Campgrounds and RV parks near Smallwood, NY

The Upper Delaware River is the region's headline attraction. Kittatinny has been operating on the Delaware for roughly 80 years, and both Kittatinny Campgrounds and Kittatinny's K-Camp Campground offer on-site raft, canoe, kayak, and tube rentals along with ziplines and paintball. Wildlife along the river includes bald eagles, hawks, herons, deer, and the occasional black bear. Fly fishing is a defining activity in the western Catskills. The Willowemoc Creek near Covered Bridge Campsite and Happy Days Campground is one of the most celebrated trout streams in the Northeast, and the Neversink at Oakland Valley Campground holds quality trout water. Anglers 16 and up need a New York State fishing license. Off the water, families visit Bethel Woods Center for the Arts on the site of the 1969 Woodstock Festival and the Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum in Livingston Manor.

The Catskills camping season is short. Most private campgrounds in the area open in April or May and close in October or November. Kittatinny's K-Camp Campground publishes a late April to late October operating window, and Oakland Valley Campground typically runs from late April through mid October, weather permitting. Winter camping is not offered at these private parks, and Covered Bridge Campsite has faced operational disruptions in recent seasons, so campers should confirm status before booking. July and August are peak season, when river trips run daily and family sites book weeks in advance. Holiday weekends often carry a minimum stay of three nights. Spring brings cold nights, higher water on the Delaware and Willowemoc, and prime trout fishing conditions. Fall foliage typically peaks in early to mid October and draws weekend campers. Seasonal patterns to plan around include heavy June rainfall, which is the wettest month locally, spring high water that can affect river trips, and shoulder-season nights that dip below freezing in April and October.

Sites vary widely. Kittatinny's K-Camp spans about 250 acres with roughly 350 sites, including riverfront grass sites, creekside spots, and plateaued mountain sites, plus cabins. Oakland Valley offers RV sites with water and electric hookups along the Neversink, a swimming pool, a general store, and laundry, with a mix of upper-level and riverfront sites. Covered Bridge Campsite has historically offered around 35 sites with 20 and 30 amp electric and water hookups, tent areas, and a 35-foot RV length limit. Cell reception can be spotty in the river valleys, and Wi-Fi is often available only near the camp store or office rather than at every site. New York DEC restricts moving firewood more than 50 miles from its source, so buy firewood locally or on site. Bring layers for cool evenings, insect repellent, and river shoes if paddling or fishing.