The Fishkill region combines the foothills of the Hudson Highlands with elevation changes from 200 to 1,600 feet, creating diverse camping environments within a 30-mile radius. Summer temperatures average 78-85°F with periodic afternoon thunderstorms, while fall camping brings 40-65°F temperature swings between day and night. Winter camping options remain limited to a few year-round facilities with frost protection systems.
What to do
Hiking scenic trails: Several campgrounds connect to extensive trail networks. At Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground, campers find direct access to hiking loops with lake views. "There is great hiking and a lake you can get to and swim in right from the campsite. 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," notes Asher K.
Water activities: Paddling and swimming opportunities exist at multiple locations. Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground maintains a monitored beach area. "The lake is beautiful and clean. Expect to pay $15 fee to use your paddleboards/kayaks etc. Worth every penny," reports Mellisa T. Another visitor mentions, "The lake is gorgeous and there are plenty of nearby hikes for exploring. Wish I would have brought my fishing pole."
Wildlife watching: Early mornings provide wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly for bird enthusiasts. "The creek that runs by the campground is gorgeous, and my kids had fun finding Crayfish," shares Kasey M. at Thousand Trails Rondout Valley.
What campers like
Platform tent sites: Raised platforms at several campgrounds solve drainage issues during wet weather. At Beaver Pond Campground, "The platforms kept us off the ground and were helpful in setting up appropriate tarp protection," writes Rosie R. The campground offers "platform tent spaces to those for 25' trailers. All sites have a standard picnic table and fire ring."
Off-season tranquility: Several parks near Fishkill transform during non-peak times. "This was our second time coming to this campground... The lake is gorgeous and there are plenty of nearby hikes for exploring," notes a Taconic State Park visitor. Rebecca S. adds about Beaver Pond: "Ranger said that during summer weekends the grounds fill up and can be quite noisy, but mid-week during the off-season it was great."
Hot showers: Many campers appreciate well-maintained facilities. "Showers are hot and there's great water pressure. The cleanliness of the bathrooms depends on how busy the campground is," explains Perrin M. at Lake Taghkanic.
What you should know
Site variations: Campsite quality differs significantly between locations. At Rudd Pond Area, "Almost all of the sites have platforms to pitch your tent on, although there are a couple of flatter spots without platforms. There's space near the platform that is flat-ish with a picnic and a fire pit. Some of these are better than others," observes Katherine P.
Weekend crowds: Expect significantly different experiences based on timing. "It was close to half full when we were there, and it still felt like a fairly noisy campground, even after quiet hours," notes a visitor at Taconic State Park.
Winter limitations: Only select campgrounds maintain operations through colder months. Tri-State RV Park offers year-round camping but with compromises. "They are also located right on a river that you can easily access by foot. They have a decent laundry facility and full hook ups. No frills at the site but perfect for the commuting RVers," explains Brittany V.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Several campgrounds provide dedicated recreation options. Thousand Trails Rondout Valley offers "a pool, playground, and activities that include bocce ball, shuffleboard, and horseshoes. The nearby towns are adorable and offer shopping, hiking, farms, and more," according to Kasey M.
Swimming access: Beaches with lifeguards operate at various campgrounds. "Very nice and clean. Nice pool, this is a good family campground for kids. It's large with nice size sites," writes Ron H. about Skyway Camping Resort.
Noise considerations: Some locations have quiet vs. active areas. "You definitely feel like you have your own space and are not camping on top of your neighbor," shares Ethan K. about Beaver Pond's layout.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for RVs: Many rv sites near Fishkill, New York require advance planning. At Interlake RV Park & Campground, visitors note site variations: "Sites are close, some are sunnier than others." For larger rigs, Black Bear RV Park accommodates full-hookup needs. "Very nice and clean. It will be beautiful when they're finished. Can't wait to come back," reports Wyndie G.
Utility reliability: Water access can be inconsistent, especially during seasonal transitions. "Unfortunately at this site, the heated water pipe was broken so we had no water for the night," reports Gabbie Y. at Black Bear RV Park during winter camping.
Highway noise: Proximity to roadways affects some campgrounds more than others. For RV campers seeking quieter options, Mountain Top RV Park provides better separation from highways. "The water and electric sites and tent sites were tucked away in a more wooded environment," notes Jason G.
