RV campgrounds near Central Valley, New York offer varying seasonal access throughout the year, with elevation changes affecting temperature and camping conditions. The region sits within the Hudson Highlands, where camping elevations range from approximately 400 to 1,200 feet above sea level, creating microclimates that impact overnight temperatures even in summer months. Most campgrounds in this area experience 10-15°F cooler temperatures than nearby urban centers.
What to do
Riverside exploration: Tri-State RV Park in Matamoras provides direct access to the Delaware River. "They are also located right on a river that you can easily access by foot. They have a decent laundry facility and full hook ups," notes Brittany V., who enjoyed the waterfront location at Tri-State RV Park.
Wildlife viewing: Skyway Camping Resort maintains natural habitats within its grounds. Ron H. mentioned during his August visit: "Very nice and clean. Nice pool, this is a good family campground for kids. It large with nice size sites." The Skyway Camping Resort offers an opportunity to observe local wildlife while enjoying developed amenities.
Hiking nearby trails: Beaver Pond Campground provides access to numerous trails including segments of the Appalachian Trail. "Great place situated in a great area with lots to do all within an hour's drive," writes Scott, a regular visitor. Beaver Pond's proximity to trail systems makes it ideal for day hikers seeking woodland experiences.
Water activities: During summer months, several campgrounds offer swimming options. "The beach is closed after Labor Day to the public, but open to people staying at the campsite. Clean and beautiful," reports Courtney D. about the swimming facilities at Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campers consistently mention site layout at Beaver Pond Campground. "The biggest positive about Beaver Pond is how spread out it was. You definitely feel like you have your own space and are not camping on top of your neighbor," writes Ethan K., who appreciated the platform campsites that elevate tents off potentially wet ground.
Accessibility to NYC: Several rv campgrounds near Central Valley, New York offer convenient access to New York City. "This is all about location. The closest RV park to NYC," mentions Keith and Tia S. about Liberty Harbor RV Park. "Minutes walk to the Statue of Liberty, Liberty Science center. Two blocks away from NJ Path train into Manhattan or take the ferry to Wall Street!"
Family facilities: Thousand Trails Rondout Valley receives positive reviews for its family amenities. Kasey M. shares: "As part of the Thousand Trails group, this campground has many amenities. It offers a pool, playground, and activities that include bocce ball, shuffleboard, and horseshoes. The creek that runs by the campground is gorgeous, and my kids had fun finding Crayfish."
Seasonal beauty: Fall camping receives particular mention. Robyn S. notes about Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground: "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."
What you should know
Interstate noise levels: Several campgrounds sit near major highways, affecting sound levels. Rick G. warns about Tri-State RV Park: "While the staff is very friendly and polite you are basically in a old parking lot right below the freeway. Very easy to get on & off the highway but loud highway noise almost all night."
Variable site quality: Site conditions can vary significantly within the same campground. Inez W. advises about Thousand Trails Rondout Valley: "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."
Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for local wildlife at Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground. "The site was littered with small pieces of trash and there was a folding chair someone left open beside the firepit when we arrived... not ideal," reports Jess M., but adds, "the site itself was surrounded by forest, and is at the top of a small ridge above Pelton Pond, so there was a pretty consistent breeze (few bugs!) and the soft sounds of bullfrogs at night."
Waste disposal challenges: Some campgrounds require driving to trash facilities. At Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort, Janelle G. points out: "The garbage situation was the worst. Most campsites have a service, they tell you to leave it at a specific location by a certain time or they have many garbage cans throughout. This place had their garbage and recycling very far away."
Tips for camping with families
Water features for children: Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort offers family-friendly animal interactions. "The farm has goats, a donkey, and a pony within the campground. Very cool," says Faith D. Another visitor, Ethan K., was particularly impressed by "the amazingly beautiful miniature horse that wonders around its huge pin located in the middle of the campground."
Playground accessibility: Consider campsite proximity to play areas. Sammi A. notes about Beaver Pond Campground: "What I loved about the site... They were clean, it was very quiet, and there were a lot of nice hikes directly from the campground." However, she also mentions "lots of noise 24/7" near the playground areas, suggesting families with young children request sites accordingly.
Swimming options: Seasonal swimming facilities vary by campground. At Thousand Trails Rondout Valley, Ian R. advises: "This is what I want for a Catskill campground. It is not a concrete pad haven and yes, there is mud." Consider booking sites farther from water features if mud is a concern after rain.
Campfire regulations: Fire rules vary between campgrounds, with some restricting collection of firewood. Jess M. observed at Clarence Fahnestock that "there was plenty of dry kindling around the site, which was a huge help because the wood bought from the Park hissed and didn't really get burning (damp wood? fresh cut?)."
Tips from RVers
Hookup reliability: At Black Bear RV Park, full hookup sites remain available year-round, but winter camping requires preparation. Gabbie Y. recounts a challenging winter experience: "Unfortunately at this site, the heated water pipe was broken so we had no water for the night... At least we had a place to park for the night, and power."
Site leveling considerations: Rondout Valley RV Campground receives mixed reviews on site leveling. Ian R. notes: "Our site was even and easy to level on. Lots of locals and summer residents." However, Sammii D. offers a different perspective: "The campgrounds are nice. But that all. It just seems like it hasn't been kept up all that well."
Access challenges: Some campgrounds present navigation difficulties. Amy P. shares about Skyline RV Camp - Waterfront: "A little intimidating driving in to a nondescript gate at the end of a narrow street but the overall experience exceeded expectation. It's essentially a spacious parking lot with electrical pedestals but the view of the skyline across the water is spectacular."
Water and sewer connections: Pay attention to hookup placement at sites. Harold C. advises about Black Bear RV Park: "Campsite 44 for just one night. I can hear distant cars from time to time but, not like highway sounds." Connection quality varies by site within most rv campgrounds near Central Valley.
