The best camping in Catskill State Park, NY

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97% (84)

The best camping in Catskill State Park, NY

Public campgrounds here are often sold out.
97% (84)

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

Camper favorites near Catskill State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Top-rated campgrounds

The Mountain Top @Wright's Farm

97%
(761)
65km from Catskill State Park · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · 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.
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from 
$45
 / night

Waterfall Sanctuary & Quiet Retreat

96%
(261)
58km from Catskill State Park · 48 sites · Tents, Lodging · Middleburgh, NY
Not suitable for parties or loud groups. For generations, the majestic waterfall has been revered for its spectacular beauty. It’s considered a sacred site central to local land rematriation work with the Kanienkeha:ka. Coursing between two outcroppings in a deep ravine, the waterfall crashes down over mossy rock shelves into emerald swimming holes and through dramatic clay beds. It’s one of those extraordinarily beautiful spots on earth that make you feel like you are in another world. It's about a 10 minute hike 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 and fall asleep under the stars listening to the river below. 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. 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 keep noise down after 10pm to enjoy the sounds of frogs, crickets, owls, and night songs of the countryside At the entrance to the campsites there is a barn community room with a charging station, cold water sink, fridge, coffee maker, cookware, and a port-a-potty. There are 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 site. Take all your trash with you when you leave. Bring your own biodegradable soap for dishes and toilet paper for the port-a-potty! Firewood is available onsite for $1 per log. 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 stands with fresh produce and organic meat close by. Within a 5 miles radius is a general store, Scrumpy Ewe Cidery, Panther Creek Arts, Rooted Movement, the Sap Bush Country Store and Café, and Mustang Valley (a wild mustang sanctuary). Nearby hikes include Looking Glass Pond and Vroman's Nose, and others.
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$60
 / night

Red Fox Meadow Campsite

95%
(264)
47km from Catskill State Park · 4 sites · Tents · 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. We do have hot water showers and heated bathrooms in the Owlwood. Use our hand drawn map to find your way around the farm. Please drive extremely slowly while on the farm road, there and kids and critters everywhere and your car will thank you! Also, we encourage everyone to drive as little as possible while on the farm, why drive when you can walk and enjoy the land. If you want to sleep in a car or rv make sure to contact us so we can let you know where to car camp. No cars are allowed in Red Fox Meadow. Also, if the meadow seems too wet to camp give us a shout, there are other areas to camp that are dryer in the wet moments, just not as private. We look forward to meeting you!
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$32
 / night

Catskill Glamping Site with views

100%
(1)
69km from Catskill State Park · 1 site · Lodging · Jefferson, NY
Get away from it all when you stay under the stars - and we mean ALL THE STARS. Rustic off-grid camping experience, with all you need to enjoy time in nature. Canvas tent on an elevated platform, with a queen bed, firepit, rustic toilet, outdoor cooking, and eating area, off a dirt road with an amazing view. This is on our 25-acre property, 400 feet away from anyone! You will also be a 10-minute drive to Stamford, where there is a grocery store, restaurants, coffee shops, and more, and a 4-minute drive to downtown Jefferson, which has some restaurants, gas station, and other amenities. Picture this: you and your special someone, nestled in a cozy canvas tent, gazing up at a canvas of a million stars – unblemished by light pollution. No city hum, no social media notifications, just the crackling fire and the symphony of crickets serenading you. This isn't just camping, it's an escape to a world built for two, crafted on a secluded 25-acre property. Your haven awaits on an elevated platform, offering not just a dreamy view but a touch of luxury. A queen-sized bed beckons after a day of exploring, promising nights of comfortable closeness under the endless tapestry of stars. But the magic extends beyond the tent. Imagine whipping up a romantic campside dinner in the rustic outdoor kitchen, the aroma of woodsmoke mingling with laughter and whispered secrets. Share stories and dreams by the crackling firepit, the flames painting dancing shadows on your faces. Let the worries of the daily grind melt away with every s'more you roast. This isn't complete isolation, though. When the mood strikes for a touch of civilization, a quick 10-minute drive takes you to Stamford, brimming with charming cafes, local restaurants, and grocery stores to stock up on picnic provisions. Need a last-minute gift or a craving for a gourmet meal? Downtown Jefferson, just 4 minutes away, offers a delightful selection. The beauty lies in the perfect balance – an escape into the heart of nature, yet close enough to the comforts of small-town life. It's an experience designed for reconnection, for rekindling the spark, for creating memories that will linger long after the embers of the campfire fade. Is this the getaway you and your love have been yearning for?
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$80
 / night

Upper Shire Campsites Hudson Valley

100%
(238)
31km from Catskill State Park · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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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$90
 / night

Gunx Camping On A Horse Farm!

96%
(467)
62km from Catskill State Park · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · Kerhonkson, NY
We love having chill rock climbers, hikers and families on our farm/wedding venue.  It's not a campground!  It's just a super cool place to have some privacy and a camp fire and be really close to the best hiking and climbing, and swimming holes and farmers markets and road biking around.Horse farm / Wedding venue super close to Gunx, Minnewaska State Park, Mohonk Preserve, Lipman Park (Mt biking) Great for rock climbers, families, hikers, horse folks.Sites are private with fire pits. It is $25/ person per night!Strict cancellation policy so if not sure, just book for 1 person to guaranty a space and settle up upon arrival when you know your actual plans and numbers ?So, we do weddings on some summer /fall weekends.   You camp in a totally different part of the property and are no where near the wedding activity at all.  Occasionally, the music is audible.  We do our best to let the wedding folks have their fun without irritating neighbors and campers, but feel free to check in with us before booking.
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$25
 / night

Magic Forest Farm

97%
(803)
35km from Catskill State Park · 16 sites · Tents, RVs · Coeymans Hollow, NY
**Please confirm you have read our property description and rules before booking** Our slice of paradise consists of 225 acres of forested land nestled in the foothills of the Catskills near Albany. We are a homestead and small campground devoted to the principles of organic farming and self-reliance. Modern agriculture and big business are unsustainable, destroying farmland at an accelerating pace. It is important for us to teach the next generation, there is an alternative. We produce much of our own food. We have friendly goats, chickens, ducks, peacocks, donkeys and horses the guests can pet and feed. There are no swimming holes on our property, but many waterfalls and swimming spots within a short drive (see list below). A quick 5 minute drive will get you to one of the best disc golf courses in the north east. For the truly adventurous, Clarksville Cave is a short drive away. Visit their website for list of proper gear and rules. We do rent some of the equipment needed. Nearby Hiking Spots: Holt Preserve - 1.2 miles away Thatcher State Park- 9.4 miles Huyck Preserve- 11 miles Hannacroix Creek Preserrve- 8.4 miles Nearby Swimming Spots: Hannacroix Creek Preserve- 8.4 miles Kaaterskill Falls- 24 miles Thompsons Lake- 10 miles North-South Lake- 24 miles Parking: multiple car parking are available at each site.
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$40
 / night

The Awakening Garden

100%
(10)
12km from Catskill State Park · 4 sites · Lodging · Saugerties, NY
This piece of land was developed by my mother, and named after my grandmother: The Awakening Garden is a translation of her name in Chinese. It is tucked in between the Hudson River (8 miles to the East) and the Catskill Mountains (10 miles to the west). It is just 6 miles from the Village of Saugerties and 14 miles to Woodstock, NY. The piece available for camping is 10 acres, but the entire Garden is comprised of 98 acres of rolling land (most of it in a forestry protection plan) bordered on the west by acres of marshland. Many trails criss-cross the Garden and lead one to pretty or interesting vistas including a large mountain laurel patch, ancient graveyard, and different stands of mixed wood forests. There’s lots of wildlife both on land and in the marshes.
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$93
 / night

Wyomanock Farm

97%
(844)
53km from Catskill State Park · 33 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Stephentown, NY
Our 75 acres is a wonderful, diverse mix of habitat, harmoniously integrated with our small farm. This land was the homestead of the very first non native settler of the area, John Wiley, in 1787. Before that, it was the land of the Mahican native Americans. They named it "valley of the butternut trees", or Wyomanock. The Wyomanock Creek is the backbone of this little valley. Beaver have dammed the creek at several points to create ponds and other wetland features that support a diversity of wildlife including otter, moose and a myriad of birds, from osprey to herons. This sanctuary is host to many uncommon native plants and plant communities. We would love to share it with you! Your host, Thom, invites you to property to explore 75 acres of meadows, woods and water. Choose one of several sites either in the woods or open areas. You are also free to use our outdoor solar shower or take a dip in the cold pond or artesian spring fed pool. Our location is convenient to the Berkshire Mountains, state parks, hiking and other attractions, including Ramble Wild tree to tree adventures and Jiminy Peak. There are a few miles of rail trail access just down the road.
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$32
 / night

Dharma Bums Eco Lodge

93%
(106)
43km from Catskill State Park · 11 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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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from 
$45
 / night

Other options near Catskill State Park

The best camping in Catskill State Park, NY 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

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. You can reserve your campsite through New York State Parks online reservation system or over the phone. 
  2. 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.  
  3. Walk-in camping is not currently offered.
  4. 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.
97%
84 ratings · 37 reviews