Gunks Campground
Photo by Anton Oparin
In 2006, the Mohonk Preserve, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, the Palisades Interstate Park Commission, and the American Alpine Club partnered together to create a campground near the popular Shawangunks climbing area. Construction was completed in 2014 by The Palisades Interstate Park Commission, and now The American Alpine Club and The Mohonk Preserve operate and manage 50 campsites and 6 vehicle sites, all within a stone's throw of miles of world-class rock climbing. This is a watershed moment for one of the most popular rock-climbing areas in the country. For the first time since climbing in the “Gunks” began over 80 years ago, hot showers and running water are available for climbers who want to camp within view of the cliffs. Check out the history page for more details.
Members will find the member promo code and book directly through Profile. AAC Members at the partner level and above receive lodging discounts.
Reservations accepted starting March 1, 2024. The Gunks Campground Season runs from April 12, 2024 - November 10, 2024.
Important campground info:
Reservations are required. Same-day reservations must be made by 11 a.m. on the date of arrival.
Masks are highly encouraged and appreciated in indoor spaces.
Accommodations & Amenities:
50 Tent Sites: 24 walk-in sites with a short walk from parking. 26 drive-in sites with parking at the tent site. One picnic table per site. One 12’ x 12’ tent platform. Please do not pitch a tent off of the platform. One car MAX at each drive-in site. Extra vehicles must be parked in our main parking lot. Four ADA sites are available upon request. *Four people MAX per site*
5 Vehicle Sites: These sites are parking spaces located in our main parking lot. They do not include a tent platform or picnic table. These sites are best for those camping in their vehicles or vans. All sites are flat. *Two people max
Coin Operated Showers: $1 for 4 minutes
Communal Pavilion: Shared picnic tables, sinks, and electricity for charging small electronics.
Communal Fire Pit: Firewood is provided. The woodshed is located adjacent to the firepit. Guests are welcome to start a fire at any time during the day. Please put out the fire if you are the last person to use it.
WiFi: Public wifi (name: Gunks Campground), no password needed. The signal is best in the pavilion.
Water Spigots: All spigots have potable water.
Location:
Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground
953 Route 299
Gardiner, NY 12525
Contact Information:
(303) 951-4571
gunks@americanalpineclub.org
Off-season Contact Information:
(303) 384-0110
lodging@americanalpineclub.org
Office Hours:
Monday through Sunday: 7 - 9 a.m. & 7 - 9 p.m.
Friday & Saturday Evening Office Hours: 6 - 9 p.m.
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Gunks Campground FAQs
When will the Gunks Gateway Campground open and close?
Opening day is typically in mid-April, and closing day falls in mid-November.
Can I request a specific site? Can you put me next to my friends?
Groups reserving 2 or more sites will most likely be given walk-in sites (short walk from your car to the site). Staff will do their best to accommodate requests, but cannot guarantee a specific site or drive-in site.
What time is Check-In and Check-Out?
Check-in: after 1 p.m.
Check-out: by 11 a.m.
How big are the tent platforms?
Tents must be pitched on the provided tent platform. Each tent platform is 12 ft. by 12 ft. Please know the size tent’s footprint prior to arrival.
How much does it cost to rent a campsite per night?
The cost is $28.00 for AAC and Mohonk Preserve members and $42.00 for non-members. Vehicle sites are $20 for AAC and Mohonk Preserve members and $24.00 for non-members.
How many campsites are there?
We have 55 sites on 50 acres: 26 drive-in sites and 24 walk-ins and 5 vehicle sites in our main parking lot.
What kind of precautions should I take with regard to black bears?
Because we do have a black bear population, we ask that you keep all food and toiletries locked in your car or in one of the bear boxes provided.
Is the Gunks Gateway Campground only open to American Alpine Club members?
No! The GGC is open to everyone. Rates for members do differ from non-members. Depending on your length of stay becoming a member can quickly pay for itself. Mohonk Preserve members receive a discounted rate as well.
Are pets permitted at the campground?
Well-behaved dogs are welcome. All dogs must be leashed and supervised at all times, no exceptions. Dogs are not allowed in the pavilion or bathroom areas. Owners must clean up after dogs.
Who has access to the pavilion?
The pavilion is open to anyone staying at the campground while the GGC is open.
Are showers available at the campground?
Yes, coin-operated showers are available at the campground. Please see staff during office hours if you need change. Showers are $1 per 4 minutes. Please help us conserve water with brevity.
When are quiet hours?
Quiet hours are between 10 p.m. and 7 a. m.
What time is checkout?
Checkout is at 10 a.m.
What is the proximity of the campsite to the cliff?
Climbing is only a five-minute drive to the parking lots at the Mohonk Preserve or a 20-minute walk to the base of the cliff.
Are showers available at the campground?
Yes, coin-operated showers are available at the campground. Please see staff if you need change.
How can I find a guide?
The AAC partners with local guide company Alpine Endeavors to provide members guide services at a discount. There are many other guide services in the area, including Eastern Mountain Sports, Mountain Skills Climbing Guides, and High Xposure Adventures.
Can I have a campfire at my campsite?
No, but we have a centralized fire ring by the pavilion. This is a great place to meet other campers and swap climbing stories with your community.
What is the parking like at the GGC?
There is a one car per site rule. While campers may only park a single car at their campsite, there is room at the front parking lot for additional cars. Free overflow parking is also located at The Mohonk Preserve Visitors Center, a short walk to the campground.
Please ask in the office for your free overflow parking pass.
Is there wi-fi available?
Yes, we have public wi-fi in the pavilion.
Are there laundry facilities at the campground?
No, but there are plenty of laundromats located in the town of New Paltz.
How much does it cost to climb on the Mohonk Preserve?
There is a daily charge of $20.00 for climbers, bikers, and horseback riding and $15.00 for hikers.
Annual passes are also available.
What is your physical address?
Our campsite is located at 953 Route 299, Gardiner, NY 12525
What is your contact information?
Email: gunks@americanalpineclub.org
Phone: (303) 951-4571
Are RV’s allowed in the campsite?
No, the campsites are too small for RVs and no hook-ups are available.
Generators are also prohibited.
No vehicles over 22' allowed—small pop-ups/campers are permitted if space is available.
Are there ADA accessible campsites?
Yes, there are several accessible sites. Please request an accessible site in the notes section when making a reservation.
If it rains can I tie tarps to the trees to cover my picnic table/tent?
No, please do not — tying ropes to trees can damage them. Platforms are often chipped or have pea gravel, so extra accessory cord is recommended for rain flys. If the weather is bad, please feel free to use the Pavilion to cook. There is plenty of space available.
How can I cancel my reservation?
Please email the campground stating you want to cancel your reservation. Please be sure to include your confirmation ID in the email.