A Complete Guide to Summer Activities in the Catskills

Summer in the Catskills is like opening a gift you have been waiting to unwrap all year. You never know what memory you will take home—an afternoon swim, a morning hike, or a night around the fire swapping stories. Whether you are rolling up in your RV, pitching a tent, or settling in for a seasonal stay, this guide will walk you through the best ways to make your summer in the Catskills unforgettable.

Go Hiking in the Fresh Mountain Air

If the Catskills had a calling card, it would be the miles of hiking trails that cut through forests, valleys, and mountaintops. Lace up your boots and set out early in the morning when the air is cool and the birds are your alarm clock.

Some trails are gentle, perfect for a family stroll, while others will make you huff and puff like the Big Bad Wolf. But here is the thing: every trail has its reward. Sometimes it is a rushing waterfall, other times it is a view that makes you stop mid-sentence. Hiking is the easiest way to feel the rhythm of the mountains under your feet.

Cool Off with Swimming and Waterfalls

Nothing says summer like dipping your toes—or your whole body—into cool mountain water. The Catskills are known for their natural swimming holes, streams, and waterfalls. After a day on the trail, it feels like the mountain itself is handing you a refreshing drink.

Waterfalls add that extra magic. They roar, they sparkle in the sun, and they remind you that nature is the original show-off. Pack a towel and let the water wash away the sweat and stress of the day.

Fishing for Peace and Patience

The Catskills are often called the birthplace of American fly fishing, and once you cast a line into the clear streams, you will understand why. Fishing here is not just about catching dinner—it is about patience, quiet, and the thrill of feeling a tug on the line when you least expect it.

You do not need to be an expert. Half the fun is just standing in the water, watching the current, and realizing you have not checked your phone in hours. That is when you know you are doing summer right.

Camping Under the Stars

There is nothing like falling asleep to the sound of crickets and waking up to the smell of fresh pine. Camping in the Catskills gives you front-row seats to nature’s show.

Whether you prefer the comfort of an RV site rental, a cozy tent setup, or a seasonal RV site where you can settle in for the whole summer, there is a spot that fits your style. At Willowemoc Campgrounds, you can choose from RV site rental options or seasonal RV sites if you want to make the Catskills your summer home.

Evenings by the campfire are the kind of moments you tuck away in your memory for years—marshmallows melting on sticks, fireflies dancing, and stories that get taller with every telling.

Wildlife Watching and Nature Walks

If you sit quietly, the Catskills will introduce you to its residents. Deer, rabbits, owls, and sometimes even a black bear or two (from a safe distance) make their homes here. Nature walks are a good way to slow down and notice the little things—the bright mushrooms on a log, the flash of a bird’s wing, or the way the wind bends the tall grass.

It is not about racing to a destination. It is about learning to see what is right in front of you. Kids love these walks too, especially when they turn it into a game of “who spots it first.”

Biking Through Scenic Routes

Two wheels can take you places four wheels cannot. The Catskills have biking routes for both casual riders and those who like a challenge. Pedaling past open fields, forest paths, and winding roads feels like riding through a living postcard.

Bring your bike, or rent one nearby, and let the summer breeze do the rest. Just do not forget your water bottle—those hills can make you thirstier than a camper waiting for the marshmallows to come out.

Picnics and Family Gatherings

Sometimes the best summer activity is the simplest one: spreading a blanket under a shady tree and sharing food with family and friends. A picnic in the Catskills comes with the bonus of mountain views and the sound of birds overhead.

If you are traveling with kids, bring a ball, a frisbee, or even a deck of cards. These little gatherings become the glue of summer memories, the kind you talk about years later with a smile.

Why Summer in the Catskills Feels Different

There are plenty of places to spend a summer weekend, but the Catskills have a way of making you feel both far from it all and right at home. The air is lighter, the nights are quieter, and the days stretch out like they are in no hurry.

It is not about ticking things off a list. It is about letting the mountains set the pace. One day you might climb a trail, the next you might nap in a hammock, and both days will feel equally well spent.

Make the Catskills Your Summer Tradition

If you have never camped or vacationed in the Catskills before, let this summer be the one where you start. Whether you are here for a weekend getaway or planning to stay for the season, the mountains have something for everyone.

And when you are ready to plan your trip, Willowemoc Campgrounds is waiting for you. From family-friendly camping to seasonal stays, you will find a home base that makes every activity even more enjoyable.