Several campgrounds near Beacon, New York provide access to the Catskill Mountains, Hudson Valley, and Delaware Water Gap regions. Elevations in the area range from 150 feet near the Hudson River to over 1,800 feet at High Point State Park. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F with frequent evening thunderstorms, while spring and fall camping offers cooler temperatures and fewer crowds at most campgrounds.
What to do
Lake activities: Try paddling at Lake Waramaug State Park where the peaceful setting is perfect for beginners. "The lake is great for kayaking, paddle boarding, canoes and for fishing. Bring your own gear but kayak and canoe rentals are available," notes one camper, who adds that "the swim area is marginal - best for little ones."
Hiking: Explore Appalachian Trail segments at Stokes State Forest. The park features "21 marked trails that cover over 63 miles within the boundaries of Stokes State Forest. Twelve miles are part of the Appalachian Trail," according to a visitor who recommends the Tillman Ravine trail. For spectacular views, "you can drive or hike to Sunset Mountain Scenic Overlook for a view of High Point Monument."
Water sports and river rafting: At Kittatinny Campground, water activities are the main attraction. "My college friends go here each year to meet up and we have so much fun. The group sites are great and perfect for our 30-50 people. Definitely go for the rafting/tubing package, it was the best part of the trip," explains one regular visitor.
What campers like
Secluded camping with bathroom access: Mountain Lakes Park offers primitive camping with modern yurt options. "Mountain Lakes park is a great place to camp within driving distance from NYC. A fun option available at Mountain lakes is to rent a yurt to camp in," shares one visitor who adds that "there are also many hikes which can be trekked straight from the campgrounds which is always a huge plus."
Military-only facilities: For military families seeking glamping near Beacon, New York, specialized options exist. "We've been coming here for at least 13 years. We love that its a place specifically for Vets and active Military. Everyone is amazingly respectful of each other and the caretakers take such care of the grounds," reports one visitor about West Point FMWR Round Pond Recreation Area. Another notes the facilities are "absolutely spotless. Bath houses are absolutely spotless. Fire pits, electric and water hook ups only."
Convenient location for NYC travelers: The region's proximity to metropolitan areas makes it ideal for weekend trips. One camper notes that Round Pond has "great proximity to NYC - I always look for areas that are not too far, but not too close to NY. Beautiful but small-ish tent sites. Lots of great hiking in the area in addition to beautiful Cold Spring, NY for the small-town charm."
What you should know
Varying bathroom conditions: Facilities range widely between campgrounds. At Thousand Trails Rondout Valley, one camper noted, "The laundry room needed some updates, especially some lighting. It has a pretty large staircase and at night with a handful of laundry, it was a little scary navigating without lights." Conversely, another mentioned recent improvements: "many upgrades have been made over the past year which include all new SWE (full hookups) street lighting, and campground markings/numbering."
Cell service limitations: Most campgrounds have limited connectivity. At Lake Waramaug State Park, campers report "cell service is basically non-existent. Our trip this weekend was the first time we received more than 1 bar in 20 years." Some find this isolation appealing: "Being forced to put away the devices is heaven in my mind. You can drive about 5+ minutes out and get cell service."
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds close during winter months. Expect limited services early and late season. "If you want a chill place to camp next to the river where you can tube, kayak and enjoy your peaceful weekend," explains a Kittatinny visitor, choosing the right timing is essential as some facilities become overcrowded during peak seasons.
Tips for camping with families
Activity-rich campgrounds for kids: Jellystone Park Gardiner offers numerous structured activities for children. "This campground is great for kids. It has a event just about every weekend with kid activity," shares one parent. Another mentions that "Nice pool that is shallow so you can relax and let the little ones go in the water park section alone or they have a 3 ft pool also."
Multi-generational amenities: Look for campgrounds with various activity levels. At Stokes State Forest, one family explains their experience: "We stay in the cabins. It's great to have the small kitchen when camping with the family. A must see campground." The different campgrounds within the forest provide options ranging from rustic to more equipped sites.
Weekend vs. weekday considerations: For quieter family experiences, mid-week camping is recommended at most sites. A Lake Waramaug visitor confirms: "If you go during the week the place is a ghost town," which contrasts sharply with weekend experiences: "I would never camp here on a weekend.... it is a party place then."
Tips from RVers
Site selection at premium campgrounds: When glamping near Beacon, New York in an RV, advance research is crucial. One camper at High Point State Park Campground warns about misleading site descriptions: "I chose this campsite, 031, based on the photos on the reservation website and boy was I disappointed. The gravel driveway is on a 30-40 degree incline." They recommend carefully checking elevation details before booking.
Hookup availability varies widely: Full-service sites are limited in state parks. A Rondout Valley visitor notes: "The campground has a pool, playground, and activities that include bocce ball, shuffleboard, and horseshoes. We loved our full hookup site minus the neighbors' weekend ragers." For those needing consistent electricity, research each campground's specific amenities as they differ significantly throughout the region.
Off-season advantages: Consider spring and fall RV camping for fewer crowds. "Our 2nd ever camping trip with our RV and it really was amazing. Our first trip to another campground was disastrous due to hurricanes and leaks, and this trip made everything so much better. So much to do and the campsites are fantastic," reports a Jellystone visitor, highlighting how shoulder season visits can enhance the experience.
