Shawangunk Multiple Use Area (MUA) Campground Closing
Love it or hate it, the Shawangunk Multiple Use Area (MUA) Campground was the only free camping at the Gunks. The state is closing it as of May 3, 2016.
Where to Stay at the Gunks
One thing to keep in mind when coming to the Gunks is that this area is a tourist destination. Also, the State University of New York in New Paltz is in town. So accommodations can fill up fast during college graduation, and in the fall foliage season many places raise their prices and easily sell out. Camping options are limited to commercial campgrounds, but the American Alpine Club Gunks Campground provides discounts for members and a site can be more affordable when split between multiple people (4 per site).
Gunks Camping
There are no free camping options available at the Gunks. See our Gunks Campground Info page.
Hostels Near the Gunks
The only hostel in the vicinity of the Gunks is the New Paltz Hostel, in the village of New Paltz next to the bus station.
Hotels/Motels/B&Bs Near the Gunks
The closest hotel to the Gunks is the Minnewaska Lodge, a beautiful post and beam lodge under the Near Trapps, just south of the deli on Rt. 44/55.
There are a number of motels in New Paltz which range from very basic budget motels to the new Hampton Inn. There are a few Bed &Breakfast Inns, and Airbnb usually has a number of offerings in the area. The Mohonk Preserve has a list of some accommodations on their website.
If you can afford an all inclusive luxury vacation resort experience, then check out the Mohonk Mountain House. It’s gorgeous and a beautiful setting for hiking, swimming, boating, and getting pampered in the spa.
Other nearby towns to check for accommodations:
- Kerhonkson, on the west side of the Gunks ridge, has some small motels. The Chelsea Motel has been recently renovated and is usually more affordable than the New Paltz motels. There are a couple of other motels in Kerhonkson that may or may not be in business, but are pretty sketchy.
- Highland is about 25 minutes east of the Gunks along Rt. 299 and Rt. 9W and has a handful of reasonably priced motels. Stick with the known brand names, there are a couple of small very sketchy motels as well.
- Poughkeepsie is across the Hudson River, about 30 minutes from the Gunks, and has many types of indoor accommodations.
- Kingston is about 30 minutes north of the Gunks and has a bunch of hotels/motels near the Thruway exit.
- Stone Ridge is a cute little town around 20 minutes northwest of the Gunks and has multiple Bed and Breakfasts.
- Rosendale is a village about 20 minutes north of the Gunks with good restaurants and a movie theater. They have the historic 1850 House Inn, and Creek View Campsites.
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