The Ghent area ranges from 300-1,200 feet in elevation with rolling terrain punctuated by wooded ridges and farm valleys. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-85°F with humidity levels higher than western New York. Proximity to both the Hudson River and Berkshire Mountains creates numerous camping opportunities with varying settings from waterfront to forest-based accommodations.
What to do
Swimming and water recreation: Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground offers a clean swimming beach with lifeguards during summer months. "This campground was one of the best I've been to... The campground has a lake with boat rentals. Late night, stargazing over the lake is a great pastime, because the water is calm and the light pollution is low," notes one visitor. Kayakers must pay a $15 equipment fee to use personal watercraft.
Historic site exploration: The FDR National Historic Site in Hyde Park lies 20-30 minutes from Interlake RV Park & Campground. "Close to FDR home and library...a must to see. Quaint towns nearby," according to a camper. The Hyde Park area contains multiple Gilded Age estates open for tours, typically costing $10-20 per person.
Hiking opportunities: Taconic State Park provides trail access directly from camping areas. "There's a trailhead at the end of the campground that connects to the other trails in Taconic State Park," explains one reviewer. Bash Bish Falls, with its 80-foot cascade, lies just a short drive from the park and offers moderate hiking difficulty across 2 miles round trip.
What campers like
Platform tent sites: Lake Taghkanic's elevated wooden platforms provide advantages during wet weather. "The platforms kept us off the ground and were helpful in setting up appropriate tarp protection!" remarks one camper. These platforms, available in the B and C loops, measure approximately 12x14 feet and accommodate most family tents.
Clean facilities: Spacious Skies Woodland Hills receives consistent praise for maintenance. "Very nice bathrooms and showers, and my dog loved the dog park," notes one visitor. Another mentions, "Well maintained, located on the Mohawk River. Shady, grassy areas. Boat launch and pier. A perfect campground."
Family-oriented activities: Weekend programming at several campgrounds includes organized recreation. At Thousand Trails Rondout Valley, "They have loads of events over the weekend" with one reviewer noting, "Over the weekend they had organized corn hole games and several other ways to get physical and have a blast. They also had a community 'Father's Day' breakfast which was open to all and yummy!"
What you should know
Site conditions vary significantly: Many sites require leveling equipment, particularly at hillside campgrounds. A visitor to Rudd Pond Area — Taconic State Park reports, "Almost all of the sites have platforms to pitch your tent on, although there are a couple of flatter spots without platforms (although they still have a slope.)"
Reservation timing matters: State park campgrounds fill quickly from June through September, especially for weekend dates. One camper notes about Lake Taghkanic: "We went on weekdays which is not crowded. Wal-Mart was 25 minutes from the campsite which makes making meals lots simpler."
Honey wagon services available: For RVers staying at sites without sewer connections, pump-out services can be scheduled at several campgrounds. At Treetopia Campground, "There is no sewer, but they have a dump-station and on-site Honeywagon truck that you can schedule," according to a recent visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access considerations: Lake Taghkanic State Park provides a dedicated swimming area with amenities for children. "Great beach, 5 minute drive from campground. Clean facilities, with a rec room for rainy days. A camp store with all the supplies you might have forgotten," reports one family camper.
Recreation opportunities: Copake Camping Resort offers numerous on-site activities. "Nice quiet campground. Outdoor pool, horseshoes, mini golf, outdated playground, Washer/dryers, game room. Nice store with good prices," says one visitor. The mini-golf course requires a small fee of approximately $5 per player.
Site selection for privacy: When booking, request sites away from high-traffic areas for a quieter experience. At Rudd Pond, "Campsites not private at all. Felt like I was sharing my site with strangers," cautions one family. Sites numbered 15-28 typically offer more separation from neighboring campers.
Tips from RVers
Site specifications: Camp Catskills maintains 40 RV sites that accommodate larger motorhomes with electric, water and sewer hookups. Interlake RV Park provides pull-through sites for big rigs with the most expensive full-service sites (including cable TV) costing approximately $60 per night.
Terrain challenges: Many rv parks near Ghent, New York have uneven sites requiring additional equipment. "Terrain is uneven. Hit and miss on how flat or level sites are," explains one RVer about Spacious Skies Woodland Hills. Another notes, "The site I had was steep grade from steps to picnic table. Flat ground area for camper was very narrow."
Seasonal considerations: Most Ghent area RV campgrounds close mid-October through April. "This campground is quiet with outdoor pool, horseshoes, mini golf, and full RV hookups with 50 and 30-amp services," notes a camper about the seasonal amenities at rv accommodations near Ghent.
