Max V. Shaul State Park RV & Campground Guide
New York
- Home
- State Parks
- New York
- Max V. Shaul State Park
At just 70 acres, Max V. Shaul is a relatively small state park in the Schoharie Valley of New York State. It lies near the small and picturesque towns of Breakabeen, Fultonham, and Fulton. The park offers a view of Vroman's Nose, a plateau that juts out from the relatively flat terrain surrounding it. Along with overnight camping and picnicking along the creek, visitors come to the park to enjoy playing on the baseball fields, fishing, and boating. While you are in the area, stop by the Gobblers Knob Family Fun Park for more outdoor adventures. Max V. Shaul State Park first opened to the public in 1959.
Spring 35 - 55 F
Summer 60 - 80 F
Fall 52 - 72 F
Winter 24 - 37 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Max V. Shaul State Park
The 30 campsites at Max V. Shaul State Park can accommodate tents or RVs. Each site has shade trees, a fire ring, and a picnic table, and the campground has modern restrooms and showers for campers to use. Most sites are back-in and on the smaller side, though a few sites have enough space to accommodate RVs up to 25 feet in length. An ice machine, playground, and playing fields are nearby. A group campsite and ADA-accessible sites are also available. When planning your trip, note that the campground is only open seasonally, from May through October.
What to Do at
Max V. Shaul State Park
In winter, the park becomes a snow-filled wonderland where visitors can cross-country ski, ice skate, and enjoy snowshoeing along the trails. You can borrow ice skates and snowshoes from the park office at no cost. You'll find plenty of day-use picnic areas with barbecues to enjoy. Kids will love playing on the playground and using the swings.
Fishing
Head down the fishing access trail to cast your line into Schoharie Creek. A few good fishing spots can also be found at Panther Creek. The trout fishing in the park is at its best on overcast days.
Geocaching
The New York State Parks system actively encourages geocaching at all state parks, including Max V. Shaul. Check your geocaching app to find clues that will lead you to hidden treasures as you have fun exploring the park.
Nature Watching
For a great view of the park, head out to the Mine Kill Falls overlook.
Flora and Fauna
The diverse ecosystems and forested areas around the park shelter dozens of bird species. A few you might try to spot include snowy egrets, pileated woodpeckers, least flycatchers, indigo buntings, American bitters, and green herons. In the evenings, you may hear one of several different owl species, including long-eared, great-horned, screech, and barred owls. If you like watching birds of prey, keep an eye out for bald eagles, American kestrels, golden eagles, merlins, or ospreys.
Hiking
Along with trails providing access to the creek, the park is home to an easy, flat 0.8-mile trail that loops around the campground. For a longer hike with a bit of an elevation gain, head to the nearby Burnt-Rossman Hills State Forest, which has several trails to choose from, including the Looking Glass Pond Trail and the Long Path Trail, both of which ascend for around 350 feet and provide hikers with excellent scenic views that make the climb worthwhile.
Swimming
While you can always take a dip into either the Shohoarie Creek or Panther Creek, there's also an Olympic-sized pool, a diving pool, and a wading pool for kids at the nearby Mine Kill State Park. Overnight campers at Max V. Shaul State Park can use these nearby facilities at no additional cost. Just be sure to take your Max V. Shaul camping permit with you.
Boating
Use the park's boat ramp to launch into Shohoarie Creek to enjoy a day fishing or floating out on the water.
How to Get to
Max V. Shaul State Park
The park skits along the western side of State Highway 30 in New York. When coming from Albany, you can take Interstate 88 until you reach Highway 30 and then head south until you see the park entrance on the right.
Entering Max V. Shaul State Park
Upon entering, the park office will be to your right. A large parking lot is straight ahead, and several additional parking lots are near the trailhead. Turn right to find the fishing access trail and the boat launch.
Max V. Shaul State Park Entry Fee : $0.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Max V. Shaul State Park
The park is open year-round, but the campground is only open seasonally.
Along with several species of owls, warblers, and woodpeckers, the park is home to several birds of prey, including golden eagles, merlins, and American kestrels, ospreys. Lucky visitors might even spot a bald eagle.
Small RVs are welcome at any of the sites in the campground, although hookups are not available.
Reservations are not required, though they can be made in advance online. On weekdays, you'll pay $15 a night if you're a New York State resident and $19 if you're out of state. On the weekends, the cost is $5 more. If you don't have a reservation in advance, there's an additional cost of $1.25 per night.
Yes, you can bring your pets to Max V. Shaul State Park, but they must always be kept on a leash. Park rules state that a maximum of two pets are allowed per campsite.