: Winding Hills Park offers multiple fishing spots with easy access. "There is a large lake to kayak and fish in... The lake is a nice size and has a trail so you walk the entire length with benches around a good portion to sit and/or fish. There is a nice sized pond at the park to fish which also has benches around it," notes a camper. Remember that fishing licenses are required and rangers regularly check for compliance.
Kid-focused entertainment: Jellystone Park Gardiner schedules regular activities for families. "This campground is great for kids. It has a event just about every weekend with kid activity," explains one reviewer. Another visitor 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."
Hiking accessible trails: High Point State Park Campground connects directly to the Appalachian Trail and offers varied terrain. A camper notes, "I 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."
What campers like
Private waterfront sites: Oakland Valley Campground features campsites along the Neversink River. "Our location was by the river and did not disappoint," writes one camper. Another noted, "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."
First-come, first-served options: Winding Hills Park operates without reservations most of the time. "Reservations are needed only for major holidays during camping season; Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day. Must book the entire holiday weekend 3 days ($90 for non electric sites add $5 each day for electric). When not going on a holiday it is first come first serve spots which is good if you just need to spend one night here," explains a regular visitor.
Hot showers and clean facilities: Winding Hills Park maintains well-kept bathroom buildings. "Clean bath house, hot showers in a quiet and wooded campground. We slept like rocks! Showers are free and hot and clean, water runs continuously (no button to push), and you can adjust the temperature," shares a camper.
Distinct camping zones: Oakland Valley Campground offers different camping experiences based on elevation. A regular visitor explains, "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. There is water and electric on the sites at the middle level. River level has more primitive bathrooms and some bathrooms with running water."
What you should know
Quiet time enforcement varies: Campgrounds have different approaches to noise management. At Kittatinny Campground, "There is no structure an everyone is literally on top of one another... The workers don't know anything an are very rude," reports one frustrated visitor. Another states, "Loud music blasting until 1-2am (ie: reggaeton being blasted by loud car speakers) and it picks back up by 9-10am."
Water quality considerations: Some locations have distinct water characteristics. "The water smells a little like sulfur, so you may want to bring your own," advises a visitor to Winding Hills Park.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity is spotty throughout the region. At Winding Hills Park, a camper notes, "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."
Campsite selection matters: Korns Campgrounds offers varied site layouts. "We used to go here all the time. This season there are people living in RV's in the tent camping area for the full season. That's no problem, but their outside light decorations really are. The last time we were there, it was so bright at night from the lighting decorations that we didn't need a flashlight to get around," cautions a regular visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Research age-appropriate activities: Jellystone Park Gardiner caters specifically to children with organized events. "This place is great for kids or diverse groups that all want to do different things. It's very family themed and fun for everyone. However, it can end up being as crowded as an amusement park depending on when you go," cautions one visitor.
Reserve riverside sites early: Oakland Valley's waterfront sites are most popular for families. "We were a party of 8 so we needed 2 sites, the first sites we booked were horrible - so so tiny (E11 & E12) and right on a swampy pond where the grass is growing into the water so it was hard to see where the water line was. We had kids, so we needed to move our sites," explains a visitor to Neversink River Resort.
Consider weekday visits: Neversink River Resort sees higher weekend occupancy. "We went with a few families and had a nice time. It is very basic and that worked for us. We were just there for the weekend to sit around the fire and catch up with friends," shares a visitor, indicating quieter conditions during non-peak times.
Check facility hours: High Point State Park has specific shower availability times. "Showers are at the day use area, from 10-5:30," notes a visitor, important information for families planning their daily routines.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Several campgrounds have uneven terrain. At Neversink River Resort, "Our spot backed up to the river, which was great, but we had to try 2 different spots bc some of them are VERY un level," reports one RVer.
Hookup limitations: Winding Hills Park offers electric but not full service. "There are water spigots around the grounds and attached to the bathroom facilities. But no actual sites with water hookups for RVs," explains a camper, noting that water access requires portable containers.
Size restrictions apply: Boulder Point Campground accommodates only smaller RVs. The campground offers spaces "for you to setup your tent, camper, van, or RV (only small tow behinds or popups, no large RVs)," according to staff information.
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds in the region operate from May through October. "We were there at the end of 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," notes a visitor to Winding Hills Park, identifying late season as optimal for those seeking solitude.
