Clarence Fahnestock State Park serves as a primary camping area in the Holmes, New York region, offering established tent and RV sites approximately 15 miles east of Holmes. This state park features platform tent spaces, drive-in campsites, and picnic facilities in a wooded setting. Additional camping options extend throughout Putnam County, with Ward Pound Ridge Reservation to the southwest providing more primitive camping experiences. Most campgrounds in the area maintain both tent and RV sites, though hookup availability varies significantly between locations. Campgrounds like Beaver Pond in Harriman State Park, located within an hour's drive, offer additional mixed-use campground options with picnic tables and fire rings.
Access to most camping areas remains seasonal, with many sites operating from April through October or early December. Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground operates from April 15 to December 4, while neighboring campgrounds have varied schedules. According to one visitor, "The park has a nice open beach on Canopus Lake with a concession area and bathhouse, which we found to be quite clean! They even have boat rentals - or you can bring your own boat to launch!" Advance reservations are strongly recommended for weekend stays, as several review comments indicate campgrounds fill quickly, particularly during summer months and holiday weekends. Most established campgrounds provide basic amenities including water spigots, restrooms, and designated fire rings, though several lack electrical hookups or sanitary dump stations for RVs.
Several visitors mention wildlife encounters as a significant consideration when camping in the area. Bears are present throughout the region, particularly in Harriman State Park. One camper noted, "Never have food or anything with odor inside the tents because the bears come for the food." While some campgrounds offer secluded sites set back from main roads, others position campsites relatively close together, creating a more social atmosphere. Sites near water features tend to receive higher ratings, with lakes and ponds serving as focal points for recreation. Proximity to hiking trails represents another benefit, with most campgrounds offering direct access to trail networks. Bathroom facilities vary considerably across campgrounds, with some receiving praise for cleanliness while others draw criticism for limited maintenance.
$17 / night
"This park has a nice open beach on Canopus Lake with a concession area and bathhouse, which we found to be quite clean! They even have boat rentals - or you can bring your own boat to launch!"
"When you are camping with a large group of friends and don't all have access to a car, this is the perfect spot."
$45 - $55 / night
"Close to the city and civilization, yet large enough to have nice trails and creeks to feel away from it all. The camping sites are very different so it’s useful to go in person and select the area."
"The shelter sites are large and private with access to hiking trails and make for a unique experience. The staff is friendly as well"
$17 - $20 / night
"15 dolares la noche para los que viven en el Estado de New York o New York city .. si es fuera del estado son $5 dolares mas!!"
"Drive-in tent campgrounds. Adequate restroom facilities sprinkled amongst tent sites. Some campsites have raised platforms. All sites have picnic tables and fire ring with flip-top grill."
"Reminds me of lake camping that I grew up with. Hosts are very nice and helpful. This is more of a seasonal camping site. Do not follow your GPS directions. Get directions from the campground staff."
"With a new check in area, Gardiner has really stepped up. They expanded the pool area to include another pool plus splash area and water slides."
"We got a red carpet site by the Gaga pit and near the water park (Cindy bear lane) and it was a convenient yet noisy site. Kids were at the playground 8 am or before and the noise woke us up."
$17 - $50 / night
"One of my favorite so far , went with family , to comply w covid and social distancing, the camp only rent your site and no one on your left or right or across ! Amazing !"
"My family has been camping at Lake Waramaug for over 20 years. I can say most of what’s been said is true or partially so but whether it’s bad or good depends on your point of view."
$14 / night
"Our camp spot was right above the river the flows behind this spot. You can go sit down by the water. But be careful!"
"We camped next to the brook and one couldn't have had a much better experience! Had supper in nearby Kent which is a fantastic small village."
"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."
"A gorgeous piece of land that contains lakes, a lookout and Mt. Bailey, the highest point in Westchester County. A dirt road loops through the property with trails off and through it."
$17 - $50 / night
"We love this State Park because it's close to our home for a quick getaway. This time we tried one of the sites on the water, and I probably wouldn't choose the same site again. "
"Semi private with great view and nice walks to the water. Noise was not a problem overnight as to having problems with noises neighbors at other CT state parks."
TravelerGoing back for Memorial Day weekend my 3rd time going and always had a great time nice place ,clean Bathroom & Shower with hot water 👍🏽convenient location easy access to campground and lake
ScoutLean-to is just off the Mink Hollow trail near the Devil's Path there is an outhouse near lean-to. A reliable piped spring is a quarter mile away.
ScoutLean-to is right on the overlook trail so a lot of hikers passing by.
GuideDid an overnight camp out with a buddy here. All in all not bad. Very busy, not a place if you want solitude.
ScoutBeautiful campsites! Lots of lean to sites with fireplaces in them. You have to go in person to make a reservation and pay. The camp area is beautiful, especially in the fall. Pet friendly and kid friendly with a playground available. Our favorite site is #25. Up a hill, totally private and has a lean-to.
ScoutThis campground is just mowed spots on a hillside in Kerhonkson. There are no facilities aside from some port-o-sans that the owners didn't recommend using. But the location is great for accessing the Shawamhunks. Given the lack of affordable RV campgrounds (and even the few expensive ones) in the area, this stands out.
GuideAustin Hawes (also known as American Legion State Forest/Campground) is a great little place in a beautiful part of the State. They have cabins if you want some of the creature comforts, as well as sites suitable for tents or campers. Have camped here before in tents and a pop up, it's right on the Farmington River, so we have gone tubing down the river, swimming and fishing as well. The bathrooms have showers and flush toilets, there are hiking trails in and near the campground, and stores not too far. Sites vary in size and privacy.
GuideIf you want to feel like you are camping in the middle of a lawless low income housing project, this is the place for you. We camped next to a woman with 2 pit bulls, which was surprising, given the "no dogs allowed" rule, and were surrounded by people partying despite the "no alcohol" rule. Teens congregate in the bathroom so they could charge their devices but did not appreciate you being there to use the bathroom they clearly took over, and even though it's 2025, I still prefer no boyfriends hanging out in the women's bathroom. Call me whatever. Used to camp here years ago, clearly it has gone downhill. Park Ranger? What's that?
GuideTen Mile River Shelter and campsite is not a public campground. Sure, anyone can camp there, but it is designated for folks hiking the A.T., whether thru-hikers, section hikers, or whatever. While there are no rules about who can camp there, during thru-hiking season, consideration should be made for folks who rely on places like this during a long distance hike. It is at least a mile if not a mile and a half from approved parking (on the side of the road off the A.T.) to camp, either from the A.T. or a combo of the A.T. and a blue blaze trail, the Homestead Trail (which is easier, imo). There are also no fires allowed on the CT A.T.
Camping near Holmes, New York covers several public lands across Putnam and Westchester counties, with elevations ranging from 400 to 1,300 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach highs in the mid-80s with nighttime lows in the 60s, while spring and fall camping brings more variable conditions. Most camping areas sit within mixed hardwood forests dominated by oak, maple and hickory trees.
Hiking trails from campsites: At Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, over 40 miles of trails wind through the property. One camper noted, "There are endless trails in the area. I believe there are over 40 miles of trails in this area. Would definitely recommend for those who want to camp near NYC but not drive too far."
Water recreation: Beaver Pond Campground provides access to Welch Lake for swimming and fishing. A reviewer explains, "The grounds are just steps away from Welch Lake, offering a lifeguard monitored sandy beach which is open during the summer season for swimming, fishing, and small boat craft further out."
Seasonal activities: Fall camping offers additional activities in the region. "We make a habit of going during the end-of-summer/fall when you can watch the leaves change along the hiking trails, go apple and pumpkin picking near the campsites, and eat some scrumptious apple cinnamon doughnuts and drink pumpkin hot chocolate," reports one visitor to the area.
Privacy between sites: The layout of Clarence Fahnestock State Park earns praise for site separation. One camper shared, "All sites were so different. There was a storm the night before our arrival date, all campers were evacuated and they did a fantastic job clearing all the debris and downed trees before our arrival. The camp areas were secluded if you wanted more private camping (also super unique layouts)."
Wildlife viewing: Many sites offer opportunities to observe local wildlife. "Deer running everywhere and surprisingly beautiful and quaint," noted one visitor to camping areas in the region.
Proximity to small towns: The camping locations provide easy access to nearby towns. A camper at Macedonia Brook State Park mentioned, "Kent is nearby and it is a beautiful town!" Another camper added, "Had supper in nearby Kent which is a fantastic small village."
Bear safety protocols: Bears are active throughout the region. At Beaver Pond Campground, rangers emphasize bear awareness. "'Welcome to Bear Mountain' grumbles the park ranger as he sits in complete darkness! He offers us a highlighted map to our site, wishes us a good stay, and gives us the run down on bear activity in the area."
Cell service limitations: Most campgrounds have limited or no cell reception. At Mountain Lakes Park, there is virtually no service, which some campers appreciate as an opportunity to disconnect.
Reservation timing: The best places to camp near Holmes, New York book quickly, especially during peak season. One camper advised, "This place can book up during camping season in the Northeast so make sure to book early in advance."
Kid-friendly water features: Kettletown State Park offers plenty of space for children to play. A reviewer mentioned, "The reason why I said that place is perfect kids? It has a huge land of campsite that the kids can run around until their energy out for the night! Plus you would see awesome stars during the nighttime!"
Entertainment options: For families seeking structured activities, some campgrounds offer regular programming. At Jellystone Park Gardiner, "This campground has a lot of activities and has kids of all ages galore. I was worried my 12 year old would be too old for it but he enjoyed making friends there."
Wildlife awareness: Teach children about local wildlife safety. One camper shared, "I went to there with campers for ten years. One thing that I have to say to watch out for raccoons and skunk, they love to find food. Be sure put foods in the car!"
Site selection: When camping near Holmes with an RV, research sites carefully. A camper noted, "The sites are much farther away from the comfort stations than most campgrounds we have been to. But there are port-a-potties very close to the sites, which is very important when you have young kids."
Mid-week advantages: For RV campers seeking more space and quiet, timing matters. At Beaver Pond Campground, "Ranger said that during summer weekends the grounds fill up and can be quite noisy, but mid-week during the off-season it was great. Expect to purchase firewood, although scrounging for kindling was possible."
Hookup limitations: Many campgrounds near Holmes offer only partial hookups. At Kettletown State Park, site 11 was described as having "No hookups," which is common among the best places to camp near Holmes, New York.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Holmes, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, Holmes, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 119 campgrounds and RV parks near Holmes, NY and 7 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Holmes, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Holmes, NY is Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 34 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Holmes, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 free dispersed camping spots near Holmes, NY.
What parks are near Holmes, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 parks near Holmes, NY that allow camping, notably Hop Brook Lake and Northfield Brook Lake.
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