For all the nature lovers out there, if you are seeking a beautiful destination for your next camping adventure, I would definitely recommend the gorgeous mountains of Catskills located in Upstate NY. Wondering why? It’s because of the enchanting surroundings, stunning mountains, breathtaking views, lush forest, abundant wildlife and the picturesque waterfalls, can’t go wrong with Catskills. This dream destination is perfect for escaping the daily hustle bustle of city life and immersing ourselves in nature.
Oh and the unique natural beauty of the mountains keeps captivating us into its atmosphere more and more. The best part is there are a diverse range of campgrounds present right for you to choose, easily pick your ideal grounds and embrace the great outdoors with camping in Catskills. But don’t you worry about how to choose one from a wide range of exquisite campgrounds, as I will write about my very own favorites and best among them, which will greatly assist you in fixing on one.
Now, make sure you read the blog until the end and get ready to pack your bag to embrace the wilderness and create an unforgettable journey with Catskill Mountain Camping.
Beauty of Catskill Mountains: A Rundown
The charming region of Catskills is just filled with breathtaking mountains, dense forests and plenty of nature and is situated right in Upstate New York. There is something for everyone at Catskills, among them my favorites were camping, hiking and exploring its pleasing outdoors. You could always do fishing, kayaking and visit the stunning waterfalls in the regions and create your perfect escape from the city with Catskills.
Trust me, you might just fall in love with this place. Whether you are a nature lover, or a culture enthusiast or an adventure seeker, it is certainly a great place for you to plan your next getaway with the best camping in Catskills. Talking about the ideal time to camp in Catskill campgrounds, I would say that late spring, summer and early fall are the best with mild and pleasant weather which is perfect for an outdoor adventure.
Types of Camping Options in Catskills
There are plenty of unique options available for camping in the regions, from staying deep in the woods with wilderness to luxuriating in the woods. Let’s go through the range of options available:
1. Glamping in Catskills
Glamping was always the best pick when it comes to camping in the mountains for me. We could just stay in ultimate comfort and luxury right under the stars without any foreign interference from the woods. There are plenty of glamping cabins in Catskills which provide the stunning views of the mountains and all the amenities.
2. RV Camping in the Catskills
Catskills offers plenty of options for the RV campers out there with tree-lined sites to even lakeside spots, you could camp at your own convenience inside your RV. The campgrounds even include full hookup to primitive sites for boondocking. Almost every spot provides features like swimming pools, boat rentals, playgrounds, game rooms and more.
3. Tent Camping
Stay close in touch with nature with tent camping which is also one of my very personal favorites. Whenever I felt like completely disconnecting myself from the outer world, I would go for tent camping in Catskills. There are many amenities in the campgrounds to cover all your needs just like Catskills camping cabin.
Top 5 Places to Camp in Catskills
The campgrounds in Catskills are definitely one of a kind, offering many niceties for the visitor with breathtaking views and many immersing activities nearby. It is one of my personal choices for camping in the mountains. Now, let me take you through my favorite and best places to camp in the Catskills:
1. Autocamp Catskills
One of the most renowned camping experiences, I’ve always preferred Autocamp when it comes to Catskill Campgrounds with Cabins as they provide the top tier glamping in all of Upstate NY. You may explore the nearby historic towns of Woodstock or Saugerties or do hiking on the various trails or visit the tranquil lakes nearby.
When I visited the spot in winter we had the opportunity to go skiing and snowshoeing at Hunter Mountain nearby which was extremely refreshing. Now, here are the details about the campgrounds:
| Location | 882 NY-212 Saugerties, NY 12477 |
| Type of Camping | Glamping, RV |
| Pet Friendly | Yes |
| Amenities | TV, Kitchenette with all essentials, Luxury Bath Products, Heating and AC, Modern Day Spa inspired bathroom |
| Nearby Attractions | Hiking, Mountain Biking, Rock Climbing, Paddling, Swimming, Fishing |
| Pricing | $332 |
2. Covered Bridge Campsite
One of the most unique campgrounds that I’ve been to in Catskills, Covered Bridge Campsite provides many amazing facilities such as hot showers and bathrooms even while displaying the classic rustic environment. I picked the waterfront site which was really beautiful rather than the privacy one nestled in the woods, we can choose from multiple areas to pitch our tent. They even provide the best RV campgrounds in the Catskills alongside the unique tent sites.
| Location | 68 Conklin Hill Rd, Livingston Manor, NY 12758 |
| Type of Camping | RV, Tent, Glamping |
| Maximum Number of Guests per site | 8 |
| Pet Friendly | Yes |
| Amenities | Hot showers. bathrooms |
| Nearby Attractions | Waterfalls, World-Class Fishing, Hiking |
| Pricing | $40 |
3. North-South Lake Campground
The biggest and most renowned Catskill family camp spot with many amazing amenities and attractions nearby. During my stay at North-South Lake Campground I’ve had the opportunity to view extraordinary scenic beauty of Catskill Attractions and historical sites nearby the spot like Alligator Rock and Kaaterskill Falls. Not only that but there are some highly thrilling hiking trails also nearby to several amazing spots.
| Location | County Route 18, Haines Falls, NY 12436 |
| Types of Camping | Tent sites, RV sites, Group, Equestrian |
| Pet Friendly | Yes |
| Amenities | Drinking Water, Electric Hookups, Alcohol, Picnic Table, Trash |
| Nearby Attractions | Boat Rentals, Lakes, Beaches, Sunset Park, Artist’s Rock and more |
| Pricing | $22 to $27 |
4. Mongaup Pond Campground
Surrounded by dense forests with many wildlife nearby like deer, bear, foxes and turkey, Mongaup Pond Campground is one of the best campsites in Catskill. I was able to go for a hike, boating and wildlife watching with my family during our times at the campground and the special part is we were able to connect with our friendly neighbors and socialize with them at the nearby beach while setting up barbecues. Moreover, the campsite provides the ultimate privacy to the guests.
| Location | Mongaup Pond, Rockland, NY 12758 |
| Types of Camping | Tent, RV sites |
| Pet Friendly | Yes |
| Amenities | Potable Water, Shower, Picnic Tables, Campfires, Toilets |
| Nearby Attractions | Horseback Riding, Beach, Hiking, Boating, Lakes, Fishing |
| Pricing | $21 per night, $9 reservation fee |
5. Big Pond Catskills Camping
The best rustic experience of camping ever, if you want to feel the ultimate form of camping then this is it. Big Pond camping is one of the most unique camping experiences I’ve had alongside my friend group. We had to set up everything from scratch as there were no amenities available. The whole space is on fire-come-first-serve basis, you can’t reserve a spot.
Furthermore, the wilderness is something you should be careful of as during nighttime the black bears visit the campsite for food scraps. If you want to experience the most down to earth camping then you should go for Big Pond without a doubt.
| Location | Catskill Forest Preserve, Northwest side of the lake |
| Types of Camping | Tent |
| Pet Friendly | Yes |
| Amenities | None |
| Nearby Attractions | Lake, Hiking, Boating, Fishing |
| Pricing | Free |
Equipment and Gears Required for Camping:
- Tent
- Water
- Fire Starter
- First Aid Kit
- Sleeping Bag
- Pocket Knife
- Map & Compass
- Clothing according to the weather
- Rain Gear
- First Aid Kit
- Cooking Gear
Safety Tips & Key Camping Principles
- Plan ahead and prepare for your camping, make sure you carry all the equipment and gears.
- Dispose all of the waste properly, don’t leave any trace.
- Try to minimize campfire impacts.
- Respect wildlife always, don’t disturb the animals in their ecosystem.
- Always travel and camp on durable surfaces.
- Leave what you find in the ecosystem, do not build structures, or dig trenches.
Final Thoughts
Camping has always been the best getaway from daily hustle and bustles from my daily life and Catskills is the prime destination for this quick escape. Stunning mountains, abundant wildlife, soothing nature, tranquil lakes, gorgeous waterfalls and much more, Catskills has everything present for making you fall immersed in the unique camping experience. Now, it is finally time for you to create some unforgettable memories alongside your loved ones with Catskill Mountain Camping.
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