Tent camping near Wurtsboro, New York sits at the intersection of the Catskill Mountains and Shawangunk Ridge regions, with elevations ranging from 400-1000 feet across various camping areas. The region receives moderate rainfall even in summer months, making waterproof tent gear essential for campers. Local tent sites often feature hemlock and pine forest cover, creating natural shade and windbreaks throughout the camping season.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: At The Peekamoose Valley, campers can access nearby Raymondskill Falls with a short 10-15 minute hike. According to one visitor, "If you paddle across the river from the site, it is only a 10-15 minute hike along the road on the Pennsylvania side of the river to reach Raymondskill Falls. A 'must-see' if your stopping here."
Climbing access: Tent sites at Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground serve as prime base camps for rock climbing activities. As one camper noted, "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."
Swimming in lakes: Sam Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground — Minnewaska State Park Preserve offers access to Lake Minnewaska, which one reviewer described as the "Most acidic lake in New York but completely safe." Another visitor added, "Good for skinny dipping and other fun things!"
What campers like
Riverside camping: The Peekamoose Valley campers appreciate the proximity to moving water. One camper noted, "The upper field spots have a little more flat area and were more secluded. The area was pretty big and we walked down the river to watch the sunset which was beautiful. At night, the only noise you'll hear is from the river and animals in the forest."
Dark skies: Tent camping on Namanock Island provides exceptional stargazing conditions. A regular visitor mentioned, "Once darkness falls the absence of light sources beyond your camp remind you that you are truly alone in the wilderness." Another camper added, "The island is situated in a way that once darkness falls there are no lights to be seen in either direction, up or down river."
Natural tent pads: Tent platforms at various sites offer more comfortable sleeping surfaces. At Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground, a camper highlighted, "The nicest, most level tent site you'll ever find. So easy to set up, and no worries whatsoever about roots or rocks." This feature makes the area particularly accommodating for tent campers with less setup experience.
What you should know
Bear activity: Proper food storage is essential at all campgrounds in the region. At Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed, one camper warned, "Bugs are relentless. Many climbers stay there for access to the gunks." Bear boxes at Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground are "1-10 feet away from tents in each campsite," requiring careful attention to food management.
Limited facilities at dispersed sites: Hemlock Ridge MUA offers minimal amenities. A reviewer explained, "This isn't a fancy campsite and has no amenities. There is a small (10 car) parking lot and a trail that runs thru 80 acres of forest. Camping is allowed anywhere 150ft from the trail. Normal LNT rules apply."
Seasonal site closures: The Peekamoose Valley occasionally has partial closures. A recent visitor noted, "Despite current info posted online and even at the Lower Field site, not all sites are open. Only the Lower Field site is open. We walked down the hill, across the bridge, and looked at a few sites in each direction."
Site spacing considerations: Tent campers should consider proximity to other sites. At Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground, a visitor observed, "Campsites are CLOSE together. I was relieved to be in a site we had to walk to, because having the car right there combined with other tents would have been a little claustrophobic."
Tips for camping with families
Dome camping: Moon Valley Campground offers unique structures for families not ready for traditional tenting. A visitor shared, "This was a great campsite nestled in the foothills of Northern NJ on the NY border. Small, clean with great views and great location for hiking, cruising etc. Bring your tent or use the existing glamping tents."
Swimming areas: Designated swim zones help keep children safe. Lake Frederick's facilities include "new docks around the swimming area create a safer swimming experience for even the most inexperienced swimmers, allowing them safe and obvious perimeters."
Bug management: Sites near water often have more insects. At The Peekamoose Valley, a camper advised, "11-15 are within 50 feet of a wet area, and the bugs in late May were pretty annoying. I'm guessing other sites would have been better, and our hikes were almost bug-less."
Bathroom access: Consider proximity to facilities when camping with children. Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground has "a 'comfort station' for the campsites farther from the main pavilion with bathrooms and big sinks for dish washing."
Tips from RVers
Access limitations: Many campgrounds near Wurtsboro restrict vehicle types. At Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground, "No big RVs" is listed as a positive feature by tent campers. This limitation helps maintain the primitive camping atmosphere but requires RVers to research carefully before arrival.
Parking constraints: Limited parking affects both tent and RV campers. At Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground, visitors noted "One parking space per site" as a limitation, while at Hemlock Ridge MUA, "The parking lot only holds about 4-5 cars, 6 if you park real tight."
Road conditions: Some access roads aren't suitable for larger vehicles. Regarding Port Jervis Elks Brox Hiker/Biker Campground, a visitor cautioned, "I would not drive an RV in here except maybe a small type trailer."
