Camptown
Between the concerts, festivals, and other events, there's nothing like summer in the city. But New York City is also notorious as a "heat island" that makes already high temperatures feel positively sweltering, and has some craving an escape.
Respite can be found a quick train ride away: Camptown, the former Rip Van Winkle Motor Lodge in Leeds, New York, has been thoughtfully redeveloped as a boutique 50-room hotel on 22 bucolic Catskill acres. The developer, Mountain Shore Properties, envisioned reinventing the roadside motel into a stylish, community-rooted destination that honors the area's history while offering modern comforts.
Respite can be found a quick train ride away: Camptown, the former Rip Van Winkle Motor Lodge in Leeds, New York, has been thoughtfully redeveloped as a boutique 50-room hotel on 22 bucolic Catskill acres. The developer, Mountain Shore Properties, envisioned reinventing the roadside motel into a stylish, community-rooted destination that honors the area's history while offering modern comforts.
A different kind of hotel
Camptown is part of a growing portfolio of lifestyle-driven boutique properties by Mountain Shore Properties, similar to their Hotel Genevieve in Louisville, whose motto is “Go Boldly into the Bluegrass.” Stephen Wendell, Co-Founder and CEO of Mountain Shore, explains the goal is to create experiences with a sense of place rather than generic luxury.Wendell’s personal experience sparked the revocation of Camptown. “I got involved after frequenting its sister property, Rivertown Lodge when I was living in Brooklyn and had a deep familiarity with the Hudson Valley from a consumer’s perspective.”
They purchased the land in February 2020 and, despite the standard COVID-era delays and supply-chain issues, construction began just as the Hudson Valley experienced the pandemic boom.
A storied site, lovingly restored
The original Rip Van Winkle Lodge, which dates back to 1925, began as a bare-bones summer escape with no city water or sewer access, and no winterization. “Restoring the 26-acre, hilly property was a painstaking effort. Each cabin is unique and we kept that individuality intact,” Wendell says.Today, the site includes a pool, fire pit, event space, and Casa Susanna, a restaurant helmed by Chef Efrén Hernández, a two-time James Beard Award nominee.
“We focused on thoughtful details, comfort, and nostalgia—offering guests a well-maintained, warmly designed place that feels special without being over the top,” says Wendell.
Locally rooted design
Designed by Ray Pirkle and Kim Bucci of Ramshackle Studio, the designers and owners of Hudson’s Rivertown Lodge, much of the furniture—like the benches, bedside tables, banquettes—was made by local Hudson Valley artisans.- The lobby benches were made by Sawkille
- Tony Gorga provided custom woodwork
- Each Camptown room comes with Two Note soaps
- And, not local but notable, the mattresses that everyone loves are by BEAR Organic
Wendell believes, “It was important to support local businesses, especially for a project intended to reflect and serve the community. We succeeded in incorporating local craft throughout, which guests really respond to. They feel a genuine sense of place here.”
Restaurant with heart and heritage
Camptown’s chef, originally from Los Angeles with family roots in Mexico, relocated to the Hudson Valley during COVID. Hired to shape the culinary identity of both Camptown and Rivertown, Hernández’s Mexican-inspired cuisine “fills a gap in the local food scene. The response has been outstanding—our house-made masa and tortillas are standout features, and the restaurant has become a destination in its own right.”Wendell even admits that some guests even arrive thinking Camptown is just a restaurant. “It’s proof of the strong culinary reputation we've built,” he says.
More than just a stay
Guests can enjoy curated excursions, like hiking, archery, or just wander to the local creek to swim or enjoy the onsite wood-burning sauna. Corporations host events with movie nights and wellness programming, “We're a perfect launchpad for a weekend in the Catskills, with many trails and swimming spots within walking distance.” Camptown also features its own ceremony site and event space, making it ideal for intimate weddings.Looking ahead
“We’ll always keep improving. The core amenities are in place, but we’re constantly thinking about what’s next,” promises Wendell. So, for those seeking an outdoorsy, authentic, and beautifully designed retreat, Camptown over-delivers in all the right ways.
Contributing Writer
Michelle Sinclair Colman
Michelle writes children's books and also writes articles about architecture, design and real estate. Those two passions came together in Michelle's first children's book, "Urban Babies Wear Black." Michelle has a Master's degree in Sociology from the University of Minnesota and a Master's degree in the Cities Program from the London School of Economics.
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