Tent and yurt camping around Billings, New York offers options for both family-oriented facilities and more rustic experiences. Located in the eastern Hudson Valley region, the area features rolling hills with elevations ranging from 200-1000 feet above sea level. Most campgrounds remain open from mid-April through October, with summer high temperatures averaging 75-85°F and nighttime lows dropping to 55-65°F.
What to do
Hiking accessible trails: At Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park, campers can take direct trail access to multiple destinations including Bash Bish Falls. "There are plenty of hiking trails nearby and of course, trails to Bash Bish Falls which is beautiful. It was low the first time we visited and we were able to make it to the top of the falls to go swimming and the views were incredible," notes Jackie G.
Swimming in protected areas: The swimming areas at Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground feature lifeguarded sections suitable for different ability levels. Perrin M. reports: "Quiet, clean enough and well worth the price. Showers are hot and there's great water pressure. The cleanliness of the bathrooms depends on how busy the campground is."
Fishing at nearby ponds: Mountain Lakes Park offers fishing opportunities directly from the camping area. Ethan K. shares: "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. The area, as the name implies, is home to several lakes which can be used for various recreational purposes."
What campers like
Platform tent sites: Raised wooden platforms at several campgrounds keep gear dry during wet weather. Seth K. from Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground says: "This campground was one of the best I've been to. They have both platform and dirt tent sites, all sites come equipped with fire pits. The bathrooms and showers are clean and the water stayed hot until the last weekend of the season."
Weekend activities schedule: Regularly scheduled events provide structured entertainment for visitors. At Thousand Trails Rondout Valley, Robert M. found: "This is a Thousand trails campground so it was free. I think the regular price is $64. Full hookups, tents and cabins to rent. Pleanty to do in and around campground. Grounds has a pool, concession stand, game room, playgrounds, sports feild and more."
Early season camping options: Some campgrounds open by mid-April, extending the camping season. Jacey H. notes about West Point FMWR Round Pond Outdoor Recreation Area: "We started our camping season off right with a quick weekend stay at Round Pound. We were very impressed with the playground on site! Unfortunately, due to our early start in the camping season the weather did not allow us to enjoy fishing or the beach or water hook ups."
What you should know
Military-only facilities: Some campgrounds in the region require military ID for entry. Regarding Round Pond Recreation Area, Ethan K. explains: "Unfortunately for me, Round Pond is camping reserved for active and retired military personnel only. We drove through and the whole space is rather large. There are several signs everywhere making it clear that it is only for military."
Variable bathroom cleanliness: Bathroom facilities can become strained during peak times. At Lone Oak Camp Sites, Natalie N. observes: "The store was stocked with basic supplies and they had a cafe. WiFi was accessible from most areas but the bathrooms were very dated."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly across campgrounds. Jacey H. notes about Round Pond: "Just a note to other campers with T-Moblie, we did not have any service on the campsite, however just a hop in the car or a quick walk down the mountain for 5G service near the entrance off the main road."
Tips for camping with families
Weekday reservations for quieter experience: School-age children are less present midweek, creating a calmer environment. Katrina M. advises about Lake Waramaug State Park Campground: "I would never camp here on a weekend.... it is a party place then. Truly, it's a lovely place but I'm not sure that you couldn't find better. I like Lake Waramaug for a large group during the week."
Consider yurt options for ease: Yurt camping in Billings, New York area provides a compromise between tent camping and cabin stays. Ethan K. shares: "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."
Pack extra supplies: Shops and conveniences can be distant from some camping areas. Mo S. notes: "Plan on bringing your own food and cooking. It is a 10 mile drive that takes about a half an hour to complete to get any take-out."
Tips from RVers
Check site specifications carefully: RV sites vary widely in size and hookup options. About Thousand Trails Rondout Valley, Inez W. reports: "The only problem I had was that my Starlink didn't work at the first site (372 - full hookup) but they let me choose another site (435 - no sewer) and I was happy as a clam. Oh yea, the sewer connection in 372 ran uphill for me, but my pipe sits very low."
Consider rental golf carts: Some large campgrounds offer golf cart rentals, though they may be expensive for the value. At Jellystone Park Gardiner, Scott observed: "Love it here but renting a golf cart is prob not the best option $175 for 2 days and it only goes 5mph I can walk faster than that."
Site drainage concerns: Check campsite elevation and drainage features before setup. About Lake Waramaug, Katrina M. mentions: "Every campsite has deep drainage ditches, likely roots, and stumps as well, but not too much pine in the immediate vicinity to make a mess of your gear."
