We’ve explored several Spacious Skies Campgrounds over the last two years, each offering its own unique charm. Spacious Skies Woodland Hills in Austerlitz, New York, instantly became a new favorite due to its perfect blend of peaceful surroundings, great amenities, and proximity to some of the Upper Hudson Valley’s most delightful towns.
Where Is Spacious Skies Woodland Hills Located?
Spacious Skies Woodland Hills sits nestled in Columbia County, about 2 hours north of New York City without traffic. Coming from the south, the drive is relatively straightforward, with a brief complicated stretch where several highways converge, but quickly settles into an easy and scenic route north. The campground is wonderfully positioned in the quiet hills of Austerlitz, just minutes from the Massachusetts border and the Berkshires. It’s accessed via a picturesque country road leading to the peaceful tranquility of the campground.
The Unique Appeal of the Upper Hudson Valley
One of our favorite aspects of this area is how the cultural fingerprints of New York City stretch upward into the Hudson Valley, and especially into the Upper Hudson Valley. You get the best of both worlds—the beautiful countryside combined with cultural experiences, including fantastic food, coffee shops, bookstores, wineries, and craft breweries. This blend ramped up during the pandemic as many New Yorkers relocated here, bringing a vibrant city vibe to upstate New York.
Campground Layout and Campsite Options
Spacious Skies Woodland Hills is a medium-sized campground with about 175 sites, of which approximately 50 are seasonal. The seasonal sites are notably well-kept and integrated seamlessly into the campground, creating a welcoming atmosphere for transient visitors as well.
The campground layout consists of several different camping areas including the following:
- Lakefront Sites: These offer large, picturesque views of the water. Jeremy stayed at site 8 and particularly recommends sites around the lake for their serene views and spaciousness, despite limited privacy.
- Hillside Sites: On the right side of the campground map, these sites slope gently uphill. This area includes a mix of seasonal and transient campers.
- Cosmic Canine Sites: Perfect for campers with dogs, these sites feature private fenced-in areas. Although Jeremy didn’t personally inspect these, fellow campers highly recommended them.
- RV and Tent Camping Area: On the left side of the campground, you’ll find cozy sites suitable for smaller RVs and tents, complete with excellent proximity to clean bathhouses and playgrounds.
- Wooded, Shaded Sites: At the campground’s top area, these sites offer privacy and shade, making them another excellent option.
Campground Amenities
Spacious Skies Woodland Hills offers amenities that strike a perfect balance between peaceful camping vibes and family fun:
- Brand-New Swimming Pool: Recently opened, the pool area includes comfortable outdoor seating. This amenity is particularly appealing for families, providing relaxation for adults while kids swim and play.
- Bounce Pillow and Playgrounds: Families will appreciate the bounce pillow, especially with a strategically located RV site right next to it. There are also two playgrounds to keep kids entertained.
- Dog-Friendly Amenities: Besides the canine sites, the campground boasts two large dog parks, dubbed the Cosmic Canine Commons, making it exceptionally pet-friendly.
- Game Room and Activities: A game room, gem mining, volleyball, basketball courts, and a stocked lake for fishing offer diverse recreational opportunities.
- Camp Store: The store is well-stocked with essentials, snacks, firewood, merch, and local treats, adding convenience to your stay.
One of the campground’s best features? Cleanliness! Bathhouses are immaculate, showers hot and reliable, and the landscaping beautifully maintained.
A Special Touch: Curated Activity Sheet
Sparks, the campground manager, provided a curated activity sheet upon check-in, featuring local recommendations and staff favorites for dining, hikes, and sightseeing. We love this unique offering. This kind of personalized guide offers campers the opportunity to genuinely explore and appreciate the local area beyond standard tourist offerings.
Exploring the Nearby Towns
One of the significant draws of Spacious Skies Woodland Hills is its location near three charming towns, each within a short drive:
West Stockbridge, Massachusetts (9 minutes away)
West Stockbridge impressed with its quintessential New England charm. Notable spots include:
- Six Depot Roastery and Cafe: Located in an old train depot, serving exceptional craft-roasted coffee and delicious pastries.
- Shaker Mill Books: A large, inviting independent bookstore.
- William and Sons Country Store: Known for quirky local finds like Moxie Soda.
- Amici: A well-reviewed, casual Italian restaurant.
Chatham, New York (15 minutes away)
Chatham offers a vibrant, hip atmosphere with great local establishments:
- Stony Kill Coffee and Records: A trendy spot blending coffee culture with vinyl records.
- Black Cat Coffee: Another local favorite.
- Bimi’s Cheese Shop: Known for delicious cheeses, including a memorable three-year aged cheddar, and Opinel knives.
- Fork and Whisk Cafe and Bakery: Tasty baked goods and brunch offerings.
- Fiesta Cafe: Highly recommended breakfast spot with lines out the door.
- The Chatham Bookstore: Charming independent bookstore featuring our own books on their shelves.
- People’s Pub: A popular local eatery highly recommended by the campground manager.
Kinderhook, New York (20 minutes away)
Kinderhook is smaller but still charming, with places worth visiting:
- Kinderhook Books: Excellent independent bookstore.
- Morningbird: Adorable local market and coffee shop.
- Brooklyn Pizzeria: Casual pizza spot.
- Local Farmers Market: A nice addition if you’re visiting on the weekend.
Why Spacious Skies Woodland Hills is a New Favorite
Overall, Spacious Skies Woodland Hills combines the serene charm of a countryside escape with the convenience and culture of nearby small towns. We are enchanted by the campground’s quiet, relaxing atmosphere and the beautiful surrounding area. The personal touches, such as Sparks’s thoughtfully curated recommendations, truly elevated this experience, making it a campground worth returning to again and again.
For campers seeking relaxation coupled with access to excellent amenities and local culture, Spacious Skies Woodland Hills in Austerlitz, NY, should be at the top of your list. And don’t forget—using the coupon code RVATLAS will save you 10% off your reservations at any Spacious Skies campground.
We look forward to returning soon, perhaps for some upstate leaf peeping in the fall. Until then, see you at the campground!
