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Plan Your Next Camping Trip Here, Under the Catskills Sky
Just 2 hours from NYC, the Great Northern Catskills offer a wide range of camping experiences, from scenic campgrounds and family-friendly RV parks to more secluded outdoor stays. Spend the day hiking, fishing, paddling, exploring small towns, or catching live music, then return to a campfire, a quiet campsite, or a cozy place to sleep beneath some of the Northeast’s darkest skies. The region also offers glamping for travelers who want a closer-to-nature stay with added style and comfort.
Whether you’re looking for a classic campground, an RV-friendly basecamp, or a quieter place to unplug, the Great Northern Catskills offer options across mountain, valley, and river settings. Choose a stay near hiking trails, lakes, trout streams, family attractions, and charming towns, then build the kind of outdoor trip that fits your pace.
For travelers who want the outdoor experience with extra comfort, glamping adds a different way to stay in the Catskills. From furnished tents and cabins to design-forward retreats and other distinctive accommodations, glamping combines fresh air and scenery with a more elevated overnight experience.
Camping here puts you close to some of the region’s best outdoor experiences. Hike to scenic overlooks, paddle mountain lakes, cast a line into trout streams, visit nearby towns, or add in family attractions and seasonal events. Then wind down at camp and enjoy the quieter side of the Catskills after dark.
Browse campgrounds, discover glamping stays, and start planning your outdoor escape.
Planning a primitive or backcountry stay? Check weather conditions, trail updates, and local regulations before you go. Visit the New York State DEC for camping guidelines, and help preserve the wilderness by following Leave No Trace principles.
Preserving the Catskills' natural beauty requires everyone to do their part. By following the Leave No Trace Seven Principles, you help protect the land, wildlife, and experience for future generations.
Research the area’s terrain, weather, and regulations. Bring the right gear, maps, and supplies to stay safe and avoid getting lost. Don’t depend on having cell service on the trail.
Always stay on marked trails and use established campsites. Avoid trampling vegetation or disturbing natural areas.
Pack out all trash and leftover food. When bathrooms or outhouses are not available, bury waste 6–8 inches deep and 200 feet (about 70 big steps) away from water sources and trails.
Help preserve the Catskills’ history and ecology. Leave rocks, plants, and cultural artifacts as you found them.
Use a camp stove for cooking when possible. If fires are allowed, use existing fire rings, keep fires small, and only burn dead and downed wood. Most importantly, make sure your fire is fully extinguished before vacating your campsite.
Observe animals from a distance and never feed them. Store food securely to prevent attracting wildlife.
Yield to other hikers, keep pets under control, and minimize noise to let nature’s sounds prevail.
Stop by the Great Northern Catskills Visitor Center — just off Exit 21 — to get local insights, directions, and personalized recommendations.