Planning an RV camping trip to the New York Catskills but not sure where to stay?
Fear not — this guide is here to help you find the perfect camping site for you, your family, and your RV.
In this guide, we are covering seven of the best RV campgrounds in the Catskills, including Covered Bridge Campsite which offers traditional tent camping, RV sites and hookups, and retro glamping campers available for rent.
Stay tuned until the end, as we will also be discussing many of the great attractions in the Catskills and tips for making your Catskills camping trip a blast.
The 7 Best RV Campgrounds In The Catskills
First things first, before you arrive in the Catskills, you need to choose where to stay.
The picturesque natural environment of the Catskills makes for stunning campgrounds that will leave you with an unforgettable outdoor experience.
Here are seven of the best places to go RV camping in the New York Catskills:
1. Covered Bridge Camping
Covered Bridge Campsite is an RV and tent campground in the Western Catskills. At this destination, you have three main camping options to choose from — campground tent camping, RV camping, or renting one of Covered Bridge’s glamping sites known as the Boheme Retreats.
Plus, Covered Bridge has a host of great amenities for all campers to enjoy. These amenities include:
- Nearby waterfalls and hiking trails
- World-class fishing
- Nearly 26 acres of campground property to explore, surrounded by 500 acres of the Catskill Forest Preserve
- Creekfront campsites
- Drink water facilities
- Water and dishwashing sinks
If you opt for the glamping experience, you can enjoy even more luxuries that can make your trip to the Catskills all the more fun and memorable. By renting one of Covered Bridge’s Boheme Retreats, you can experience the following amenities:
- Staying in a renovated retro camper
- A wet bath with a shower and toilet
- A small kitchen and refrigerator
- Fresh linens and towels
- A French press
- Electricity and water
- Outside seating
- A fire pit and small grill
- Portable heaters and heated blankets
Additionally, if you prefer RV camping as your method of glamping, you can rent a seasonal RV space at Covered Bridge Campsite to ensure you have access to this beautiful campground throughout the season.
Learn more about Covered Bridge Campsite and book your spot on the campground’s website.
2. Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds
Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds is a 160-acre campground that offers spacious campsites and modern facilities for an excellent camping experience.
At this campground, you can find the following amenities and facilities:
- Fully-wooded campground divided into different sections — the Ledges, River’s Edge, Lover’s Lane, Rental Cabins, Seasonals, and the Rally Area
- RV hookups
- Riverfront campsites
- A dedicated area for couples (Lover’s Lane) with no kids or groups allowed in this section
- Bar code-operated gates to get in and out of the campground
- A fire ring
- A picnic table
- Some full hook-up sites with water, electric 30/50 amp, sewer hook ups, digital cable TV, and WiFi
- A general store and propane filling station
- Campground restroom, water, shower, and laundry facilities
Check out the Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds website for more information.
3. Doherty’s Mountain View Campground
Doherty’s Mountain View Campground has been a part of the Catskills camping community for more than 30 years, having been founded in 1983. This campground offers many great amenities, including:
- A seasonal swimming pool (typically opens by July)
- A general store
- Horseshoe pits
- Recreation hall
- Coin-operated laundry room
- Public bathroom with coin-operated showers
- Dumping station
- Playground
- Half-court basketball
- Pavilion
Check out all this family-owned campground has to offer on the Doherty’s Campground website.
4. North-South Lake Campgrounds
North-South Lake Campground is a New York State Park campground located on the eastern side of the Catskills Forest Preserve. At this campground, you can enjoy:
- Two swimming beaches
- Two picnic areas
- Tables and outdoor fireplaces
- Charcoal grills
- Restrooms with showers
- A boat launch and boat rentals
- Firewood sales
- A trailer dump station and recycling center
- Surrounding hiking trails
To learn more about when this campground has sites available to book and season dates, visit the New York State Parks official website.
5. Mink Hollow
Mink Hollow is a scenic byway in the Catskill Mountains that features many different lodging and camping locations. Some of the camping you can find in Mink Hollow includes:
- NYS Department of Environmental Conservation campsites
- Phoenicia Black Bear Campground
- Sugarloaf Mountain camping
- Camping near the Devil’s Path trail in the Catskills
For recreational activities, Mink Hollow offers plenty, including hiking, cycling, skiing, snowboarding, water sports, golf, and tennis. Plus, the surrounding natural environment is stunning.
Even if you don’t plan on staying in Mink Hollow, this can be a great destination to add to your list of things to do while in the New York Catskills.
Visit the Scenic Catskills Mink Hollow webpage to learn more.
6. Waubeeka Family Campground
Waubeeka Family Campground is an RV campground in the Catskills known for its family-friendly atmosphere and host of different amenities, which include:
- Cable TV
- RV hookups
- A playground
- A swimming beach
- WiFi access
- Boating
- Sports and games
Visit the Waubeeka Family Campground website to find out more and reserve your spot.
7. Treetopia Campground
Treetopia Campground is a popular glamping site in the Hudson Valley region of the Catskills.
At this campground, you can find several airstream campers, as well as RV sites and glamping cabins. Each site comes with its own unique offerings, so make sure to check out the campground’s listing page to find out more about each site it has available to rent.
You can opt to reserve a permanently placed RV or, alternatively, you can rent one of the RV sites with water and electric hookups to bring your own RV.
Stop by the Treetopia Campground website to learn more.
Attractions in the Catskills
The Catskills are home to more than just campgrounds, RVs, and glamping sites. From mountain resorts to centers for the arts, the Catskills has plenty to offer for all types of visitors.
Here are nine great attractions to check out in the Catskills:
- Hunter Mountain Resort: Hunter Mountain Resort is a popular ski resort offering a range of winter sports and activities, including skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing. In the summer, it transforms into an adventure park with ziplining, hiking trails, and scenic chairlift rides.
- Kaaterskill Falls: Kaaterskill Falls is one of the highest waterfalls in New York State, offering breathtaking views and a great hiking experience. The two-tiered waterfall cascades down over 260 feet, surrounded by lush forests and picturesque landscapes.
- Catskill Park: Encompassing over 700,000 acres of pristine wilderness, Catskill Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. It offers numerous hiking trails, camping sites, fishing spots, and opportunities for wildlife viewing.
- Bethel Woods Center for the Arts: Located at the site of the original Woodstock festival, this cultural venue hosts concerts, festivals, and exhibitions throughout the year. Explore the museum to learn about the iconic music event and its impact on American culture.
- Slide Mountain: The highest peak in the Catskills, Slide Mountain offers a challenging hike with rewarding panoramic views from the summit. It is part of the Catskill Forest Preserve and is a favorite among avid hikers.
- The Ashokan Reservoir: This stunning reservoir is a source of drinking water for New York City and offers a tranquil setting for outdoor activities. Enjoy hiking, fishing, bird-watching, or simply take in the scenic views along the reservoir’s shores.
- Phoenicia: A charming small town nestled in the heart of the Catskills, Phoenicia is known for its quirky shops, art galleries, and outdoor recreational opportunities. Explore the Esopus Creek, go tubing, or enjoy a scenic train ride on the Catskill Mountain Railroad.
- The Catskill Scenic Trail: Stretching over 26 miles, this multi-use trail follows the route of the former Ulster and Delaware Railroad. It is perfect for hiking, biking, or horseback riding, providing scenic views of the Catskill Mountains and passing through charming towns.
- Thomas Cole National Historic Site: Visit the former home and studio of Thomas Cole, a prominent 19th-century landscape painter and founder of the Hudson River School of Art. Explore the site, admire the art, and learn about the artist’s significant contributions to American art.
Final Thoughts: Tips for RV Camping in the Catskills
To make the most out of your trip to the Catskills, we end this guide with three final tips for RV camping in this region:
- Always be mindful of wildlife — even in glamping sites, you still have the chance to encounter wildlife. Keep this in mind by securely storing food and maintaining awareness of your surroundings in case a forest critter decides to pay you a visit.
- Plan ahead — when camping with an RV, you need to make sure you have access to the right hookups and dumping stations you need.
- Focus on fun — no one wants a camping trip to turn into a hassle or a headache. By prioritizing fun, you can choose the campground that best fits your needs and minimizes your stress during your time in the outdoors.
At Covered Bridge Campground, we strive to make your camping experience phenomenal, regardless of if you are traditional tent camping, RV camping, or glamping.
Get in touch with Covered Bridge Campground today to book your spot.
