Dog-Friendly Camping near Highland Mills, NY

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    Beaver Pond Campground at Harriman State Park offers multiple pet-friendly camping options within a 30-minute drive of Highland Mills. Dogs are permitted at all campsites, which include both standard tent spots and elevated platform sites that provide better protection during wet weather. The campground features clean bathroom facilities, hot showers, and communal dish washing stations with access to potable water. Many sites provide adequate space and privacy, particularly those located toward the back of the campground in areas 1, 13, 15, 21, and 23. The grounds are just steps away from Welch Lake, offering a sandy beach for swimming during summer months. Firepit rings with grates come standard at each site, though alcohol is prohibited throughout the property.

    Round Pond Recreation Area, another nearby option, maintains pet-friendly policies across its tent sites and cabin accommodations. This military-only campground (for active and retired military personnel) provides clean bathhouses, laundry facilities, and a swimming area with newly installed docks. Dogs must remain leashed throughout the property. The campground's proximity to numerous hiking trails makes it ideal for outdoor exploration with pets. Harriman State Park contains miles of dog-friendly trails accessible from both campgrounds, including segments of the historic Appalachian Trail. Wildlife encounters are common in the area, so proper food storage is essential as black bears inhabit the region. During peak summer weekends and holidays, pet owners should expect more crowded conditions and potentially noisy environments, though visiting during spring, fall, or non-holiday summer weekends typically ensures a quieter, more nature-focused experience.

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    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Highland Mills (105)

      1. New York City North/Newburgh KOA

      4.2(40)8mi from Highland Mills129 sitesRVs, Tents

      "15 dolares la noche para los que viven en el Estado de New York o New York city .. si es fuera del estado son $5 dolares mas!!"

      "Drive-in tent campgrounds. Adequate restroom facilities sprinkled amongst tent sites. Some campsites have raised platforms. All sites have picnic tables and fire ring with flip-top grill."

      from $17 - $20 / night

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      2. Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground

      4.2(33)18mi from Highland Mills66 sitesRVs, Tents

      "With Covid/social distancing requirements, many sites are closed so it’s extra quiet and spread out. I stayed at site 6 with my seven year-old daughter from Tue-Thur."

      "When you are camping with a large group of friends and don't all have access to a car, this is the perfect spot."

      from $17 / night

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      3. West Point FMWR Round Pond Outdoor Recreation Area

      4.0(6)6mi from Highland MillsRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Love the proximity to NYC - I always look for areas that are not too far, but not too close to NY. Beautiful but small-ish tent sites."

      "We are looking forward to stopping by Round Pond again in the near future."

      from $25 - $40 / night

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      4. Jellystone Park™ Gardiner

      4.3(32)23mi from Highland Mills5 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "We got a red carpet site by the Gaga pit and near the water park (Cindy bear lane) and it was a convenient yet noisy site. Kids were at the playground 8 am or before and the noise woke us up."

      "With a new check in area, Gardiner has really stepped up. They expanded the pool area to include another pool plus splash area and water slides."

      5. Sebago Cabin Camp — Harriman State Park

      4.7(6)12mi from Highland Mills40 sitesTents, Cabins

      "It is a step up from cabin camping. They also have a beach behind it."

      "This place is only an hour away from NYC with so much to do and see. These cabins are VERY rustic, four walls, a cot, and a fridge."

      from $74 - $130 / night

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      6. Winding Hills Park

      4.6(8)15mi from Highland MillsRVs, Tents

      "We have stayed here multiple times since it’s so close to home. Reservations are needed only for major holidays during camping season; Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day."

      "The trails to walk on are perfect to get out of the campsite for a few hours. There are no spots with sewer hookup but they have a dumping area."

      from $25 - $30 / night

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      7. Croton Point Park

      3.7(10)16mi from Highland MillsRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "Tent sites are very private with some dirt roads to exit out but thats what make it unique experience! Bathrooms with shower is near by and has plenty porta potties all around."

      "Was close to bear mountains state part and the train station is right there!"

      from $30 - $60 / night

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      8. New York City North-Newburgh KOA

      4.3(15)20mi from Highland MillsRVs

      "Small dog park, communal spaces, and a camp store all made the place feel like a little village. They even have a wine store- cab sav was good. WiFi I work remotely and WiFi is always an issue."

      "The staff was nice and they were dog friendly!"

      9. Black Bear RV Park

      3.5(6)13mi from Highland MillsRVs

      "Have stayed here several times - great location and nice, full hook-up sites. Back-in and pull through sites and can accommodate large rigs. A little expensive but everything is included."

      from $82 - $95 / night

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      10. West Point FMWR Lake Frederick Outdoor Recreation Area

      5.0(1)2mi from Highland MillsTents, Cabins

      "Yes, this is a military-only campground but, that doesn't take away from how incredible it is and that is properly advertised. 
      This place is incredible. "

      from $20 - $150 / night

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    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Highland Mills, NY

    689 Reviews of 105 Highland Mills Campgrounds


    • Kirstin T.
      Sep. 14, 2017

      Catskill/Kenneth L Wilson Campground

      Lots of fun

      The campsite was great. Big and going after Labor Day means there was tons of space. Well priced. We did have neighbors that had a trailer and used their generator early in the morning and late at night. Beside that it was fantastic. We had planned on driving to hiking but there was so much to do around the camp site we just walked around and did the hiking near by. The dog park is wonderful. Our dog loved it.

    • EThe Dyrt PRO User
      Sep. 29, 2025

      Liberty Harbor RV Park

      Functional with excellent access to the City

      Very plain & functional, no frills but right on the harbor & on the very edge of Jersey City, close to a ferry & the train that takes u across to New York City. Shopping & restraunts are right next door. We brought scooters & had a great stay! Plus you can see the Statue of Liberty from there!

    • D
      Oct. 4, 2021

      Catskill/Kenneth L Wilson Campground

      Big Widely Spaced Sites

      Lots of room in many sites for my 24 ft RV and 30 ft trailer. Big meadow in middle with new full playground set.

      Dry camping but water available and a sewer dump. Gotta haul your own trash.

      Two ponds to play in and a fenced dog park.

      Some nice hiking in the park.

    • T
      Sep. 19, 2022

      Catskill/Kenneth L Wilson Campground

      Nice stay and very friendly staff

      Such a clean and well maintained campground. Staff were so nice and friendly. Only one shower area that was a bit of a trek from our site, a bike would have been nice to get around. We had to move our tent as we had set it back too far and was not on the site pad and park ranger Brian who was very lovely came and asked us to move it and we had a nice chat. Lovely big dog park. There are some nice little walks and small hikes on the ground with a lake that you can rent kayaks or canoes. Close to Woodstock which is a cute town. Our site was a little exposed but the sites either side of us were closed for restoration thankfully. There are some more secluded and set back sites too though.

    • Allen N.
      Aug. 12, 2020

      Jellystone Park™ Gardiner

      Serious Dog Bite Incident

      Recently, we camped here for a week. We don’t ever post negative reviews like this. The last day, we experienced a violent attack by a very large and aggressive Pit Bull. The Pit Bull did not have a collar or a leash and was accidently let out of the RV to roam free and unsupervised. It immediately ran to our site(4 sites away) and attacked our dog that was tied at the time. The incident was unprovoked. While trying to save our dog, my wife and I were also attacked. The wounds were serious enough to require emergency transport to a hospital for treatment including stitches. All we could think of was what might have happened if our granddaughter had been playing with our dog. 

      To put it mildly, their existing pet policy is grossly lacking. They never checked what breed of dog or ask to see documentation of shots when we were registering. Yogi Bear Jellystone Park needs to better manage their pet policy to address aggressive dog breeds and ensure the safety of campers. We camped there for seven days and saw multiple sites have more than one large dog, which in many places we’ve camped at would have been banned due to breed type or size. We have RV’ed extensively across the US and have never seen such careless enforcement of a pet policy regarding aggressive dog breeds. Seriously, think about avoiding this park if you have pets or small children.

    • Kristen B.
      Sep. 13, 2016

      Catskill/Kenneth L Wilson Campground

      Nestled in The Catskills

      This campground is nestled in the Catskills, New York, with easy access to New Jersey and Connecticut. With large campsites and most surrounded by trees, you will find just the right mix of privacy and community depending upon what you are looking for. Although the showers aren't top notch, they do have them and a great recycling center for all of your garbage. If hiking is what you enjoy, they have nearly 4 miles of trails within the campground and surrounding areas that circle two nearby ponds and their day use area. If you are looking for something offsite, don't miss the Giant Ledge hike, a 30 min drive and about a 3 mile out and back hike to Giant Ledge for amazing views overlooking the entire area. Head out to watch the sunrise one morning with awesome views looking east. When you need a break from cooking, don't miss the nearby Phoenicia Diner for some great breakfast and coffee! All of the Park Rangers are very helpful and will provide recommendations and maps, just ask!

    • C
      Sep. 21, 2021

      Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort

      Not a Resort, despite the name and per night fee.

      Some things you should be aware of before booking: The office, playground, dog park, pool, laundry are located at the top of the hill. Camping spots are downhill, a good distance from the office and amenities. Trash is located off site in a pullout on the road you drive in on. There are 2 showers for women and 2 for men. Both are old and not well maintained or in our experience clean, either. In general the camping spots are not well maintained, weedy, un-level and picnic tables are weathered and warped. This resort campground is composed of mainly residents, the rules (we observed) apply to the overnight campers, not the residents. Children of the residents run free all day and past curfew in the evenings unsupervised. The setting is quiet, the views from the upper level are lovely. With some updating of bath facilities, cleaning and leveling of campsites, uniform enforcement of rules, Pleasant Acres could become a resort destination.

    • Karla S.
      Aug. 31, 2018

      Liberty Harbor RV Park

      New York City View

      There is only a small place for tents. Mostly people go there with campers. Not your typical campground. Very easy to hop on transit to get to New York City. People were friendly.


    Guide to Highland Mills

    Camping options near Highland Mills, New York range from military-only facilities to family-oriented campgrounds within the Hudson Valley region. Located at approximately 600 feet elevation in Orange County, this area features rolling hills with mixed hardwood forests that create vibrant fall foliage displays from mid-September through October. Temperatures typically range from 70-85°F in summer months with moderate humidity, creating comfortable conditions for tent and RV camping.

    What to do

    Swimming at natural beaches: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park in Gardiner offers a "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," according to Amanda S. The campground also features "laser tag which they enjoy. And a bounce pillow" for additional recreational options beyond swimming.

    Hiking accessible trails: Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground provides excellent trail access with various difficulty levels. As Jenny K. notes, "We came here to hike Hudson Highlands State park while we were on 5 week assignment working in NY. It felt spacious and thought out... close to good hiking as well as a few wineries." Many trails connect directly from campsites to longer routes.

    Fishing opportunities: Winding Hills Park offers both a lake and pond for fishing enthusiasts. According to Amanda B., "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." Remember that "Fishing license is required to fish here and they do come around to check licenses."

    What campers like

    Privacy between sites: Campers appreciate Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground's layout. Asher K. explains, "This is one of my favorite campsites I have been to but only because after several visits we have finally found our favorite site... check out the sites online to get one that is private." Sites vary considerably in terms of privacy and surroundings.

    Off-season tranquility: Beaver Pond Campground receives high marks for quieter visits outside peak season. Rebecca S. reports, "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. Expect to purchase firewood, although scrounging for kindling was possible."

    Clean facilities: Winding Hills Park maintains excellent cleanliness standards. Laura E. notes, "Large private sites, some with electricity, clean bath house, hot showers in a quiet and wooded campground. We slept like rocks!" The park also offers free hot showers with temperature controls, unlike some facilities with push-button systems.

    What you should know

    Military-only restrictions: Round Pond Recreation Area provides excellent facilities but with access limitations. Ethan K. clarifies, "Unfortunately for me, Round Pond is camping reserved for active and retired military personnel only. We drove through and the whole space is rather large. There are several signs everywhere making it clear that it is only for military."

    Seasonal variations: Weather conditions shift dramatically between seasons. Laura M. at Winding Hills notes, "We were there at the end of October, and staff told us Oct 22, 2023 was the last camping day of the season." Many campgrounds close entirely during winter months.

    Reservation systems: Campgrounds have varying booking policies. Amanda B. explains about Winding Hills Park: "Reservations are needed only for major holidays during camping season; Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day... When not going on a holiday it is first come first serve spots which is good if you just need to spend one night here."

    Tips for camping with families

    Kid-friendly activities: Jellystone Park Gardiner specializes in family entertainment. Jennifer I. says, "This campground is great for kids. It has an event just about every weekend with kid activity." Nicole S. adds they have "a pond for fishing, basketball, a mini golf course being redone, jumping pillow, 2 pools, arcade and a playground."

    Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas. Zorina N. notes about Beaver Pond: "Short distance from the NYC, very organized, clean pond, has a playground, showers, bathroom. Your phone will have signal." This accessibility makes it ideal for pet-friendly camping near Highland Mills when traveling with both children and animals.

    Noise considerations: Campground quietness varies dramatically. Sammi A. warns about Fahnestock State Park Campground: "On July 4th, my partner and I tried to go to the beach, but were told it was at capacity at 3 different points throughout the day." Planning visits during weekdays or non-holiday periods ensures a more relaxed experience with children.

    Tips from RVers

    Pull-through availability: Black Bear RV Park offers convenient pull-through options. Dave S. confirms, "Have stayed here several times - great location and nice, full hook-up sites. Back-in and pull through sites and can accommodate large rigs." This makes it an excellent option for pet-friendly camping around Highland Mills when traveling with larger vehicles.

    Hookup specifics: Utility connections vary widely between parks. Harold C. notes about Black Bear RV Park: "Campsite 44 for just one night. I can hear distant cars from time to time but, not like highway sounds... site itself was solid." Most RV-friendly campgrounds offer at minimum water and electric, with select locations providing full hookups.

    Site selection guidance: When booking at Croton Point Park, consider location carefully. Jonathan C. advises, "Tent site is after the RV site, so use their LX before you get to site if you can. Dumpster and water near sites. We stayed in site 9. The higher number sites were closer to the RV site and the water."

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Highland Mills, NY?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Highland Mills, NY is New York City North/Newburgh KOA with a 4.2-star rating from 40 reviews.

    What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Highland Mills, NY?

    TheDyrt.com has all 105 dog-friendly camping locations near Highland Mills, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.