New Paltz offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, rock-climbing, biking, and swimming at Lake Minnewaska. The town is close to the Hudson River and the Catskill Mountains, making it easy to make day trips to both. The Shawangunk Mountains, also known as the Gunks, are just 8 miles away, offering hiking trails, waterfalls, and world-class rock-climbing. You can also explore different options for camping near New Paltz on Hipcamp.