The best camping near Hudson River Islands State Park

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

Discover the serene beauty of Hudson River Islands State Park.  

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Top-rated campgrounds near Hudson River Islands State Park

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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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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)
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$80
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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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Rip Van Winkle Mountain View

4 sites · RVs3 acres · Claverack Red Mills, NY
Learn more about this land:Million dollar view of rip van winkle sleeping in the mountains. Future site of my home that I will be building in 2021. It is a very secluded space with privacy.
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New Lebanon Fields

2 sites · Tents75 acres · East Chatham, NY
We invite you to come camp on 77 acres of varied land. Woods, fields, swimming pond, hiking trails, goats, and possibly even other campers, although it's very private if that's how you'd like it. You may be perfectly content staying put, but if you seek small town offerings, Chatham (15 minutes away) offers restaurants, art galleries, a brewery, movie theatre, two bakeries, and some shops. We are half an hour from Hudson, and in the midst of plentiful Berkshire and Hudson Valley hiking, biking, antiquing, and sightseeing opportunities. Enjoy the big view from the highest corner of the big field. This is a sweet little campsite set in a birch grove with a view to the Catskills, and lots of wildlife. Two minute walk from your car, and a five minute walk to a swimming pond and a composting toilet outhouse. Near Chatham, New York where there is a brewery, cheese shop, bakery, restaurants, and a movie theatre. We are half an hour from Hudson, and in the midst of plentiful Berkshire and Hudson Valley hiking, biking and sightseeing opportunities. Early check-in and late check-out are often fine; just ask. *Special note for winter campers: depending on both snowfall and what you are driving, the parking locations may change. If we can, we will be happy to either ferry you via our 4WD, or help you carry your stuff in. The winter is really fun and beautiful. It's really nice here and we're happy to share it. LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: We are on the un-ceded land of the Stockbridge Munsee Mohicans. Black Lives Matter.
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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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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.
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$125
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The Catskill And Chill

1 site · Lodging8 acres · Catskill, NY
Located In upstate New York is this hidden gem. This camper was old school, now turned new. With a full renovation to give it a Scandinavian look in the front, and a cozy cabin feel in the bedroom. This will give you a unique experience different from the normal camper your used to! Also at your campsite there is a firepit, garden hose,(not available during the winter)and a 8x8 hammock perfect to stargaze in! We are now offering kindling firewood with fire starter and matches. Feel free to reserve your own firewood. $10 OTHER AMMENDITIES INCLUDED Wifi Heating Air conditioning Microwave Coffee and Tea Coffee maker/Kettle Fridge Toaster Cooking utensils Games Fresh linens provided Water heater(6 Gallon) Tv
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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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$120
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Back Pond

1 site · Tent12 acres · Athens, NY
Learn more about this land: This location is great for acting like a home base to access local attractions which include: hiking in the Catskills (20 - 40 minute drive) or at the many areas along the Hudson (5-10 minute drive), touring the City of Hudson, the Village of Catskill and their antique shops enjoying the local resultants and brew houses in Coxsackie and Athens visiting Olana and the Thomas Cole museums The campsite itself offers privacy and convivence to the local attractions, or stay there to enjoy the beauty of this land
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$45
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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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The best camping near Hudson River Islands State Park guide

Overview

About

Embark on a serene adventure at Hudson River Islands State Park, where the tranquil waters of the Hudson River embrace secluded islands. This unique day-use park, accessible only by boat, invites you to moor your vessel and explore its untouched natural splendor. With no entrance fee, visitors can enjoy picnicking amid the scenic backdrop, observe rare wildlife, and paddle along the peaceful river currents in their kayaks or canoes.

When to go

Visit Hudson River Islands State Park from May to October to experience its full glory. During these months, the park is open for day use and picnicking, offering the best weather for kayaking and wildlife observation. Avoid the off-season when the park is less accessible and some activities may not be available.

Know before you go

  • Access to the park is exclusively by boat, with no docks available, so prepare to moor off the islands or bring your kayak or canoe ashore.
  • Adhere to the pet policy, ensuring your furry friends are supervised and on a leash no longer than 6 feet.
  • Remember, this is a carry-in, carry-out park; take all your trash with you to preserve the natural beauty.
  • While there is no entrance fee, always check the weather before your visit for a safe and enjoyable experience.
  • Note that hunting is not permitted, ensuring a safe haven for the park's wildlife.

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