Hidden Gems of the Catskills to Visit on Your Next Camping Trip
If you're heading to the Catskills for a weekend camping trip, you're already on the right track. With rolling hills, forested trails, and star-studded skies just a few hours from New York City, it's one of the best places to reconnect with nature. But the Catskills offer more than just a pretty view. Scattered throughout these mountains are hidden gems—small-batch distilleries, farm stands, river access points, and creative spaces—that turn a simple camping trip into an unforgettable adventure.
Explore the Catskills Like a Local
At Basecamp Brooklyn, we’ve spent years exploring these backroads, and these are some of our favorite lesser-known spots to eat, relax, and wander while you’re out camping near NYC. Consider this your unofficial locals' guide to the best of the Catskills beyond the campground.
Hidden Gems to Add to Your Catskills Itinerary
🥃 Rock Valley Spirits – Long Eddy, NY
A rustic, small-batch distillery tucked deep in the trees, Rock Valley Spirits makes vodka, gin, single malt whiskey, elderflower liquor and more on-site using Catskills spring water. You’ll feel like you’ve discovered a secret spot, because… you kind of have.
Why we love it: Beyond the idyllic location and delicious offerings, we just love their whole vibe - local grains, apples, and wild foraged ingredients, small batch spirits, copper still, and an amazingly fun and informative tour where you discover the art and science of traditional artisan distilling.
Tip: Grab a bottle for campsite cocktails.
🌊 Skinner’s Falls River Access – Narrowsburg, NY
One of the most scenic places to swim or float on the Delaware River. There’s a peaceful magic here that always calls us back.
Why we love it: It’s a refreshing and low-key way to experience the Catskills' natural beauty—and it’s just $2 per person. Add an inner tube for a few more dollars and sunbathe, swim, float, and chill to your heart’s content.
What to bring: Water shoes, a towel, and a dry bag for your phone.
🍔 The Cochecton Pump House – Cochecton, NY
A restaurant and bar inside the preserved ruins of a 19th-century pump house. Sound wild? It is. And it’s one of our go-to spots for dinner and drinks with a view.
Why we love it: Incredible atmosphere, delicious food, rotating events, and a kid/dog-friendly vibe. It’s also the perfect spot for selfies and impromptu photo shoots.
Don’t miss: Their frozen cocktails and mocktails are the perfect summer treat after a day out on the river!
🍎 Westwind Orchard – Accord, NY
An organic orchard, wood-fired restaurant, cidery, and market all in one lush setting. Westwind Orchard is the kind of place where time slows down. Enjoy pizza made with local ingredients, sip house-made cider under string lights, and stock up on small-batch pantry goods before heading back to camp.
Why we love it: From hand-tossed dough to heirloom apples, everything feels thoughtful and rooted in place. It's a rustic-chic oasis perfect for relaxing with friends or treating yourself after a hike.
When to go: Friday through Sunday for the full dining and cider bar experience—check their website or Instagram for seasonal hours and special events.
🍽️ Harana Market – Accord, NY
A vibrant, Filipino-inspired restaurant and market serving up deeply flavorful meals and pantry goods that reflect a joyful, multicultural spirit.
Why we love it: You can grab a fast-casual lunch to go, enjoy a sit-down dinner indoors with a reservation, or even book their Kamayan experience—an unforgettable family-style feast served by hand on banana leaves.
Pro tip: It’s a small menu, so if you’re with friends, order one of everything and share. And of course you have to get some halo-halo!
Visit: Thursday–Sunday. Limited indoor seating—book in advance via OpenTable.
🍸 The Arnold House Tavern – Livingston Manor, NY
Tucked inside a charming inn, The Tavern at The Arnold House is a cozy Catskills gem with wood-paneled walls, a welcoming bar, and an outdoor area perfect for sunny afternoons. Whether you grab a picnic table on the lawn or pull up a stool inside, it’s the kind of place that feels like a well-kept secret.
Why we love it: The rustic charm, friendly staff, and excellent cocktails make it a post-camp favorite. The smoked trout dip and apple-smoked wings are must-orders—they're flavorful, shareable, and perfect after a day on the trail or driving through the Catskills park.
Best for: A casual yet elevated dinner, cocktails at the bar, or hanging out on the lawn with friends.
🗓️ 3 Perfect Day Plans for Your Catskills Camping Trip
Whether you’re camping for the weekend or road-tripping up from the city, here are three curated Catskills day plans to help you make the most of your time outdoors—with a little food, flavor, and fun mixed in.
Day Plan 1: Upper Delaware River Loop
Follow the picturesque Upper Delaware River corridor along Route 97, with water stops, seasonal dining, and charming small towns to explore.
Morning: Swim or float at Skinner’s Falls
A scenic, refreshing start to the day.Lunch: Head to The Cochecton Pump House
Grab burgers and a frosé or mocktail inside one of the coolest open-air spaces in the region.Afternoon: Tour and tasting at Rock Valley Spirits
Kick back in the shade, sip artisanal cocktails, and chat with the makers.Bonus: Stroll through Callicoon on your way from the Pump House to Rock Valley Spirits
Antiques, coffee shops, and quirky general stores before heading back to camp.
👉 View the full route on Google Maps →
Day Plan 2: Ulster County “Kerhamptons”
Explore the Hudson Valley’s cooler cousin—where old farms meet new flavors and the vibes are effortless. This loop blends multicultural cuisine, natural cider, and scenic outdoor strolls.
Late Morning: Grab lunch at Harana Market in Accord
Choose outdoor fast-casual or a sit-down indoor meal (reservations recommended). You’ll find Filipino comfort food made with love.Afternoon: Chill at Westwind Orchard
Cider flights, wood-fired pizza, and a sprawling outdoor space to unwind.Outdoor Add-On: Hike the Ashokan Rail Trail
A flat, scenic walk along a former railbed with mountain and reservoir views.Evening: Head back to camp for firelight and snacks or stop by Woodstock first for that classic Catskills small town experience.
👉 View the full route on Google Maps →
Day Plan 3: Livingston Manor + Catskill Park Scenic Drive
This is your fresh-air-meets-road-trip day. Tackle a short mountain hike, sip craft beer at a local brewery, then hit the scenic route through the Catskill Park before winding down with rustic comfort food and cocktails.
Lunch: Start at Upward Brewing Company in Livingston Manor
Enjoy lunch and local beer, then hike “Beer Mountain” behind the brewery.Scenic Drive: Cruise through Margaretville and Mount Tremper
Stop at the Catskills Visitor Center to explore local trails or learn about the region’s ecosystem.Dinner: Wrap up with a slow, satisfying meal at The Arnold House
Sit fireside or head into the tavern for their seasonal specialties.
🎒 Ready to Go?
Rent Gear, Skip the Stress
Whether you’re camping for the first time or planning a full Catskills road trip, don’t forget your gear! At Basecamp Brooklyn, we’ve got your tents. sleeping bags, and pads rentable for the weekend or more.
👉 Rent your camping gear now →
The Catskills are filled with secret spots, local gems, and creative communities—and these are just a few of the places we personally love and return to again and again. Whether you're wading in a river, sharing a communal meal, or sipping spirits under the trees, there’s a rhythm here that invites you to slow down and connect.
Have a hidden gem of your own? Tag us on Instagram @basecampbrooklyn and let us know—we’re always up for a new adventure.
