Camping is a time honored tradition for anyone who wants to connect with nature. In our area, and within a short drive, campers can find an array of options to meet the needs of backcountry enthusiasts and family car campers.
The Catskills are a short drive from New York City and make up the western edge of the Hudson Valley. The best campgrounds in the Catskills are run by the state DEC and are always well maintained with many amenities. These campgrounds are secluded and quiet and are located in prime locations throughout the Catskills.
Check out these campgrounds for a close to home getaway.
- North South Lake
- Devil’s Tombstone
- Woodland Valley
- Kenneth Wilson
- Beaverkill
- Mongaup Pond
The Adirondack Park is home to some of the most diverse and beautiful natural areas in the country. The park is huge, covering more acres than Yellowstone and others parks combined. As in the Catskills, state campgrounds in the Adirondacks are great options for all types of camping. There are incredible primitive campsites that are accessible only by boat in the Saranac Lake Chains, family friendly front country campgrounds throughout the park, and plenty of back country options as well.
We are also lucky to have some great options for camping very close to Walden. These include privately owned campgrounds like Jellystone Park in Gardiner and KOA in Newburgh. There are also small municipal options, a popular one being Winding Hills Park in Montgomery. Many of these local options are especially great for families with children. Check them out!
Of course you know about camping staples like tents, sleeping bags, stoves, and lanterns but have you ever considered:
- Sleeping in an lightweight hammock
- Toasting with packable wine glasses
- Creating a gourmet meal with ultralight kitchen gadgets
- Packing your food in a bear proof cooler
- Creating safe drinking water
- Starting a fire without matches
- Cooking over an open fire
- Roasting 5 marshmallows at once
You can find all this cool gear, plus much more online and in our store! Make Thruway Sporting Goods your camping gear headquarters this summer!