Blue Mountain Campground

The Great Outdoors

Camp in an RV near Saugerties and head to the Kaaterskill Wild Forest, which lies directly west of the Blue Mountain Campground. It sprawls across 8,550 acres that are traversed by numerous hiking trails, with one leading to the 260-foot, two-tiered Kaaterskill Falls. Follow the scenic Long Path or tackle the trail that leads to the Kaaterskill High Peak, a 3,655 summit surrounded by boreal forest. If you’re after the best views, head to Hurricane Ledge, a sheer cliff on the south side of the mountain, or opt for the trail that leads to Huckleberry Point.Directly south of the Kaaterskill Wild Forest is the Indian Head Wilderness, an 11,500-acre protected area on the eastern escarpment of the Catskill Mountains. It encompasses five major peaks, all of which offer spectacular views that can be soaked up on the numerous hiking trails. Embark on the popular Devils Path (which boasts some of the best views in the Catskills) or opt for the Warner Creek Trail that accesses the 2,740-foot summit of Mount Tremper. Other options include the short Pecoy Notch Trail and Jimmy Dolan Notch Trail, as well as the Overlook Trail that links to the summit of Overlook Mountain.Drive in the other direction from the Blue Mountain Campground, and you’ll arrive at Bristol Beach State Park, which hugs the western bank of the Hudson River near Malden. It occupies the site of a 19th-century brickyard and is now a popular area for launching kayaks and fishing. If you want to stretch your legs while enjoying the riverfront views, drive farther south to the Falling Waters Preserve where you’ll find grassy fields, a waterfall, and the remains of an old icehouse.

Exploring the Area

Blue Mountain Campground is around 10 minutes’ drive from the center of Saugerties where you can pick up grocery supplies and fill up your RV rental with gas. Alternatively, make the 25-minute drive into Kingston, which is home to larger supermarkets, as well as plenty of restaurants and fast-food eateries if you want to dine out.RV camping at Blue Mountain Campground is a good base for visiting the Clermont State Historic Site, a heritage-listed New York landmark near Germantown. It preserves the former estate of the Livingston family who have lived here for several generations and was named after the inspiring views of the Catskill Mountains that can be enjoyed from the property. Wander through the beautifully furnished rooms that appear as they would have during the early 20th century and tour the gorgeous gardens that hug the banks of the Hudson River. Be sure to browse the visitors center where there are exhibits about Clermont and the Livingston family, including Robert R. Livingston, Jr who helped draft the Declaration of Independence and served as the first United States Minister of Foreign Affairs.A 30-minute drive south of Saugerties will take you to the town of High Falls, which is home to the fascinating Delaware and Hudson Canal Museum. Housed within a late-19th-century Gothic Revival chapel, it details the construction and significance of this famous waterway through old photographs, maps, and models. After exploring the museum, stroll along the Five Locks Walk that accesses five of the former canal’s locks.Closer to the campground is the Catskill Animal Sanctuary, which is dedicated to saving animals through emergency rescue initiatives. On designated weekends, the sanctuary is open to visitors for group tours, giving you an opportunity to meet their friendly animals and sample the delicious vegan food served at their on-site cafe.Whether you want to explore the fascinating history of the Catskills or launch a kayak into the waters of the Hudson River, book an RV in Ulster County and start planning your next vacation.