The best hot spring campgrounds near New Paltz, New York

About 90 minutes north of New York City, this college town sits on the Wallkill River facing dramatic stone cliffs. New Paltz has a laid-back feel, with corner pubs and farmers markets to grab camping ingredients. The historic village is close to the Hudson River and the Catskill Mountains, so it's easy to make day trips to both. Just 8 miles away, the Shawangunk Mountains loom on the horizon. Locals call them the Gunks. The Minnewaska State Park Preserve is here, offering hiking trails, waterfalls, and world-class rock-climbing. Bikes can explore the lovely carriage roads, and there's swimming at Lake Minnewaska. The Mohonk Preserve is a protected section of this same mountain ridge. The recently constructed Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground is here. The tent-only campgrounds offer both walk-in and drive-in spots, plus a communal cooking area with a pavilion. New Paltz has about a half dozen private campgrounds within a short drive. Options range from RV parks with full hook-ups to private farms, rustic cabins, and outdoor resorts with swimming pools. Less than an hour's drive away, campers can pitch a tent at other large public parks. The 14,000-acre Fahnestock State Park is to the south. To the north is the Kenneth L. Wilson Campground near Slide Mountain, the Catskill's highest peak.

99% (151)

Top-rated campgrounds near New Paltz

1. Clearing Farm

99%

(213)

41mi from New Paltz · 2 sites · Lodging

Welcome to Clearing Farm! Our grounds expand over 100 acres with many private hiking trails, a big field and cascading waterfalls. Visit our Instagram @clearingfarm to find out more. Please note while our cabin is a premium experience on a working farm, it is still an outdoor experience that takes place deep in the woods, off the grid and in a cabin built from earthy or recycled materials. It is a far cry from a typical hotel or traditional glamping. This Clearing Farm off-grid cabin is located on our 100+ acre farm. You'll be staying right next to a waterfall and able to enjoy all our land features. Experience a private campsite equipped with a Casper Full Mattress, fire pit and charcoal grill. Please note there is 1 bed at the property but room next to the cabin to bring and put up additional tents. There is no power at the campsite. THERE IS NO LONGER THE WOOD BURNING STOVE IN THE CABIN - THE TOWN MADE US TAKE IT OUT. There is also no shower. If you would like to bathe in the streams please use all natural soap as the animals drink from it. The Thermal Spring is under repair and will not be back open until 2026.

2. Catskill State Park

97%

(83)

708 sites · Catskill, New York

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

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

About 90 minutes north of New York City, this college town sits on the Wallkill River facing dramatic stone cliffs. New Paltz has a laid-back feel, with corner pubs and farmers markets to grab camping ingredients. The historic village is close to the Hudson River and the Catskill Mountains, so it's easy to make day trips to both. Just 8 miles away, the Shawangunk Mountains loom on the horizon. Locals call them the Gunks. The Minnewaska State Park Preserve is here, offering hiking trails, waterfalls, and world-class rock-climbing. Bikes can explore the lovely carriage roads, and there's swimming at Lake Minnewaska. The Mohonk Preserve is a protected section of this same mountain ridge. The recently constructed Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground is here. The tent-only campgrounds offer both walk-in and drive-in spots, plus a communal cooking area with a pavilion. New Paltz has about a half dozen private campgrounds within a short drive. Options range from RV parks with full hook-ups to private farms, rustic cabins, and outdoor resorts with swimming pools. Less than an hour's drive away, campers can pitch a tent at other large public parks. The 14,000-acre Fahnestock State Park is to the south. To the north is the Kenneth L. Wilson Campground near Slide Mountain, the Catskill's highest peak.

99% (151)

Top-rated campgrounds near New Paltz

1. Clearing Farm

99%

(213)

41mi from New Paltz · 2 sites · Lodging

Welcome to Clearing Farm! Our grounds expand over 100 acres with many private hiking trails, a big field and cascading waterfalls. Visit our Instagram @clearingfarm to find out more. Please note while our cabin is a premium experience on a working farm, it is still an outdoor experience that takes place deep in the woods, off the grid and in a cabin built from earthy or recycled materials. It is a far cry from a typical hotel or traditional glamping. This Clearing Farm off-grid cabin is located on our 100+ acre farm. You'll be staying right next to a waterfall and able to enjoy all our land features. Experience a private campsite equipped with a Casper Full Mattress, fire pit and charcoal grill. Please note there is 1 bed at the property but room next to the cabin to bring and put up additional tents. There is no power at the campsite. THERE IS NO LONGER THE WOOD BURNING STOVE IN THE CABIN - THE TOWN MADE US TAKE IT OUT. There is also no shower. If you would like to bathe in the streams please use all natural soap as the animals drink from it. The Thermal Spring is under repair and will not be back open until 2026.

2. Catskill State Park

97%

(83)

708 sites · Catskill, New York

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

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Public campgrounds near New Paltz

94%

(16)

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

S

Sean

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Clearing Farm

Literal paradise in the woods - turn off your phones, absorb the nature and reconnect with yourselves. 10/10, would recommend to everyone

D

Dipesh

October 2025

1 night at Clearing Farm

Good camping setup with all the essentials, clean cabin.

J

Jason

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Clearing Farm

Had an amazing camping trip with my four lifelong friends and my two boys—great mix of old memories and new ones. We hiked to waterfalls, played games by the fire, and soaked in the fall scenery along the river. The cabin was simple but perfect, and the best part was watching my kids jump right in with the crew, making it feel like the traditions we started as kids are carrying on to the next generation.

E

Emily

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Clearing Farm

The campsite was absolutely amazing!! It was a beautiful site and you could hear the running water all night. Everything was very clean and the site had everything we needed. We will definitely be going back!

J

Jessica

September 2025

With kids

1 night at Clearing Farm

We had such a lovely time here. Waterfalls galore! We did an overnight since we are total amateur campers but with the stay it was wonderful. We did this with our 7yo and 4yo and even took multiple dips in the waterfalls (mid-September). The water was cold but completely invigorating. The scene was very tranquil, peaceful and just secluded enough for us city dwellers! Including the waterfall right on premises, we were able to experience a total of 4 tremendous falls and the gorgeous Mongaup river. There was beautiful plant life along the walks surrounding the campsite. What a great hidden gem! Would totally go again.

D

Dylan

September 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Clearing Farm

Clearing Farm is a beautiful place! Loved having the water features so close. The site is very well kept and very private. Would absolutely stay here again

P

Paul

September 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Clearing Farm

This place was fantastic! My group and I had the best time with being able to hike, camp, swim and play football. Also we had good use of our porta-pottie/bathroom close to our site and had a shed where we could keep our items dry if it rained. I highly recommend to anyone and we are definitely coming back again next year!

H

Holly

September 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Clearing Farm

Everything we needed was right at hand and it was amazing to wander the waterfalls without having to get in a car. When we did get in the car, the River walk less than 10 min away, we relaxing and beautiful. Circle Park is 15 min away and it’s a great place for kids to run free. Can’t wait to come back and explore more!

J

John

August 2025

With pets

2 nights at Clearing Farm

We had an amazing time with our dog and two little kids, sitting around the firepit and playing in the amazing - and very kid-friendly - waterfalls! Would definitely recommend!

s

shelby

August 2025

1 night at Clearing Farm

Had an incredible experience, campsite was gorgeous and thoughtfully made. 5 stars, would absolutely recommend!

A

Allie

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Clearing Farm

This will be a long review for those who care, but for those who just want to know if it's worth it, please book it! This place is absolutely amazing. We booked this excited to utilize the thermal hot spring, however, it is under repair until next year. Despite being back and forth, deciding whether or not it was still worth it, we decided to stick with it, and I'm so glad we did. The property is huge and pretty easy to navigate. You can drive your cars right up to the site for convenience! The cabin is clean and basic with just a bed and a table. 5 of us were able to fit comfortably in the cabin 2 on the bed and 3 on the floor (we did have a surprisingly cool day in august [high of 80*]). The site has all the basics and everything you need for a comfortable trip. They give you a large cooler of water, a lighter, an axe, and there's a clean porta-potty on site. The true appeal of this site is the water surrounding the property. There's a large stream that sits behind the cabin. That itself has areas to sit and cool off, small waterfalls, and the hosts have even created their own shower from the water running down the stream. But if you follow the path outline by the owner you'll come across an even bigger waterfall at the bottom and access to the Mongaup River. The whole area is breathtaking and we had the BEST time. Thanks to Jenna for hosting and creating such a beautiful space. We'll absolutely be back!!

K

Kristin

July 2025

With pets

2 nights at Clearing Farm

What a campsite! 100% recommend. We had the absolute best time disconnecting and decompressing, surrounded by trees and the gentle sound of flowing water. The swimming right on-site kept both us and our pup cool and happy, and the outdoor shower setup was such a thoughtful touch. The host was incredibly accommodating—easy to communicate with and even had a fire going when we arrived. Such a peaceful, well-cared-for spot. Only wish we could’ve stayed longer. We’ll definitely be back!

O

Oliver

July 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Clearing Farm

What a great spot! The site was perfect for our group and the rushing waterfall was such a unique part of the experience! I will definitely be coming back and would highly recommend Jenna's place and their hospitality!

A

ANDREW P

July 2025

With kids

2 nights at Clearing Farm

We loved camping at Clearing Farm! Jenna was great and the land is beautiful!

d

deer

July 2025

Group trip

3 nights at Clearing Farm

Beautiful site super quiet and peaceful, and very well maintained. We loved it so much!

Jacob

June 2025

With pets

3 nights at Clearing Farm

Awesome site! It was pretty hot the whole time we were there, the waterfalls were absolutely perfect to cool off. Host gave us plenty of suggestions for food and places to check out. Plenty of open space, our dog loved it. Definitely recommend staying here.

Lauren

June 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Clearing Farm

Such an awesome site. Even with a few renovations such as the outhouse (replaced with outdoor porter potty) and the thermal spring, there was still so much to do. Jenna was an incredible and responsive host! Awesome for a small family getaway.

S

Samantha

June 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Clearing Farm

What a magical experience from the booking, communication with Jenna and stay! 5 stars for sure. We felt we were in a fantasy movie set :) The kids loved it. The eggs Jenna left us from the farm were delicious and Im so thankful she was so kind with all the questions I had. All the best! We’ll be back!

Elice

June 2025

Weekend Trip to Clearing Farm

A great set up! I love how close the waterfall is and how private it all felt. A great escape for me and my pups! We will definitely be back for another peaceful escape.

S

Steve

November 2024

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Clearing Farm

It was perfect, it was quiet, private, and perfect to just relax and enjoy with friends. Everyone loved the spot and will definitely be staying here again soon! Thank you Jenna for the communication and hospitality!