The best family-friendly campgrounds near Sharon Springs, New York

Looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life? Look no further than Hipcamp, the go-to website for camping enthusiasts. With over 238 options in the picturesque area near Sharon Springs, New York, you're sure to find the perfect camping spot that suits your family-friendly needs. From the charming Magic Forest Farm with 317 glowing reviews, to the inviting Timbertrail Farm with 257 reviews, and the serene Tilden Hill Farm with 209 reviews, you'll be spoiled for choice. Plus, with popular amenities like cooking equipment, the ability to bring your furry friends along, and access to clean toilets, your camping experience will be nothing short of comfortable. And if you're up for some outdoor adventure, you can enjoy horseback riding, swimming, and wildlife watching. So pack your bags, pitch a tent, and get ready to reconnect with nature at a price as low as $20 per night.

99% (685)

Top-rated campgrounds

Looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life? Look no further than Hipcamp, the go-to website for camping enthusiasts. With over 238 options in the picturesque area near Sharon Springs, New York, you're sure to find the perfect camping spot that suits your family-friendly needs. From the charming Magic Forest Farm with 317 glowing reviews, to the inviting Timbertrail Farm with 257 reviews, and the serene Tilden Hill Farm with 209 reviews, you'll be spoiled for choice. Plus, with popular amenities like cooking equipment, the ability to bring your furry friends along, and access to clean toilets, your camping experience will be nothing short of comfortable. And if you're up for some outdoor adventure, you can enjoy horseback riding, swimming, and wildlife watching. So pack your bags, pitch a tent, and get ready to reconnect with nature at a price as low as $20 per night.

99% (685)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Waterfall Sanctuary & Quiet Retreat

96%

(261)

20mi from Sharon Springs · 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.

2. Magic Forest Farm

97%

(803)

39mi from Sharon Springs · 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.

3. Bearkill Brook Campsite

100%

(11)

30mi from Sharon Springs · 1 site · Lodging · Gilboa, NY

Our property consists of a 230 acre retired dairy farm nestled in the beautiful Catskill mountains. This very private property features a babbling brook, wide open fields to play lawn games, horse shoes, volleyball, corn hole, kickball, and ladder ball . Games are all located in a storage container on site. You can ride bikes in the field or on the road nearby. Plenty of land to hike on or to just sit and enjoy all that nature has to offer. Several hiking trails within a 20 minute drive from the property. We have a small kitchen area with a gas grill and 2 separate fire pits for roasting marshmallows. General store with basic groceries, gas, and beer just a 5 minute drive from the site. The property features bathroom with a flushing toilet and a shower with hot water. This building is just a short walk from the cabin. Spring water faucet on site. Property also features a small solar system. The cabin has a queen sized bunk. Check in after 2:OO pm , before 9:00pm due to the location of the campsite Check out 12:00 pm

4. Big Indian Wilderness Paradise

99%

(87)

50mi from Sharon Springs · 3 sites · Tents, Lodging · Big Indian, NY

This woodland meadow in just yards from the crystal clear Esopus Creek. Wonderful for swimming or fishing or just enjoying the quiet of a country escape. Close to the charming country town of Phoenicia with charming restaurants and a short drive to Woodstock.

5. Horses & Nature Extravaganza!

100%

(19)

31mi from Sharon Springs · 9 sites · Tents, RVs · Laurens, NY

New Babies! Nature! 30+ Bird species! 20+ Mammal species! 10+Reptile & Amphibian species! NEWS!!! We have babies! You can get some supervised play time with our newest babies! Two babies, the horses are there to greet you when you camp and when you get up in the morning. Walk our trails, see wildlife! I acquired my farm ahead of the "end of the world" millennial crisis; I want to share it with nature lovers who appreciate it as well; and love animals like I do! We will have foals this year to interact with supervision! We have a turtle sanctuary, & have taken in many homeless critters &; animals 4 legged, some 2 legged. We also have occasional other worldly visitors, completely benevolent, and a lot of wildlife that call our little mountaintop oasis home. Come! See for yourself! We have lots of nearby activities the whole family can enjoy! Ball parks, specialty breweries, 4 star restaurants, lakes Learn more about this land: Enjoy the wildlife & the domestic life! You can have input about what part you want to camp in, but there is a turtle safety zone; and we know where the quick sand is, and would rather you didn't sink out of sight! We have a hill top view or the serenity of a water fall site (as long as there isn't a drought) or the sweet smell of hemlock & pine! Shade & trees. Feel like you're in the Wild West with herds of horses, cows, goats ; wildlife visiting your campsite! We have a canoe w a small pond & bullhead fishing, wagon rides, pony rides, and eventually trails for horse back riding. Eventually we will install cabins with lean-tos to bring your own horse with you! If you have a dog? Ask if it is welcome, not all dogs are, due to safety issues with the livestock and birds. We can provide a barbeque pit, for cooking. Depending on the time of year there is fresh produce as well!   Why go thousands of miles to walk with the (almost!) mustangs !!! You can have the experience right here in NY!

6. Campaway on Cotton Hill

98%

(24)

24mi from Sharon Springs · 2 sites · Lodging · Berne, NY

Nestled in the Helderberg Hills, sits a campsite on Cotton Hill. This is the perfect site for fishing, swimming, creek walking, fossil hunting, mountain views, star gazing, and just relaxing and enjoying the outdoors. We are close to award-winning breweries, wineries, historic sites, farmers markets, restaurants, and shopping. We have several accessible hiking trails with great views nearby. We can't wait to welcome you to our private slice of heaven. There are 21 acres for you to discover with 10 acres in front, and 11 acres of woods with a meandering creek as the border. You can think of this land as your land for the duration of your stay. Respect the land and tent as you would your own. Squish your toes into the earth and breathe in the wild thyme-filled grassy trails. Go for a walk in the woods. Take a deep breath. Relax and recharge! The pebble beach at the pond allows for a gradual entry and goes to 16 feet deep in the middle. Feel free to swim on out to the floating dock. We love jumping in. There are many fish in the pond, most of them are large mouth bass. You may use our canoe, but please wear a life jacket if you are not a confident swimmer. (*Swimming is at your own risk!) The ‘Fossil Creek Trail’ leads down through the woods from the pond area to the slate bed creek. (*Please watch your footing on the trail- some is quite uneven.) There are many amazing fossils to find if you look in the creek bed during the dryer season. The woods are cooler and bug free, perfect for sitting and relaxing with a book or picnic. There are several mowed trails that wind around the pond and then back up to the Tent.

Stories from the community

D

Daniel

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Magic Forest Farm

It was a beautiful site! We really enjoyed our time camping. Animals are super cute too. Highly recommend!

D

Doug

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Horses & Nature Extravaganza!

I highly recommend visiting Lisa and Ed, genuinely good people who take great care to ensure that you'll be comfortable and have what you need to optimize your stay. They are extremely knowledgeable about pretty much anything to do with farm living, and the horses receive amazing care.Lisa and Ed can't hide how much they love them. As far as which site to pick I walked the entire grounds and whichever site you choose is a winner, comes down to personal preference. There's no place else that can match this experience. Lisa and Ed are very responsive and have suggestions on local things to do .The reviews, all positive are a bit like pictures, they can't tell the whole story. Get here yourself and enjoy this peaceful, serene beautiful place and have this unique experience, you'll be glad you did. Don't forget all of the other things you can do to add to your experience that Lisa lists. This would be an unforgettable experience for a family with young kids. Bring a camera! Aside from the residents, the fields are visited by deer, and there are foxes, birds. There's a cabin, 2 trundle beds,folding room divider, windows all around, small sitting area with an awning in back looking into the forest .Lisa and Ed are kind, considerate and caring hosts. * Ask about buying some amazing Maple Syrup made using Ed's grandfather's recipe. You can't buy anything like it anywhere else! Thank you Lisa and Ed for your kindness and hospitality. Enjoyed my stay, hope to be back. Peace.

R

Ray

October 2025

16 ft car

3 nights at Magic Forest Farm

Beautiful property, lots of hiking trails, very clean Porta potties and very private!

A

Alex

October 2025

1 night at Waterfall Sanctuary & Quiet Retreat

This was perfect! Everything was as stated. I just packed like I would for a camping trip and was pleased. Even the trail to the waterfall was pretty easy even with the leaves.

Julee

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Magic Forest Farm

I do wish that the site photos were a little more specific to the site and was able to make out the differences a little but easier before booking, but the site we ended choosing was perfect. The portapotty was close by and very clean Definitely considering the same site again or even one of the bigger ones in the future (will be returning for the annual Sheep and Wool festival hopefully!) or even coming back in warmer weather to enjoy the animals and property more.

Alex

October 2025

With pets

3 nights at Waterfall Sanctuary & Quiet Retreat

We loved our stay, such a beautiful and well kept spot! Can’t wait to come back.

S

Sergio

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Big Indian Wilderness Paradise

Rolled up to John’s property and he couldn’t have been more helpful or friendly. He showed us the way to the campsite and gave us a quick lay of the land. The site itself is beautiful and I’d definitely come back. Nothing but good things to say.

sun beams in the early morning illuminating the campsite

N

Nicole

October 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Big Indian Wilderness Paradise

We had a great weekend at John and AC’s spot! Great set up - our kids loves running around, playing in the stream, roasting marshmallows. Overall great experience!

H

Hunter

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Magic Forest Farm

Amazing spot tucked away in the woods, we felt like we had complete privacy and could barely see other campsites from our spot! The broader campgrounds is perfect for hiking and exploring. Highly recommend. Campsite 2 is up a steep, unpaved gravelly road. We managed getting up and down in our AWD Zipcar just fine, though.

the waterfall. The eye of water at the base of the falls is about 7' deep. The big pool is 3-5 feet deep. There are other swimming holes along the river as well as native clay beds for purification masks or making little figures you can bake in the campfire.

H

Haley

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Waterfall Sanctuary & Quiet Retreat

We had a great time! Everything was very accessible, and easy to figure out. Definitely worth the trip to see the waterfall!

k

kyrie

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Waterfall Sanctuary & Quiet Retreat

What an amazing place. The cabin was so clean and the outhouse was spotless. I had a great time.

S

Snow

October 2025

2 nights at Waterfall Sanctuary & Quiet Retreat

I had a wonderful experience staying at this cabin. The land is breathtaking. The waterfall was everything I could’ve asked for on my birthday for fun swimming adventures. The cabin was clean and cozy. Loved using the solar shower bags under the full moon for an additional cold plunge indulgence. Diner nearby makes a mean strawberry shortcake with biscuits. Awesome farmers market. Stay here-you will love it!

S

Scot

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Magic Forest Farm

Very relaxing place with interesting animals and some wonderful hiking trails

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Pete

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Waterfall Sanctuary & Quiet Retreat

Great spot for a camp. The deck was massive, it’s bigger than it looks in the photos. There’s a firepit with a handy adjustable grill grate to make cooking over the fire really easy. There’s a clean portapotty nearby. The red barn is a short walk or 30 second drive up the road with a dishwashing washing station, drinking water with large jugs available to fill, fridge, microwave, Mr coffee maker and outlets for charging devices. There were also a few camping showers (a bag with a shower nozzle on the end) that we filled with a few gallons of water and used in the morning to shower back at the deck site. The biggest draw for this site is the proximity to Bouck’s Falls. It’s a 5 min walk from the campsite down to the river and then another 10 mins hiking upstream to the falls. Absolutely stunning place for a swim. We visited on a warm early October day and the water was chilly but very refreshing. We were the only people there which felt really special. 10/10 would recommend this site. We’ll be staying here again.

B

Bernie

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Campaway on Cotton Hill

My two buddies and I really enjoyed this place. Beautiful view of the stars at night and nice quiet space for us for the weekend. The tent was big enough for three of us and we enjoyed plenty of the amenities (firewood, water, kitchen, smores). We also heard plenty of wildlife - owls, coyotes.. made for a fun experience. Plenty of great hiking nearby. It's a small walk from the parking area but they have a wagon that you can use to help bring your stuff.

Katherine

September 2025

2 nights at Waterfall Sanctuary & Quiet Retreat

Beautiful property, well kept clean cabins and such a wonderful hike down to the waterfalls! Would definitely stay again.

M

Megan

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Waterfall Sanctuary & Quiet Retreat

The Mountain views and waterfall were incredible. Amy’s got a wonderful place. Would definitely come back!

M

Maeve

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Magic Forest Farm

It was a beautiful little spot in the woods behind a gorgeous permaculture farm. Had a lovely pine scent from the trees.

S

Sven

September 2025

With pets

3 nights at Bearkill Brook Campsite

We loved everything about our time at David and Peggy’s spot, highly recommend and we’ll definitely be back! Everything as described, David and Peggy are great hosts.

E

Elmely

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Magic Forest Farm

This place was awesome. The reviews about the ports-potties was true, clean and didn’t smell bad. The hot outdoor shower was great, and the veggies from the garden was a plus. Also the animals were super cute and friendly including the barn cat. The water access was also super helpful. Would 100% stay here again.