Camping sites around Cold Spring, New York sit in the eastern foothills of the Hudson Highlands, where elevations range from 500-1,200 feet. The region experiences cold winters with average snowfall of 40 inches annually, affecting campground access between December and March. Many campgrounds in this area are situated on former estate lands that were converted to public recreation areas during the 1930s.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Taconic State Park offers extensive trails that connect with the Appalachian Trail system. "Wonderful hiking trails. Pond for fishing & swimming. Kiddie pond, children's playground," notes one visitor to the Rudd Pond Area — Taconic State Park.
Fish for largemouth bass: Several campgrounds provide fishing opportunities, particularly for bass. At Rudd Pond, one camper reported "being able to fish and catching 2 decent-sized largemouth bass made everything all ok!! There is plenty of fishing access from shore and you can rent a boat for the whole day to fish on the water."
Winter camping options: Unlike most area campgrounds that close for winter, Black Bear RV Park remains open year-round. One winter visitor noted: "We are returning to the south after spending a couple months of fall in New England... it was one of the few places along our route that was open for RVs in the off season."
What campers like
Quiet weekday stays: Many campgrounds are significantly less crowded on weekdays. At Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park, a ranger confirmed that "during summer weekends the grounds fill up and can be quite noisy, but mid-week during the off-season it was great."
Platform tent sites: Several campgrounds feature raised platforms for tent camping, which improve comfort in wet conditions. "Many of the camping options were on platforms which is especially nice if it recently rained or if you are expecting rain during your stay," noted one Beaver Pond camper.
Clean shower facilities: Visitors frequently mention the well-maintained shower facilities at Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground. "Showers are hot and there's great water pressure. The cleanliness of the bathrooms depends on how busy the campground is," reports a recent visitor.
What you should know
Bear activity management: Several campgrounds in the region have active bear populations requiring careful food storage. "Welcome to Bear Mountain" grumbles the park ranger as he sits in complete darkness! He offers us a highlighted map to our site, wishes us a good stay, and gives us the run down on bear activity in the area," reported one camper at Beaver Pond.
Tent site variations: Campsite quality can vary significantly even within the same campground. At Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground, one visitor advised: "This place can book up during camping season in the Northeast so make sure to book early in advance... check out the sites online to get one that is private."
Seasonal staff differences: During early and late season visits, staffing levels affect service quality. "It was close to half full when we were there, and it still felt like a fairly noisy campground, even after quiet hours... They had signs asking people to wear masks in the bathroom building, but far fewer people were," noted a Rudd Pond camper during COVID restrictions.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. At Thousand Trails Rondout Valley, one family noted: "It offers a pool, playground, and activities that include bocce ball, shuffleboard, and horseshoes. We loved our full hookup site minus the neighbors' weekend ragers."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Kids can enjoy observing local wildlife in safer settings. "The creek that runs by the campground is gorgeous, and my kids had fun finding Crayfish. The nearby towns are adorable and offer shopping, hiking, farms, and more," shared a Rondout Valley visitor.
Off-season family benefits: Visiting after the main season can provide unique advantages. One Lake Taghkanic camper observed: "The beach is closed after Labor Day to the public, but open to people staying at the campsite. Clean and beautiful."
Tips from RVers
NYC access without driving: For RV parks near Cold Spring, New York, transit options eliminate the need to drive into the city. At Liberty Harbor RV Park in nearby Jersey City, "There is a ferry 100-yards away that takes you to Wall Street M-F. There is a great market about 1/4 of a mile away, and the path that can take you to WTC or 33rd Street area is only a mile away."
Mountain road considerations: Navigation to some rv parks around Cold Spring requires planning. "Getting in and out of the city is an adventure. Stay right off the highway to avoid the $30 tunnel toll. Follow RV Life Pro and not Waze," advised one Liberty Harbor camper.
Year-round hookup details: RVers seeking winter accommodations should verify utility availability. At Black Bear RV Park, one winter camper reported: "Unfortunately at this site, the heated water pipe was broken so we had no water for the night... I imagine that camping here during the regular season is a much better experience."
