Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground

The Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground, often referred to by locals as the "Gunks Campground," serves as a vital hub for outdoor enthusiasts in the Hudson Valley. Nestled at the base of the Shawangunk Mountains in Gardiner, New York, this high-quality, minimalist campground was born from a unique partnership between the American Alpine Club, Mohonk Preserve, and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. It represents a significant conservation success story, dedicated to the memory of Sam Pryor, an extraordinary advocate for land protection. For New York residents looking for an authentic wilderness experience, this site offers a professionally managed environment that prioritizes the natural landscape over commercial frills.

The atmosphere at Shawangunk Gateway is distinctively congenial and adventurous. Unlike traditional family "resort" campgrounds that focus on pools and arcades, this park caters to the "human-powered" recreation community. On any given morning, you will find hikers prepping their boots and rock climbers sorting their gear for a day on the world-renowned cliffs of the Gunks. The design of the park is intentionally rustic, featuring 50 acres of wooded land that provides a quiet sanctuary. Whether you are a local from New Paltz looking for a staycation or an urbanite from New York City seeking the silence of the woods, this campground provides a clean, well-maintained base camp for your Catskill-region adventures.

Located at 953 NY-299 in Gardiner, NY 12525, the campground is exceptionally easy to find and reach. It sits just past the intersection of Route 44/55 and Route 299, making it a straight shot from the New York State Thruway (I-87) exit in New Paltz. This prime location places guests within walking distance of the Trapps and Near Trapps climbing areas, as well as a connector trail that leads directly to the Mohonk Preserve Visitor Center. For those who want to balance their wilderness time with local culture, the eclectic village of New Paltz—famous for its boutiques, historic Huguenot Street, and farm-to-table dining—is only a few miles down the road.

Accessibility is a key feature of the modern infrastructure at the Shawangunk Gateway. The campground includes a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking lot, and restroom facilities, ensuring that the beauty of the Gunks is available to all visitors. For those driving into the site, there are 24 drive-in spots, while 26 walk-in spots offer a deeper sense of seclusion for those willing to carry their gear a short distance. While the road into the park is paved, the campsites themselves are designed to blend into the forest, providing a true canopy experience that residents of the region have cherished since the park's opening in 2015.

• 50 high-quality tent sites, including both drive-in and walk-in options.
• Sturdy tent platforms at each site to ensure a level and dry sleeping surface.
• A large, covered communal pavilion that serves as a central hub for cooking and socializing.
• Clean, modern bathhouse facilities with running water and public restrooms.
• Coin-operated public showers (don't forget your quarters for the hot water!).
• Shared cooking area with large sinks for easy dishwashing and food preparation.
• High-speed Wi-Fi available at the pavilion area to help guests plan their routes or check weather.
• On-site parking provided for one vehicle per campsite.

The highlights of a stay at the Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground center around its incredible access to the outdoors. The "Gateway" in its name is literal; a connector trail allows campers to step directly from their site onto the 70-mile network of carriage roads and trails within Mohonk Preserve. This makes it an unparalleled choice for trail runners, mountain bikers, and hikers. Another unique highlight is the communal bonfire at the pavilion. Since individual campfires are not permitted at the tent sites to protect the forest, the evening communal fire becomes a place where stories of the day's climbs and hikes are shared among new friends.

• Direct access to world-class rock climbing and bouldering at the Trapps and Near Trapps.
• Proximity to Minnewaska State Park Preserve and its stunning sky lakes and waterfalls.
• Picnic tables and bear-proof storage boxes provided at walk-in campsites for safety.
• Dog-friendly environment (dogs allowed on leash) so your four-legged companions can join the trip.
• Seasonal highlights like wild wineberry bushes that drip with fruit in mid-July along the entrance road.
• Minimal light pollution, providing exceptional stargazing opportunities on clear Hudson Valley nights.
• Educational staff and a responsive campground manager often praised for their friendliness.
• Close proximity to local orchards, wineries, and craft distilleries in the Gardiner area.

• Address: 953 NY-299, Gardiner, NY 12525, USA
• Phone: (303) 951-4571 (Management through American Alpine Club)
• Local Information: (845) 255-0032 (Mohonk Preserve)
• Payment: Camping fees are required; American Alpine Club or Mohonk Preserve members receive a discount.

If you are looking for a camping experience that respects the heritage of New York's wilderness, this campground is worth choosing above all others in the area. It strikes the perfect balance between "primitive" and "prepared." While you won't find the noise of RV generators or the glare of a swimming pool's neon lights, you will find the most level tent sites in the state and facilities that are kept spotless by a dedicated staff. It is the only public campground built in the state in over 30 years, and every detail—from the buffer zones that minimize road noise to the lighting that protects the night sky—has been thoughtfully considered.

Choosing this campground also supports the mission of conservation in the Hudson Valley. Managed by non-profit organizations, the fees you pay go directly back into protecting the Shawangunk Ridge and maintaining the trails you enjoy. For those who want to fall asleep to the sound of crickets and wake up to the sight of towering quartz cliffs, the Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground is the gold standard. It offers a "congenial vibe" where the community of adventurers makes the experience just as memorable as the landscape itself. Would you like me to find the current membership rates for the Mohonk Preserve or help you plan a hiking itinerary from the campground connector trail?