Tent camping near Dover Plains, New York places campers within the Hudson Valley's eastern edge, where elevations range from 350 to 1,200 feet across the region's varied terrain. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-85°F with high humidity and afternoon thunderstorms common from June through August. Winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that can drop below 20°F with significant snowfall accumulation, particularly at higher elevation sites.
What to do
Hiking Bear Mountain: Access multiple trail options ranging from moderate to difficult near Brassie Brook Shelter - Bear Mountain. "We started our hike at the under-mountain trailhead, located right off route 41, and climbed up the mountain. Be prepared for steep inclines, and lots of rocks," notes one camper who recommends hitting the Bear Mountain summit for "incredible views."
Waterfall exploration: Several campsites provide access to seasonal waterfalls within walking distance. A camper at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation described "beautiful little creeks and waterways" near the Kimberly campsite, while another mentioned Race Brook Falls being "pretty beautiful and worth a day hike if you aren't camping."
Rock climbing: The Shawangunk Mountains offer world-class climbing options. According to one camper, "Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground is the closest legal camping option to the trapps/mohonk preserve" with excellent climbing opportunities directly accessible from camp.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campers appreciate the spacious layout at some campgrounds. At Windmill Hill - Connecticut White Memorial Campground, one visitor enjoyed the "quiet woods atmosphere with trails" and noted how clean the facilities were maintained.
Communal amenities: The Shawangunk Gateway Campground offers unique shared resources. A camper highlighted that it provides a "communal fire pit and supplied wood" plus a "covered communal pavilion with picnic tables, big sinks for washing dishes, and lighting."
Year-round access: Ward Pound Ridge Reservation offers tent camping through all seasons. A regular visitor noted, "I've been coming here for years. They have great sites and are open all year round. I've stayed in hammocks, tents, lean-tos, and even did a good share of car camping."
What you should know
Reservation systems vary: Many campgrounds require in-person booking. At Ward Pound Ridge, "there is no phone or internet reservations and has to be made in person at the office. I would recommend call earlier and come in few minutes earlier to 9 am when the office opens to find the best spots."
Bear precautions required: Bear activity is common throughout the camping areas. At Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed, a camper mentioned "normal LNT rules apply" and advised that the "bugs are relentless," suggesting proper food storage and insect protection are necessary.
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have minimal connectivity. Hemlock Ridge is described as having "absolutely no amenities whatsoever & barely even a signal here, but it's quiet & off the beaten path."
Site terrain varies dramatically: While some tent platforms are perfectly level, others present challenges. Campers on the Appalachian Trail near Brassie Brook should expect rocky ground, while Samuel F. Pryor sites provide "the nicest, most level tent site you'll ever find" with "no worries whatsoever about roots or rocks."
Tips for camping with families
Choose shelter options for unpredictable weather: Ward Pound Ridge offers lean-to structures that provide extra protection. A family camper noted, "The shelters are great for people who want to camp and not have to worry about unplanned weather" and "we had an amazing time, super cozy by the fire in our shelter."
Select sites with restroom proximity: Bathroom facilities vary significantly between campgrounds. One parent mentioned Ward Pound Ridge has "clean porta potties" near the sites, which is "very important when you have young kids."
Pack entertainment for downtime: Some campgrounds offer natural features that keep children engaged. A visitor observed that at Ward Pound Ridge, "There is wide open space and the paths are well paved so kids can have fun riding the bikes or running around. There is also many trails of various difficulty levels to suit everyone."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions limit larger vehicles: Most campgrounds near Dover Plains accommodate only smaller RVs and vans. Samuel F. Pryor Shawangunk Gateway Campground specifically has "no big RVs" according to reviewers, making it more suitable for tent campers and those with compact camper vans.
Limited hookups available: The camping areas near Dover Plains primarily focus on tent camping with minimal RV services. At Alander Trail Campground, a visitor noted it's "super private, true primitive camping" with no electricity, water hookups, or dump stations available.
