Camping sites near Cornwall-on-Hudson, New York occupy a region of the lower Hudson Valley with elevations ranging from 5 to 1,300 feet, creating varied terrain for both tent and RV camping. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer highs averaging 85°F and winter lows around 20°F, affecting camping availability and comfort levels. Most campgrounds in the region operate within wooded settings featuring oak, maple, and pine forests that provide natural shade during summer camping months.
What to do
Swimming at Lake Canopus: Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground offers swimming on a natural lake with lifeguarded beach area. "The park has a nice open beach on Canopus Lake with a concession area and bathhouse, which we found to be quite clean! They even have boat rentals - or you can bring your own boat to launch!" notes camper Shelly B.
Hiking on rail trails: Near New York City North-Newburgh KOA, campers access extensive trail networks. "They have an awesome path called the rail trail that you can ride your bike or walk down it goes for 22 miles, and you can stop on the way in little towns or for a bite to eat," explains Nicole S., highlighting the paved, family-friendly options.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple ponds and lakes throughout the area support diverse fishing. At Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground, "there is another lake and two ponds that our neighbor campers said were great for catching panfish - one fisherman said he had caught several bass weighing over 3 pounds!!" according to reviewer Shelly B.
Apple picking excursions: Fall camping coincides with harvest season at nearby orchards. Asher K. mentions that near Fahnestock State Park, "If you are in to apple picking it is a short drive and it is easy to get into town to take the train to and from NYC."
What campers like
Private campsites: Many campers value secluded spots away from neighbors. At Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park, "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," notes Ethan K.
Platform camping: Elevated tent platforms keep gear dry during wet weather. Rebecca S. describes her experience at Beaver Pond: "RV hook-ups, tent platforms, and rustic tent sites were available. Our rustic tent site had a few good options for pitching a tent, as well as picnic table and fire ring."
Clean bathroom facilities: Well-maintained restrooms matter to campers. Laura E. from Winding Hills Park reports, "Large private sites, some with electricity, clean bath house, hot showers in a quiet and wooded campground. We slept like rocks!"
Convenient dish washing: Practical amenities enhance the camping experience. Ethan K. noted at Beaver Pond, "I also particularly enjoyed the communal sink which made it very convenient and easy to wash dishes and fill up water."
What you should know
Military-only restrictions: Several recreation areas limit access to service members. Ethan K. explains about West Point FMWR Round Pond Outdoor Recreation Area: "Unfortunately for me, Round Pond is camping reserved for active and retired military personnel only... The same is true for Lake Frederick another nearby campsite."
Bathroom conditions vary: Facilities receive mixed reviews across campgrounds. At Clarence Fahnestock, Courtney D. reports: "The beach is closed after Labor Day to the public, but open to people staying at the campsite. Clean and beautiful. Great hikes. Bathrooms and dishwashing... UGH. So old and dirty!!!"
First-come, first-served availability: Not all campgrounds require reservations. Amanda B. explains at Winding Hills Park: "Reservations are needed only for major holidays during camping season; Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day. Must book the entire holiday weekend 3 days ($90 for non electric sites add $5 each day for electric)."
Wildlife encounters: Bears are active in portions of the region. Steve W. reports from Beaver Pond: "'Welcome to Bear Mountain' grumbles the park ranger as he sits in complete darkness! He is in his ranger hut, checking in the late evening arrivals to the campground... and gives us the run down on bear activity in the area. I mean, we are in Bear Mountain, what do you expect?!?"
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: On-site play areas provide entertainment for children. At Jellystone Park Gardiner, Stephanie H. observes: "This campground has a lot of activities and has kids of all ages galore. I was worried my 12 year old would be too old for it but he enjoyed making friends there."
Swimming for kids: Pools and beaches with shallow areas work well for young swimmers. Amanda S. notes about Jellystone Park: "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."
Family weekend activities: Scheduled events keep children entertained. Jennifer I. states, "This campground is great for kids. It has a event just about every weekend with kid activity" at Jellystone Park Gardiner.
Ice cream trucks: Mobile treats visit some campgrounds regularly. Amanda B. notes at Winding Hills Park: "Each time we have been there there was an ice cream truck that goes through each day..some days it's multiple times."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: Site layout and size variation matter to RV campers. April L. advises about New York City North-Newburgh KOA: "Some sites are hard to get into and others are in more of a large parking lot, but I think that is for workers for local pipeline companies. They have been working on upgrades and adding more patio sites which does improve the place."
Electric-only hookups: Many campgrounds offer limited connections. At Croton Point Park, Lee D. explains: "We had a loosely defined gravel pad that was level. All sites appeared level. The FHU sites were back-to-back and although there were trees separating the sites, they were close together."
Campground navigation challenges: RV drivers should prepare for tight spaces. April L. cautions about New York City North-Newburgh KOA: "The roads to the main sites also need some branch trimming... if staying here and concerned about branches I'd suggest one of the pull through sites. Specifically 138, 146 and 145 have a nice concrete patio and nicer firepit if you want to spend a little more."
Weekend noise levels: Busy periods create more activity and sound. April comments on her KOA stay: "There were also multiple sites up and still loud partying at 2am. I don't have a problem with staying up late at a fire, but just don't be as noisey."
