Shady Knolls: Secluded Catskills Glamping Near Woodstock, NY

For New York residents yearning for a complete and restorative escape into nature without sacrificing comfort, **Shady Knolls** in Bearsville, NY, offers a premier solution. This isn't your traditional, densely-packed public campground; it is a dedicated, secluded glamping experience nestled on 100 private acres high in the majestic Catskill Mountains. Established to provide a serene and remote getaway, Shady Knolls allows you to truly disconnect from the hustle of city life and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Upstate New York.

The core philosophy of Shady Knolls is to elevate the camping experience by blending the privacy of a traditional campsite with the comfort and amenities of a carefully curated retreat. Users consistently highlight the feeling of total seclusion and the thoughtfulness of the setup, noting that you could almost "arrive at this site with only the clothes on your back and some food, and you would need nothing else." From the waterproof canvas wall tent to the comfortable bedding and provided cooking gear, every detail is managed by the host to ensure a seamless and deeply relaxing stay from early spring through the late fall.

Shady Knolls caters specifically to those looking for a quiet, high-quality basecamp for adventure or simply a place to unwind. It is a highly-rated, Star Host-verified destination that receives praise for its amazing views, clean setup, and the attentiveness of the owner. Whether your perfect weekend involves intense hiking on nearby Catskill trails or simply lounging with a view under a covered porch, this private campsite serves as the ideal, hassle-free outdoor haven for local New Yorkers.

Location and Accessibility: Your Catskills Basecamp near Woodstock

Shady Knolls is strategically located at **500 Hutchin Hl Rd, Bearsville, NY 12409, USA**. This address places the campsite in the hamlet of Bearsville, which is an immediate neighbor to the famous and vibrant village of Woodstock, NY.

Proximity to Woodstock: The campsite is just a short 5 to 10-minute drive to the village of Woodstock, providing convenient access to its famous art galleries, unique shops, eclectic dining, and live music venues, including Levon Helm Studios and the Bearsville Theatre. This makes it easy to balance a secluded outdoor stay with cultural excursions.
Catskill Mountain Setting: The location is deep within the Catskill Mountains, offering a truly mountainous and wooded terrain. The property sits on a secluded 100-acre tract, ensuring maximum privacy and a quiet atmosphere, far removed from the noise of main roads or commercial traffic.
Access Road Note: The campsite is remote and typically accessed via a long, dirt/gravel road. Hosts often note that an SUV or a car with decent clearance is advisable for comfortable travel to the secluded site.
Prime Hiking Access: It serves as an excellent starting point for exploring some of the region's most famous trails, including the scenic Overlook Mountain and the challenging Devil's Path.

Services Offered: The Luxury of Prepared Glamping

The service model at Shady Knolls revolves around a "glamping" setup, meaning many of the necessities and comforts typically associated with roughing it are already provided for the guest.

Pre-Set Camping Structure: The primary service is the provision of a spacious, waterproof canvas wall tent set on a platform. This setup provides a clean, dry, and insect-free sleeping environment.
Comfortable Bedding: Guests are provided with fresh bedding on a comfortable queen-size bed, eliminating the need to haul sleeping bags and pads.
Essential Supplies Included: The site comes equipped with a 5-gallon jug of potable water, cooking equipment, and ample firewood for the campfire pit.
Sanitation: A clean "loo house" (toilet) is provided on site.
Guest Support: The host is often available to meet guests at the base of the private access road and is committed to being highly communicative, ensuring guests have everything they need for a perfect stay.
Pet-Friendly Policy: The site is generally considered pet-friendly (off-leash friendly, according to some listings), allowing New York pet owners to bring their dogs along on their mountain escape.

Features and Highlights: Seclusion and Scenic Views

Shady Knolls is celebrated for its ability to deliver a genuine nature retreat experience combined with thoughtful touches that enhance comfort and convenience.

Total Seclusion and Privacy: Set at the end of a private dirt road on 100 acres, the single campsite ensures total privacy, allowing guests to enjoy the sounds of the stream and the quiet mountain air without the distraction of neighboring campers.
Amazing Mountain Views: The site is thoughtfully located to maximize the "amazing views" of the surrounding Catskill Mountains, which can be enjoyed directly from the covered porch and the dedicated fire pit area.
Covered Porch and Picnic Area: A canopy-covered porch area with Adirondack chairs and a picnic table offers a protected space to relax, dine, or simply watch the weather roll over the mountains.
Nearby Water Features: Guests can enjoy access to a nearby stream and natural swimming holes, a refreshing feature during the warm summer months.
Fully Equipped Fire Pit Area: The fire pit area is well-stocked with tools, cookware, and equipment for fire-building and meal preparation, including a grill for cooking over the open flame.
Seasonal Operation: The campsite is open from mid-May until late October/early November, covering the best months for hiking, fall foliage viewing, and comfortable outdoor living in the Catskills.

Contact Information

Shady Knolls operates as a private, exclusive campsite that is primarily booked through third-party rental platforms. Direct contact information is available for booking and coordination with the host.

Address: 500 Hutchin Hl Rd, Bearsville, NY 12409, USA
Phone: (845) 532-2416
Mobile Phone: +1 845-532-2416

Guests are advised to use the mobile number for timely coordination regarding check-in procedures, particularly for navigation up the private access road, and for any immediate needs during their stay.

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

For New York City and downstate residents, Shady Knolls represents the perfect blend of wilderness adventure and vacation-level comfort. It is situated in the iconic Catskills, close enough for a convenient weekend trip, yet remote enough to feel like a true escape from urban life. This campsite is particularly well-suited for locals who value their privacy and want a high-quality, pre-set outdoor experience.

The proximity to Woodstock means adventurers can spend their days hiking the challenging trails of the Catskill Forest Preserve, like the Devil's Path, and their evenings enjoying a gourmet meal or live music in the historic village. The glamping setup eliminates the biggest pain points of camping—hauling extensive gear, setting up a complex tent, and sleeping on the ground—allowing New Yorkers to maximize their leisure time immediately upon arrival. Shady Knolls offers a private, peaceful, and fully-equipped retreat, making it an ideal choice for a deeply refreshing, hassle-free getaway in one of New York's most beautiful mountain regions.