Best Campgrounds near Central Valley, NY

Camping near Central Valley, New York, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

• Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Harriman State Park. One camper mentioned, "I enjoy the beach/lakefront, option for platform sites, and regularly cleaned bathroom and shower facilities."
• Fishing: Cast a line at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner. A visitor shared, "The campground has a pond for fishing, basketball, a mini golf course being redone, jumping pillow, 2 pools, arcade and a playground."
• Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife at Clarence Fahnestock State Park. One reviewer noted, "It’s close to NYC and has secluded, wooded sites nestled amongst big boulders."

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers at Beaver Pond Campground. A happy camper said, "I like the platform sites that are available, the location close to the lake and beach, and the clean shower and bathroom facilities."
• Family Activities: Families enjoy the variety of activities at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner. One parent mentioned, "This place is so much fun. My whole family loved the activities, awesome pools and water area."
• Scenic Views: Many campers love the beautiful surroundings at High Point State Park Campground. A visitor remarked, "The sites were pretty overgrown and rugged. Ours had deep ruts and was long and steep. It had a tent platform, but I liked the camp."

What you should know:

• Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially during peak times. A frustrated camper at Beaver Pond Campground said, "When I plan my trip around the spring, fall, or summer weekends that look sparse it is quiet, clean, and the others that are at the sites are nature lovers enjoying the scenery."
• Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive amenities. A reviewer at Clarence Fahnestock State Park noted, "The campground map they have is pathetic, I booked site 20 online because I liked the idea of being near the water but I thought I was going to be able to park my vehicle near my site."
• Wildlife Precautions: Be cautious of wildlife, especially bears. A camper at High Point State Park Campground mentioned, "Because of the lake (still water) the bug situation is out of control."

Tips for camping with families:

• Plan Activities: Make sure to check for family-friendly activities at places like Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner. One parent said, "My kids enjoyed themselves a lot, and that is what matters."
• Bring Entertainment: Pack games and outdoor toys to keep kids engaged. A visitor at Beaver Pond Campground suggested, "Bring a table cloth for the picnic tables!"
• Choose the Right Time: Avoid busy weekends if you want a quieter experience. A camper at Clarence Fahnestock State Park advised, "I DO NOT recommend going on holiday weekends or peak summer seasons."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site dimensions. A camper at Stokes State Forest mentioned, "The campsites themselves are a little too close together in some spots with little coverage or privacy."
• Look for Full Hookups: If you need full hookups, check ahead. A reviewer at Thousand Trails Rondout Valley said, "The campground itself is pretty quiet, although there is some noise by the playground."
• Be Prepared for Limited Connectivity: Wi-Fi can be spotty. A visitor at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner noted, "The Wi-Fi is also bad here."

Camping near Central Valley, New York, offers a variety of experiences, from family fun to peaceful nature retreats. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!