148 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping options around Dover Plains, New York span across both New York and neighboring Connecticut, with several established campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. The area includes Macedonia Brook State Park Campground in Kent, CT and Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground in Carmel, NY, providing a mix of tent and RV camping opportunities. Most campgrounds in the region offer electric hookups and basic amenities, while some like Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park provide free dispersed camping options for those seeking a more primitive experience. Cabin accommodations can be found at several locations including Lake Waramaug State Park, Mills Norrie State Park, and Housatonic Meadows State Park.
Seasonal operation restricts availability at many developed campgrounds, with most facilities operating from May through early September or October. Permits and reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for weekend stays during summer months when campgrounds fill quickly. Alcohol policies vary by location, with some New York State parks prohibiting alcohol entirely. Many campgrounds maintain designated fire rings with grill tops for cooking. According to one visitor, "Most sites are well spaced out. Great for families. The lake is huge. Avoid holidays to avoid the crowds."
The Catskill and Taconic Mountain regions provide the scenic backdrop for most camping experiences near Dover Plains. Several campgrounds feature waterfront access to lakes and rivers, offering opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating. Tent campers often prefer the more wooded sites that provide natural privacy screens. Wildlife sightings are common, with black bears active in some areas. As one camper noted, "There are bears that visit the campground and one came one of the nights and visited our camping neighbor's site. They showed us a picture - it was a large black bear." Campgrounds closer to the Hudson River tend to provide more amenities but can become crowded, while those in the higher elevations of the Taconic Range offer cooler temperatures and more seclusion. Cell service is limited or non-existent at many campgrounds in the region, creating a true disconnect from urban life.
"Our camp spot was right above the river the flows behind this spot. You can go sit down by the water. But be careful!"
"We camped next to the brook and one couldn't have had a much better experience! Had supper in nearby Kent which is a fantastic small village."
from $14 / night
Check Availability"One of my favorite so far , went with family , to comply w covid and social distancing, the camp only rent your site and no one on your left or right or across ! Amazing !"
"My family has been camping at Lake Waramaug for over 20 years. I can say most of what’s been said is true or partially so but whether it’s bad or good depends on your point of view."
from $17 - $50 / night
Check Availability"When you are camping with a large group of friends and don't all have access to a car, this is the perfect spot."
"We were right next to the entrance for hiking trails which was convenient. The facilities are a bit of a walk, but that means it is spread out and there's plenty of room to relax and have fun."
from $21 / night
Check Availability"There are great hiking trails on the Hudson River right outside your campsite. Amenities are the great outdoors and an ancient bath house built during the New Deal in the 1930's."
"Firewood wasn’t available at the camp, had to drive about a mile to grab some. Close to town so easy to grab needed items."
from $21 - $102 / night
Check Availability"While this might be fine for some dogs, I have 2 young border collies that will jump that fence like it is not even there."
"We stayed near the water. Clean private bathrooms were a plus. Clean pool but only 3 feet deep."
from $72 - $122 / night
Check Availability"Tall pines, the sound of the mighty housatonic river, and some car noise on the nearby 2 lane."
"The Housatonic river is wide and shallow but good for soaking on a hot day and right behind pretty much every campsite. The riverside sites have a clear view, the others you walk through the woods."
from $17 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Less then 10 min drive from town, but hiking in and finding a suitable place to make camp has the feeling of the wild, with the safety of having full cell service."
"While there are no rules about who can camp there, during thru-hiking season, consideration should be made for folks who rely on places like this during a long distance hike."
"Close to FDR home and library...a must to see. Quaint towns nearby."
"With that you get free wi-fi, a heated pool, a lake for fishing and boating, a game room and snack bar, movies, other sports, and the security of a gated entrance."
from $46 - $60 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $50 - $70 / night
Check Availability
ScoutThis is not the place to come if what you are looking for is a nice quiet, peaceful nature retreat. The "full shade" sites really aren't, it's crowded with kids yelling and running everywhere, and honestly, you're better off camping in your backyard.
ScoutThe neighbor cry about a dog that barks and then we are no good
ScoutI was in the area and needed a location to hook up. Temperature at 7:00 p.m. was 85 in July which is expected. They're able to get me in for the night. Quick and easy. Had smoke from the Canadian Wildfire which made for a good sunset
LegendExcellent campground! The forest is beautiful, the Hudson River is super close, there are great trails, and the surrounding area is beautiful. Sites are electric only, so make sure your water pump is working and fresh water tank is full. There are spigots for filling and a nice dump station. The player is excellent. I don't think tetn camping here would be great because the tent sites are closer together and there are trains that pass regularly. We couldn't hear the trains in our camper and our site was large and private with great Forest and hammock trees. The mansion tours at Vanderbilt and Mills were awesome!
TravelerPeople are super friendly and helpful. Campground is well maintained and very secure. RV site was very large and mostly level. Good location. Close to Hudson River and Albany.
TravelerWe arrived after 10pm so we couldn’t go into the general store to check in. But there was an envelope with our name and a description of where we had to go. Because it was so dark we couldn’t find it but the security guard was really helpful and showed us the way. We spent a really quiet night at this campground at a tent site with our rooftop tent and appreciated the clean showers and friendly staff. We would come back anytime.
TravelerI called as we were 3 hours away for a spot for the night. The lady who answered was amazing and asked everything to pick us the right spot. We showed up after hours and found our spot. It was so peaceful and so beautiful. Bathrooms were extremely clean! I recommend this spot to everyone! Well worth it!
GuideTall pines, the sound of the mighty housatonic river, and some car noise on the nearby 2 lane. The campground is landscaped and maintained beautifully. the highlight is the river, ever-present in sound. The primo sites are on the northern end , where most sites are right on the water, and just a small descent. Bathrooms are good, not great. Showers are push button automatic, water was warm. We have a small RV, the dump site is up the main road about a 1/2 mile in a turnout. Free for campers, on your honor. At office were college aged young men and women in very casual street clothes all very nice, and mannerly, but not very knowledgeable, and hard to believe they could handle an adverse situation. I asked for the soap to be filled in the mens room on Thursday afternoon at 4 and it was still not done at noon the next day. -it’s a 2 minute walk from the office. I asked about a hike, they told me a trail head was a mile up the road. We found a spur directly across the street. I miss real docents, with knowledge, and wearing the garb. All sites not directly on the river side have paths down to get there. Did a nice little moderate hike just across the street called Pine Knob. Nice vista, quick 760ft ascent, combines withe AT for a length, then back down total 3 miles the way we did it. Some nice restaurants in Kent. Found a good breakfast in Goshen. We’ll be going back.
TravelerArrived at night on a weekday to find two other vehicles parked in the lot, srilll was able to find a fire ring with a level area relatively easy. Very quiet, just the sounds of owls hooting at night. Very nice mixed forest, seems managed well. It is somewhat buggy. But doesn’t seem to be overly infested with ticks at least.
Camping spots near Dover Plains, New York extend across the Taconic Mountain region with elevation changes affecting temperatures throughout the camping season. During summer months, higher elevation sites experience temperatures 5-10 degrees cooler than valley locations. Cell service is spotty throughout the region, with most campgrounds reporting limited to no coverage except at specific locations like entrance buildings or lookout points.
Hiking at Taconic State Park: The Copake Falls Area offers varied terrain with the popular Bash Bish Falls trail crossing state lines into Massachusetts. "There was a very large open grassy field for play/sports, a playground and life guarded portion of the lake for swimming. This location was very accesible to the Bish Bash Falls trail and even had a few side trails to explore," notes Christina M. from Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park.
Water activities on Lake Waramaug: The lake provides multiple water recreation options throughout the summer. "The lake is great for kayaking, paddle boarding, canoes and for fishing. Bring your own gear but kayak and canoe rentals are available. The swim area is marginal- best for little ones," advises G.Y. from Lake Waramaug State Park Campground.
Bird watching at Macedonia Brook: The diverse terrain supports various bird species and wildlife viewing opportunities. "Delighted to find this facility on our return trip from Maine to NC. We camped next to the brook and one couldn't have had a much better experience! Had supper in nearby Kent which is a fantastic small village," reports Ford S. from Macedonia Brook State Park Campground.
Dark skies for stargazing: Several campgrounds offer minimal light pollution for night sky viewing. "Well spaced sites. No bathhouse, just portable toilets and a few water pumps. And a night sky as dark as you can find in CT," notes Kate from Macedonia Brook State Park.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple camping areas provide access to fishing in rivers, ponds, and lakes. "Kids caught about 20 fish. The pool is nice, no deep end. It's very hilly. A golf cart is recommended if your site is far from the pool," shares Rino S. from Cozy Hills Campground.
Midweek solitude: Many campgrounds report dramatically different experiences between weekend and weekday visits. "Hardly anyone around, we had a site right next to the stream. The loop hike over the mountains was good, at times more intermediate than beginner and I wouldn't try to go it with younger kids," explains Marque D. about Macedonia Brook.
Train noise affects riverside locations: Campgrounds along the Hudson River experience regular train disruptions. "It was situated right across the Hudson River from a highly active nighttime freight train route, and the noise from the horns and then being awake for a few minutes as the train clattered by," reports Rebecca Y. from Mills Norrie State Park Campground.
Wildlife encounters are common: Bear activity requires proper food storage at several campgrounds. "I stayed there for a night and it was very quiet and very safe. Our camp spot was right above the river the flows behind this spot. You can go sit down by the water. But be careful! As we were walking back up to our tent there was a small bear within feet from us that we almost didn't see," warns Catina C. about Macedonia Brook.
Limited amenities at some sites: Several campgrounds operate with minimal facilities. "99% off people don't even know this area exists. If you want a quiet piece of beautiful forest to truly rough it and go camping for a few days, then this is what you have been looking for," explains Doc B. about Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park.
Swimming options: Various swimming areas cater specifically to children. "There is a very large open grassy field for play/sports, a playground and life guarded portion of the lake for swimming," notes Christina M. about the Copake Falls Area.
Activities for different ages: Some campgrounds offer programmed events for children. "Lots and lots of activities for kids! Arts & Crafts, Arcade, Bingo, Casino Night etc. Pool is very nice for families - with no deep end, really safe for younger kids," shares Ann S. from Cozy Hills Campground.
Scout-friendly locations: Several sites accommodate group camping needs. "Where can I begin the place is great it's perfect for teaching scouts of all ages how to take and prepare for the wilderness survival badges place is clean it has running water has a porta potty," explains Merle S. from Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park.
Site selection matters: Many campgrounds have varied site layouts requiring careful selection. "It took me a while to identify a campground that was convenient for exploring the Hyde Park area, in particular the FDR National Historic Site (20-30 minutes away) and the Walkway over the Hudson," notes Jean C. from Interlake RV Park & Campground.
Hookup variations: Water and electric service differs between campgrounds. "Very nice facilities. Most of the short-term sites are on a separate loop from the seasonals, which made for a nice short-term community. Sites are well maintained, with fresh wood chips and groomed gravel," reports Jon R. about Cozy Hills Campground.
Terrain challenges: Several campgrounds feature significant elevation changes. "It's very hilly. A golf cart is recommended if your site is far from the pool," advises Rino S. about navigating Cozy Hills Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Dover Plains, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, Dover Plains, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 148 campgrounds and RV parks near Dover Plains, NY and 9 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Dover Plains, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Dover Plains, NY is Macedonia Brook State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 7 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Dover Plains, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 free dispersed camping spots near Dover Plains, NY.
What parks are near Dover Plains, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 parks near Dover Plains, NY that allow camping, notably Northfield Brook Lake and Hop Brook Lake.
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