Campgrounds near Annandale-on-Hudson spread across the eastern Catskill foothills at elevations ranging from 200 to 2,000 feet. Summer night temperatures often drop to the 50s even when daytime highs reach the 80s, creating ideal sleeping conditions. Fall camping season extends into late October with vibrant foliage displays typically peaking during the first two weeks of October.
What to do
Waterfall hiking: 1 mile from Taconic State Park Campground to Bash Bish Falls, the highest single-drop waterfall in Massachusetts. "Nearby is the main attraction Bash Bish Falls, which you take a short hike across state lines into Mass," notes John E.
Swimming in mountain lakes: North-South Lake Campground maintains two lifeguarded swimming areas with clear water. "I go there almost every year to go swimming with my family and friends and it's always a good time," shares Lizz H.
Historical exploration: 20-30 minutes from Interlake RV Park & Campground to the Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site. "Close to FDR home and library...a must to see. Quaint towns nearby," recommends a camper.
RC car racing track: Available at Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds for remote control vehicle enthusiasts. "The RC track is great for those who are into it," mentions Kathy G.
What campers like
Platform tent sites: Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground offers raised wooden platforms that keep tents dry during rain. "The platforms kept us off the ground and were helpful in setting up appropriate tarp protection!" says Rosie R.
Private wooded sites: Many campsites at Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds offer secluded spots with natural barriers. "Amazing campground with perfectly spaced large sites," reports Richard V., while another camper notes, "Rip Van Winkle is a beautiful campground...you can't go wrong, they are all wooded, private and well situated."
Creek access: Several campgrounds feature stream-side sites for wading and relaxation. "We were over in 'Lover's Lane'...super nice being right on the creek—we took our chairs and plopped down in the water," describes Kyla B.
Wildlife viewing: Woodland Valley Campground provides opportunities to spot native Catskill wildlife. "We had several species of frogs and toads wandering about in the evening, giant millipedes were plenty, and even found a meet on our hike," reports one visitor.
What you should know
Bear safety protocols: Required at Catskill/Kenneth L Wilson Campground and throughout the region. "If you leave food out you will get a warning notice if seen," explains one camper. Another visitor shared: "Got chased off by a bear. It was the wildest weekend I ever had, I'm not being sarcastic."
Cell service limitations: Most dog friendly campgrounds near Annandale-on-Hudson have limited or no mobile coverage. A camper at Kenneth L Wilson notes: "There was no cell service in the campground," while another mentions, "No mobile signal, but that's the point, isn't it? You get to disconnect from it all for a while."
Train noise: Campgrounds along the Hudson River experience occasional train disturbances. "It was situated right across the Hudson River from a highly active nighttime freight train route, and the noise from the horns and then being awake for a few minutes as the train clattered by," reports Rebecca Y.
Campground fullness: Popular sites fill quickly during peak seasons. "Always packed, but always beautiful. Awesome access to the Catskill Escaprment trail from here," notes Maribeth W. about North-South Lake.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Woodland Valley Campground has a mountain creek for wading while Lake Taghkanic offers structured swimming. "Two lifeguarded swimming areas — a kiddie pool and a deep area with floating dock to jump off of," explains Erin B.
Playground access: Brook N Wood Family Campground provides dedicated play areas. "They have a great heated pool that our little one loved. Lots of space to run around and a cute mini golf area," reports Chelsea T.
Large group sites: North-South Lake accommodates family gatherings. "Large family friendly campground with all the amenities - boating, showers, great hiking," shares Becky G.
Rainy day facilities: Some parks offer indoor recreation. "Clean facilities, with a rec room for rainy days. A camp store with all the supplies you might have forgotten," mentions Kurt S.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup options: Available at multiple dog friendly campgrounds near Annandale-Hudson. "Very easy to level and setup on #7. Full connections. Pay showers and laundry onsite," reports one camper at Rip Van Winkle.
Site spacing considerations: Sites vary significantly between campgrounds. "The C section (30 amp) has some shade trees and all grassy sites. Shared hook ups (two sites on one pole) at the rear of the sites with the exception of sewer. Sites were sized well," notes April L. about Brook N Wood.
Security features: Gated entry at some campgrounds provides added protection. "Loved having gated security. My husband went on a work trip and left me alone for a few days and we left our rig to take the train into the city for the weekend and we had no problems," shares a visitor.
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