In the words of Bonnie Schroder, the owner of Brookside Campground, the establishment is a “family-oriented campground” located just outside the town of Catskill, New York. The campground began about 40 years ago, initially as a farm that got split from a neighboring property. Since Bonnie and her husband purchased it in 2005, they have renovated the acreage into the campground that it is today. With 73 sites in total, the campground offers a combination of RV and tent sites, featuring grass and gravel pads with a mix of 30- and 50-amp hookups. Most of the tent sites provide access to water and electric hookups. Bonnie and her husband strive to create a sense of community among guests with their personal interaction and goal of “treating everyone like family.” They organize a variety of activities and events throughout the camping season to try and build a community with their visitors.
Brookside Campground, owned by Bonnie Schroder, is a campground with 73 sites, offering a combination of RV and tent sites. The RV spaces feature grass and gravel pads with a mix of 30- and 50-amp hookups for electrical connections. Each site is equipped with amenities such as water, electricity, and septic for RV spaces, as well as water and electricity for most tenting sites. Picnic tables, fire pits, and standard charcoal grills are available at every site as well.
The campground provides a range of facilities and activities for guests. A game room with a mix of retro and modern games is found on-site, according to Bonnie, including Batman and Pac-Man, as well as a pool table and a TV sitting area. The property spans over 17 acres and is a predominantly open area, with a few unique features, namely a memorial for Holocaust victims and a playground ship, the latter of which serves as the campground's logo. In addition, the campground's amenities include horseshoes, basketball courts, and a small camp store selling ice, wood, ice cream, and candy. Additionally, visitors can enjoy the pavilion, soccer field, volleyball court, and outdoor workout area. Fishing enthusiasts may take an interest in the nearby creek that is stocked with trout for recreational fishing.
Bonnie reports that Brookside Campground “focuses on large families,” with numerous group sites available for gatherings. The surrounding area is a mix of rural and residential, with a few nearby towns such as Catskill and Kara, which offer opportunities for shopping and a variety of services. While the campground does not rent out equipment, they can loan supplies for recreational activities, including ping pong paddles.
The owners of Brookside Campground aim to create an environment where guests can feel comfortable. They also intend to focus on helping people feel as though they are “a part of the family.” A sign at the entrance of the campground reflects this goal, as it reads, "Enter as strangers, leave as friends." The owners, Bonnie Schroder and her husband, try to personally interact with each of their guests, striving to ensure that their needs are met. "We do things that definitely make this place family-oriented, a true mom-and-pop campground. We want our guests to feel like they're part of our extended family," Bonnie expresses. The owner also believes that the campground is known for its “family-oriented” approach, where visitors of all ages can enjoy some of the on-site activities and events. From drum circles and rock climbing walls to pool parties and animal meet-and-greets, Bonnie says there is “something going on every week” that may appeal to visitors at the campground.
Some of those who have stayed previously have left reviews of the campground, commenting on the cleanliness of the establishment, the location of the property, and the hospitality of the owners. One former patron said, “The couple that runs this place runs it with a smile and a happy attitude. They have a store where you can buy any equipment you might need. Most sites are equipped with a table, a grill, and a bonfire, and all of the sites are within walking distance of the bathroom.”
Brookside Campground maintains a set of policies to try and ensure a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable experience for everyone. With the exception of dog breeds that have the potential of exhibiting aggressive behavior, the campground welcomes pets, provided that they are kept on a leash. Quiet hours are also enforced from 11:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. each night; however, on holidays, the quiet hours are extended until 2:00 a.m. Bonnie notes that the campground's “five simple rules” are displayed on the parking pass guide for guests to refer back to if necessary. These rules include guidelines on proper garbage disposal, the placement of campsite belongings, and the prohibition of cutting trees or limbs.
Brookside Campground benefits from its proximity to several tourist draws in the surrounding area. One of the nearby attractions is Catskill Falls, featuring a 260-foot waterfall that is, according to Bonnie, the longest in New York State. Hiking trails around the falls offer views of the Catskill Mountains and opportunities for nature exploration. Additionally, Hunter Mountain offers ziplining experiences where guests can view vistas and travel through the forest. The nearby Zoom Flume Water Park features water slides and attractions for different age ranges. For those in search of indoor attractions, the Thomas Cole National Historic Site and the Castle Catskill are also found fairly close to Brookside Campground. The Thomas Cole National Historic Site can provide insights into the life and works of Thomas Cole—a landscape artist—while the Castle Catskill features an array of contemporary artwork and shops.
The history of Brookside Campground traces back to its origins in agricultural production. Originally part of a neighboring farm, the property was eventually split off, leading to the establishment of the campground approximately 40 years ago. Since its inception, the campground has seen a change in ownership, passing through different hands before being acquired by Bonnie and her husband, the current owners, in 2005. Bonnie and her husband were previously working in professional jobs in Long Island but decided to make a significant life change after the events of September 11th, 2001. Seeking a different lifestyle and business opportunity, they stumbled upon the idea of running a campground during a vacation, where they rented a barge and navigated the Erie Canal. Inspired by this trip and the experience at an RV park along the canal, they decided to venture into the camping industry.
When Bonnie and her husband took over the property, they conducted renovations and improvements, such as redoing the pool and adding new campsites. They also invested in technology and created a website. Additionally, they pioneered the concept of winter campsites, accommodating traveling nurses, linemen, and employees of other professions during the offseason. With a focus on family-oriented activities, the owners offer various amenities and features in the hopes of enhancing the camping experience for their guests. These include activities for kids; glamping options; playgrounds; interaction with bunnies, goats, and miniature cows; and a plan to transform a yacht into a children's play area.
4952 Route 32
Catskill, New York 12414
United States
Campground
