Best Camping in and near Catskill State Park

97% (77 reviews)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Catskill State Park adventure.

Escape the hustle of NYC with a retreat to the expansive Catskills.

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Top-rated campgrounds near Catskill State Park

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Sacred Waterfall & Quiet Camping

46 sites · Lodging25 acres · NY

NOTE: THIS IS A QUIET CAMPING AREA for reconnecting with nature. Not suitable for parties or loud groups. Kahonrakén:ra, The White Spiral Waterfall, is a world unto itself. For generations, the majestic waterfall has been revered for its spectacular beauty and power. It is considered a sacred site that has been central to local land rematriation work with the Kanienkeha:ka, also known as the Mohawks, the original inhabitants of Ioskóhare, the Schoharie Valley. Coursing between two outcroppings in a deep ravine, Kahonrakén:ra Waterfall crashes down over mossy rock shelves into a hidden pool, which then empties again into the river, running into emerald swimming holes and through dramatic clay beds. The effect is transporting. Truly, it is one of those extraordinarily beautiful spots on earth that makes you feel like you are in another world. There are two tiny cabins on the property. They are both accessed by separate footpaths through the forest, below an old red barn, surrounded by ash and walnut trees, singing birds, deer, wildflowers, and wild medicines. One cabin is in the forest, just beyond a grass circle clearing. The other is down the hill through a wildflower grove. Both sites have extra space to set up a tent if needed. The Forest Cabin is insulated with hemp, has electric lights and outlets, is bigger inside with a work desk, has Anderson crank out windows, has a bigger deck, and has two twin mattresses under the bed if you need them. The Wildflower Cabin is a bit deeper in the forest, a little smaller, uninsulated with two walls of old-school wood-pane windows that open out to the forest completely, one twin mattress under the bed and a powerstrip for light electric use. Both sites have private fire pits, solar shower stalls, fans for cooling and an oil filled electric heater for chilly nights. We do not allow partying. There is a profound healing process happening at the waterfall. At the request of the original caretakers, we ask that you to respect the sacredness of this land. Thank you! It's about a 10 minute hike down the gorge to the waterfall from the campsites. Each campsite has a private path down to the waterfall, where you can spend the day swimming, exploring the clay beds and looking for fossils in the 280 million year old gorge. In the evening, make a campfire at your fire pit and fall asleep under the stars listening to the waterfall and the river below. Be aware that the hike is steep and appropriate footwear is required. All hiking is at your own risk. Although your path to the waterfall is private and the waterfall is on private property, there may be other guests or locals that access the waterfall further down the road. There is no glass or alcohol allowed at the falls. Please be aware that you may hear your camping neighbors in the woods. For this reason, we ask that you don’t play amplified music and to keep noise down after 10pm so that your camping and local neighbors can chillax and enjoy the evening sounds of frogs, crickets, owls, and night songs of the countryside that makes Schoharie so special. In the big red barn at the entrance to the campsites there is a community room with a charging station, cold water sink, mini fridge, coffee maker, grills, and a port-a-potty for your use. There are also 5 gallon solar shower bags that you can use at your campsite. You are responsible for filling them and putting them in the sun to heat the water. :) This is a leave no trace campsite. Please take all your trash with you when you leave. And please bring your own biodegradable soap for dishes and toilet paper for the port-a-potty! Firewood is available onsite for $1 per log. Instructions for payment are in the community room next to the red silo at the barn. The wood is stacked at next to the red shed just uphill from the barn. You can also buy your own fire wood en route. We recommend that you buy kindling at the gas station on your way in. The Schoharie Valley is said to be the most fertile valley east of the Mississippi. It is still wild, unspoiled country and there are many local farms with fresh produce and organic meat within 5 miles of the house. There are several farm stands and a general store a few miles away, Scrumpy Ewe Cidery, Panther Creek Arts, and the Sap Bush Country Store and Café just up the hill in West Fulton. Mustang Valley, a wild mustang sanctuary and rescue center, is just down the road. Nearby hikes include Looking Glass Pond and Vroman's Nose, among many others.

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Queen's Cabin

1 site · Lodging5 acres · Kerhonkson, NY

Dog Friendly and Fully Fenced!! This rustic 600 square-foot cabin with a semi-private bedroom and a fold-out couch can comfortably sleep up to 4 adults. The bathroom and kitchen both have modern amenities. There's a wood stove but also electric heat and AC and hot water. Huge sliding glass doors open up to a wrap-around porch. No TV, but Wifi. It sits on 5 wooded acres and nearly a full acre of cleared land is fenced, making it safe for dogs to run off leash. The house sits within the fenced in acre so you can conveniently open the doors and let your dogs run free. There is one visible house across the street from the front of the cabin but it feels very private in the back of the house. There is a firepit. There are two outbuildings onsite that are not available for rent at this time. The cabin is 20 mins from Minnewaska State Park and Mohonk Mountain House, and 35 mins from Kingston, New Paltz, Gardiner, Phonecia and Woodstock. Local restaurants of note include Mill and Main, Roughcut Brewing, Westwind Orchard, Arrowood Farms, and Harana. We live in the chalet next door where we offer small group fitness classes most days of the week. Ask us for more info if you're interested.

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Hudson Getaways @ Leeds, NY

2 sites · Lodging8 acres · Catskill, NY

Two hours from NYC, close to skiing (hunter mountain/ Windham , Kaaterskill falls, Woodstock, Hudson, Saugerties. Book us and make Hudson Getaways your base station for all kinds of adventures. FAQ Is my rental secluded? Our property is 8 acres, exactly the same as seven football fields. From your private deck and the big window, you will not see any other houses as far as eyes can see. We added fence panels to make it even more private. We have attached a satellite picture of the property to give you a better idea. As required by zoning law, there is a larger cabin on the property. But it is far enough and visually isolated enough that you won't feel it's presence (at least from the feedback we got from other guests.) We are located in a rural hamlet and a mile down the road there is a tiny town with two cafes , two bars and two restaurants. But your place is one New York block distance away from the street towards tree filled uninhabited area, adding to the sense of seclusion. I have never been in a tiny house, what can I expect? The "tiny house nation" style tiny houses are around 144 to 250 sqft, ours is 144 sqft. So,we are on the "smaller" side. Our guests have commented that its actually does not feel cramped. You will have heating, AC, hot shower, flushing toilet, kitchenette for basic cooking, small fridge, queen bed etc. You also have a private deck and a private outdoor fireplace to make S'mores and to grill. Are pets allowed? We just require that they should never be left alone and peace pick up after them. Our cleaning company charges a pet fee. If you forgot to pay it or decided to bring a pet last minute, please leave the amount as a tip to the cleaners. That way the cleaners get to keep the money and then they won't report the pet to the cleaning company. This also saves us the hassle of going back and forth with the cleaning company, reviewing the camera footage and ultimately paying it out of our own pockets. Also, please keep in mind that the house is really small at 144 sqft which may be too cramped for some large dogs. I work from home, how is the WiFi? We have had multiple guests who worked from home during the pandemic. Our provider is spectrum (the monopoly in the area). Luckily, outages are very rare and get fixed promptly (you may have to restart the router). Speed is always good for multiple simultaneous video calls and movie streaming. Do you provide firewood? Not yet! You do not need firewood to heat the house. If you want to use the outdoor fireplace, look for 'Campwood' signs and buy from our neighbors.(Also @ Walmart, Stewart gas stations etc.) What about Towels-Soap-Linens-Hot water? Is there heating/cooling? Can we cook? Yes! Yes! Yes! and Yes!. Think of all the amenities a hotel provides plus a tiny kitchen. Hot plate, refrigerator, electric kettle, drip coffee, plates, cutlery - we have all that we could cram into the tiny space. Our guests use the outdoor fireplace for BBQ and smores! Can I check in early? or Check out late? No and Yes. Due to the super strict covid19 cleaning process, we can no longer offer early check in. However, we can offer late checkout up to an hour. Please inform us in advance so that the cleaning crew can adjust accordingly.

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Hudson Getaways @ Palenville

2 sites · Lodging13 acres · Palenville, NY

Its a small 1.3 acre property in the middle of a hamlet called Palenville. It is not as secluded as our second property at Leeds but still offers peace and quiet.

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Freedom Farm Homestead Campground

25 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents12 acres · New Milford, CT

Welcome to Freedom Farm Homestead Campground! Nestled on 12 acres of picturesque landscapes, including open fields, tranquil trails, and a rejuvenating creek, our campground is a serene oasis. Immerse yourself in nature and reconnect with your spirit as you explore our grounds. We offer the perfect setting for spiritual renewal and self-reflection. Whether you prefer to pitch your own tent under the starlit sky or indulge in the comforts of our furnished tents, you'll find solace and serenity amidst our verdant surroundings. As stewards of the land, we embrace self-sustainability and holistic living. Wander through our organic gardens, visit our resident chickens, or simply bask in the tranquility of nature's rhythms. Amenities include a private half bathroom, our newest addition: an outdoor portable camping shower inside a privacy tent, WiFi, and a swimming pool. We invite you to unwind and recharge in our rustic yet comfortable retreat. RV and car camping options are also available for those seeking a simpler, more nomadic experience. Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and embark on a journey of self-discovery at Freedom Farm Homestead Campground. Come, explore, and find your inner peace amidst the beauty of nature.

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Upper Shire Campsites Hudson Valley

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents22 acres · Hillsdale, NY

The Upper Shire Private Campsites in the Hudson Valley are on a gorgeous hill with a small pond surrounded by 22 acres of an old horse ranch. It is located in Columbia County near the Massachusetts and New York border. There are currently 5 unique camping areas located here. Each one is special due to its location on the hill. Check out our map and enjoy our spacious yet secluded campsites and our new off-grid double shower shack with hot and cold water on demand. This place has a relaxed atmosphere and is located near Catamount Ski Resort, Bash Bish Falls, Taconic State Park, Hudson NY, and Great Barrington, MA. If you plan on bringing a pet please be sure to add that fee to your booking under "extras" ($25) If you have additional guest(s) that would like to join you that fee is ($25 a night per person) and you will need to message us about how to arrange that. We have extra easy pop-up two-person tents available to rent ($15 for two nights) you can also find that option under "extras" along with bundles of firewood ($15)

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Interlake RV Park

82 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents45 acres · Rhinebeck, NY

We are conveniently located in the beautiful Hudson Valley region of New York, only 90 miles north of New York City. Interlake is easily accessible from both the NY Thruway and the Taconic Parkway, and just minutes away from the natural splendor of the Hudson River and historic town of Rhinebeck. There is no shortage of nearby attractions to keep you busy! We have ample amenities to make your stay comfortable such as Cable HD TV, free basic WI-FI, clean restrooms, a laundromat, a camp store, a snack bar/grill, and we are big rig friendly! We also have a playground, rec hall, a large swimming pool and fishing (lake and pond) to help make your stay enjoyable and relaxing. So pack up the RV and the kids and come see us!

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Quentins Treehouse

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Monterey, MA

Lake Garfield was named after President Garfield and was where he had his summer house. My place is the original boatshed of the house. The treehouse was built 15 years ago as a sleepout to watch the stars. It's a pretty quiet Lake up in the mountains of the Berkshires and sits at 1200feet so the nights get a little crisp which makes for a great night's sleep.

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Red Fox Meadow Campsite

4 sites · Tents250 acres · New Paltz, NY

Learn more about this land:A grassy meadow nestled between a forested ridge the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail, an open access walking and bike path. The Rosendale Rail Trail Cafe is just across the meadow from you and Rosendale trestle bridge is a short bike or walk away.

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Dharma Bums Eco Lodge

10 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents45 acres · Castleton On Hudson, NY

We have three different sites to choose from: Tiny House, Glamping, and Camp Site. Each is unique and private from each other! The bathroom is shared with the other sites, but it is covered and well maintained. Enjoy our private outdoor shower and toilet! Extras are available to purchase: firewood bundle, wine tasting and farm fresh eggs. All of our sites are animal friendly! Let your dog roam here! Our property sits on the foothills of the Adirondack's on 45 beautiful acres just 15 minutes east of Albany. Choose to explore our vineyard and winery on site and opt into our wine tasting next door. Open April-October, Friday-Sunday, 10-4pm Trails and walking paths are throughout the property and you may even catch our horses and honey bees that roam our beautiful community! Across the street is the Empire Foot/Rail Trails which is special for walking and biking. Local landmarks nearby and easy access to HWYs. Waterfalls and nice parks nearby Just a short distance away, our special community area that hosts yoga classes, and gathering sites: picnic tables, fire pits, gardens etc! We are just a short distance away from Troy and Albany

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Love Shack

1 site · Lodging6 acres · Saugerties, NY

Small one room cabin with lights and electric available. Separate cabin with sink (non potable water) and hot water shower. Fire pit and chairs provided. Large deck planted right on the water which is a perfect spot to pitch a tent.

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The Mountain Top @Wright's Farm

5 sites · RVs, Tents450 acres · Gardiner , NY

It all started when grandfather Charles B Wright first establish this farm in 1904. He purchased it for its natural springs. In our barn (now home to Gardiner Brewing Company) he had gravity fed water troughs for his cattle. Since then we have slowly switched from animals to tree fruit. You will enjoy rolling hills of fruit trees and fruit gardens along with beautiful views of the Shawangunk Mountain Ridge. We have 450+ acres so it in very private. As we are a working farm, you can see us driving pass with our tractors or maintaining the orchard around your campsite on occasion. You are welcome to ride your bikes, hike or jog where you will pass ponds and a working farm landscape. Please don’t pick our fruit. If you would like to enjoy the fruits of our labor please visit our farm store open year round on the premises where we sell cheeses, our fresh picked fruit and veggies, local meats, and our famous cider donuts along with other farm products. We also have a farm brewery open 3-7 in our old dairy barn for you to enjoy. Live music Saturdays and Sundays. Minnewaska State Park and Mohonk Reserve are only 10 minutes away. The rail trail is three minutes away. This trail gives you walking and biking access into New Paltz, where there is tons of restaurants and lots of shopping. Please be aware that during the months of September and October there may be a Pick-Your-Own customer or two walking around picking apples around the campsite area between the hours of 10:00-6:00. You are also welcome to come down to the farm market and purchase bags to pick your own apples in season.

The best camping near Catskill State Park guide

Overview

About

Just north of the Hudson Valley and not too far from New York City, the Catskills have long been popular with travelers looking to trade the frenzy of the city for some time out in nature. At the heart of the region, Catskill Park (sometimes referred to as the Catskill Forest Preserve) encompasses some 700,000 acres of natural landscape. Here you'll find forests, unspoiled lakes, and miles of hiking trails. The Catskills also offer plenty of camping options, from rustic, primitive campgrounds to well-developed campgrounds with modern facilities.

Notable campgrounds

Best for hikers: Devil's Tombstone Campground offers easy access to a number of excellent hiking trails.
Best for water lovers: North-South Lake Campground has two lakes for swimming, plus summertime boat rentals.
Best for accessible camping: Kenneth L. Wilson Campground features a variety of ADA-accessible facilities, including restrooms, a fishing pier, and a nature trail.

Tips for snagging a campsite

You can reserve your campsite through New York State Parks online reservation system or over the phone.
Book ahead, especially if visiting during summer or on weekends. Reservations are available from nine months in advance until 3pm on the day of your visit.
Walk-in camping is not currently offered.
If you can’t find a campsite in Catskill Park during your preferred dates, look into nearby public and private campgrounds as well as Hipcamps.

When to go

The Catskills are popular for outdoor recreation year-round, though summer is the busiest time. Summer activities include boating, fly fishing, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The area gets a good amount of snow in winter, making way for excellent opportunities for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and even ice fishing. Some of the park’s campgrounds are only open from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend.

Know before you go

You can learn more about camping, hiking, and trail and road closures by visiting the Catskill Visitor Center in the hamlet of Mount Tremper.
Make sure to buy your firewood locally to prevent the spread of pests and disease. It's against the law to bring untreated firewood into New York state.
Black bears live in the Catskills, and while bear canisters are recommended, they are not required. However, it's still a good idea to hang your trash and food at least 15 feet above the ground or lock it away to prevent attracting animals.