Camping opportunities near Congers, New York span elevations from 200 to 1,800 feet across the Hudson Valley region and nearby highlands. The area features a mix of deciduous forests and small lakes with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping season. Most campgrounds in this region maintain operations from April through October, though several offer year-round cabin accommodations for winter camping enthusiasts.
What to do
Hiking opportunities: Lake Ocquittunk area in Stokes State Forest connects to numerous trails including sections of the Appalachian Trail. "We stayed at the campsite at Lake Ocquittunk Area. Very comfortable site, quiet but still with plenty of amenities. There are trail heads near the campsites and longer trails, including access to the Appalachian Trail within a short 10-15 minute drive."
Fishing and swimming: Multiple lakes provide recreation options during summer months. Temperatures at Round Pond Recreation Area typically reach the mid-80s by July. "The campground is beautiful and the staff was wonderful! Unfortunately, due to our early start in the camping season the weather did not allow us to enjoy fishing or the beach or water hook ups, however all areas looked well maintained."
Kayaking and rafting: The Delaware River offers paddling opportunities with rental services available at several locations near Kittatinny Campground. Water levels peak in spring and early summer. "I will give the river a 10, it was beautiful, welcoming and refreshing in the warm sun. We were super excited to take our kayaks out on the river, paddle up stream and float down with our pup."
What campers like
Proximity to NYC: Several campgrounds within 50-70 miles of Manhattan allow for quick weekend getaways. "Love the proximity to NYC - I always look for areas that are not too far, but not too close to NY. Beautiful but small-ish tent sites. Lots of great hiking in the area in addition to beautiful Cold Spring, NY for the small-town charm."
Tent platforms: Many sites at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation feature raised wooden platforms (typically 12x12 feet) that keep tents dry during wet weather. "They have these 12x12 platforms to put your tent on. This was pretty cool especially since some of the sites are all gravel with surrounding dirt. The sites are very large and I suggest site 7. It is on a hill so have a hand truck or a few people to carry stuff."
Clean facilities: Bathhouses and restroom facilities receive regular maintenance at most campgrounds. "Bath houses are absolutely spotless. Fire pits, electric and water hook ups only. Will return! Staff is friendly and helpful. Military families should check it out!"
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require reservations, especially during summer weekends when sites fill quickly. High Point State Park Campground often books 2-3 months in advance for peak season. "Stayed 2 nights and it was really nice. Camping for summer is pretty limited to Sawmill Lake, as the other locations are for groups or winter camping. Camps are secluded from each other and most if not all have an elevated space to put tents or chairs."
Military-only campgrounds: Some locations like Round Pond and Lake Frederick restrict access to military personnel. "Unfortunately for me, Round Pond is camping reserved for active and retired military personnel only. We drove through and the whole space is rather large. There are several signs everywhere making it clear that it is only for military."
Variable cell service: Coverage can be spotty throughout the region, particularly in valley areas. "Just a note to other campers with T-Mobile, we did not have any service on the campsite, however just a hop in the car or a quick walk down the mountain for 5G service near the entrance off the main road. There is also free wifi at the commissary/exchange, which is about 2 miles away."
Site terrain: Many camping areas feature uneven, rocky terrain that requires careful tent placement. "The campsite is on a 30-40 degree incline. The gravel driveway is on a 30-40 degree incline. The tent was too long for the 12'x10' platform, so we had to set it up on the flattest part and hope not to roll down the hill in the night."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Jellystone Park Gardiner offers scheduled weekend events from May through September. "This campground is great for kids. It has an event just about every weekend with kid activity. Nice pool that is shallow so you can relax and let the little ones go in the water park section alone or they have a 3 ft pool also."
Quiet hours enforcement: Family campgrounds vary in their enforcement of quiet hours, typically 10pm to 7am. "The campers don't respect the quiet time at night and morning too. A lot noises until 2 am and early from 6 am. But the worst experience was bathrooms, very few for the number of sites and people it covers."
Bathroom accessibility: Check bathroom locations relative to your site when booking, especially with young children. "The bathrooms needed updating and people at the tent area made a comment that it took a while to get a turn at the showers. The campground had a lot of activities but some were repetitive."
Tips from RVers
Water hookup distances: Some campgrounds have unusual water connection setups requiring extra hose length. "Website lists water hook ups at long distances but they have hose reels to help with that. Our site (15) said 75' however the 50' hose reel made it to our rv connection. Trash dumpster is an easy walk and the dump station has a flush hose point."
Site spacing: RV sites often provide more space between neighbors than tent-only areas. "Located in the Skylands of New Jersey, Mahlon Dickerson Campgound is a perfect place to spend a few nights or a couple of weeks. The campsites are paved and mostly level. They are wooded and large. Water and electric hookups and a dump station."
Site grades and leveling: Many campgrounds in this hilly region feature sloped sites requiring leveling blocks. "Easy to navigate our 38 ft. RV. Easy to dump and fill. Peaceful. Close to train to N. Y. City."
