Cherry Plain State Park Campground sits 1,545 feet above sea level in New York's Taconic Mountains, approximately 25 miles southeast of Albany. The campground borders Black River Pond and maintains an official season from May 23 through Labor Day. Winter temperatures in the area often drop below freezing with summer highs typically ranging from 75-85°F.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Black River Pond at Cherry Plain State Park Campground offers catch-and-release trout fishing. "The view is great. My site was amazing. No close neighbors. Lots of space. Right near bathroom. Their is water and electricity at bathroom," notes Joey M.
Hiking trails: Multiple trail options exist throughout the park's wooded terrain. "We stayed in a hike in site, near the bathroom facilities, but out of view. It's a steep, short hike uphill," explains professorthedog P. Many trails connect directly to campsites, allowing for immediate access to forest exploration.
Bird watching: Sperry Road Campground offers excellent birding opportunities within Mount Greylock State Reservation. "Depending on the time of year, there are a couple of nearby waterfalls a short hike from the campground. Trails also leave here and head to the summit of Greylock or to the Stony Ledge Overlook," writes Jean C. Visitors report sightings of eagles and diverse woodland species.
What campers like
Clean facilities: The bathroom buildings receive consistent maintenance throughout the camping season. "The bathrooms are clean. The place is quiet. The camps are well kept. Some camp sites are very small but others are really good," reports Joey M. about Cherry Plain State Park.
Quiet atmosphere: Pittsfield State Forest Campground offers a peaceful environment away from urban noise. "The campsites are spread out over a big area. Sites 1-9 are located near Berry Pond and are serviced by a pit toilet. The rest are about 1.5 miles south on the loop road," explains Lee D. Morning wildlife viewing includes deer, chipmunks, and numerous bird species.
Privacy between sites: Natural vegetation creates good separation between campsites at many parks in the region. "The sites are amongst the most spacious I've ever seen. RV sites offer 30/50 amp electricity. There are several hiking trails, a bike trail, a really awesome playground, boat dock, and lots of picnicking," shares Kara W. about Schodack Island State Park.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Most campgrounds in the region have spotty connectivity. "ATT and Verizon fluctuate between 1-3 bars. It was enough for me to work - downloading files, sending emails, and conducting non-video zoom calls. At night we were able to stream with just a little buffering needed throughout," reports Kara W. about Schodack Island State Park.
Shower facilities: Hot water availability varies by location and time of season. "The showers are large, but they do operate on a push system where you can't adjust the pressure, temp, or how long the water comes out, so just be aware of that," explains Kara W. about facilities at Schodack Island State Park.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance reservations during peak summer months. "The site was clean and quiet. The road was right next to the site, but most drivers were respectful and drove slow," notes Tiff H. about Pittsfield State Forest Campground. Weekends fill up quickly from June through August.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Spacious Skies Woodland Hills offers recreational facilities for children. "They have a pond for swimming and softball field. They allow late check ins!" reports Jennie. The campground also features organized weekend activities during summer months.
Swimming areas: Several campgrounds feature designated swimming areas for cooling off during summer months. "Great little campground close to Albany. We needed a place to stop for the night but could have stayed all weekend. There is a small pond that is fun to fish and swim in," shares Erin O. about Pine Hollow Campground.
Kid-friendly terrain: Look for campgrounds with level sites and minimal hazards for young children. "Located in the Hudson River Valley south of Albany lies this nice and clean campground. Very clean bathrooms, firewood can be delivered to your campsite as well as Ice. The staff and CAP's they are in the campground were very friendly. Large playground, boat ramp and hiking/biking trails," notes Chris D. about Schodack Island State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site size considerations: Verify your RV length will fit comfortably at your chosen site. "The state did an excellent job designing sites with dense foliage as sound and site barriers creating good privacy for campers," explains Kevin C. about Schodack Island State Park. Some campgrounds have size restrictions or limited turning radius for larger rigs.
Electrical hookups: Most campgrounds near Averill Park offer sites with electrical connections, though amperage varies. "Located off a dead end street. There is a lake right down the street. They have cabins, tent sites and everything sites," reports Jason A. about Bonnie Brae Cabins and Campsites.
Leveling challenges: Bring leveling blocks as many sites in the region have slight grades. "I could have used leveling blocks because it was hard to find a great spot that was level side to side. Sites 27 & 29 each seemed a little more level and 29 was larger," notes Jean C. about Bonnie Brae Cabins and Campsites.
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