Camping near Minnewaska State Park Preserve can be a challenge since this park is one of the most popular in New York State - and it doesn't offer camping.
We love Minnewaska. One of our favorite summer outings is to take a bike ride to Awosting Lake and find a quiet corner to hang our hammock and go for a swim.
One of the great things about Minnewaska is how much of it is easily accessible, even to the casual hiker. You can look out over Minnewaska Lake or stand in front of Awosting Falls with just a gentle walk of a mile or so. The Sam's Point area of Minnewaska State Park also offers easy access to the stunning views from Sam's Point. The more intrepid can explore Awosting Lake or the ice caves at Sam's Point.
First we'll list some of the larger campgrounds near Minnewaska and then offer some suggestions for smaller campsites on private land.
Larger campgrounds near Minnewaska
Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground: If you can get in, nothing beats camping right on the preserve, which runs $42 a night for non-members. It was made Travel + Leisure's list of 12 best places to camp in U.S. state parks. Campground amenities include a pavilion and cooking area, bathhouse and restroom facilities, and circulation trails. There are 26 drive-in spots (one vehicle per site) and 24 spots with remote parking. These sites accommodate up to two tents (and four people) per pad. Additionally, there are 5 camp-in-vehicle sites for cars or vans with a 2-person maximum.
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park in Gardiner, New York: A family-friendly private campground and resort. No Saturday arrivals, and you have to book at least two nights in the summer.
Kenneth L. Wilson Campground: Located in Mount Tremper, NY, this campground is about a 30-minute drive from Mohonk Preserve. It offers tent and RV sites, as well as amenities such as hot showers, restrooms, and a swimming beach.
Woodland Valley Campground: Situated in Phoenicia, NY, this campground is approximately a 45-minute drive from Mohonk Preserve. It provides tent and RV sites, along with amenities like showers, restrooms, and a nearby stream.
KOA Newburgh/New York City North: Although slightly farther away (about a 1-hour drive), this KOA campground in Plattekill, NY, offers a range of amenities, including tent and RV sites, cabins, a swimming pool, a fishing pond, and more.
Smaller campsites near Minnewaska
Awosting Club: You can book one of several geodesic domes for between $200 and $300 a night in Wallkill, NY.
Hudson Valley River Camp: This unique 80-acre bird sanctuary in Wallkill, NY offers private camping along a protected river. It has only five dispersed campsites, so you can enjoy pure peace and quiet after a long day of hiking. Firewood is available, and each site has a firepit and portable camp toilet and you can float/swim in the river. There's one pull-in RV/car camping style site. Sites run about $50 a night.
Robibero's Retreat: This campsite is on 42 acres of the Robibero Winery just outside of New Paltz. Tent camping is in a secluded field and will run you about $50 a night. You may share the site with other tent campers. Facilities include flush toilets.
The Mountain Top at Wright's Farm: This camping option in Gardiner, New York, is on the grounds of the popular Wright's Farm, best known for its fruit and farm stand, brewery and hugely popular pick-your-own apples. Mohonk Preserve is about 10 minutes away. RV and tent sites start at about $60 a night.
Boulder Point Camping: This private campsite in Pine Bush, NY is only about 20 minutes to Mohonk Preserve. Boulder Point offers 20 sites and a glamping tent and a vintage camper. Tent/RV sites run about $70. The cool camper is about $250 a night.
Walden Riverside Farm: This popular historic home and farm in Walden, NY fronts the Wallkill River and offers multiple pull-in parking spots on 50 acres. This and Hudson Valley River Camp are two of the few campsites in the area that offer waterfront camping. Sites run around $60.
