The Hudson Highlands region near Glenham offers camping across varied terrain ranging from 500 to 1,400 feet in elevation. The area experiences distinct seasonal changes with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping months. Fall brings cooler temperatures in the 50-65°F range with colorful foliage displays throughout the surrounding forests.
What to do
Hiking opportunities beyond Appalachian Trail: Campers at Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground can explore unique rock formations. "Bonticou crag has a pretty intense rock scramble to a great overlook and hosts some great cross-country skiing trails in the winter. The Mountain House Resort Property has some great hiking including 'the lemon squeeze,'" notes Cory D.
Fishing in designated ponds: Winding Hills Park provides multiple fishing spots within walking distance of campsites. "There is a large lake to kayak and fish in. NO SWIMMING. The lake is a nice size and has a trail so you walk the entire length with benches around a good portion to sit and/or fish. There is a nice sized pond at the park to fish which also has benches around it," explains Amanda B.
Water recreation options: New York City North-Newburgh KOA offers various water activities beyond basic swimming. "They have rental boats for a lake and fishing at the lake too. It is a great place to bring kids and you are never board!" shares Amanda S.
What campers like
Affordability at state parks: Beaver Pond Campground offers economical options for campers with pets. "This is an off-grid camping experience. You can use your generator at certain hours. They have a beach. Their staff is friendly. I love going here. Camping for just $15," shares Adaly.
Privacy between campsites: Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground offers varied site configurations. "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. The camp areas were secluded if you wanted more private camping (also super unique layouts)," writes Erinn N.
Woodland ambiance: Many campers appreciate the shaded, forested setting at Winding Hills Park. "The forest is beautiful around the park. Lake is pretty too. Site we stayed at was nice and level for a tent, plenty of trees for a hammock," notes Karl F.
What you should know
Train noise impacts some areas: Some dog friendly campgrounds near Glenham have railway proximity. "It was situated right across the Hudson River from a highly active nighttime freight train route, and the noise from the horns and then being awake for a few minutes as the train clattered by," explains Rebecca Y. at Mills Norrie State Park Campground.
Bathroom conditions vary significantly: Facilities receive mixed reviews. "Bathrooms and dishwashing... UGH. So old and dirty!!!" reports Courtney D. about Clarence Fahnestock. In contrast, at Beaver Pond: "Full bathrooms and slop sinks throughout the campsite," says Kelvin.
Wildlife management concerns: Some parks have wildlife management programs. "We were told not to be alarmed if we heard a shotgun being fired... The park staff said they have not considered an alternative to killing," shares JBird B. regarding geese management at Clarence Fahnestock.
Tips for camping with families
Scheduled activities for children: Jellystone Park Gardiner specializes in family 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.
Best sites for family setup: Consider site position relative to playgrounds and facilities. "We had a family camping trip with lots of kids of all ages, the walk in sites are not too far off the road so it was easily manageable," explains Stacey R. regarding Clarence Fahnestock.
Playground and swimming amenities: Look for parks with built-in entertainment. "Great 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. My older kids preferred a deeper pool but they still had a great time," notes Amanda S. about Jellystone Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At Winding Hills Park, certain sites offer better RV access. "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," advises April L.
Off-season benefits: Pet-friendly campgrounds near Glenham can be more accessible outside peak times. "We were there in late October, towards the end of the season, and there were only a few other campers there, and it was a weekend! So nice to have the whole place feel so quiet and desolate," reports Laura M.
Hookup variations: Many campgrounds offer mixed services. "No spots with sewer hookup but they have a dumping area," notes Valen K. about Winding Hills Park. Similarly, at New York City North-Newburgh KOA, one reviewer recommends: "For non-residents the non-electric sites are $40 and the power sites are $45. Residents are $10 less."