Cherry Plain State Park sits nestled in the Taconic Mountains of eastern New York at an elevation of approximately 1,200 feet. The park's 175-acre landscape features a mix of hardwood forests and open meadows surrounding a 10-acre pond. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-85°F, while spring and fall camping seasons often experience cooler overnight temperatures dropping into the 40s.
What to do
Hiking opportunities: Several campgrounds near Cherry Plain offer trail systems for hikers looking to explore the region with their dogs. At Savoy Mountain State Forest Campground, you'll find "fantastic trails with varying degrees of difficulty and good accommodations for backpacking. Stony Ledge is the best view in the park - don't miss that," according to camper Taylor R.
Wildlife observation: Bird watching is particularly rewarding at Schodack Island State Park Campground, where one visitor noted: "Best part was hiking out to a couple of different blinds to look for birds. Did see a juv eagle." The park features multiple observation areas strategically placed along its trail system.
Kayaking on local waterways: Many campgrounds in the region offer pond or lake access. At Clarksburg State Park, campers appreciate that "our site was waterfront and we were able to walk a few yards downhill to the waters edge where we launched our kayaks," as Erin B. describes. Most water access points are open from sunrise to sunset during peak camping season.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: For pet-friendly camping near Cherry Plain, New York, many campers value secluded spots. At Sperry Road Campground, "the sites were huge and spread out. Although we could kind of see our neighbors if we tried, we were far enough away that we weren't looking at them all weekend," according to Heidi R.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention bathroom cleanliness as a priority when traveling with pets. At Historic Valley Campground, guests find "Clean restrooms and showers. Preferred the natural wooded sites vs. the 'trailer park' atmosphere where some year round campers lived," as Judy R. reports.
Natural water features: Many visitors appreciate the swimming options available for both humans and dogs. At Clarksburg State Park Campground, "the day use area is very nice with grass, shade and beach and swim area though it is a bit too far to walk especially with littles so be ready to drive over there," notes Kaileigh K.
What you should know
Bear awareness: Several campgrounds in the area require proper food storage due to local bear populations. At Pittsfield State Forest Campground, bear boxes are provided at campsites. As one camper at Mt. Greylock advises: "The bear lockers are roomy and clean and could double as storage to keep items out of the rain (highly recommend reviewing being 'bear aware' as we had a sighting in our neighboring site)."
Site selection matters: Some campgrounds have significant variations between sites. At Savoy Mountain State Forest, "Many of the sites (most of the ones on the periphery of the campground) are wooded and somewhat secluded, with 1-3 being the most secluded," reports Kris M., while interior sites often have less privacy.
Limited connectivity: Cell service can be spotty throughout the region. As Yoni N. notes about camping at Cherry Plain State Park: "Don't expect any cell service or internet, but the site is close enough to town if you need." This is worth considering if traveling with pets who may need emergency veterinary care.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several pet-friendly campgrounds near Cherry Plain feature play areas for children. At Pine Hollow Campground, families appreciate the centralized layout: "Great stop! New owners have created an awesome family friendly park with swimming/fishing pond, clean restrooms and beautiful grounds," reports David A.
Educational opportunities: Many local parks offer ranger-led programs during summer months. At Clarksburg State Park, "Rangers provided programming for kids and families on the weekends," according to Kaileigh K., making it ideal for those looking to combine recreation with learning.
Kid-friendly water activities: Fishing is popular at several campgrounds in the region. At Pine Hollow Campground, "There is a small pond that is fun to fish and swim in. The sites are all set up around the pond," notes Erin O., providing entertainment for children while allowing pets to stay cool.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: RV campers should be prepared for uneven terrain at some campgrounds. At Savoy Mountain State Forest, "sites are either wooded or open in the sun, with good distance between sites," according to Heather C., but leveling blocks may be necessary at many locations.
Hookup configurations: At Historic Valley Campground, RVers note that "one issue is the hookups are spread out on your sites. So you may need extra hose or longer cord to complete your hookups." This requires bringing extension cords and longer water hoses than typically needed.
Road access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. For instance, at Savoy Mountain State Forest, "Google Maps will often take you down a bumpy dirt road....stick to Rt 2 as long as possible if you're coming from that direction!" warns Jean C., a particularly important tip for those towing larger rigs with pets aboard.
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