Autumn is one of the most magical times to visit our campground in New York. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend trip or an extended stay, this guide has everything you need to know about New York fall foliage (with peak colors in October), Halloween events, and the best cabin and campsite options to soak it all in.
From crisp mornings and cozy hoodies, to glowing campfires and unforgettable family memories, fall camping at Jellystone Park™ Gardiner offers a unique experience everyone will love.
New York Fall Foliage Prediction Map
While nature’s timing can be a bit unpredictable, the New York fall foliage map shows peak color in the Shawangunk Mountains throughout the month of October, specifically early to mid October. This is the prime time for soaking in the vibrant colors, taking fall photos, and enjoying festive activities. You can also check out the New York fall foliage map on trusted sources like the Almanac or American Forests.
Top Stays for Your Fall Camping Getaway
Looking for the perfect place to stay during your fall camping adventure? Whether you're planning a cozy weekend in the mountains or a festive Halloween escape, we’ve got you covered with top-notch accommodations at Jellystone Park™ Gardiner. From spacious cabins built for big families to premium RV sites with all the comforts of home, these guest favorites are ideal for making the most of the New York fall foliage season.
Ridge View Bungalow
Our Ridge View Bungalow offers a cozy and convenient glamping experience in New York, perfect for families or groups of up to 8. Inside, you'll find AC/heat, a TV/DVD player, and a full bathroom with a stand-alone shower. The kitchen includes a 2-burner stove, microwave, apartment-size fridge, coffee maker, toaster, and all the essentials like dishes, silverware, and cookware. Gather around the table and barstools for meals or games, then head outside to enjoy the screened-in porch, picnic table, charcoal grill, and fire ring. It’s a relaxing spot to unwind, make memories, and take in the scenic ridge views.
Premium Back-In RV Site
Let your family’s adventure begin at one of our Premium Back-In RV Sites—perfect for a fun and comfortable getaway! These spacious sites include full hook-ups with 30/50 amp electric, water, and sewer, plus cable TV to keep everyone entertained. You’ll also enjoy your own picnic table and fire ring, making it easy to gather for meals, marshmallows, and memories. It's everything you need for a great camping experience!
Nearby Areas for the Best Fall Foliage
As many of our campers know, our Shawangunk Mountain campground offers stunning views of the fall foliage, but the beauty doesn’t stop there! The surrounding area is filled with even more picture-perfect spots to catch the vibrant colors of the season. Check out a few of our favorite scenic stops for unbeatable fall views!
Wallkill Valley Rail Trail
Right from Gardiner, the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail offers a wonderfully peaceful and scenic autumn escape. This former railway corridor stretches south toward New Paltz, passing through colorful forest edges and Shawangunk Ridge views. In mid‑October, sugar maples, red oaks, and beech trees flame in bright reds and golds, often mirrored in Rondout Creek or nearby wetlands. Walk or cycle the flat, open path and breathe in sweeping fall views along the way.
Mohonk Preserve & Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Just a short drive from Gardiner, Mohonk Preserve and nearby Minnewaska State Park sit atop the dramatic Shawangunk Ridge. In the fall, hardwood forests and cliffside overlooks burst into fiery color. Hike trails leading to serene lakes, cascading falls, and panoramic ridgeline views—especially at Sams Point and the Sky Top observation. This area offers some of the most spectacular and iconic autumn scenery in Hudson Valley.
Shawangunk Scenic Byway
The winding Shawangunk Scenic Byway runs through forests, farms, valleys, and ridge paths between Kerhonkson, Gardiner, and New Paltz. In peak season the roads are framed by brilliant layers of orange, gold, and deep red. Pass overlooks that reveal the Catskill and Shawangunk ridges shimmering in fall tones. The route makes a perfect scenic loop to enjoy leaf‑peeping with occasional stops at scenic pull-offs and small overlooks.
On-Site Fall Activities & Events
Halloween Weekends at Jellystone Park™ Golden Valley are a seasonal tradition packed with spooky fun! Running from September 26 through November 2, these 6 themed weekends are all about bringing families together for classic Halloween fun with a twist. Guests of all ages can enjoy campground-wide trick-or-treating, costume contests, and site decorating competitions with chances to win fun prizes! Stroll through a Haunted Trail, join our golf cart parades, and don’t miss the Magic Pumpkin Patch, where kids can “plant” a pumpkin seed and wake up to a surprise the next morning. With 15+ themed activities every weekend, there’s always something happening—from spooky crafts and games, to stories around the campfire under the starry New York skies.
Come early for bonus fall fun during Fairytale Forest Weekend (Sept. 12–14) and Fall Fest Weekend (Sept. 19–21), and don’t miss our season send-off with Good Night Yogi Bear™ (Nov. 7–9)! Whether you're soaking up the autumn vibes, making memories with your family, or just enjoying the crisp mountain air, fall weekends at Jellystone Park™ Gardiner are the perfect seasonal escape.
Fall Camp & Store
Looking to save big while RV camping in New York this fall? Our 2025 Fall Camp & Store deal has you covered! Book 4 consecutive weekends of camping from 9/4–9/29 and enjoy up to 25% off RV campsites, plus FREE on-site RV storage during the week. No promo code needed—just enter those dates when booking online and the special rates will apply automatically. Prefer to book by phone? Just mention you're booking for Fall Camp & Store and we’ll take care of the rest!
From colorful leaves to spooky weekend fun, there’s so much to get excited about this fall camping season and we hope this guide helps you soak it all in! With the New York fall foliage timeline in your back pocket, you're all set for an unforgettable autumn adventure. Ready to make it official? Book your fall getaway online here or give us a call at (845) 255-5193!
