Have you ever dreamt of being somewhere nice and serene? How about I tell you about Ascalona Campgrounds in New York State?
Okay here is it, begin now to think about having a good time with your loved ones. At Ascalona Campground, you will have access to RV rental in case you don't have an RV.
Is it Worth it to Camp at Ascalona Campgrounds?
Really good question. Let me share a story with you. This was another great experience for a few guys in August 2014. These guys went camping for two nights at Ascalona Campground, located in Barryville, Upstate New York.
They drove there early in the morning, and arriving took approximately two hours. When they reached the campground, it started to drizzle, but despite that, they rented a tent from the campground’s supervisor as soon as possible and began setting it up.
It took them a while, but by noon, they had everything ready. The drizzle had also stopped by then, although there was more rain that night. Thank God their tent was waterproof, so they did not have to worry about it.
After resting for a while, they drove quite far from the campground to fetch some food, drinks, and equipment for the night because there were no local stores around.
They roamed around the area and returned to their camp as twilight began. Knowing there would be rain that night, they didn’t buy logs for a campfire. As expected, it began to drizzle again, but they were fine, chilling around their camp.
They were drinking, eating, and celebrating just being there in the moment. They sang, laughed, and played during that drizzly night.
Slowly, they realized it was getting late and it started raining heavily, so they got inside the tent and slept after chatting for a while. Two other friends slept inside the car because they felt uncomfortable in the tent.
The next morning, the area outside their tent was a mess due to the heavy rain the night before. Cups, bottles, and plastics were scattered around.
It took them a while, but they cleaned everything and then left the campground to have breakfast. They didn’t cook themselves because they didn’t bring any cooking gas, plus they were lazy. The day was beautiful.
They had another plan to drive to Albany to meet a close friend who was working there and couldn’t make it on the trip. It was another two-hour drive from the campground to Albany. They didn’t have many plans for the day, so they drove off to see their friend. He was very happy and pleased that they came to see him.
He took the day off from his shift to spend time with us. It was a great feeling for all of them. They needed food, so they went to dine at a Hibachi restaurant. The food was great, and it was fun to watch the tricks performed by the Hibachi chef.
The funny thing was that they faked the waiters and the chef into thinking it was the birthday of one of them. All of them pointed at the celebrant, even though it wasn’t his birthday.
Hibachi has a special way of treating customers who are celebrating their birthdays, and they know that. The waiters gathered around with a drum-like instrument and sang the happy birthday song for him.
That moment was hilarious; they all almost burst into laughter but managed to hold it in and pretend it was normal. He liked it—it was cool.
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Was their Stay at Ascalona Campgrounds a Fulfilled One?
Now it was time to leave their friend and return to the campground. They got there at midnight. They were pretty tired that night, so they didn’t do anything wild. They just stayed in their tent, playing cards almost the whole night.
The next morning, they woke up late—maybe around midday. Their plan that day was to go play paintball nearby, but the paintball place was closed when they got there.
These guys were upset, but there was a volleyball court nearby, and they thought it would be great if they could borrow a ball since they all loved playing volleyball.
Luckily, someone lent them a ball, and they played volleyball for almost the rest of the day. They were having so much fun that they didn’t even realize how quickly time passed.
They drove back to the campground. It was their last day there, so they had to take down their tent and return it to the camp’s supervisor. But before that, they went to a river further beside their campground and swam because they were dirty from playing volleyball in the mud all day.
It rained heavily for a few minutes, then stopped again, but the river was warm and still flowing. The celebrant felt adventurous swimming in a river for the first time in New York.
By then, it was getting dark, and they still hadn’t done any campfires. It was their last evening, and they weren’t staying that night. A few of them went to buy some logs for a campfire while others folded the tent and returned it to the camp’s supervisor.
Fresh from the river, they needed some warmth. They tried to set up the fire quickly, but it took a while. The logs weren’t burning fast enough, so they borrowed fuel from a neighboring tent.
Finally, the fire started blazing, and the area warmed up. It was a fantastic moment. They all sat around the fire, singing, dancing, and sharing our life stories. It was the best night ever. They enjoyed the evening to the fullest, but soon it was time to leave. They slowly started packing up and drove back home safely.
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Are You Thinking about Your Safety?
During your stay, law enforcement is visible, ensuring the safety and security of all campers. Sullivan County Sheriff Michael Schiff and his team often conduct regular patrols, making sure that any emergency response—whether from the fire personnel or EMS personnel—is swift and reliable.
In the rare case of a full-scale search, the entire community, from campers to authorities, bands together to help, like during a recent report of a missing person in Minisink Ford. The cooperative spirit between law enforcement and campers guarantees a safe environment for everyone.
As you explore the campground, you’ll notice signs for Ascalona CampgroundFacebook, which offers a blend of traditional camping with modern conveniences. You can easily access information via a mobile app, from nearby hiking trails to the best spots for fishing.
If you're looking for a place to eat, several local diners and small restaurants along the state route offer excellent food, and businesses are well-reviewed on BBB business profiles.
When it comes to camping in Upstate New York (1), Kittatinny Campground stands out as a top destination, thanks to its wide range of activities, the beauty of its natural surroundings, and the dedication of its staff to making sure everyone has a memorable experience. Visitors return year after year, often commenting, "Bylo tam krásně,"—meaning, "It was beautiful there."
While you enjoy the outdoors, it's important to be aware of the campground's terms of service and arbitration provisions to ensure a hassle-free stay. Most visitors find that following the basic guidelines helps preserve the natural beauty and the welcoming atmosphere that make Kittatinny such a beloved campground.
As the first of the season campers leave and the sun sets over the campsite, you’ll find yourself reminiscing about the time spent along the powerful currents of the Delaware River.
Whether you’ve gathered around a campfire with friends or gone tubing down the river, the memories will linger long after you’ve packed up your tent and driven back home. As one visitor put it, "že aspoň ještě jednou tam tohle léto"—meaning, "At least once more this summer."