If you are looking for a peaceful, small camping area then Max V Shaul State Park is the campground for you. It has 30 heavily wooded tent and trailer sites which provide privacy and the perfect atmosphere to relax. The trees provide welcome shade for picnicking, sports fields, and a children's playground. The area provides great fishing opportunities and hiking trails in the summertime. If you wish to bring your own boat, there is a boat launch available near the campground. During winter, you can cross-country ski, snowshoe, and admire the snowy wonderland.
All of the 30 campsites are pet-friendly, however, they do not have any hookups for RVs or campervans. A few of the sites have enough space to accommodate camping rigs up to 35 feet in length. Some tents are too small to accommodate any campers or trailers, so make sure to book your campsite well in advance just in case. There are plenty of parking spaces available for the tent-only sites. The campsites have hot showers and flushing toilets for campers to use.
Not only is there beautiful nature all around, but the campground is also a great location for many other well-known attractions. The campground is located close to the Mine Kill State Park with the popular Catskill Scenic Trail and Iroquois Indian Museum.
Max V Shaul State Park is a small park located among sports fields, near Schoharie Creek, several minutes drive north of Breakabeen. Route 30 passes right next to the park making it easy to get to. The park itself has an abundant amount of parking with seven parking lots for the campsites, a group camping area, and softball field. The roads are wide, paved, and provide plenty of space for driving and parking your RV or campervan. If you need to drive for any additional equipment or food, the town of Breakabeen will have all the basic necessities. If you need fuel, you can head over to Middleburgh, which is a seven-minute drive away.
The tent and RV campground at Max V Shaul State Park is located at the base of the Toepath Mountains. The campground includes showers, nature trails, playgrounds, picnic tables and softball fields. There is a maximum of two pets allowed per campsite with valid and up-to-date rabies shots.
Several of the campsites are accessible for RVs and campervans up to 35 feet in length. There are no hookups available, so make sure to bring your water and all other necessities with you.
There are only 30 campsites so make sure to book online early to secure your spots. There are several flushing toilets available, hot showers, and picnic pavilions. There are plenty of shady spots through out the campsite for picnicking or playing in the fields. There are hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and a boat launch into Schoharie creek.
There are over 450 species of birds which call New York State their home due to the abundance of diverse habitats. Some of the birds you can expect to see in the trees over head are American bitters, green herons, snowy egrets, pileated woodpeckers, least flycatcher, Indigo buntings, and many more.
If you like watching birds of prey you can keep a look out for bald eagles, American kestrels, golden eagles, merlins, or ospreys. During the night time you can hear the hooting of eastern screech owls, long eared owls, great-horned owls, and barred owls. So grab yourself some binoculars out of your camper and keep an eye on the sky.
During the wintertime the forests around Max V Shaul State Park get covered in a thick blanket of snow. The shimmering, white landscape transforms into a winter wonderland. The snow-capped mountain peaks make a fantastic backdrop for some cross-country skiing. Grab your skis out of the camping trailer and set out for a winter adventure.
There are plenty of nature trails which are well suited for Nordic skiing. You can access the Mine Kill State Park to see the Mine Kill Falls and Blenheim-Gilboa Reservoir. The state park is open all year round to suit both summer and winter visitors.
While every campsite has an abundant amount of space for your camping set up, there are communal areas which provide lovely spots for picnicking. Bring your own food and set up a feast in nature, although be careful to collect and put away any scraps as not to attract any wildlife.
Alternatively, you can head over to Panther Creek and sit by the trickling water of the stream. The whole park is ideal for families as it has open fields for ball games and a playground. There is a swimming hole near by where you can enjoy a pre-picnic dip. There are campfires allowed so you can cook yourself a campfire cooked meal.
There are large grassy areas surrounding the park which are ideal for ball games such as softball and baseball. There is an official softball field where anyone can head over and play. Grab your baseball gear out of the rig and get organised for a day of sport. Enjoy the sunny summer days playing sports near Panther Creek and tire out the whole team before retiring to your campsite. There is also a volleyball court where you can enjoy a fun game with your family and friends. There is plenty of parking available for everyone who may wish to play.
There are plenty of nature trails around Max V Shaul State Park which feature some of the most stunning views in the surrounding area. There is a small 0.8-mile trail loop leaving directly from the campground which has an elevation gain of 98 feet. Its perfect for all skill levels and is best during the months of May to October. You can even bring your dog on this trail, however they must be kept on a leash at all times.
There are several other moderatel- difficult trail hikes which require you to drive a short distance to the Burnt-Rossman Hills State Forest. The trails there include Looking Glass Pond Trail and the Long Path. Both have over 350 feet in elevation and reward hikers with panoramic views.
Fishing is permitted at Panther and Schoharie Creek near the campground. Schoharie Creek begins on Indian Head Mountain and continues for 93 miles until the Schoharie Reservoir. Trout fishing is only permitted in the upper section, however that section is packed with the powerful swimming fish. Even though the water is clear, the trout still find a way to stay hidden in the little inlets and rocky outcrops. You have the best chance of catching them during overcast days when they stay out of their hiding spots.
