Trails » Camping & Wilderness » GPS & Outdoor Gear » Sleeping Bags » How to Camp in the Catskills in October

How to Camp in the Catskills in October

How to Camp in the Catskills in October

camping image by DOLPHIN from Fotolia.com

October in the Catskills is a great time for camping. The fall colors are vibrant and the crowds are much smaller than during the height of the summer season. The weather is also much cooler and night temperatures have the potential to drop below freezing. RV campers can easily stay comfortable with a heater or a few extra blankets but tent camping requires warm and dry gear for an enjoyable experience. October is an ideal time of year to find solitude in the Catskills and campers can get in the last camping trips of the year before winter arrives.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:
  • 3-season tent
  • 0 degree sleeping bag
  • Sleeping pad
  • Base layer clothing
  • Mid layer clothing
  • Down jacket
  • Hiking boots
  • Fire wood
  • Fire starting materials
Step 1
Choose campgrounds that are not close to large lakes where temperatures are likely to be colder than normal. Also choose campgrounds that are close to hiking trails, biking trails and any other recreational activities you wish to pursue.
Step 2
Camp at a private campground that is open through the month of October. Many of the private campgrounds offer warm showers and the staff is available in case of emergency. Most of the state campgrounds like Beaverkill State Campground are closed after Labor Day making private campsites the ideal choice. Campgrounds like Berentson's in Bloomingburg offer visitors privacy and large campsites.
Step 3
Stay at a campground that offers views of the colorful trees. Places like the Blackthorne Campgrounds in Greene County are open through November 1 and offer weekly fireworks displays and views of the changing colors and surrounding mountains.
Step 4
Stay at a campground with indoor facilities for escaping the cold. Places like the Happy Days campground in Sullivan County are surrounded by forests with outdoor recreational opportunities, but also offer an indoor recreation room as an alternative.
Step 5
Stay at a private campground with campsites and cabins. Cabins offer the opportunity to continue your trip if the conditions turn for the worst. Places like the Phoenicia Black Bear Campground in Ulster County have a combination of RV sites, tent sites and cabins available in October.

Tips & Warnings

 
Camping in the Catskills in October is a great time of year for outdoor recreation. Be prepared for inclement weather and carry extra supplies in your vehicle.
 
Watch the weather when camping in the Catskills in October. Weather can change from warm to snow in a single afternoon and you should avoid remote areas when storm fronts are present.
 
Camping in October can be dangerous if winter weather is arriving early. Carry extra blankets, food and water to be prepared for early storms and cold conditions.

Article Written By Zach Lazzari

Zach Lazzari is an outdoor writing specialist. He has experience in website writing as well as standard newspaper writing. He wrote an outdoor column for the Silver World in Lake City, Colo., and articles for Colorado-mountain-adventure.com. Lazzari is currently completing his bachelor's degree online through Arizona State University and lives in southwest Montana.

Write for Trails.com

  • Editor's Pick

    Backcountry Camping Tips

    Backcountry Camping Tips

    You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...

    More Backcountry Camping...

  • Popular Article

    Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

    Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

    Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...

    More Beach Camping...

  • Featured Video

    Common Sense Hiking Tips

    Common Sense Hiking Tips

    The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.

    More Camping Basics...

Outdoor Gear & Equipment

ALL NEW Trails Gear Store powered by:

Trail Finder

US Map

Search by Keyword