Kenneth L. Wilson Campground

- 859 Wittenberg Rd, Mt Tremper, NY 12457

For New York residents seeking a true escape into the renowned natural splendor of the Catskill Mountains, the Kenneth L. Wilson Campground in Mt. Tremper, NY, stands out as a beloved and well-maintained destination. Operating as a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) facility, this campground is celebrated for successfully blending the rugged, serene experience of Catskills camping with the convenience of modern amenities. Nestled deep within north-central Ulster County, it is completely surrounded by breathtaking panoramic views of the mountains, creating a picturesque setting for your next outdoor adventure.

Kenneth L. Wilson Campground features 76 single-family campsites, designed to accommodate both tent and trailer/RV camping (without hookups), though the majority of sites are noted for being spacious, secluded, and heavily wooded. The campground is part of a larger State Park environment, offering a plethora of recreational activities including camping, paddling on its pond/lake, fishing, and hiking. Its reputation for cleanliness—particularly its restrooms and hot showers, as highlighted enthusiastically by numerous campers—ensures that even a weekend getaway feels comfortable and refreshing. While intentionally unplugged with limited cell service, the park provides a necessary retreat, allowing New Yorkers to fully disconnect and embrace the tranquility of the mountain wilderness.

This location serves as a perfect base camp for exploring the surrounding Catskill attractions, including the eclectic charm of Woodstock and the adventurous offerings of Phoenicia. It is a consistently praised choice for families, solo travelers, and groups prioritizing peace, cleanliness, and a classic New York State Park experience.

Location and Accessibility

Kenneth L. Wilson Campground benefits from a prime position in the heart of the Catskills, offering excellent accessibility from downstate and upstate New York.

Address: 859 Wittenberg Rd, Mt Tremper, NY 12457, USA

• Central Ulster County: The campground is located in north-central Ulster County, a highly desirable area for New York vacationers. It sits just five miles southwest of the famous village of Woodstock and six miles east of Phoenicia.
• Easy Drive Access: From the New York State Thruway (I-87), campers typically exit at Kingston (Exit 19). The final stretch of the drive on scenic Catskills roads, including Route 28 and Wittenberg Road, is straightforward, ensuring a reasonable travel time (approximately 2 hours from NYC depending on traffic).
• Proximity to Attractions: The location is a perfect gateway to the region’s highlights. Within a short drive, visitors can reach the Slide Mountain Wilderness (the Catskills’ largest wilderness area), the vibrant shops and galleries of Woodstock, and the Esopus Creek in Phoenicia, famous for inner-tubing and fishing.
• On-Site Environment: The facility is located on a pond/lake and is surrounded by dense forest, providing an immersive natural experience that feels remote despite the ease of access.

Services Offered

As a well-established DEC facility, Kenneth L. Wilson Campground provides a robust set of services to ensure a pleasant and self-sufficient camping experience for its guests:

• Diverse Campsites: Offers 76 sites suitable for tents, trailers, and RVs (note: no electric, water, or sewer hookups are provided at sites). Sites are spacious, wooded, and come equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring with a cooking grate.
• Superior Sanitation Facilities: The campground is highly praised for its modern, clean restroom facilities, which include flush toilets and hot showers. There is a central shower building and additional comfort stations.
• Recreational Rentals: Kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards are available for rent, allowing visitors to easily enjoy the pond without bringing their own gear.
• Day-Use Area: A dedicated day-use area includes picnic tables, grills, and pavilions that can be reserved for large group gatherings, perfect for local celebrations or family reunions.
• Convenience Services: On-site amenities include a trailer dump station, a recycling center, a pay phone, and firewood available for purchase (to prevent the spread of invasive species, campers are reminded to not move firewood).
• Pet Facilities: The campground is pet-friendly, featuring a dog park with two separate fenced fields for exercise, provided pets are leashed elsewhere and under control.
• Accessibility Features: The facility includes several ADA-accessible features, such as accessible campsites, a restroom in Loop A, a central shower building, and a fishing/viewing platform on the pond trail.

Features / Highlights

The standout features that make Kenneth L. Wilson a top choice for New York campers are a combination of natural beauty and high standards of operation:

• Exceptional Cleanliness: Consistently highlighted in reviews, the "clean" bathrooms, flush toilets, and "HOT showers" are a major draw, setting a high bar for a State Park facility.
• Peaceful Atmosphere: Despite being a large campground, it is known for its strict enforcement of quiet hours (10 p.m. to 7 a.m.), ensuring a truly relaxing and undisturbed night's sleep in the woods.
• Water-Based Recreation: The pond/lake is a focal point for non-motorized boating (kayaks, canoes, paddleboards) and fishing for species like largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and chain pickerel. A wheelchair-accessible fishing pier is also available.
• Quality Staff: Reviewers consistently praise the "friendly" and helpful staff and park rangers, contributing to a well-run and welcoming environment.
• Dog-Friendly Amenities: The dedicated, fenced dog park is a unique and highly appreciated feature, allowing dogs to safely run off-leash in designated areas.
• Trail Access: The campground features short, scenic trails, including a beautiful pond trail, and provides easy driving access to the extensive, challenging trail networks of the Slide Mountain Wilderness and the broader Catskill Forest Preserve.

Contact Information

For reservations, current seasonal information, or questions about the facilities, New York residents can contact Kenneth L. Wilson Campground directly:

Address: 859 Wittenberg Rd, Mt Tremper, NY 12457, USA

Phone: (845) 679-7020

Mobile Phone: +1 845-679-7020

Note: Reservations for New York State DEC campgrounds are typically made through the ReserveAmerica system, and advance booking is highly recommended, especially for popular weekends like Labor Day, as the campground is frequently full.

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

Kenneth L. Wilson Campground is an ideal destination for New York locals—particularly those residing in the downstate and Capital regions—looking for a quintessential Catskills camping experience without sacrificing comfort. It offers the perfect blend of true wilderness immersion and modern convenience, with its secluded, wooded sites and clean, modern washrooms.

For the New York camper, the campground provides an essential sanctuary, offering a genuine "unplugged" environment (due to limited cell service) that forces a refreshing break from digital life. Its proximity to cultural centers like Woodstock and outdoor adventure hubs like Phoenicia means that a trip here offers the best of both worlds: quiet, quality camping and easy access to some of the most vibrant spots in the Catskills. The emphasis on cleanliness, friendly staff, and strictly enforced quiet hours makes this State Park one of the most reliable and enjoyable camping destinations in the entire New York system, ensuring that any local user is guaranteed a tranquil and memorable mountain retreat.

Kenneth L. Wilson Campground

859 Wittenberg Rd, Mt Tremper, NY 12457, USA