Glamping options near Chatham, New York range from treehouse accommodations to platform tent sites and fully equipped cabins. Located in the Hudson Valley between the Taconic and Catskill Mountains, the region sits at elevations between 400-1,000 feet with moderate summer temperatures in the 70-80°F range. Most campgrounds operate seasonally from May through mid-October, with limited winter availability at certain locations.
What to do
Swimming access in local waters: Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground features both a kiddie pool and a deep swimming area with a floating dock. According to one camper at Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground, "the swimming there felt really clean and I loved the dock."
Waterfall hiking within campground proximity: Taconic State Park provides easy access to Bash Bish Falls via hiking trails from the campground. A visitor to Taconic State Park shared, "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."
Off-site recreation in three states: The Chatham area serves as a gateway to recreation in New York, Massachusetts and Connecticut. One visitor to Spacious Skies Woodland Hills noted, "We rented a rustic campsite for a long weekend and it was way better than expected. The staff was helpful, the site was pretty and there are so many places to hike and the best of the Berkshires so close by."
What campers like
Platform tent sites for weather protection: Several campgrounds in the area provide platform tent sites that elevate campers off wet ground. A visitor to Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground explained, "This was our second time coming to this campground and our second time getting dumped on by the rain, but have no fear!! The platforms kept us off the ground and were helpful in setting up appropriate tarp protection!"
Clean shower facilities with reliable hot water: Most established campgrounds maintain well-serviced bathroom facilities. A visitor to October Mountain State Forest Campground mentioned, "Facilities were good, cleaned frequently. Great trail system starts right at the edge of the campground also."
Low light pollution for stargazing: The rural setting allows for excellent night sky viewing, particularly over water. A camper at Lake Taghkanic noted, "Late night, stargazing over the lake is a great pastime, because the water is calm and the light pollution is low."
What you should know
Site selection matters for terrain quality: Many campgrounds have uneven sites that can make tent camping challenging in some locations. One camper at Blue Mountain Campground reported, "The tent site are very richly and uneven, it was very hard to pitch a tent."
Weekend crowds from nearby metropolitan areas: Proximity to New York City means some campgrounds get busy Friday through Sunday. A visitor to Taconic State Park advised, "This was a truly great campground, but it's proximity to NYC draws large crowds on weekends."
Seasonal operation limitations: Most glamping facilities and campgrounds in the region close by mid-October. According to reservation information, Taconic State Park operates "May 6 to November 27" while Lake Taghkanic runs "May 6 to October 15."
Tips for camping with families
Opt for campgrounds with dedicated children's activities: Many local campgrounds offer organized recreation for younger visitors. A visitor to Lone Oak Camp Sites shared, "We loved this campground! Big fun for kids and adults. Two big pools, store, bar for adults with live entertainment. Tons of kids activities going on all day."
Consider cabins for easier family transitions: Family camping with small children can be simplified in cabin accommodations. At October Mountain State Forest, "There are 3 yurts available May-October (no dogs allowed in the yurts). There are several tent sits available. Dogs are welcomed here! Every site has a fire pit and a picnic table."
Select sites away from weekend gathering areas: For families seeking quieter experiences, request sites further from communal areas. At Taconic State Park, "A lot of complaints that up front the sites were too close together and this was true, but more towards the back was more spacious and private sites."
Tips from RVers
Verify electrical requirements before booking: Power hookup specifications vary between campgrounds and even within the same facility. A camper at Lone Oak Camp Sites cautioned, "be careful on the map for what site has what amenities, and make sure to double check power requirements because it's not labeled on the sites and it varies."
Consider deck sites for added outdoor living space: Some RV sites include built-in deck areas that expand usable space. A visitor to Treetopia Campground recommended, "We went in late September and stayed on one of their deck sites with our Class B (Winnebago). I LOVED sitting out on the deck every morning for my coffee while taking in the fall air."
Monitor site grading for larger rigs: Uneven terrain can present challenges for larger RVs throughout the region. A visitor to Spacious Skies Woodland Hills noted, "Terrain is uneven. Hit and miss on how flat or leave sights are."
