Best Campgrounds near Dover Plains, NY

Camping near Dover Plains, New York, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

• Hiking: Explore the scenic trails around the area. Campers have enjoyed the nearby trails, with one reviewer mentioning, "The NYS Parks has done a lot of work on the surrounding trails. Some are wide and open, while others are more challenging."
• Fishing: Many campgrounds, like Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds, offer fishing opportunities. A visitor shared, "You’ve got fishing either in two private lakes or you can fish in the river."
• Star Gazing: For a relaxing night, find a spot to watch the stars. One camper noted, "A place to relax and watch the stars" at Clarence Fahnestock State Park.

What campers like:

• Natural Beauty: Campers appreciate the lush surroundings. A review from Taconic State Park states, "It is a beautiful spot to visit the Taconic region."
• Quiet Atmosphere: Many enjoy the peacefulness of the campgrounds. One camper at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner mentioned, "It was so quiet at night—not a sound after 11 pm."
• Family Activities: Campgrounds like New York City North-Newburgh KOA have plenty of activities for kids. A family shared, "We have seen live music and they have free breakfast events."

What you should know:

• Site Privacy: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A visitor at Margaret Norrie State Park noted, "The campsites are okay—mostly tent sites. Some are better than others."
• Facilities: The condition of restrooms can vary. One camper at Lake Taghkanic State Park mentioned, "The bathrooms weren’t great, and I wondered why the trash cans didn’t seem bear-proof."
• Noise Levels: Be prepared for some noise, especially on weekends. A camper at Kettletown State Park said, "There were multiple large groups... and the management did nothing to enforce the rules."

Tips for camping with families:

• Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and organized activities. One parent at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner said, "This campground has a lot of activities and has kids of all ages galore."
• Safety First: Keep an eye on kids, especially around busy areas. A camper at Lone Oak Camp Sites warned, "The sheer armada of golf carts constantly going up and down the road make you feel like you’re camping on a highway."
• Plan for Quiet Time: Make sure to set expectations for quiet hours. A visitor at Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds mentioned, "Quiet at night. Lots to do for kids."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review from Rondout Valley RV Campground noted, "We were given a site that we were told we should be able to back into... but there wasn't enough room."
• Look for Full Hookups: If you need amenities, choose campgrounds with full hookups. One RV traveler at New York City North-Newburgh KOA appreciated, "The sites we stayed in had a lot of trees and not on top of people."
• Be Prepared for Limited Wi-Fi: Many campgrounds have poor internet service. A visitor at Thousand Trails Rondout Valley mentioned, "My Starlink didn't work at the first site."

Camping around Dover Plains, New York, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to check the specific campground details and reviews to find the best fit for your trip!