Camping in the Warwick Valley region near Florida, New York offers diverse sites from rustic tent grounds to glamping options including yurts. Located along the New York-New Jersey border at elevations of 500-1,800 feet, this area experiences cooler temperatures than surrounding lowlands, with evening temperatures often dropping 10-15 degrees below daytime highs. Most campgrounds operate seasonally from April through October, with limited winter accommodations.
What to do
Appalachian Trail hiking access: At High Point State Park Campground, the proximity to major trails provides excellent day hikes. "I spent two nights camping with my niece and this campground was perfect. We fit in a hike up to the Appalachian Trail from our campsite, swam at the pond (Lake Marcia), and got in a fishing session at Steeny Kill Lake," notes one visitor.
River activities: The Neversink River offers tubing and swimming opportunities. "The river was beautiful, welcoming and refreshing in the warm sun," reports a camper at Kittatinny Campground, which specializes in river recreation packages.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings provide the best opportunities for spotting local wildlife including deer, wild turkeys, and various bird species. Sites near water features typically offer greater wildlife diversity. Camping platforms at several parks keep tents elevated above potentially damp ground during spring camping season.
What campers like
Secluded sites: Many campers appreciate the privacy found at certain locations. A visitor to Stokes State Forest noted, "The sites are very large and I suggest site 7. It is on a hill so have a hand truck or a few people to carry stuff. Trust me it is worth it and I think it's the best tent site they have."
On-site animal experiences: Some campgrounds feature farm animals that appeal to families. At Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort, "The farm has goats, a donkey, and a pony within the campground. Very cool," according to one reviewer.
Yurt camping options: For those seeking yurt camping near Florida, New York, several campgrounds offer these structures as alternatives to traditional tent camping. Jellystone Park Gardiner provides yurt accommodations alongside other glamping options, making it accessible for those new to camping.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds in the region close by mid-October. "We were expecting a weekend of kayaking and relaxation when in fact we got an overcrowded, noisy and dirty weekend that was overpriced," warns a summer visitor to Kittatinny Campground, highlighting the importance of timing your visit.
Bathroom facilities vary widely: From full service to primitive, bathroom quality can significantly impact your experience. At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, "There are no facilities, just a porta-jon, but i think that makes it better," notes one camper who appreciated the minimalist approach.
Weather preparation: Temperature fluctuations in this area require layered clothing, especially for spring and fall camping. Evening temperatures can drop significantly, sometimes by 15-20 degrees from daytime highs.
Tips for camping with families
Animal encounters: Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort offers close-up animal experiences. "My daughter loved the horses and goats," shares one parent, highlighting the appeal for children.
Playground access: Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas. At Jellystone Park Gardiner, "This place is great for kids. It has a event just about every weekend with kid activity," mentions a family camper.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds feature swimming areas that provide relief during summer heat. "Nice pool that is shallow so you can relax and let the little ones go in the water park section alone or they have a 3 ft pool also," reports a visitor to Jellystone Park Gardiner.
Tips from RVers
Accessibility challenges: Many older campgrounds in the region have limited accessibility. "When you leave you have to drive the wrong way in the campground because of the low hanging trees the correct direction," warns an RVer about Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort.
Utility hookups: Water connections can be problematic at some sites. One RVer at Oakland Valley Campground noted, "Only reason I didn't give 5 stars was because the sites were a bit difficult to back into and unlevel."
Site levelness: Pack leveling blocks as many sites in the region require them. "Our site 30 is overgrown with weeds as were most of the sites although it had been mowed," mentioned an RVer at Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort, pointing to maintenance issues that can affect comfort.
