If you’ve never been camping before, consider this your sign to give it a try. Our region is full of beautiful mountains, forests, and fields that are ready to welcome you for a bare-bones, back-to-nature getaway. Read on for tips to get started.
There is nothing like camping for reconnecting with friends, family, nature, and yourself. Camping strips away all the unnecessary comforts and encumbrances of our regular life and shows us how little we actually need to keep body and soul together—and it helps us feel good about both.
Getting rid of the walls surrounding and protecting us breaks down the more figurative walls that divide us from nature and one another. It’s hard not to feel more fully alive after camping, more attentive—once you go back home—to how much you depend on those comforts, and more grateful, perhaps, for conveniences you previously took for granted. The best thing about a good camping trip is returning home and seeing and appreciating ordinary life anew.
If you’ve never gone before, there’s no need to be intimidated. Camping is not just one thing. There is a full menu of options available for those who want to leave the familiar indulgences of everyday life behind and try sleeping outdoors. Whether you’re an expert backpacker or an inexperienced couch potato, there are options in the Hudson Valley for anyone who wants to bring their willingness to “rough it” to the next level.
Spending the night outdoors deepens your connection to the landscape. From the rolling fields of Westchester and Dutchess to the rugged peaks of the Catskills, there’s no shortage of places to pitch a tent, hike, paddle, or just sit back and enjoy the fresh air. You get to know a place differently when you wake up to bird songs and fall asleep under a sky full of stars. Read on for tips to get started.
Gear Up
It has never been easier to give camping a try. With just a few key pieces of equipment, you can set up a comfortable home away from home. A sturdy, weather-appropriate tent, a warm sleeping bag, and a sleeping pad or air mattress are the basics of a good night’s rest.
“Getting a good night’s sleep is absolutely paramount, especially when somebody is new to camping,” says Dave MacDonald, head of the camping department at Kenco Outfitters in Kingston. “When you’re uncomfortable, and you don’t get a good night’s sleep, things just aren’t as much fun the next day.”
As for food, you can prep and pack everything in advance in a cooler, though be sure to keep all the goods in your car. Anything left out will get picked at by critters, especially raccoons, and depending on where you are camping, possibly bears as well. (Though you shouldn’t be scared—black bear attacks are exceedingly rare.)
If you want to try your hand at camp cooking, the handiest, most versatile tool is a two-burner stove, which runs on small propane tanks. Bring your usual pots and some noodles—and matches or a lighter—and you’ve got the beginnings of an easy meal. If you want to grill, most campfire rings come with grates that can be lowered over a fire for that classic wood-cooked taste. Don’t forget plates, ideally reusable plastic or metal dishes that won’t break and can be washed after each meal.
You’ll also want folding chairs to sit around the campfire—a musical instrument is a fine way to increase the coziness and bring that timeless convivial vibe.
Easy Does It
If you’re new to camping, the best way to start is small and local. Choose a campsite with facilities like restrooms and running water, and plan for a short weekend trip before committing to something more remote. Arrive before dark to set up camp and keep meals simple. Most importantly, embrace the experience. Leave your screens at home or in the car.
Shawn Gale, a certified DEC outdoor guide who has been leading trips for more than 30 years, recommends trying out any new gear at home before taking it into the woods. “You need to make sure your sleeping bag is rated for the low temperature expected for wherever you plan to be camping,” he says. “And be sure to bring enough water—or some form of means to procure water safely from a stream.”
A fourth-grade teacher at West Point, Gale offers courses for adults in kayaking, primitive fire-making, and safety, and he takes groups out for everything from day hikes to rigorous backcountry excursions. For beginners, Gale recommends finding an easily accessible state park campground. “That way you don’t have to be worried about the weight of your gear, or about what food to bring,” he says. “If you don’t enjoy it, you can leave the next day.”
Above all, Gale says, it’s crucial to be prepared. “Know before you go: Check the forecast, look at the low temperatures, so you can dress for that weather,” he says. “Remember that it might be 75 degrees down in the valley, but when you head up into the mountains, the temperature is going to start to drop.”
It’s also important to pay attention to any rules and regulations for wherever you’ve decided to camp, especially whether there is a burn ban in effect to prevent wildfires. “Know your gear, know the weather, know the rules,” Gale says. “You don’t want any surprises when you’re out there. If you’re inexperienced and you’re scared, then hire a guide.”
MacDonald of Kenco Outfitters encourages all campers—even day-hikers—to make sure somebody knows where they are going and when they expect to be back. “Doing that has saved more people than anything else,” he says.
The Next Level
“Backcountry is a whole ‘nother ballgame,” MacDonald says, referring to the practice of hiking deep into the woods to set up a primitive campsite—no restrooms, no electricity, and your car is miles away. “For that you have to travel with just the bare necessities.” He suggests checking out the American Hiking Society’s list of the 10 essentials needed for hiking—the same gear will come in handy for backcountry camping. The list includes appropriate footwear, adequate water, sufficient food, rain protection, safety items like whistles and flashlights, a first aid kit, and even a small knife or multi-tool.
The most common mistake MacDonald has seen first-time campers make is bringing gear that’s not up to the task. “They take a tent that is made for car camping and want to go backpacking,” he says, “or they don’t have the knowledge or the experience to go on a 30- or 40-mile hike. Start small, start easy.”
MacDonald practices what he preaches, finding even the shortest window of time to get himself out into the woods. He will sometimes leave work at Kenco and drive up into the Catskills, walk a mile or two down a trail and pitch his tent, then wake up at dawn, hike a mountain, and be back at the store in time for his shift.
“Know your gear, know the weather, know the rules… You don’t want any surprises when you’re out there.”
Just Do It
Whether you’re a practiced camper or someone who has never spent a night outdoors, the Hudson Valley has options to suit every level of experience. With its wide range of campgrounds, from rustic tent sites to well-equipped family resorts, there’s no reason to be intimidated by the idea of sleeping under the stars.
For those who don’t own camping gear—or aren’t sure they’re ready to invest—there are several companies including HipCamp and GlampingHub that offer fully equipped, ready-to-use sites on private land throughout the region. While some of these sites are decked out with every imaginable creature comfort, others give you the rustic experience without the hassle of buying and packing everything you’ll need yourself.
With its rich history as a favorite retreat of 19th-century artists and writers, North-South Lake is the perfect escape.
Stake Your Claim
State Parks
Booking a campsite at a New York State Park gives you easy access to some of the region’s most beautiful landscapes, from scenic lakeshores to mountain trails, along with well-maintained facilities, affordable rates, and a variety of outdoor activities.
• North-South Lake Campground boasts breathtaking scenic views, miles of hiking trails leading to historic sites like Kaaterskill Falls, and serene lakeside camping. With its rich history as a favorite retreat of 19th-century artists and writers (the former site of the world-famous Catskill Mountain House), North-South Lake is the perfect escape for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
Haines Falls, NY
# of sites: 216
Amenities: playground, hot showers, boat rentals, fishing, hiking
• Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground offers a crystal-clear lake, a sandy beach, and miles of scenic trails. Whether you’re kayaking, fishing, or gathering around a campfire, Lake Taghkanic is a peaceful getaway that’s not to be missed.
Ancram, NY
# of sites: 90
Amenities: swimming beach, kayak rentals, playgrounds, picnic areas
• Nestled in the middle of the Hudson River, Schodack Island State Park is a little-known new addition to the state system, with lush woodlands and easy river access for paddling and fishing. Train lovers will especially appreciate falling asleep to the sound of freight trains clanging across the nearby trestle, their whistles piercing through the night.
Schodack Landing, NY
# of sites: 66
Amenities: bike trail, volleyball, horseshoe, birding, kayak/canoe launch site
Family-Friendly
A well-equipped campground can make all the difference for families, offering kid-friendly amenities like playgrounds, swimming areas, and organized activities that keep everyone entertained.
• In the heart of the Catskills, Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds in Saugerties offers shaded campsites, hiking trails, and the nearby Esopus Creek for fishing and kayaking. With its picturesque setting, this is a great destination for families looking to unwind and reconnect with nature.
Saugerties, NY
# of sites: 170
Amenities: playgrounds, driving range, pedal boats, pool, WiFi, general store
• Located in the scenic Berkshire foothills, Copake Camping Resort offers spacious sites for both tents and RVs, a private lake for boating, and plenty of outdoor activities for all ages.
Copake, NY
# of sites: 126
Amenities: heated pool, mini golf, dog park, arcade, laundry, live music
• Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Catskills, Thousand Trails Rondout Valley allows you to spend the morning exploring the nearby mountains and the afternoon relaxing by the pool.
Accord, NY
# of sites: 310
Amenities: shuffleboard, bike and hiking trails, waterfront sites, showers, activities center
Primitive
For those seeking solitude and a deeper connection with nature, a primitive or backcountry campsite offers a true escape. It’s the best choice for campers who want a more rugged, off-the-grid experience.
• Located near the Rondout Creek, Peekamoose Valley offers a tranquil, primitive camping experience with spacious sites. Campers should come prepared for a no-frills stay. Reservations are now required for the sites.
Grahamsville, NY
# of sites: 13
• Devil’s Tombstone, hidden in the rugged Stony Clove of the Catskills, is a historic, primitive campground popular with serious hikers due to its proximity to trails leading to Hunter Mountain and other scenic peaks.
Hunter, NY
# of sites: 24
• Completed in 2014, Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground is a popular destination for rock climbers, offering easy access to the ‘Gunks and the Mohonk Preserve. With spacious sites, well-maintained facilities, and a peaceful atmosphere, it’s the perfect base for hiking, climbing, and exploring the surrounding area, one of the most popular of the Hudson Valley’s beautiful places.
Gardiner, NY
# of sites: 50
