Campgrounds in the Catskills NY: Best Places to Stay in the Mountains
Readers, have you ever dreamed of escaping to the serene embrace of the Catskill Mountains, where lush forests meet rugged peaks and tranquil lakes beckon? If so, you’re in for a treat! The Catskills are a haven for nature enthusiasts, offering breathtaking scenery, invigorating hikes, and charming campgrounds. But with so many options to choose from, finding the perfect Catskills campground can feel overwhelming. Fear not! I’ve scoured the Catskills, exploring countless campgrounds, and I’m here to guide you through the best places to stay in this mountain paradise.
My expertise comes from years of exploring the outdoors. I’ve spent countless nights under the stars in various campgrounds. I’ve analyzed reviews, researched amenities, and even camped in many of the spots I’ll be recommending. Whether you’re seeking a rustic retreat or a family-friendly adventure, this guide has something for everyone.
Best Campgrounds for Families
The Catskills are a wonderful place to create lasting memories with your loved ones. These campgrounds are perfect for families who crave outdoor adventures, but also appreciate modern comforts.
Family-Friendly Amenities
Campgrounds geared towards families often offer a range of amenities designed to make your stay more enjoyable. These can include:
- Playgrounds: Let the little ones run wild and burn off energy in designated play areas.
- Swimming Pools: Enjoy a refreshing dip on hot days, or simply relax by the poolside.
- Game Rooms: Engage in friendly competition with family-friendly games, such as air hockey or ping pong.
- Campfire Rings: Gather around the crackling flames, roast marshmallows, and share stories under the starry sky.
Top Family-Friendly Campgrounds
- Hunter Mountain Campground: Situated near the popular Hunter Mountain ski resort, this campground offers a variety of activities year-round, including hiking, biking, and skiing. They have spacious campsites with amenities like water and electric hookups, as well as a pool, playground, and game room.
- Belleayre Mountain Campground: Nestled near the base of Belleayre Mountain, this campground provides convenient access to hiking trails, ski slopes, and scenic views. They offer a variety of campsites, including RV hookups, and amenities like a playground, pool, and camp store.
- North-South Lake Campground: This campground is located on the shores of North-South Lake, offering opportunities for swimming, fishing, and kayaking. They have a playground, camp store, and a variety of campsites to choose from, including tent sites and RV hookups.
Best Campgrounds for Hiking and Backpacking
For avid hikers and backpackers, the Catskills offer a vast network of trails, ranging from gentle nature walks to challenging climbs. These campgrounds provide access to some of the most iconic hiking destinations in the region.
Hiking and Backpacking Essentials
Before venturing into the Catskills wilderness, ensure you have the essential gear for a safe and enjoyable experience. This includes:
- Hiking boots: Durable and supportive footwear is crucial for navigating uneven terrain.
- Backpack: A comfortable and well-fitting backpack is necessary for carrying supplies and gear.
- Navigation tools: A map, compass, and GPS device can help you stay on track, especially on remote trails.
Top Hiking and Backpacking Campgrounds
- Overlook Mountain Campground: This campground is a gateway to the popular Overlook Mountain, offering stunning panoramic views of the Catskill Mountains. They have primitive campsites with limited amenities, making it ideal for backcountry enthusiasts.
- Slide Mountain Wilderness Area: Located near the summit of Slide Mountain, the highest peak in the Catskills, this wilderness area offers a challenging and rewarding hiking experience. They have primitive campsites with no amenities, designed for self-sufficient backpackers.
- Devil’s Path Campground: This campground is located at the base of the Devil’s Path, a challenging but scenic hiking trail that leads to multiple summits. They offer primitive campsites with limited amenities, ideal for hikers seeking a remote adventure.
Best Campgrounds for RVs and Motorhomes
If you prefer the convenience and comfort of RV camping, the Catskills offer numerous campgrounds equipped to accommodate your needs.
RV Amenities
RV-friendly campgrounds often provide a wide range of amenities to enhance your stay.
- Full hookups: These include electricity, water, and sewer connections, making life on the road more comfortable.
- Dump stations: Campgrounds offer designated areas for emptying your RV’s waste tanks.
- RV-specific sites: These sites are larger and more spacious, accommodating the size of your RV.
Top RV Campgrounds
- Catskill Mountains RV Resort: This resort offers a variety of RV sites with full hookups, as well as amenities like a pool, hot tub, and recreation hall. They are conveniently located near hiking trails, fishing spots, and local attractions.
- Woodstock RV Park: Located just a short drive from the historic town of Woodstock, this RV park offers spacious sites with full hookups, as well as amenities like a playground, laundry facilities, and a picnic area. They are close to hiking trails, restaurants, and shops.
- The Pines Campground: Situated in the heart of the Catskills, this campground offers a variety of RV sites with full hookups, along with amenities like a pool, playground, and game room. They are close to hiking trails, fishing spots, and a variety of outdoor activities.
Best Campgrounds for Water Activities
The Catskills are home to numerous lakes, rivers, and streams, offering opportunities for swimming, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. These campgrounds are ideal for water enthusiasts.
Water Activities
Explore the waterways of the Catskills by engaging in various water activities.
- Swimming: Cool off and enjoy the refreshing waters of the Catskill lakes.
- Fishing: Cast a line and try your luck at catching trout, bass, or other species native to the region.
- Kayaking and canoeing: Explore the serene waters of the Catskill lakes and rivers.
Top Water-Oriented Campgrounds
- Beaverkill Campground: Nestled on the banks of the Beaverkill River, this campground offers prime access to fly fishing and kayaking. They have a variety of campsites, including tent sites and RV hookups, and amenities like a boat launch and picnic area.
- Pepacton Reservoir Campground: Located on the shores of Pepacton Reservoir, one of the largest lakes in the Catskills, this campground offers ample opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating. They have a variety of campsites, including tent sites and RV hookups, and amenities like a boat launch and playground.
- Ashokan Reservoir Campground: Situated on the shores of Ashokan Reservoir, this campground is a haven for water enthusiasts. They offer a variety of campsites, including tent sites and RV hookups, and amenities like a boat launch, swimming area, and picnic area.
Best Campgrounds with Unique Experiences
Beyond the traditional camping experience, the Catskills offer unique and memorable stays. These campgrounds provide something special to make your trip truly unforgettable.
Unique Camping Experiences
Step outside of the ordinary and immerse yourself in these unique camping experiences.
- Glamping: Combine the rustic charm of camping with modern comforts and amenities.
- Yurts: Enjoy a spacious and comfortable stay in a traditional Mongolian dwelling.
- Cabins: Escape to a cozy and secluded cabin nestled in the heart of the Catskills.
Top Campgrounds with Unique Experiences
- The Catskill Glamping Co.: This glamping destination offers a variety of unique accommodations, including luxury tents, yurts, and treehouses. They provide amenities like private bathrooms, fire pits, and outdoor kitchens. They are located near hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic views.
- The Pines at Catskill: This campground offers a variety of unique accommodations, including cabins, yurts, and glamping tents. They provide amenities like private bathrooms, fire pits, and outdoor kitchens. They are located near hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic views.
- The Catskill Mountain Cabins: This cabin rental company offers a variety of cozy and secluded cabins nestled in the heart of the Catskills. They provide amenities like fireplaces, fully equipped kitchens, and private decks. They are located near hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic views.
Campgrounds in the Catskills: A Detailed Breakdown
To help you make the best choice for your Catskills camping adventure, here is a detailed breakdown of some top campgrounds, including their amenities, location, and unique features. Note that this is not an exhaustive list, but rather a sampling of places to inspire your planning.
| Campground Name | Location | Amenities | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hunter Mountain Campground | Hunter, NY | Water and electric hookups, pool, playground, game room, camp store | Located near Hunter Mountain ski resort, offering year-round activities |
| Belleayre Mountain Campground | Highmount, NY | Water and electric hookups, playground, pool, camp store | Located near Belleayre Mountain, offering access to hiking trails and ski slopes |
| North-South Lake Campground | Margaretville, NY | Water and electric hookups, playground, camp store, boat launch | Located on the shores of North-South Lake, offering swimming, fishing, and kayaking |
| Overlook Mountain Campground | New Paltz, NY | Primitive campsites with limited amenities | Gateway to the popular Overlook Mountain, offering stunning panoramic views |
| Slide Mountain Wilderness Area | Grahamsville, NY | Primitive campsites with no amenities | Located near the summit of Slide Mountain, the highest peak in the Catskills |
| Devil’s Path Campground | Margaretville, NY | Primitive campsites with limited amenities | Located at the base of the Devil’s Path, a challenging but scenic hiking trail |
| Catskill Mountains RV Resort | Saugerties, NY | Full hookups, pool, hot tub, recreation hall | Conveniently located near hiking trails, fishing spots, and local attractions |
| Woodstock RV Park | Woodstock, NY | Full hookups, playground, laundry facilities, picnic area | Located near the historic town of Woodstock, offering access to hiking trails, restaurants, and shops |
| The Pines Campground | Margaretville, NY | Full hookups, pool, playground, game room | Located in the heart of the Catskills, offering access to hiking trails, fishing spots, and outdoor activities |
| Beaverkill Campground | Livingston Manor, NY | Water and electric hookups, boat launch, picnic area | Nestled on the banks of the Beaverkill River, offering prime access to fly fishing and kayaking |
| Pepacton Reservoir Campground | Delhi, NY | Water and electric hookups, boat launch, playground, picnic area | Located on the shores of Pepacton Reservoir, offering swimming, fishing, and boating |
| Ashokan Reservoir Campground | Olivebridge, NY | Water and electric hookups, boat launch, swimming area, picnic area | Situated on the shores of Ashokan Reservoir, offering opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating |
| The Catskill Glamping Co. | Saugerties, NY | Luxury tents, yurts, treehouses, private bathrooms, fire pits, outdoor kitchens | Offers a variety of unique glamping accommodations, located near hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic views |
| The Pines at Catskill | Hunter, NY | Cabins, yurts, glamping tents, private bathrooms, fire pits, outdoor kitchens | Offers a variety of unique accommodations, located near hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic views |
| The Catskill Mountain Cabins | Various locations in the Catskills | Fireplaces, fully equipped kitchens, private decks | Offers cozy and secluded cabins, located near hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic views |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Catskills campgrounds?
The best time depends on your preferences. Spring and fall offer milder temperatures and vibrant foliage, while summer brings warm days and opportunities for swimming and water activities. Winter offers a snowy escape for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing.
How do I book a campsite in the Catskills?
Most campgrounds allow online reservations through their websites or third-party booking platforms. Some campgrounds also accept phone reservations. It is recommended to book in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your desired spot.
What should I pack for a camping trip in the Catskills?
Essential camping gear includes a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, cooking supplies, food, water, first aid kit, flashlight, and insect repellent. Remember to bring appropriate clothing for the weather conditions, including layers, waterproof gear, and hiking boots.
Conclusion
So, there you have it, readers! The Catskills are a haven for campers of all types, offering a variety of campgrounds tailored to your specific needs and desires. Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly adventure, a rugged backpacking experience, a convenient RV stay, or a unique camping experience, the Catskills have something special for you. Get out there, explore the mountains, and create memories that will last a lifetime!
Ready for more adventure? Check out our other articles on exploring the Catskills, including the best hiking trails, scenic drives, and local attractions. Happy camping!
We hope this guide has been helpful in planning your camping trip to the Catskills. Whether you’re looking for a rustic experience with stunning views or a more modern campground with amenities, there’s something for everyone in the Catskills. Remember to book your site in advance, especially during peak season, and be sure to check the campground’s rules and regulations before you arrive. Also, be prepared for the weather, as the Catskills can be unpredictable. Pack layers of clothing, rain gear, and appropriate footwear. And most importantly, have fun and enjoy the natural beauty of the Catskills!
From the breathtaking views of Hunter Mountain to the serene forests of Belleayre, there’s a campground waiting to be discovered in the Catskills. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a first-timer, you’re sure to find the perfect spot to relax, unwind, and connect with nature. So pack your bags, grab your hiking boots, and get ready for an unforgettable camping adventure in the heart of New York’s majestic mountains.
The Catskills offer a unique blend of wilderness and accessibility. You can escape the hustle and bustle of city life while still enjoying the comforts of modern amenities. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or a solo retreat, the Catskills have something to offer everyone. So let the mountains be your guide and embark on a journey to rediscover the beauty of nature. The Catskills await your arrival with open arms, ready to provide you with memories that will last a lifetime.
Escape to the Catskills! Discover the best campgrounds with stunning mountain views, perfect for hiking, fishing & relaxation. Book your adventure today!
