Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds Inc

- 149 Blue Mountain Rd, Saugerties, NY 12477

Introduction / Overview

Escape the rush of New York life and discover the tranquil beauty of the Catskill Mountains at Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds Inc. Nestled on 160 scenic, heavily wooded acres in Saugerties, NY, this is much more than just a place to pitch a tent; it’s a third-generation, family-owned institution dedicated to creating cherished memories for families and friends. Operating since 1966, the campground beautifully balances a genuine, rustic experience with modern conveniences, making it an ideal destination for New Yorkers seeking a nature retreat.

Located conveniently between the stunning Catskill Mountains and the historic Hudson River, Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds offers a variety of accommodations to suit every camping style. Whether you are bringing a big-rig RV, packing up a classic tent, or looking for the comfort of a rustic cabin, you will find a spacious, well-maintained site. The commitment to privacy is frequently highlighted by guests, ensuring that even a full campground feels like a secluded woodland getaway. The expansive grounds feature a mile of frontage on the crystal-clear Plattekill Creek, providing a stunning natural centerpiece for relaxation and recreation.

Critically, the campground is renowned for its family-friendly atmosphere and extraordinary list of amenities. It is specifically designed to provide "Fun Zones" and activities that ensure children and adults alike are entertained from dawn till dusk. As a local staple, Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds provides that perfect blend of nature immersion and organized family fun, securing its reputation as a highly sought-after camping destination for residents across the tri-state area.

Location and Accessibility

Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds Inc is perfectly situated at 149 Blue Mountain Rd, Saugerties, NY 12477, USA. This prime location places it deep enough into the picturesque Ulster County countryside to feel like a true escape, yet it remains highly accessible for New York residents traveling via the major routes.

The campground is just a short, manageable drive from the New York State Thruway (I-87), making it an easy weekend trip from the New York Metropolitan area, as well as the Capital Region. Its proximity to the Hudson Valley means campers have quick access to local gems. The charming and vibrant Village of Saugerties, often recognized as one of America's coolest small towns, is only minutes away, offering unique shopping, local dining, and cultural attractions like the Saugerties Lighthouse and Opus 40.

Furthermore, its position in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains provides an immediate gateway to premier outdoor activities. Popular destinations like Kaaterskill Falls, Overlook Mountain, and the artistic haven of Woodstock are all easily reachable, cementing the campground's appeal as a central launch pad for exploring the best of the Hudson Valley and the Catskills. The surrounding roads, including Blue Mountain Road, allow campers to fully appreciate the scenic, wooded environment for which the region is famous.

Services Offered

Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds Inc prides itself on offering a comprehensive suite of services that elevate the camping experience, ensuring comfort and convenience for all types of campers.

Key services available to guests include:

• Variety of Campsite Options: Offers Tent Sites, Electric and Water Hookup Sites, and numerous Full Hookup RV Sites (30/50 amp service) including convenient pull-thru sites suitable for big rigs.
• Cabin Rentals: Provides fully equipped Rental Cabins (including two-room options) complete with heat/AC, small refrigerator, microwave, and TV, offering a comfortable 'glamping' alternative to traditional camping.
• Group and Rally Sites: Dedicated areas with water, electric, and communal amenities designed for large family gatherings or camping groups.
• Camp Store and RV Parts: A well-stocked General Store for camping essentials, snacks, ice cream, firewood, and propane filling station services.
• Essential Facilities: Modern, clean restrooms with flush toilets and hot showers featuring individual dressing rooms, along with an efficient on-site Laundry Room.
• Connectivity: Complimentary Wi-Fi access throughout the park and available Cable TV hookups at many sites, allowing guests to stay connected if desired.
• Security and Access: Features a bar-coded gate entry system and license plate reading cameras for enhanced security and peace of mind for all registered guests.
• Pet-Friendly Facilities: Designated areas for pets, including a dedicated and fenced Dog Park, ensure that four-legged family members can also enjoy the vacation.

Features / Highlights

The genuine heart of Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds lies in its extensive list of features and the memorable experiences they facilitate. It has been described by repeat visitors as a "special place" due to its mix of nature and endless fun.

The most compelling features and highlights include:

• Plattekill Creek Access: An entire mile of Plattekill Creek frontage provides a beautiful, natural swimming hole (known as the "Old Fashioned Berky Hole"), opportunities for wading, trout/bass fishing, and peaceful riverside camping (River’s Edge sites).
• Themed Family Weekends: The campground organizes exciting seasonal events and themed weekends such as Halloween Weekend and Christmas in July, providing structured, high-energy entertainment for all ages.
• Extensive Fun Zones: A plethora of activities, many of which are included in the stay, such as a Heated Swimming Pool, Mini Golf, Bounce House, multiple Playgrounds, Arcade/Rec Hall, RC Car Track, and Pedal Boats on the pond.
• Natural, Spacious Sites: Unlike many dense campgrounds, the sites are noted for being private, spacious, and heavily wooded with mature trees, offering a genuine 'woods' feel with ample room for hammocks and relaxation.
• Unique Attractions: Features like the "Rip's Mine Sluice" for gemstone panning and the 38-foot-tall metal dinosaur named Pickles (which sprays water for charity) add quirky, memorable entertainment value.
• Outdoor Activities: Access to catch-and-release fishing in the private ponds and creek, along with nearby hiking, biking, and boating opportunities in the Catskills, caters to all nature lovers.

Contact Information

To plan your ultimate camping getaway to the Catskills and Hudson Valley, please use the following contact details for Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds Inc:

Address: 149 Blue Mountain Rd, Saugerties, NY 12477, USA

Phone: (845) 246-8334

Mobile Phone: +1 845-246-8334

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For New York locals, Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds Inc is the quintessential escape—it’s a third-generation, family-run oasis that successfully delivers on the promise of a memorable family vacation without the need for extensive travel. For residents of downstate New York, the Saugerties location offers a perfect weekend or week-long retreat in the mountains, easily accessible from the metropolitan area via the Thruway.

What makes it truly suitable for locals is the quality and depth of the experience. This is a campground built on legacy and care, offering genuinely private, wooded sites that provide the much-needed separation from urban life. It is an investment in family time, offering an exhaustive list of activities that ensure kids are entertained from morning until night, allowing parents the chance to truly relax by the campfire or hammock. The positive sentiment from local guests—who frequently return and praise the clean facilities and friendly staff—is a testament to its reliability. Whether you seek quiet time along the Plattekill Creek or an active weekend during a themed event, Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds offers a conveniently located, high-quality, and richly featured camping experience right here in the heart of New York State’s beautiful Catskill region.

Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds Inc

149 Blue Mountain Rd, Saugerties, NY 12477, USA