I have been coming to Rip Van Winkle since my very first camping trip with my pop up camper in 1992, as time went on I upgraded to a travel trailer in 2005, and decided to become a seasonal here. I knew the original owners Elton and Kay, right up to the present when Brian and Eric took it over. I had many great times at the campground with family and friends. After sadly loosing my wife from brain cancer in 2019, I decided to continue my seasonal at the campground, I always looked at it as my happy place. One day I returned to my RV from shopping on a hot Summer day. My power was out and my RV was over 100 degrees inside. My 50 amp circuit breaker was blown. After resetting it it blew again, so I had to switch to 30 amps, and could only run 1 ac. I put in several work orders was told by Brian and Eric they had to order the part. After waiting the entire 2020 season the part was never replaced . Now in 2021 I was promised time after time it will be fixed even after them saying they had the part. But they continued to add all sorts of new stuff to the Campground. Finally I decided to move out. After telling Brian and Eric I don't like the way I've been treated here, instead of reasoning with me, they just said nothing. So I told them what a great place they had here, too bad their customer service is so poor! Immediately Brian's temper flared, told me to pack my crap and leave immediately! Even though I was paid up for the season! So it is what it is. I just hope all my friends here at Rip Van Winkle, and all the people who come here are not treated this way read more

We travel in a 38 ft fifth wheel, not full timers but we go often. I called this campsite about 2 hours out and Brian helped me with the reservation. Not thinking we'd make it in before closing he left our info for us to pick up and when I asked about pets he said "absolutely". This alone had a hint of a positive nature. As expected, we drove in after dark, as I walked alone from truck I found a well lit office area and even music playing, the song "play me some mountain music" was going and it made me smile. I office in Atlanta but was raised on a farm, so my soul craves a simpler life and simple touches. Our information was easily located and our site was an easy pull thru, much appreciated. The next morning we took the pups and went exploring the campground. ***Please note it's roomy. We are coming into this area definately off season in addition of thru the week so there weren't activities which was perfect really. This camp site is great for a really nice long walk to exercise dogs if you do leave yours to go into town. We also dealt with Brian's wife. Who will try to find any answer for you about the area if she doesn't already have it. Nice, nice welcoming nature to her. Love those gate cards to get in and out. You can show them thru the window and they work well. We drove into Woodstock for a organic breakfast at a veggie market on the far end of the main drag (Sunfrost Farms) then off to drive & explore. Go see Mohonk, our sunset there provided the hottest pink it looked like volcanic lava. I've watched sunsets in many, many places but this one was over-whelming. **Great, roomy, woodsy campground with a sweet family heritage..rare and a pleasure to find! Catskill mountains read more

Nice clean, family oriented, dog friendly park, with a friendly staff, and heated pool. We just camped here this past weekend. While they nickle and dime you a bit, its really a nice place. Showers cost $, you must buy wood there- $6 for a small bundle (we prob could've brought our own wood, they don't check) - $5 for a gate pass which I think they hope you will forget to return for your $5 back, $15/night if you want a second tent on site. These are little annoyances, but well worth it for a site with electric and water, which is cheating a bit, but makes camping with kids so much easier. The watering hole is a 14' deep pit in the middle of an otherwise shallow creek, so we opted for the pool, but that was short lived because of a pickup truck that pulled up with a bed full of pre-teen squealing girls that proceeded to take over the pool. A quiet retreat this is not, except at night when all the kids and dogs a re asleep. The bathrooms by the watering hole are a bit small, - prob a shed 8'x8' which includes both ladies and gents, so it's tight, and awkward- you can hear them, and I assume they can hear you. But that aside they were cleaned every morning. There are a lot of long term RV/trailer residents here - tons of them. I think there are more RV/trailer sites than tent sites, which didn't bother me, but some in our group were bummed - claiming it changed the vibe. and did I mention the dogs? it seemed like everyone but us brought their dog, and although they weren't constantly barking, it was a little annoying. The place gets super quiet at night, maybe b/c they were all in their RV's/trailers, so that was nice. Plenty of swing sets for kids which were well maintained. All in all I really liked this place. read more

The management at this campground is horrible. Dirty, crowded and awful. Go somewhere else.

Been coming here for several years with family and friends... have only stayed in the large group areas which we find to be wonderful... easy access to electric, water, bathrooms, etc... the swimming hole is so much fun and and the property has so much to offer for the kids such as the pool, paddle boats, bounce castles, jungle gyms, etc... everything is clean and well taken care off... love going back every year. read more

Our family stayed here when we came up to the area for an event recently. We had a tent site with water and electric. It's a nice campground - the staff was nice and there were adequate facilities. Our site was a pretty good size, and a fairly short walk to the far-off restroom. I didn't dig that bathroom, as it was teeny and not totally level (kind of like being in a trailer on uneven ground), but it was clean. The showers were a haul, all the way at the front of the facility while our site was way on the other end, maybe a mile walk? Coordinating showers with two parents plus kids was a pain. I don't mind paying for the shower, but it means there was no control over flow and temp, and you can't turn it off if you're done before 8 minutes. So you can either sneak out and try really hard not to spray water all over your clothing, or stay in the shower until it stops. Paddle boats are free to use. The lake/pond is not that big, but sufficient for me and three young kids. The RC track is awesome! It probably gets kind of crowded at other times, but it was pretty open when we were there. The rec room was nice (and warm! we were there in the fall), and we enjoyed playing inexpensive bingo one night. The kids liked the playgrounds, but the other "fun areas" (volleyball net?) seemed kind of run-down and unused. There is a little pond with a gazebo and a model train going around it that the kids loved. We did quick drive around one day to see what the place was like, and overall it was really pretty and pleasant. Mostly trailers and RVs and such that time of year, and I think their sites were mixed in with tents (as opposed to having separate sections for each). The entry card thing can either be returned for your $5 deposit back, or if you want to come back you can keep it and use it for a discount - I think it was 20% - on future visits. Also cool for us - they provided a free shuttle to and from the event we were going to, which was super-convenient. read more

Just got back from this beautiful campground located just minutes from Woodstock. We had a wonderful site on the river. The property was well maintained, clean and the staff was very accomodating and helpful. The sites are large and well set back from the road. Will definitely be back. Don't miss this campground if you're in the area. read more

This camp ground is awesome, we started coming here 7 years ago and loved it so much we ended up as seasonals. Large wooded sites, great playgrounds and heated pool, with a great staff. The owners are hands on and willing to help with any problems. Highly recommended. read more

First time here and my boyfriend, my dog, and myself love it! New go to place to go camping. We're from westchester, the drive is not bad. The sites are big, but I noticed very close together. If it's a busy night with loud people I could see how it would be a problem....but we came here on a Monday night and it was very empty(for the tent sections) I love how they seemed to be a sense of community there between people there for the summer in RV's. It gave it a very homey feel read more

This is hands down our favorite campground to come to in the tristate area. This family owned campground accommodates our family of four and is pet friendly. There are so many different things to explore. Swimming holes, multiple playgrounds, RC track, fishing, outside movies, and a whole lot more fun to be discovered every visit. Recently, the owners went above and beyond to help us when needing a last minute rental. The campground is clean and well maintained. We love the wooded sites and natural habitat that has been left to be enjoyed. We have a 40ft fifth wheel and yes, you need to pay attention when driving through the grounds but it is doable and the sites are more than big enough to accommodate our rig. I really cannot express how happy we are with this campground EVERY time. We will continue to come back again and again and each year we look forward to seeing how they have made it even better from the last. Brian and his family have created a place that we will be forever grateful to spend our days camping. Thank you. read more

under new management?? their prices are jacked up!! insane!! try north - south lake - 2 tents on a site for $22 per night. read more

Been coming here each labor day for 6 years. We always tent camp with a few families. Friendly staff and a well stocked general store. Free coffee before 11 is awesome. However the best part is how clean the bathrooms are. We have camped all over NYS and these are hands down the cleanest. Now a clean bathroom may not be the reason to go to a campground but it sure makes it a whole lot nicer when you are there. read more

Its is not by accident that the negative reviews are long-winded. When people have a negative agenda, they seem to drone on and on. I have been camping here for about 7 years now (the last three as a seasonal camper). I can assure you I have walked every inch of the campground, and there is no barbwire anywhere in the campground. Outside the campground on a trail is one strand of barb wire, that has been tied up above head height. This is the only barb wire I have encountered. As for the milk spill, I was there the weekend it happened. You could smell the rancid milk from outside the cabin. By the tone of Rosy's comment, I am a bit relieved that like-minded people stay away from Rip Van Winkle. This is one of the campgrounds in the north east that has retained the natural beauty. I have been backpacking, tent camping and trailer camping for the last 43 years. I find it very upsetting that folk would us this forum to air their personal grievances. The sites are some of the best designed I have encountered. The bathrooms are cleaned regularly. Dirt, gravel, leaves, trees, and creek banks were not designed by Rip Van Winkle - God took care of that! So go along and camp on the cement slab 20 feet away from your neighbors sewer somewhere else. And if the price of renting a cabin in the north east is prohibitive, look elsewhere and I assure you it is unlikely your will pay less, but leave the milk home. read more

This is a rebuttal to some of the negative comments I just read. These are not new owners. This is a family owned campground built by the owners' grandfather. They are the most helpful, caring people I've ever met. Please notice that most of the negativity comes from the group sites. I worked there for two seasons (12 months total) and usually the group sites are trouble makers who do not follow rules. Mind you, not all are like that. (Some are great people). Some turn around anything that is said, to be the fault of the owners, workers or campground. It is not true. It is a natural wooded campground built 50 years ago, but they do have roomy sites for big rigs. There is also tent camping in certain areas. It is not for everyone, but if you like nature, deer and swimming in creeks, its a great place. They have fun activities on the weekends for kids including hay rides. I am a full time RVer and its one of our favorite all-time campgrounds. It is also close to many beautiful places in upstate New York, including Woodstock. I definitely recommend it. read more

Absolutely disappointed and will not return! Went up here with my two kids this summer and the place was packed with trailer trash and I was up all night from my rowdy neighbors. I was expecting someone to come around to address this issue but to no avail. I also was nearly plowed over multiple times by people flying in there golfcarts. Instead of a nice weekend I felt more endangered then relaxed. read more

I would called my review "mixed". I wanted to really like this campground because it was only an hour and a half from my house. We were told the campground was full and if so, they are making good money, so why don't they reinvest some back into infrastructure ? The roads were narrow and unpaved. The entrance was small, the bathroom facilities were old. ALOT of seasonal sites. The wifi was ok and they offered many tv channels. Had doggie drop stations but offered no bags. Would not return. read more

after we got discriminated they asked us to leave in the rain! with kids who were crying! we played cards after 10 pm! if u go there forget about any camping fun! we even called local police on them! every seosonal campers should leave that place due to new owners! we been camping there for a long time same group never a problem - we know the rules! but new owner BRiaN is unreasonable and probably need to sell the place to old owners! good luck who bought seasonal! u will be soon leaving the place! and they charged group of 30 people for a night that we spend less then 24 hrs witch i want our money back! they did not provide anything acept stocking us and u would not want that when u camping! also its not pet friendly unless ur pet is on a leesh all the time even in the tent! so forget about brining a pet! be very very quite if u go there or u het kick out! so sad good place but new owners are very bad and discriminate on people! i gues they never been camping themselfs! read more

We were driving on the thruway and stopped because I liked the name. So happy we did, ended up staying the whole weekend. Friendly people, clean, pet friendly and lots to do. read more

I came with a large group of over 30 and we had an excellent area which easily accommodated us all. We opted for an extra group area tent which proved most helpful given that it rained cats and dogs one night. The swimming hole was terrific, the pool was great, the distance from one camping area to the next was far enough so that we weren't hearing their conversations or music (that often). The restroom facilities onsite were a little tight. I'd recommend they rebuild these and give a little more room in the stalls. Nice people at the main office. Close enough to hiking and other things to do that this proved to be an excellent choice. I'd come back. read more

Awesome awesome awesome campgrounds! We fell in love with Woodstock over the years by staying here! Try the riverfront tenting sites....beautiful views...very peaceful! read more

Had a great time at Rip Van Winkle campground. Clean, friendly staff, nice sites and activities.

I stayed with my family just this past week. The watering hole and creek are nice features, and the sites are nicely spaced and wooded, but those are the only positives I have. The entire campground is not groomed. For example, there is an RC car track (cute idea) but it's not been cared for, there are weeds everywhere and a broken down lawnmower and other equipment laying around. The bathrooms are horrible! There are spaces all throughout for bugs to crawl in and they clearly know it because there was a spider that should have had his own area code he was so big. In addition the only showers are at the entrance which is a hefty walk with all your things. The pond was so disgusting and dirty, the Ducks had placed droppings on the docks and the fountain smelled so bad you couldn't stand near it. I think some attention to detail could correct many of the stated flaws here. read more

Very pleased. Rented cabin #100 for two nights midweek, just me (mom) and my two young kids ages 6 & 3. Cleanest campsite I've ever experienced both in NY and CA. Excellent staff, thoughtful amenities, extremely clean bathrooms, beautiful grounds. Only need for improvement is the game arcade. It needs updating. read more

This was our first visit and we liked our sites. The staff was friendly and the restrooms and campground overall were clean and well kept. Our only gripe was the only shower facilities are way up front by the entrance and quite a haul from our site (111). Sites are a nice size and had full hook ups, water sewer, electric, even cable! We came up for the Hudson Valley Garlic Festival, which was a good time, although a bit crowded. read more

I love this campground so much I need to disagree with rosy y. First of all the staff goes out f their way to make you feel like family. It is far from run down and one of its lovely traits is the fact that you really feel as if you are in the woods. Each site is very spacious! Many campgrounds have rules and that is for the patrons benefit as well as the owner of the campground. It is a business after all. I love bringing my kids here! There is no barbed wire anywhere on the property. I have been here enough and check out the creek many times, from many sites as there s no barbed wire. There is no 20 foot ravine either. There are some high banks to the creek but it is not man made! Mother Nature has cut this path for the creek and that is the beauty of it. There is a wonderful access point where there is a great swimming hole or fishing access. This access point is very easily accessible. All in all this is a great campground. We have gone for many years and plan to keep coming! It is a great campground, with a great staff! read more

This is the fifth family campground I have been to in recent years, and I'd recommend it if you're looking for a place to camp with your family in the Catskills. The grounds are absolutely beautiful and super clean. I have personally found the staff to be very friendly on all three visits there--once in the autumn, once in the spring, and once in the summer. The bathrooms and showers are super clean. The pool is a nice size with plenty of lounge chairs around it. We have always been given a site within walking distance of the showers and main restrooms, which is very convenient. If you are at one of the further campsites, there is ample parking by the shower block. Like other family campgrounds, there are theme weekends during the summer and planned activities; not as much as other campgrounds I've been too, but still plenty, including a hayride and bingo on Saturdays. There are a variety of playgrounds throughout the site, including one featuring giant truck tires. A giant T-Rex sculpture made of recycled pieces overlooks the fishing pond, and paddleboats are available. But maybe the best thing about is that you are minutes from downtown Saugerties and Woodstock, and not far from tubing in Phoenicia. read more