Camping in Athens, NY, US: 12 Best Campgrounds 2024

United States
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New York
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Athens

96% (4684 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Athens

Under $50

Top camping destinations

Falls Trail - primarily made up of slate, so wear appropriate footwear. (i.e. No flippy-floppies! You wouldn't believe some of the people we came across, women in crocs carrying infants, elderly folk in burkenstocks. Oy!)

Ricketts Glen State Park

Adirondack State Park

1366 campgrounds

The descent from Slide Mountain during peak fall foliage

Catskill State Park

1494 campgrounds

Green Mountain National Forest

1582 campgrounds

Bushkill Falls

1183 campgrounds

12 top campgrounds near Athens

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Magic Forest Farm

11 sites · RVs, Tents225 acres · Coeymans Hollow, NY

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 a accelerating pace. It is important for us to teach the next generation, there is a alternative. We produce much of our own food. We own a sawmill, and have many natural building projects started. We have friendly goats, chickens, ducks, peacocks, donkeys and horses the guests can pet and feed. There are many waterfalls and swimming spots within a short drive. 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.

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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. Located in Columbia County near the border of Massachusetts and New York. 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. This place comes with 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 are available to rent ($15 for two nights) you can also find that option under "extras" along with bundles of firewood ($15)

Dreamland

3 sites · Tents18 acres · Saugerties, NY

Our woodland property bordering the Esopus creek is a serene and picturesque oasis nestled in the heart of the Mid Hudson Valley. While surrounded by lush forest, it offers easy access to hiking trails that wind through the natural beauty of the area, dinning and civilization (you'll even hear the train from time to time). But our property is more than just a gateway to outdoor adventures; it's a place of tranquility and natural wonder that deserves our utmost respect. With its close proximity to all the fun things the Hudson Valley has to offer, it's the perfect retreat for those seeking a harmonious blend of outdoor exploration and relaxation in a beautiful, pristine forest setting. DreamLand aka: Mugwort Express, boasts three enchanting campsites to choose from, each offering a unique experience. 1 - The Original Site: This campsite is perfect for adventurers who want quick access to the great outdoors. Wake up, jump in the car and hit the road for the great Catskills trails. It's the flattest site and the closets to parking, with under 1 minute walk to your car. 2 - Swing Side: Surrounded by towering trees and lush greenery, this campsite immerses you in the heart of our beautiful forest. It's the ideal choice for nature enthusiasts seeking a secluded and serene experience. Also with under 1 minute walk to your car. 3 - The RiverView: Nestled on a ridge some 80 feet above the river's edge, this campsite provides a tranquil escape with the soothing sounds of flowing water. It's our most adventurous site to get to with a good 10 to 15 minute "medium-difficulty" trek to get... A beautiful trek, not a leisurely stroll (Hint: pack light) but well worth the effort! No matter which campsite you choose, our property invites you to connect with nature, relax, and make lasting memories in this stunning woodland retreat.

Hickory Hollow

2 sites · Tents9 acres · Jefferson Heights, NY

Welcome to Hickory Hollow! Located 7 minutes from the Town of Catskill, 25 minutes from Hudson, and just under the Catskill Mountains, Hickory Hollow is the perfect campsite to take full advantage of the Upper Hudson Valley. There are two campsites you can chose from, both in clearings that make for great star gazing. Camp 1 is deeper into the forest taking about two minutes to walk to from the parking area. Camp site 2 is only a one minute walk but much closer to the farm. If you are coming with a dog, I would recommend staying at Camp site 1, as the farms dogs are very vocal when there are new friends in the area. Each campsite comes with a fire pit, a grate for cooking, and a picnic table. There is parking provided and a composting outhouse. You will need to bring your own firewood, though there is plenty of available kindling. The property is 9 acres and I encourage guests to hike down to the stream and take a walk if they feel comfortable. If not there are so many hiking/swimming options nearby and I am happy to point you in the right direction. This property has a been a life long dream of mine, and is (in my opinion) the most beautiful place on earth. That being said there is a still a lot of work that I am doing since this is a very new endeavor. So please watch yourself if you do decide to stay. The Hollow is beautiful but also very steep, so please be careful while you walk the woods. Pets are welcome, but again, be safe. There is an abundance of wildlife in the Hollow (see if you can spot the porcupine) but that can be very distracting for dogs, so be cautious when letting them off lead. Check out https://www.instagram.com/0hickoryhollow/ for photos of the progress.

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Sacred Waterfall & Quiet Camping

60 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 Spout Waterfall, is a world unto itself. For generations, the majestic waterfall has been revered for its spectacular beauty and powerful energies. 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 Skóhare, the Schoharie Valley. Surrounded by 25 acres of both private wooded land and wide-open fields of wildflowers and fireflies, the Waterfall Cabin and Campsite are easily accessible, just off a country back road. From the campsites, it's about a 10 minute hike down the gorge to the waterfall. We do not allow partying the campsites. There is a profound healing process happening at the waterfall. At the request of the Kaneinekehaka caretakers we ask that you to respect the sacredness of this land. Thank you! There are two campsites on the property, not far from each other in the forest. One campsite is in a grass circle clearing and the other has a rustic cabin and three small flat terraces for extra tents. 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. The campsites are not within view of each other. 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. Make a campfire at your fire pit and fall asleep under the stars listening to a 150' waterfall and the river below. 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. The waterfall is amazing but the hike is steep, so please wear appropriate footwear. 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. 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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Amazing Creekside Camping

1 site · RV, Tent10 acres · Catskill, NY

An incredibly secluded campsite with several options for groups tucked into the woods, right next to your own private swimming hole, just ten minutes from the highway on a dead-end private road with no other homes from our property onward. Enjoy hiking through the woods, swimming in the creek and the nearby swimming holes, or trying your hand at fishing. There's enough space for 2-3 tents, a picnic table, solar-powered string lights and a rock The area is full of stuff to do with the towns of Catskill and Saugerties minutes away, Hunter Mountain and Phonecia only 30 minutes away.

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Locust Grove Waterfall

1 site · Lodging2 acres · Oak Hill, NY

Fall asleep to the sounds of the waterfall on the Catskill creek! Escape the chaos - find peace and solace among the Catskill mountains. Located directly on the Catskill creek in the hamlet of Oak Hill, you'll be sleeping to the sounds of the waterfall just steps from the site. At the foot of the waterfall is your own personal swimming hole. Take advantage of the multiple hammock relaxation stations throughout the property and swimming in the creek. If you're up for a walk, the infamous Yellow Deli is just a mile down the road. We're just a few minutes away from Windham Mountain and various trails if you're the hiking type. Check out our "Must See" book in the tent for suggestions on places to enjoy during your stay. This campsite features a queen size bed for two. Site guidelines Bring loads of extra blankets and warm clothing. Boots are a must. Although the driveway is kept clear, car should ideally be AWD or 4WD depending on weather conditions. Consult your campkeeper. Let your campkeeper know when you are arriving so we can light up entry for you. Cleanup all common spaces when you leave. But, make yourself at home. Video Footage of the site - Instagram - @locustgroveny ***We have added a second full size glamping tent, the same size as the main tent with a queen size bed. This is only available to you when you book this site with a capacity of more than 2 people, it will never be rented to anyone else when you are there.

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Cokertown Campground

6 sites · RVs, Tents83 acres · Red Hook, NY

We are opening our land to campers as a means of keeping the habitat mostly undisturbed . The land had been up for subdivision, with 12 new homes planned since it adjoins our other 17 wooded acres we purchased it to try and keep it natural. We want to share it with other peaceful nature loving beings. The lake is home to Kingfishers, Herons, a Great White Egret, Wood ducks, swans and Bald Eagles. Birdwatching haven Wooded lakefront camping in the heart of the Hudson Valley, on 64 acres. Close to the Hudson River, Bard college, historic villages of Rhinebeck and Red Hook. Dining, mansions, walks, hiking, bike trails, Antique shops, Culinary institute of America. Catskill mountains are just across the river with loads of attractions. Private 9 acre lake, we have a complimentary row boat for our guests to share. Bring your own kayaks but no swimming . Top picks of best nearby activities Griegs Farm pick your own and gourmet farm store 3 miles also 2 other pick your own farms within a 3 mile radius Rose hill farm and Mead farm. Village of Red Hook 5 miles (grocery store, restraunts, Shopping) Town of Rhinebeck 8 miles ( fancy shops, fancy dining, ) Zabriskies Waterfall. Bard college/Montgomery Place. 6 miles, Clermont state park, 9 miles Poets Walk 8 miles Olana Historic site 14 milesBash Bish State Park (waterfall ) 23 milesKaaterskill Falls 37 miles All human waste needs to be in the Porta Potty (provided by us) not on our property please . Absolutely no exceptions, (Unless you have your own portable toilet.) We thank you for adherence to these rules and so do our future campers. Our portable Potty is kept very clean emptied every week checked for cleanliness daily.

Spacious Skies Woodland Hills

174 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Austerlitz, NY

SPACIOUS SKIES WOODLAND HILLS is a family-friendly campground located in upstate New York amidst the Taconic and Berkshire mountain ranges, set between Albany and Pittsfield, MA, and only two hours north of New York City and two hours west of Boston, MA. We offer both wooded and open sites that can accommodate any size trailer. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, water, 30 or 50-amp electrical service, and many offer sewer. Groups and tent campers are welcome. Woodland Hills campground is easily accessed from Interstate 90. The campground’s private pond offers swimming, fishing, and paddle boating. Come in for the classic camp atmosphere and our camp store carries many convenience items and treats. We have three Riverside Retro trailers to rent for campers who don’t have their own rigs but who also don’t want to tent overnight, as beautiful as our wooded tent sites are! * This campground does not have cabin rentals*

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.

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Private campsites miles of trails!

26 sites · RVs, Tents22 acres · Adams, MA

Aisling Mountain Farm campgrounds are located in Adams MA, is directly connected to Mount Greylock state park and its miles of trails. We currently have four tent campsites throughout the year with one that will accommodate trailers up to 16' without backing up! Enjoy the view, our cascading waterfall brook, and spend some time with our horses. Please see our FB page at Aisling Mountain Farm for more info. SOLID SOUND FESTIVAL CAMPERS PLEASE MESSAGE US BEFORE YOU REQUEST. With the increased traffic for the event, we have changes to our venue. Aisling Mountain Farm event campgrounds are available for local events. Tent camping conveniently located close to North Adams and Mass MoCA, with direct access to Mount Greylock and miles of trails. Minutes from free parking with shuttle service to Mass MoCA festivals. On event weekends we will have fire pits located around the property for everyone's use. unfortunately for large events we will not be able to accommodate trailers or RV campers.

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The Little Witch Cottage

1 site · Lodging9 acres · Cairo, NY

The Little Witch Cottage is a rustic charming cottage from 1929 with timber framing and Catskill blue stone flooring. It sits in the middle of our yard about 200 feet from our more modern home. We have about 9 acres set back from the road. The cottage has a queen sized bed, dining table, and small kitchenette. The kitchenette has a mini fridge, dishes, and an induction stove top. We recently wired this vintage beauty to run on solar power and has an outhouse with a composting toilet, sink, and heated outdoor shower. Outside the cottage is a small garden, picnic table, fire pit, and chairs. Our land is mostly sloped fields that we are slowly turning into meadows full of native flowers and plants. There are mowed paths through the tall grass. This is perfect glamping spot, a mixture of comfort and nature. We are close to Catskill, NY and surrounded with a mix of beautiful nature and small town fun.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

Lake Taghkanic State Park

Copake Lake, New York

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Beartown State Forest

Housatonic, Massachusetts

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October Mountain State Forest

Lee, Massachusetts

nature always wears the color of the spirit - r.w. emerson

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Mills Norrie State Park

Staatsburg, New York

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Mount Greylock State Reservation

Cheshire, Massachusetts

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Pittsfield State Forest

Pittsfield, Massachusetts

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Tolland State Forest

Blandford, Massachusetts

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Max V. Shaul State Park

Middleburgh, New York

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Macedonia Brook State Park

Connecticut

Camping near Athens guide

Overview

Looking for the best camping near Athens? The area features dozens of top-rated campgrounds and places to park your RV for the night, many within a short distance of New York hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities. Whether you want a pet-friendly campsite or a family cabin rental with wifi, check out campsite photos, tips, and reviews from other outdoor enthusiasts to plan your next camping trip near Athens.