Best Campgrounds near Castleton-on-Hudson, NY
Camping near Castleton-on-Hudson, New York encompasses a mix of state parks and private campgrounds along the Hudson River Valley and into the nearby Catskill and Berkshire regions. Schodack Island State Park Campground, located just minutes from Castleton-on-Hudson, provides spacious campsites with RV and tent accommodations. Within a 30-mile radius, campers can access Cherry Plain State Park to the northeast and Thompson's Lake Campground at Thacher State Park to the northwest. The area bridges the gap between the Hudson Valley's riverside camping and the more mountainous terrain of the Catskills and Berkshires, offering varied landscapes from riverfront to forested settings.
Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from May through October, with specific opening and closing dates varying by location. Schodack Island State Park typically welcomes campers from late April through mid-October, while Cherry Plain State Park runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for summer weekends and holiday periods. According to reviews, occasional train noise affects some campgrounds near the Hudson River. Cell service can be limited at more remote locations, particularly in the Catskills. Wildlife encounters, including black bears, are possible throughout the region, so proper food storage is essential.
The camping experience varies significantly across the area. Schodack Island offers a more accessible experience with level sites and amenities like firewood delivery, as one visitor noted: "The park ensures you'll have what you need with stores within close proximity and staff even offers ice and firewood delivery to your site." For those seeking more seclusion, the campgrounds extending into the Catskills provide a more rustic experience. Family-friendly options include campgrounds with beaches, fishing opportunities, and hiking trails. Most state park campgrounds accommodate both tents and RVs, with electric hookups available at many locations. Pet-friendly policies are common throughout the region, though specific rules vary by campground.
