Taconic State Park offers tent and RV sites in the Copake Falls area with large wooden platforms and limited hookups. Most campsites provide fire pits, picnic tables, and access to potable water. The park sits at approximately 650 feet elevation in the Taconic Mountain range, with typical summer temperatures ranging 75-85°F during the day and 55-65°F at night.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: At Taconic State Park, campers can follow trails directly from their sites to notable natural features. "Nice campground, friendly staff, great trails around it. Would come back," mentions Priscilla M. The park offers connections to Bash Bish Falls via a short hike across the Massachusetts border.
Summer swimming options: Lifeguarded swimming areas provide refreshing options during warm months. At Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground, visitors appreciate the clean swimming conditions. "The lake is beautiful and clean. Expect to pay $15 fee (I think) to use your paddleboards/kyacks etc. Worth every penny," notes Mellisa T. The park maintains both a beach area and swimming facilities.
Stargazing opportunities: Campgrounds in the region offer good conditions for night sky viewing due to lower light pollution. "Late night, stargazing over the lake is a great pastime, because the water is calm and the light pollution is low," reports Seth K. about Lake Taghkanic State Park. The best viewing opportunities occur on clear nights away from populated areas.
What campers like
Platform tent sites: Raised wooden platforms at several campgrounds provide flat, stable surfaces for tent setup. At October Mountain State Forest Campground, "Every site has a fire pit and a picnic table," reports Cheryl B. These platforms are especially valuable during wet weather conditions.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses and shower facilities rank highly in visitor feedback. According to Perrin M. at Lake Taghkanic State Park, "Showers are hot and there's great water pressure. The cleanliness of the bathrooms depends on how busy the campground is." Most park facilities include flush toilets and hot water showers.
Natural water features: Lakes and streams throughout the region enhance camping experiences. "This was a truly great campground," notes John E. about Taconic State Park. "The taconic mountains offer some great flora and fauna. We had several species of frogs and toads wandering about in the evening, giant millipedes were plenty."
What you should know
Weekend crowds: Proximity to major cities means some campgrounds experience significant visitor increases Friday through Sunday. At Taconic State Park, one camper advises: "Avoid weekends. This was a truly great campground, but it's proximity to NYC draws large crowds on weekends." Midweek reservations typically offer more peaceful camping experiences.
Site selection matters: Campsite quality and privacy vary significantly at most parks. "What site you get makes all the difference. There are Many, I would say most, Sites that you feel very exposed and out in the open," explains Desiree M. about October Mountain State Forest. Research site maps and reviews before booking.
Weather preparedness: The region experiences rapid weather changes, particularly in spring and fall. "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," shares Rosie R. about Lake Taghkanic State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds maintain dedicated play areas for children. At Waubeeka Family Campground, "The playground area was nice. We use tents and got a bad storm the owner called and let up bunk in the arcade for the night since she was worried," reports Michael A. These facilities provide entertainment during downtime.
Swimming options for different ages: Designated swimming areas often include sections for various skill levels. "2 lIfeguarded swimming areas — a kiddie pool and a deep area with floating dock to jump off of," notes Erin B. about Taconic State Park. Lifeguards typically staff these areas during peak summer months.
Animal attractions: Some campgrounds incorporate small farm animals for children to observe. At Waubeeka, "They have animals the kids can go check out," mentions Michael A. These modest attractions provide educational opportunities for younger campers.
Tips from RVers
Hookup limitations: Many campgrounds in the region offer limited or no hookups for larger rigs. According to Amanda S., Taconic State Park offers "basic dry camping...there is no electric or water at the sites only in the bathhouse. So if you get a site close the the bathhouse you will have water close by and electricity close."
Site leveling challenges: Terrain throughout the area often presents difficulties for level parking. At Spacious Skies Woodland Hills, "Terrain is uneven. Hit and miss on how flat or leave sights are," reports Ray P. RVers should bring leveling blocks and stabilizers.
Reservation planning: RV sites with full hookups are limited and book quickly during peak season. "We rented a rustic campsite for a long weekend and it was way better than expected," shares Amy G. about Spacious Skies Woodland Hills. Reservations for premium RV sites should be made 3-6 months in advance.
