M
Michael C.
Scout
ScoutCopake Camping Resort
They are not dog friendly
The neighbor cry about a dog that barks and then we are no good
Camping near Fishkill, NY
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
The Hudson Highlands region surrounding Fishkill, New York contains several established campgrounds with varying amenities, from primitive tent sites to full-service RV facilities. Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground, located about 10 miles north of Fishkill, serves as a central camping destination with drive-in sites accommodating both tents and RVs. Nearby, Mills Norrie State Park provides lakeside camping with cabin options. Dispersed camping opportunities exist at Hemlock Ridge MUA, while private facilities like Jellystone Park Gardiner offer glamping experiences including cabins and yurts. Several campgrounds in the area provide electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings, with varying levels of water and shower access.
Camping season typically runs from mid-April through early December, with most facilities closing during winter months. A visitor commented that "the sites are well spaced out. Great for families. The lake is huge. Avoid holidays to avoid the crowds." Road access varies across the region, with some campgrounds featuring well-maintained roads while others require hiking in. Many sites require advance reservations, particularly during summer weekends and fall foliage season. Cell service can be limited or non-existent at more remote locations. Weather conditions range from hot, humid summers to cold winters with occasional snow, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons.
Campers report high satisfaction with waterfront locations at several area campgrounds. Hiking trails represent a significant draw, with Clarence Fahnestock State Park offering miles of well-maintained paths. A review noted the park has "done a lot of work on the surrounding trails. Some are wide and open (like the School Mountain Trail) and others (like the AT near Canopus Lake) are more challenging." Wildlife encounters are common, with black bears active in some areas, particularly in Harriman State Park. Campgrounds closer to New York City tend to be busier, especially on weekends, while those further north offer more seclusion. The best campgrounds in Fishkill provide access to the region's natural beauty while offering a range of camping experiences for visitors of all experience levels. Family-friendly amenities like beaches, playgrounds, and recreational activities are available at several locations, though amenities decrease at more primitive sites.
Best Campgrounds near Fishkill (154)
1. Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground
"The NYS Parks has done a lot of work on the surrounding trails. Some are wide and open (like the School Mountain Trail) and others (like the AT near Canopus Lake) are more challenging. Fishkill"
"When you are camping with a large group of friends and don't all have access to a car, this is the perfect spot."
from $21 / night
Check Availability2. Jellystone Park™ Gardiner
"With a new check in area, Gardiner has really stepped up. They expanded the pool area to include another pool plus splash area and water slides."
"We got a red carpet site by the Gaga pit and near the water park (Cindy bear lane) and it was a convenient yet noisy site. Kids were at the playground 8 am or before and the noise woke us up."
3. New York City North-Newburgh KOA
"They have the best staff and they are everywhere, if you need someone they are always around and super friendly also."
"Location- 4 stars- close to NYC but kinda just in the woods and close to homes, not much around. Sites- 4 stars- a real mixed bag- the rv/trailer only section is really nice, wooded."
4. Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park
"15 dolares la noche para los que viven en el Estado de New York o New York city .. si es fuera del estado son $5 dolares mas!!"
"Drive-in tent campgrounds. Adequate restroom facilities sprinkled amongst tent sites. Some campsites have raised platforms. All sites have picnic tables and fire ring with flip-top grill."
from $21 - $24 / night
Check Availability5. West Point FMWR Round Pond Outdoor Recreation Area
"Love the proximity to NYC - I always look for areas that are not too far, but not too close to NY. Beautiful but small-ish tent sites."
"We are looking forward to stopping by Round Pond again in the near future."
from $25 - $40 / night
Check Availability6. Mills Norrie State Park Campground
"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 Availability7. Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed
"There are absolutely no amenities whatsoever & barely even a signal here, but it’s quiet & off the beaten path. The parking lot only holds about 4-5 cars, 6 if you park real tight."
8. Winding Hills Park
"We have stayed here multiple times since it’s so close to home. Reservations are needed only for major holidays during camping season; Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day."
"The trails to walk on are perfect to get out of the campsite for a few hours. There are no spots with sewer hookup but they have a dumping area."
from $25 - $30 / night
Check Availability9. Sylvan Lake Beach Park
"Reminds me of lake camping that I grew up with. Hosts are very nice and helpful. This is more of a seasonal camping site. Do not follow your GPS directions. Get directions from the campground staff."
10. Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park
"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."
Drive Time
- 26 min from Kiryas Joel, NY
- 40 min from Kingston, NY
- 53 min from Waterbury, CT
- 1 hr 3 min from Bridgeport, CT
Recent Camping Photos near Fishkill, NY
393 Photos of 154 Fishkill Campgrounds
Malouf M.
Malouf's Mountain Campground
Asher K.
Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground
The Dyrt
Tentrr Signature Site - Hunter Brook Mountain
Amanda S.
New York City North-Newburgh KOA
The Dyrt
Hidden Trails Campsite
Tim M.
Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park
Stephanie H.
Jellystone Park™ Gardiner
Laura E.
Winding Hills Park
Larissa C.
Mills Norrie State Park Campground
Les R.
Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground
Sue B.
Ten Mile River Shelter — Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Zorina N.
Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park
Recent Reviews near Fishkill, NY
715 Reviews of 154 Fishkill Campgrounds
Sue B.
RangerWawayanda Group Shelter
Appalachian Trail Shelter/Campsite
This is an A.T. shelter and campsite. First come, first served. Privy was nice. Flat tentsites for 6 or more. Good for Hammocking also.
Greg S.
LegendMills Norrie State Park Campground
4.7 stars
Excellent 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!
- DDwight F.
GuideHousatonic Meadows State Park Campground
Nice midweek stay location
Tall 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.
- MMari F.
TravelerMashipacong Island Campsite — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Not the correct description
Not an NPS location as was described. Now a campsite and canoe rental at $77 a night
- JJanceTraveler
Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed
Charming mossy woods on a ridge
Arrived 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.
- DDwight F.Guide
Housatonic Meadows State Park Campground
The nice part of Connecticut
A really nice campground for tenters and dry campers. No hookups, but decent bathrooms, lukewarm showers and well kept. 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. The only negative is Route 7, which gets busy in the mornings, and at rush hours, but quiets down at night. Not a busy highway to begin with, but a major route. A good up and down hike right across the street, 760 ft ascent in a mile or so, 3 mile loop, you see AT through hikers on the portion of the combined trail. There is a drinking water tap you can hook a hose to for filling your RV, or jugs. No dump station. We had our class B here. Sites mostly level. Come during the week for better privacy. Supposedly fly fisherman come on weekends. Cute cabins for rent in a awesome location.
Julie S.GuideMills Norrie State Park Campground
Quiet park, old showers
Spent one night here. The park is quiet. The facilities are a little outdated, although they said that newer ones had been built by the marina. I wasn’t up for the 15 minute walk, having just hiked up a mountain. My spot included electrical and water hook ups.
Matthew M.TravelerWest Point FMWR Round Pond Outdoor Recreation Area
Rest up and Recon the Museum 2026
Campground: fairly secluded, forested, breezy with some wildlife. Small camp store. Ingress/Egress: Tight approach with multiple switchbacks and steep grades - if you’re coming in a towable rig over 36’ you might want to take a solo look first. Sites are oddly arranged and there aren’t any FHU sites. Cell: Verizon in spot C9 had 1-bar; we used Starlink for connectivity. Laundry: 3 washers & 3 dryers: $2.50 each. Dump Station: was close by (across the street) but we didn’t need it for our 3 day stay. Bathhouse: across the street, clean and we used it almost exclusively. Noise: Quiet with some small arms fire, but barely noticeable from our site. Site C9: can be viewed from Google street view site is north of the lake in the horseshoe road- some cabins are viewable as well. Site is gravel with composite picnic table, post metal grill and truck rim fire ring. Water pressure- fluctuated 30psi-50psi: hunted constantly. Cabins: available and in good order. They appear to be older, but still functional- mini log cabins $65/night (primitive-no bathroom)
Guide to Fishkill
Camping options near Fishkill, New York range from primitive sites to full-service facilities across elevations from 200 to 1,000 feet. The region's distinct four seasons create diverse camping conditions, with daytime summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and spring/fall temperatures ranging from 45-65°F. Many campgrounds in the area operate on a first-come, first-served basis outside major holiday weekends when advance reservations become necessary.
What to do
Hiking at West Point FMWR Round Pond: Located about 25 minutes from Fishkill, this recreation area offers multiple trails and lake activities. "Beautiful but small-ish tent sites. Lots of great hiking in the area in addition to beautiful Cold Spring, NY for the small-town charm," notes Becky G. Military ID required for access.
Beach swimming and fishing: Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park provides lake access with a lifeguard-monitored beach during summer. "The beach is secured with lifeguards and shower and bathroom facilities are available," explains Brian O. Fishing is permitted with proper licensing, and small watercraft are allowed on designated areas of the lake.
Apple picking and exploring Hudson Valley: Several campgrounds serve as bases for exploring local attractions. "If you are in to apple picking it is a short drive and it is easy to get into town to take the train to and from NYC," mentions Asher K. about Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground. Local orchards typically operate from September through early November.
What campers like
Platform tent sites: Campers appreciate raised platforms at several locations. "The biggest positive about Beaver Pond is how spread out it was. You definitely feel like you have your own space and are not camping on top of your neighbor. Many of the camping options were on platforms which is especially nice if it recently rained," shares Ethan K.
Family-focused activities: Jellystone Park Gardiner offers extensive children's programming. "This campground has a lot of activities and has kids of all ages galore. I was worried my 12 year old would be too old for it but he enjoyed making friends there," says Stephanie H., who adds that activities are most extensive on Saturdays.
Proximity to Metro-North: Campers without vehicles appreciate locations near public transportation. "When you are camping with a large group of friends and don't all have access to a car, this is the perfect spot. MetroNorth takes you right into Cold Spring, a charming, quaint town with antique shops and beautiful views of the Hudson," notes Robyn S.
What you should know
Water quality varies: Some campsites have water issues. At Winding Hills Park, "The water smells a little like sulfur, so you may want to bring your own," advises Laura E. This campground offers non-electric sites for $40 and power sites for $45 for non-residents.
Cell service limitations: Coverage depends on carrier and specific campground location. At Winding Hills, campers report "Good cell reception for Verizon and ATT," while Sprint users at other campgrounds report poor connectivity. Laura M. notes, "we were there at the end of October, and staff told us Oct 22, 2023 was the last camping day of the season."
Bears are active: Wildlife requires proper precautions. "The wildlife do roam around your campsite so be mindful of putting food and garbage away before sleeping," cautions Kelvin at Beaver Pond. Rangers provide specific guidance about local bear activity upon arrival at most campgrounds.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: New York City North-Newburgh KOA offers multiple water features. "They have two pools but both were overcrowded. Playground was large and in decent condition," shares Greg S., adding that jumping pads and other amenities vary in availability throughout the season.
Bathroom considerations: Facilities vary significantly between campgrounds. Courtney D. notes about Clarence Fahnestock: "Bathrooms and dishwashing... UGH. So old and dirty!!!" while at Winding Hills Park, "Showers are free and hot and clean, water runs continuously (no button to push), and you can adjust the temperature."
Site selection: Many campgrounds have significant variations between sites. "This is one of my favorite campsites I have been to but only because after several visits we have finally found our favorite site. This place can book up during camping season in the Northeast so make sure to book early in advance," advises Asher K.
Tips from RVers
Site variations: Mills Norrie State Park Campground offers varied RV accommodations. "All sites were so different. There was a storm the night before our arrival date, all campers were evacuated and they did a fantastic job clearing all the debris and downed trees before our arrival," notes Erinn N., emphasizing the different layouts across the campground.
Hookup availability: Electric connections are more common than full hookups. At Winding Hills, "no spots with sewer hookup but they have a dumping area," explains Valen K. RVers should plan water usage accordingly and expect to use dump stations rather than sewer connections at most area campgrounds.
Road conditions: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. At KOA Newburgh, April L. notes "The roads to the main sites also need some branch trimming," while recommending "if staying here and concerned about branches I'd suggest one of the pull through sites. Specifically 138, 146 and 145 have a nice concrete patio and nicer firepit if you want to spend a little more."
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best campgrounds near Fishkill, NY?
What are the best campgrounds near Fishkill, NY?
The Fishkill area offers several excellent camping options. Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground is one of the closest and most popular choices, featuring well-maintained trails, access to Canopus Lake for swimming and boating, and clean facilities. Another great option is Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park, which offers affordable sites ($15-20 per night for NY residents) and beautiful surroundings. For those willing to travel a bit further, North-South Lake Campground in the Catskills provides spacious sites with good privacy, ideal for families. Ward Pound Ridge Reservation is also popular among locals for its natural beauty and proximity to Fishkill.
How much does camping cost at Fishkill campgrounds?
How much does camping cost at Fishkill campgrounds?
Camping costs in the Fishkill area vary by location and residency status. North-South Lake Campground offers sites at moderate rates, making it a popular option for families visiting the Catskills. Catskill/Kenneth L Wilson Campground provides affordable camping with large, tree-surrounded sites that offer a good balance of privacy and community atmosphere. Public campgrounds in the region typically range from $15-25 per night for New York residents, with non-residents paying approximately $5 more. Private campgrounds like Rip Van Winkle and Treetopia generally charge $30-60 per night depending on amenities and season. Most state parks also have day-use fees if you're just visiting for activities like swimming or hiking.
Are there any private tent camping options in the Fishkill area?
Are there any private tent camping options in the Fishkill area?
Yes, the Fishkill area offers several private tent camping options. Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds provides tent sites with amenities including fishing in two private lakes, playgrounds, basketball courts, swimming pool, and even a remote control car track. For a unique glamping experience, Peace and Carrots Farm Bluebird Tiny Home offers a perfect introduction to outdoor stays for camping newcomers, with the comfort of a tiny home in a natural setting. Additionally, Treetopia Campground in the Catskills features both traditional tent sites and glamping options like yurts. For those seeking more options, Jellystone Park in Gardiner offers family-friendly tent camping with numerous recreational facilities about an hour from Fishkill.
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