healing workshops, and spa treatments.
The mountains beckon with promises of adventure and tranquility. It’s time to immerse yourself in Ulster County’s great outdoors – and not just for a moment, but for all day and all night.
Let’s go camping. The air is crisp. Leaves are morphing into a kaleidoscope of fiery hues.
Freestyle camping: Embrace the wild
For the purists and survivalist types who believe that true communion with nature comes without reservations or amenities, freestyle camping in Ulster County is the way to go. The Catskill Forest Preserve allows for primitive camping below 3500 feet elevation, giving you the freedom to set up camp away from the crowds. Imagine finding that perfect spot beside a babbling brook or under a canopy of golden leaves, with the stars as your nightlight.
Just remember to camp at least 150 feet away from trails and water sources, adhere to group size limits of ten people, and follow leave-no-trace principles. Fires are generally permitted but must be small and fully extinguished.
No permits are needed for stays under three nights. It’s just you, the whispering pines, and perhaps a curious deer wandering by (along with its ticks).
State campgrounds: Nature with a dash of comfort
If you appreciate the serenity of the wild but wouldn’t mind a restroom nearby, Ulster County’s state campgrounds strike the perfect balance. The Woodland Valley Campground in Phoenicia is cradled by mountains and offers access to some of the Catskills’ most beloved trails, including the trek up Slide Mountain, the highest peak in the range. Then there’s the
Kenneth L. Wilson Campground near Woodstock, where you can pitch your tent or park your camper amidst rolling hills and serene lakes. These campgrounds provide basic amenities like restrooms and picnic tables, ensuring a comfortable stay without stealing the spotlight from Mother Nature.
Private campgrounds: Community and convenience
For those who enjoy the camaraderie of fellow campers and a few extra perks, private campgrounds in Ulster County offer a welcoming embrace. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Lazy River in Gardiner is a family-friendly haven where kids can splash in the pools, play mini-golf, and even meet Yogi Bear himself. It’s camping with a delightful twist of nostalgia and fun.
Over in Saugerties, the Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds provide spacious sites along the Plattekill Creek. Here you can fish, tube, or simply relax by the water’s edge, all the while enjoying amenities like wi-fi and a camp store.
And let’s not forget Blue Mountain Campground, also in Saugerties, which offers a peaceful wooded setting perfect for both tents and RVs.
Glamping: Luxury under the stars
Elevating camping to an indulgent experience – glamping – continues its ascent as a nationwide trend. Each year, more and more structures are built in the legal gray area between rental unit and enhanced campsite. Our area is something of a poster child for the trend, though several recent proposed glamping developments have met fierce Nimby resistance.
Those that are already built are pretty sweet and swanky, with lots of Catskills charm.
To name but a few:
AutoCamp Catskills in Saugerties brings a modern flair with sleek Airstream suites and luxurious canvas tents equipped with chic furnishings and spa-like bathrooms. Imagine sipping your morning coffee on a private deck as the mist rolls off the mountains.
Treetopia in nearby Catskill offers a variety of glamping options, including luxury cottages, Airstreams, treehouses, and canvas tents, all set within a well-equipped campground featuring a pool, vegetable garden, and event pavilions.
Top-rated Woodstock Meadows offers a luxurious glamping experience with fully equipped tents, an outdoor shower, fire pit, and amenities like bathrobes and toiletries, nestled near a farm, a pond, and several trails.
You can also check out glampinghub.com for more options. It’s sort of like the Airbnb of glamping.
RV Camping: Home on Wheels
For the nomads who prefer their own mobile sanctuary, Ulster County welcomes RV enthusiasts with open arms. Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds and Blue Mountain Campground both offer full hook-up sites nestled among the trees, providing the perfect base for exploring the region. With amenities like laundry facilities, playgrounds, and easy access to hiking and fishing spots, you can enjoy all the comforts of home while being steps away from nature’s playground.
Rondout Valley RV Campground in Accord features full-hookup sites and waterfront options, along with daily activities and resort-style amenities such as a pool, playground, and sports courts.
Skyway Camping Resort in Greenfield Park offers resort-style amenities, including a solar-heated pool, hot tub, and sports courts. It caters to both seasonal and short-term RV stays.
Retreats: Rejuvenate mind and body
For those looking to nourish the soul as well as the body, Ulster County’s retreats provide sanctuaries of wellness and introspection. The Menla Retreat & Spa in Phoenicia offers a Tibetan-inspired oasis where you can participate in yoga classes, healing workshops, and spa treatments that melt away the stresses of modern life. Surrounded by the Catskill Mountains, Menla provides a serene environment fostering a deep connection with nature and self.
Similarly, the Zen Mountain Monastery in Mount Tremper invites guests to engage in meditation retreats and explore the teachings of Zen Buddhism. It’s a place where the quiet of the mountains complements the quieting of the mind.
Wildflower Farms in Gardiner is a luxurious retreat set on 140 acres of wildflower meadows and woodlands. It offers bespoke accommodations, a farm-to-table dining experience, a spa, and miles of hiking trails.
Lundy Farm in Wawarsing offers a secluded, 62-acre retreat surrounded by 30,000 acres of state forest. With regenerative farming, a spring-fed pond, and wellness-focused accommodations, it’s ideal for personal and group retreats.
Full Moon Resort in Big Indian provides a rustic yet sophisticated retreat experience in the Catskills. It offers various accommodations and dining options. It hosts retreats year-round. Sometimes bears even attend, but not to worry, the staff are experts at dealing with them.
If you don’t want to retreat too far from civilization but still want to feel secluded, Hutton Brickyards in Kingston blends luxury with nature along the Hudson River, offering wellness retreats that include yoga, sound baths, guided nature walks, and farm-to-table dining. It’s all within a few minutes’ drive to everything else Kingston has to offer.
See you by the campfire.
Join the family! 
