RV camping near Craryville, New York spans across the rolling foothills of the Taconic Mountains with elevations ranging from 700 to 1,800 feet. The region experiences distinct seasonal changes with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping season. Cell service throughout the area varies from 1-3 bars depending on campground location and carrier, with Treetopia Campground visitors reporting sufficient service for basic work needs.
What to do
Swimming at Lake Taghkanic: Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground offers a clean swimming beach with lifeguards from Memorial Day through Labor Day. "The lake is beautiful and clean. Expect to pay $15 fee (I think) to use your paddleboards / kyacks etc. Worth every penny," notes camper Mellisa T.
Fishing at Prospect Mountain: The campground's pond provides good fishing opportunities, particularly for largemouth bass. "The kids had a blast fishing and riding their bikes around," reports Megin F., who traveled from Louisiana to camp at Prospect Mountain Campground and RV Park.
Hiking to Bash Bish Falls: Located just a short distance from Taconic State Park, this waterfall is accessible via a moderate 0.6-mile trail. "Close to great hiking. The swimming there felt really clean and I loved the dock," writes Emily F. about her experience at Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park.
Stargazing at Lake Taghkanic: The combination of dark skies and calm water creates ideal conditions for night sky viewing. "Late night, stargazing over the lake is a great pastime, because the water is calm and the light pollution is low," recommends Seth K.
What campers like
Camping platforms: Many sites at Taconic State Park feature raised wooden platforms ideal for tent setup. "The platforms kept us off the ground and were helpful in setting up appropriate tarp protection!" shares Rosie R. about her rainy experience at Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground.
Clean facilities: Bathhouses with hot showers are consistently mentioned as a campground highlight. "Showers are hot and there's great water pressure. The cleanliness of the bathrooms depends on how busy the campground is," notes Perrin M.
Cabin options: For those seeking more comfort, several campgrounds offer cabin rentals. "Big and spacious state park with many camping options. Has options for trailers, tent sites, platforms for tents and even some cabins," explains Mary-Kate L.
Recreation amenities: Family-friendly activities abound at campgrounds like Prospect Mountain Campground and RV Park. "They have activities every weekend such as dances, bingo, hayrides. They also have a great pool, playground and pond for fishing," says Sandra S.
What you should know
Weekday camping recommended: Some campgrounds become crowded on weekends due to proximity to major cities. "We went on weekdays which is not crowded. Wal-Mart was 25 minutes from the campsite which make making meals lots simpler," shares george L.
Weather preparedness: Rain is common in the Catskills, even during summer months. "This was our second time coming to this campground and our second time getting dumped on by the rain," reports Rosie R. about camping at Lake Taghkanic.
Site selection matters: Campground terrain varies significantly between sites. "My advice would be to take the sites on the hill, nearest to the bathrooms, as all these sites seemed to be generally very well maintained," recommends Kurt S.
Local provisions: Stock up on supplies before arrival or know where to find them. "Harney and Sons teas is a short 20 min drive," notes April L. about staying at Copake Camping Resort.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Choose sites near recreational facilities if traveling with children. "This is a great campground for families with younger kids. They have activities every weekend such as dances, bingo, hayrides," recommends Sandra S.
Swimming options: Rudd Pond Area — Taconic State Park offers both a main swimming area and a separate kiddie pond. "Wonderful hiking trails. Pond for fishing & swimming. Kiddie pond, children's playground," mentions Lisa S.
Rainy day activities: Some campgrounds provide indoor recreation options. "Clean facilities, with a rec room for rainy days. A camp store with all the supplies you might have forgotten," notes Kurt S.
Site spacing: Family groups should consider how close sites are to each other. "The sites were a little close together, but being able to fish and catching 2 decent-sized largemouth bass made everything all ok!!" shares Rosie R.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Campgrounds like Brook N Wood Family Campground provide complete utility connections. "The C section (30 amp) has some shade trees and all grassy sites. Shared hook ups (two sites on one pole) at the rear of the sites with the exception of sewer," details April L.
Concrete pad options: Some campgrounds offer improved parking surfaces. "This was my first stay at any TT campground and I wasn't sure what to expect with this campground as the reviews are so mixed," mentions Inez W. about Thousand Trails Rondout Valley, noting that site selection made a big difference.
Check amenities by loop: Different camping sections often have varying amenity access. "We had one and a babbling brook was 30 feet behind us. Great spot for morning coffee," writes Robert M.
Honeywagon services: For longer stays without sewer hookups, waste removal services are available at some campgrounds. "There is no sewer, but they have a dump-station and on-site Honeywagon truck that you can schedule," explains Janly P. from her stay at Treetopia Campground.
