The camping options near Greenville, New York range from county parks to full-service campgrounds scattered across the Hudson Valley region. Situated in the hills between the Catskills and New Jersey highlands, the area experiences seasonal extremes with summer temperatures frequently exceeding 85°F. Most campgrounds in this region close between late October and April, with only a handful offering year-round access.
What to do
Hiking accessibility from campsites: At Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground, trails connect directly from the campground to destinations around Canopus Lake. "We always hike to the lake here, it's a very easy hike and also very peaceful," notes one regular visitor who camps there with family and pets.
Swimming opportunities: During summer months, several area campgrounds offer swimming. At Croton Point Park, "there is a gorgeous scenery along the river and a private beach which is opened from Wednesday to the weekend with life guards on duty!" A helpful detail for planning weekend visits.
Animal encounters: Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort offers unique farm animal interactions. "The farm has goats, a donkey, and a pony within the campground. Very cool," reports one camper who visited with family. Children particularly enjoy feeding and visiting the animals throughout their stay.
What campers like
Fall foliage viewing: Many campers praise the autumn experience at Beaver Pond Campground. "Offering the peaceful tranquility of sitting under the changing oak, sumacs, maples, and poplars," notes a visitor who enjoyed the seasonal color changes while camping.
Scenic views: Sites with elevation provide viewpoints across the region. "The views from the upper level are lovely," reports a camper at Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort. Many campsites are positioned on hillsides or ridges that offer morning fog views across valleys.
Accessible outdoor recreation: The proximity to multiple outdoor activities attracts repeat visitors. "A stones throw from NYC this beautiful area combines Lake Welch and Harriman State Park. This camp ground is laid back away from the busy activity of the big city," explains a camper who appreciates the contrast with urban life.
What you should know
Site variability within campgrounds: At many area campgrounds, site quality differs significantly. "This is one of my favorite campsites I have been to but only because after several visits we have finally found our favorite site," advises a regular at Fahnestock who recommends checking sites online before booking.
Bear awareness: Wildlife encounters require proper preparation at Harriman State Park. "'Welcome to Bear Mountain' grumbles the park ranger as he sits in complete darkness," recounts one camper, adding that "the wildlife do roam around your campsite so be mindful of putting food and garbage away before sleeping."
Bathroom conditions: Facility quality varies widely between campgrounds. One camper at Croton Point Park noted the bathrooms were "Clean but a bit dated. No shelves or hooks for toiletries." At other locations, campers report more concerning conditions, making shower shoes advisable.
Tips for camping with families
Platform tent options: Many sites feature elevated tent platforms that improve comfort. "The campground offers several different sties, from platform tent spaces to those for 25' trailers. All sites have a standard picnic table and fire ring," explains a visitor to Beaver Pond who found the platforms especially useful after rain.
Playground accessibility: For families with children, Mahlon Dickerson Reservation offers conveniences that parents appreciate. "Peaceful and gorgeous campsite, with plenty of space between sites. Great view of the Hudson, and playground within sight of our camper," notes a family who valued keeping eyes on their children while at their site.
Noise considerations: Family campsites often have different noise levels throughout the week. At Beaver Pond, a camper advises that "during summer weekends the grounds fill up and can be quite noisy, but mid-week during the off-season it was great," suggesting timing visits strategically for desired atmosphere.
Tips from RVers
Water access challenges: RV parks around Greenville, New York sometimes have water connection limitations. At Mahlon Dickerson, an RVer found that "Website lists water hook ups at long distances but they have hose reels to help with that. Our site said 75' however the 50' hose reel made it to our rv connection."
Navigation constraints: Many campgrounds require careful planning for larger rigs. An RVer at Black Bear RV Park reported "Large levelled spaces but a little muddy" while another noted "Can accommodate large rigs with 50-amp service," though access roads can present challenges during peak season congestion.
Dump station access: Not all campgrounds with RV sites provide equal waste disposal options. An RVer at Mahlon Dickerson appreciated that the "dump station has a flush hose point. Nice and easy little campground," though they also noted unexpected restrictions: "Campground rules do not list anything about alcohol on the website or the emailed rules given after reservation, however there is a alcohol prohibited sign as you enter."
