This Massive Upstate New York Lodge Has More Than 50 Rooms And Costs Less Than You Might Expect
A 1930s motor lodge in New York got a second life nobody saw coming, and now it’s one of the biggest budget-friendly surprises in the whole Catskills region.
More than 50 rooms fill out the property, surrounded by enough pine trees to make you forget how close civilization actually is.
The size alone feels like it should come with a bigger price tag, yet somehow it doesn’t. Cozy cabin charm usually hides a catch somewhere, but this place skips that entirely.
Modern updates sneak in without erasing any of the original character, a balance that’s trickier to pull off than most places make it look. Fireplaces crackle in common areas built for lingering instead of passing through.
Grab a coffee, sink into one of those worn-in chairs, and it gets clear fast why a retreat this big still manages to feel like a warm hug from an old friend.
A Woodland Retreat That Feels Timeless
Something about pulling up to a place surrounded by pines makes your shoulders drop instantly. This retreat sits across 22 green acres at the foot of the Catskill Mountains, and the calm is the first thing you notice.
Old bones meet new life here. A 1930s motor lodge was carefully reworked into a boutique hotel, keeping the soul of the original buildings intact.
Exposed wooden beams and earthy tones give the whole property a grounded, honest feel.
Mornings smell faintly of campfire and fresh coffee. Birds chatter overhead while guests wander the grounds in no particular hurry.
It is the kind of quiet that makes you forget your phone exists.
The design leans rustic but never rough. Vintage finds sit beside sleek modern pieces, and every corner has a little personality.
You feel like a kid at camp again, only with better beds and stronger coffee.
What makes it special is balance. It feels familiar and fresh at once, comforting yet inspiring.
Slowing down here comes naturally, and that gentle pace might be the best souvenir you take home.
Meet Camptown In Leeds
Now for the name behind all this charm. The retreat is called Camptown, and you will find it at 810 County Rte 23B, Leeds, NY 12451, just a short drive north of New York City.
Its story reads like a passion project done right. Ray Pirkle and Kim Bucci, the creative team behind Ramshackle Studio, dreamed up the transformation.
They also run the well loved Rivertown Lodge in nearby Hudson.
The lobby sets the tone the moment you arrive. An old stone hearth anchors the room, and comfy nooks make it easy to linger.
Free coffee flows all day and night, which regulars mention often.
Staff greet guests by name and remember the little things. That personal warmth turns a simple check in into something memorable.
Friendly faces make the whole place feel less like a hotel and more like a visit.
Being right off a main road has its perks too. Getting here is easy, and nearby towns sit within quick reach.
Convenience and character rarely share a driveway, but Camptown pulls it off with ease.
Cabins And Suites With Character
Choosing where to sleep here is half the fun. Camptown offers 50 guest suites in total, split between 24 rooms inside the main lodge and 26 standalone log cabins.
No two cabins match, which keeps things interesting. Some come with wood burning stoves for chilly Catskills nights.
Others have handy kitchenettes that make longer stays feel like home.
Every cabin gets its own porch, a private spot for reading or judging squirrels at a safe distance. Screened porches keep the bugs out while letting the fresh air in.
Comfort runs deep inside these walls. Organic mattresses, soft Frette linens, and down alternative pillows earn plenty of praise for delivering deep sleep.
Guests keep asking where those mattresses come from.
Thoughtful extras hide in the details. Curated books, Marshall Bluetooth speakers, and dimmable light switches all add polish.
Certain cabins even feature heated bathroom floors, a small luxury that feels huge in winter.
A quick tip worth knowing. The photos online often show the larger cabins, so read the room description before booking to match your expectations.
Feasting At Casa Susanna
Good food can make or break a trip, and here it firmly makes it. Casa Susanna, the on site restaurant, has earned a reputation that stretches well beyond the Catskills.
Chef Efrén Hernández leads the kitchen, and his talent shows. A James Beard Award nominee, he crafts vibrant dishes inspired by the flavors of Jalisco, Mexico.
Freshness sits at the heart of the menu. The team leans on locally sourced produce and builds a seasonal lineup that changes with the harvest.
Every plate tastes like it belongs to the moment.
Fire does a lot of the heavy lifting. Many dishes cook over an open flame, adding a smoky depth you can taste in each bite.
The in house masa tortillas draw the loudest applause.
Both dinner and brunch hit the mark. Guests describe meals here as a highlight worth planning around, not just a convenient bite.
National recognition feels well earned.
Refined yet rooted in tradition, the whole experience feels genuine. Come hungry, order the tortillas, and let the kitchen surprise you.
This is dining that lingers in your memory long after dessert.
Poolside Bliss And The Honor Pantry
Warm days here revolve around the water. A heated saltwater pool welcomes swimmers, usually open from May through October, and it earns rave mentions from nearly everyone.
Lounging is an art form poolside. Waterbed cabanas and sun loungers dot the deck, and the seasonal Bar Piscina serves refreshing treats in a cheerful setting.
Frozen fruit drinks make the sunshine even sweeter.
For quieter moments, a sauna waits by appointment. Booking is free, so grab a slot when the mood for relaxation strikes.
Evenings gather everyone around the communal fire pit. Stories and s’mores flow under a wide sky full of stars.
Community grills stand ready for anyone who wants to cook their own open air meal.
The 24 hour Pantry might be the cleverest touch. Stocked with local snacks and forgotten essentials, it runs on an honor system that guests find both handy and charming.
Want your fridge filled before you arrive? A Fill Your Fridge delivery option handles that for you.
One small tip, the s’mores kit runs about thirty dollars, so packing your own marshmallows saves a little cash.
Adventures Right Outside Your Door
The mountains do plenty of calling once you settle in. Sitting at the foot of the Catskills, Camptown puts a world of outdoor fun within easy reach.
Hikers have options for days. The trail to Kaaterskill Falls rewards climbers with one of the region’s most stunning waterfalls.
Trails of every length branch out across the area.
Water lovers get their turn too. Colgate Lake offers wild swimming for anyone craving a cool dip in nature.
The historic Rip Van Winkle Bridge sits close by, linking guests to even more of the valley.
Cold months bring their own thrills. Windham Mountain sits nearby for skiing, turning a snowy weekend into a proper winter wonderland.
Culture rounds out the menu of choices. The Art OMI sculpture park, cozy antique shops, and homeware stores in Catskill town keep browsers happy.
Nearby Hudson adds gardens and more to explore.
Camptown also hosts on site fun. Candle making and archery let guests try something new without leaving the grounds.
Between the peaks and the property, boredom simply never gets a chance to show up.
A Getaway That Respects Your Budget
Here comes the part that surprises most people. A stay this stylish costs less than the polished photos might suggest, which makes the whole trip feel like a win.
Rooms begin around 209 dollars per night. Cabins start near 229 dollars per night.
For the quality and the region, that pricing counts as a genuine bargain.
Value like this opens the door for more travelers. A chic Catskills escape no longer feels out of reach for regular folks planning a weekend away.
Options fit different needs too. A snug room works for a couple wanting quiet, while a roomier cabin with a kitchenette suits longer visits or small groups.
Guests repeat one phrase often, that the value cannot be beat. Strong coffee, comfy beds, and friendly staff sweeten a price that already feels fair.
Booking smart helps you enjoy it more. Match your room choice to the online description and you will land exactly where you hoped.
Skip the guesswork and the stay only gets better.
Affordable and lovely rarely travel together, yet Camptown manages both without breaking a sweat. Your wallet will thank you later.
The Meadow Made For Milestones
Big moments deserve a setting to match, and Camptown delivers one with flair. The property’s spacious Meadow serves as a secluded backdrop for gatherings that feel a little magical.
Room is rarely an issue out here. The Meadow comfortably holds up to 240 guests, making it a fine fit for larger celebrations during the milder seasons.
Shelter comes built in. A generous 2,700 square foot canopy covers the space, keeping guests comfortable while the party rolls on.
The food factor seals the deal. Chef Hernández’s celebrated cooking travels straight to the Meadow, so celebrations come with plates worth remembering.
Charm and elegance share the stage here. Rustic surroundings mix with refined touches to create scenery that photographs beautifully and feels even better in person.
Guests staying over have it easy too. With 50 suites and cabins on site, wedding parties and reunions can bunk together and keep the good times going after the last song.
For anyone plotting a milestone in New York, this open green space offers both beauty and breathing room. Special occasions find a natural home among these trees and mountains.
Bring The Whole Furry Family
Leaving the dog behind is nobody’s favorite chore, so here is happy news. Camptown welcomes pets warmly, and it means the welcome sincerely.
Four legged guests get the VIP treatment. Front desk staff have been known to hand out dog treats, a water bowl, and even a towel for muddy paws.
Plenty of places claim to be pet friendly and then quietly disappoint. This one earns its reputation by actually going the extra mile for animal companions.
The grounds suit adventurous pups perfectly. Wide open acres and nearby trails give dogs endless spots to sniff, explore, and then nap contentedly on the porch.
Screened porches deserve a special shout out. They let pets lounge outdoors while staying safe from bugs, a small feature that keeps everyone relaxed.
One practical note helps you plan ahead. Not every cabin comes with a fridge, so travelers with pets needing chilled food should ask.
Staff have arranged small fridges on request before.
Snowy weekends, sunny hikes, or lazy porch afternoons all improve with a dog by your side. At Camptown, your best buddy is truly part of the trip.
Why Camptown Stays With You
Great trips leave a mark, and this one lingers long after checkout. What sets Camptown apart is the way it feels both fancy and genuinely down to earth.
The owners’ fingerprints show everywhere. Ray Pirkle and Kim Bucci preserved historical charm while adding custom furnishings, and the care behind those choices is easy to feel.
Their track record speaks volumes. Success with Rivertown Lodge in Hudson proved they know how to build memorable places, and Camptown is their most ambitious swing yet.
Small details do the heavy lifting. Strong coffee at dawn, a smoldering fire pit, kind staff who remember your name, all of it adds up to something rare.
Comfort, character, and a fair price rarely gather in one place. Camptown brings them together and makes the case for slowing down.
Your next quiet escape in the Catskills is waiting.