Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground

- 953 NY-299, Gardiner, NY 12525

For New Yorkers who view the Shawangunk Ridge—affectionately known as "The Gunks"—as their outdoor playground, the Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it is the essential gateway to adventure. Developed in a landmark partnership between the American Alpine Club and the Mohonk Preserve, this facility fills a long-standing need for high-quality, convenient camping directly at the base of New York’s most renowned rock-climbing and hiking destination. It is designed specifically to serve the community of climbers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts who flock to the region for its stunning cliffs, scenic carriage roads, and crystalline lakes.

Opened in 2015, the campground offers a high-quality, minimalist camping experience focused on practicality and immediate access to the outdoors. Unlike larger, resort-style campgrounds, the Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground is intentional about providing a supportive, community-driven atmosphere. It is rustic yet modern, boasting essential amenities like clean bathhouses, which are crucial after a long day on the trails or the rock face. The campground is proudly tent-only, ensuring a specific, low-impact vibe that appeals to true outdoor adventurers. While some sites may feel close together, especially during peak season, this layout often fosters a friendly, congenial environment where climbers and hikers share stories and tips on their latest adventures.

The campground’s very existence is a testament to the local commitment to conservation and resilient outdoor access, making it a proud and appropriate basecamp for environmentally conscious New York adventurers. It operates seasonally, typically welcoming guests from early spring to late fall, which perfectly covers the region’s prime hiking, climbing, and viewing seasons, including the spectacular fall foliage.

Introduction / Overview

The Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground, located in Gardiner, NY, is the dedicated public camping facility serving the globally famous Mohonk Preserve and Minnewaska State Park Preserve. It is strategically situated to offer the most direct and convenient access to the Shawangunk Ridge's world-class rock climbing, bouldering, hiking, and mountain biking opportunities. The campground is a cooperative project managed by the American Alpine Club and the Mohonk Preserve, reflecting a deep understanding of the needs of the outdoor community it serves.

This campground is strictly a tent camping facility, prohibiting RVs, trailers, and vehicles over 22 feet, thereby preserving the unique, low-key, and natural character of the site. It emphasizes clean, well-maintained facilities and a communal atmosphere. With its proximity to the historic carriage roads and cliff areas, it serves as the ultimate staging ground for local New Yorkers seeking to maximize their time exploring the spectacular Mid-Hudson Valley landscape.

Location and Accessibility

The campground is positioned at a prime spot in the Shawangunk Mountains, offering unparalleled proximity to the region’s major attractions. Its address is 953 NY-299, Gardiner, NY 12525, USA, a location easily reachable from New York City and the surrounding metro area via major highways.

• Direct Trail Access: A key feature is the connector trail that links the campground directly to the Mohonk Preserve Visitor Center and the extensive network of historic carriage roads. This means guests can walk directly from their campsite to trailheads for hiking, running, and climbing areas like the world-famous Gunks cliffs.
• Proximity to Key Destinations: The campground is mere minutes from the main climbing and hiking hubs. A short drive away are popular sites like the Mohonk Mountain House area and the stunning natural features of Minnewaska State Park Preserve, including its carriage roads and acidic lakes.
• Local Amenities: The vibrant and eclectic college town of New Paltz, known for its dining, shops, and outdoor gear stores, is just a few miles down the road, providing easy access to supplies and post-adventure meals.
• Site Layout: The facility features a blend of 24 drive-in spots (one vehicle per site) and 26 walk-in spots, in addition to 5 car-in-vehicle spots specifically for van or small camper users. The sites are generally level and well-maintained, often featuring tent platforms and individual picnic tables.

Services Offered

The Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground provides high-quality, essential services that support a focused, active outdoor stay:

• Clean Bathhouse Facilities: Access to modern, clean bathhouses featuring flush toilets and coin-operated hot showers (coins are required, with change available at the office when open).
• Communal Pavilion and Cooking Area: A covered pavilion offers a shared space with a cooking area, including sinks with running water and a communal fire pit that encourages social interaction among campers, especially those in the climbing community.
• Campground Office and Staff: Friendly, helpful, and accommodating staff are available for check-in and to address camper needs, contributing to a welcoming and professional environment.
• Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi is available, a convenient amenity for checking weather forecasts, climbing conditions, or connecting with home.
• Safety and Convenience: Each campsite is equipped with a bear locker for secure food storage, and central trash disposal is easily accessible.
• Pet Policy: Dogs are permitted at the individual campsites, though restrictions apply in common areas and inside facility buildings.

Features / Highlights

The primary appeal of this campground is its deliberate focus on facilitating top-tier outdoor recreation, backed by essential comforts:

• World-Class Climbing Access: This is the closest and most convenient campground for climbers accessing The Gunks, a globally recognized destination for traditional rock climbing.
• Extensive Hiking and Biking: Direct access to Mohonk Preserve’s 8,000 acres and 85 miles of trails and carriage roads, connecting directly to the famed paths of Minnewaska State Park.
• Community Atmosphere: The communal fire pit and the dense, adventure-focused clientele create a uniquely social and friendly atmosphere, where sharing beta (climbing information) and trail stories is a common evening activity.
• Essential Camping Infrastructure: The tent sites are designed for ease of use, often featuring level tent platforms and durable picnic tables, eliminating the common challenges of rocky, uneven ground.
• Natural Surroundings: The grounds are heavily wooded and rustic, with the local environment sometimes offering pleasant surprises, such as wineberry bushes ripe with fruit in mid-July.

Contact Information

To secure a reservation or for current season information, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 953 NY-299, Gardiner, NY 12525, USA
• Phone (Primary): (303) 951-4571
• Phone (Mobile): +1 303-951-4571

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For New York locals, the Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground offers an unparalleled combination of location and functionality. It eliminates the need for long drives or complicated logistics after an early start or a late finish on the cliffs or trails. The direct trail connection to the Mohonk Preserve means you can step out of your tent and immediately begin your adventure, maximizing precious weekend or vacation time. The focus on a tent-only, minimalist experience appeals to New Yorkers who value rugged authenticity over resort amenities, and the high concentration of fellow outdoor people creates an instant, supportive community. It is a clean, well-run, and perfectly placed basecamp that respects both the environment and the adventurer, solidifying its status as the definitive place to stay for anyone serious about exploring the legendary Shawangunks.

Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground

953 NY-299, Gardiner, NY 12525, USA