Happy Days Campground

For New Yorkers seeking a refreshing escape into the heart of nature, the Catskill Mountains offer an abundance of serene landscapes and outdoor adventures. Nestled within this picturesque region, Happy Days Campground in Swan Lake, NY, presents itself as a charming, family-run destination that promises a traditional camping experience. It’s a place where the simplicity of the outdoors meets essential conveniences, making it an appealing choice for families, couples, and solo adventurers looking to unwind and reconnect with nature without straying too far from home. Happy Days offers a welcoming atmosphere that encourages repeat visits for those who appreciate a classic campground setting.

Happy Days Campground prides itself on being a traditional camping destination set on 30 acres of unspoiled woodland. The campground aims to provide a relaxed and friendly environment where campers can enjoy the peace and quiet of the Catskills. While it offers the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay, its focus is on providing a genuine camping experience, whether you're bringing an RV, a pop-up, or pitching a tent. The owners are often lauded by visitors for their hospitality, contributing to the welcoming vibe that encourages guests to return time and again. It's a place where you can create lasting memories, explore the surrounding natural beauty, and truly embrace the "happy days" of outdoor living in New York.

Happy Days Campground is ideally located at 454 Horseshoe Lake Rd, Swan Lake, NY 12783, USA. This address places it squarely in the beautiful Catskill Mountains region of Sullivan County, a popular destination for New Yorkers seeking outdoor recreation and a break from city life. Swan Lake itself is a charming hamlet known for its tranquil lake, offering opportunities for fishing and boating. The campground's location provides a convenient balance between secluded natural beauty and accessibility to regional attractions.

One of the significant advantages for New Yorkers is its proximity to the renowned Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, located just four miles away. This means campers have easy access to concerts, cultural events, and the historic Woodstock Museum, without the long drives or traffic associated with attending events from farther afield. Additionally, Happy Days Campground is close to other local points of interest, including Lake Superior State Park, White Lake, and the Bethel Motor Speedway, offering diverse recreational options. The area is also rich with opportunities for golf, horseback riding, fishing, boating, biking, and hiking, making it a central hub for outdoor enthusiasts. Its relatively straightforward access via New York's highway system ensures a convenient journey for visitors from various parts of the state, making it a perfect local getaway.

Happy Days Campground provides a range of essential services and amenities designed to make your camping experience comfortable and convenient. These services cater to both RV and tent campers, ensuring a pleasant stay.

• Full Hookup Sites: The campground offers sites with water, electric (30 and 50 amp available), and sewer hookups, primarily catering to RVs and trailers. These spacious sites provide the comforts of home while enjoying the outdoors.
• Tent Sites: Dedicated tent sites are available for those who prefer a more traditional camping experience, complete with essential amenities like fire rings and picnic tables.
• Clean Bathrooms and Showers: The campground provides access to restrooms and hot showers. While one review mentioned a "scent" or "moldy" showers, another emphasized "clean bathrooms and awesome owners," suggesting maintenance efforts are made and experiences can vary. The campground states their water goes through a chlorination system and is monitored monthly by the Department of Health, ensuring potable water.
• Potable Water: All water throughout the campground is potable, meaning it is safe for drinking.
• Fire Rings: All campsites are equipped with stone fire rings, perfect for campfires. Guests can rearrange stones for their own grill placement, though grills or grates are not provided.
• Firewood Sales: Firewood is sold on-site. The campground requests that campers do not bring their own firewood due to the risk of introducing invasive species to local trees, and it is illegal to bring firewood from outside of New York State.
• Pet-Friendly: Happy Days Campground is pet-friendly, allowing dogs (up to two per reservation). Dogs must be kept on a tether at all times and should not be left unattended or cause a nuisance to other campers.
• Dump Station: A dump station is available for RV and trailer campers.
• On-site Cabin and Vintage Camper Rentals: For those seeking a bit more comfort or a unique experience, Happy Days offers rental accommodations, including a cabin built from on-site trees felled during Superstorm Sandy, and vintage camper rentals, which include a refrigerator/freezer and stove/cooktop.

Happy Days Campground offers several features and highlights that contribute to its appeal as a camping destination in the Catskills, particularly for New York locals seeking a relaxing outdoor experience.

• Family-Run & Welcoming Atmosphere: A consistent highlight from reviews is the "awesome owners" and the overall friendly, family-run atmosphere. This personal touch often leads to a more pleasant and supportive camping environment.
• Spacious Sites: Campers frequently note the "spacious sites for tenters, RVs, and Trailers." Even during potentially less busy times, the "lot of room" provides a sense of openness and privacy.
• Proximity to Bethel Woods: Being just four miles from the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts is a major draw. It offers convenient access to concerts and the Woodstock Museum, allowing campers to experience world-class entertainment and historical exhibits. While the campground doesn't offer a shuttle, local taxi services are available.
• Unspoiled Woodland Setting: The campground is situated on 30 acres of natural woodland, providing a beautiful and serene environment. This "pine trees" setting contributes to "great, fresh smelling air" and a true immersion in nature.
• Rustic Charm: Happy Days embraces a classic, rustic camping vibe. While it provides essential hookups for RVs, it maintains an authentic outdoor feel, complete with fire rings and a natural setting.
• Unique Rental Accommodations: The availability of an on-site cabin and vintage camper rentals provides a distinct alternative for those who want a camping experience with more amenities, offering "Comfy, Cozy, High and Dry!" options.
• Access to Local Attractions: Beyond Bethel Woods, the campground’s location provides easy access to Lake Superior State Park, White Lake, Bethel Motor Speedway, and opportunities for golf, horseback riding, fishing, boating, biking, and hiking in the wider Catskills region.
• Quiet Hours: The campground enforces quiet hours from 11 PM to 8 AM, ensuring a peaceful night's sleep for all campers, with regular patrols to address noise disturbances.

Happy Days Campground's pricing structure and any potential "promotions or special offers" are generally transparent and outlined on their official website. As a privately-run campground, their offers tend to be straightforward, focusing on daily rates for various site types rather than complex seasonal discounts.

However, the campground's appeal lies in its value proposition for the experience it offers in the Catskills. Current listed rates for 2025 (as found on public information) indicate:

• Tent Sites: $40 per night
• RV Sites (Electric/Water/Sewer Hookups): $65 per night
• Site with Vintage Camper Rental: $100 per night (includes campsite and camper rental for up to 4 people)
• Site with Cabin Rental: $125 per night

These rates are typically based on up to two adults and include electric/water hook-ups for RV sites and use of the dump station. Additional guests (aged 17 and up) usually incur a charge of $15 per night. It's important to note that these rates are subject to a 5% Sullivan County Room Tax and a $25 Process Fee. While no specific "promotions" beyond these standard rates are widely advertised, potential campers should always check the official Happy Days Campground website directly or contact them for any unlisted specials or seasonal offerings that might be available.

To make reservations or inquire further about Happy Days Campground, you can use the following contact information:

• Address: 454 Horseshoe Lake Rd, Swan Lake, NY 12783, USA
• Phone: (845) 583-6575
• Mobile Phone: +1 845-583-6575
• Email: info@happydayscampground.com
• Website: The official Happy Days Campground website (happydayscampground.com) is the best resource for detailed information on rates, availability, FAQs, and online reservation requests.

It is always recommended to check their website or call directly for the most current information regarding bookings, check-in/check-out times, and any specific campground rules or policies.

Happy Days Campground is an excellent choice for New York locals seeking a versatile and friendly camping experience in the beautiful Catskill Mountains. For residents across the state, its location in Swan Lake offers a convenient and accessible escape without the need for extensive travel. The campground's family-run nature and "awesome owners" contribute to a welcoming atmosphere that encourages repeat visits, building a sense of community among campers. Whether you prefer the full comfort of an RV with hookups or the rustic charm of a tent site, Happy Days caters to a variety of camping styles, and even offers unique cabin and vintage camper rentals for those looking for something different.

The strategic proximity to Bethel Woods Center for the Arts is a significant advantage for New Yorkers who enjoy concerts and cultural events, making it easy to combine a camping trip with world-class entertainment. Furthermore, the surrounding natural beauty of the Catskills provides endless opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and boating at nearby lakes and state parks. While some older reviews mentioned concerns about bathroom cleanliness, more recent feedback praises the "clean bathrooms," indicating ongoing efforts to maintain facilities. For New Yorkers looking for a spacious, pet-friendly, and hospitable campground that balances essential amenities with a genuine outdoor experience, Happy Days Campground truly lives up to its name, offering a place where happy memories are made.

Happy Days Campground

454 Horseshoe Lake Rd, Swan Lake, NY 12783, USA