120 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Clarence Fahnestock State Park serves as a primary camping area in the Holmes, New York region, offering established tent and RV sites approximately 15 miles east of Holmes. This state park features platform tent spaces, drive-in campsites, and picnic facilities in a wooded setting. Additional camping options extend throughout Putnam County, with Ward Pound Ridge Reservation to the southwest providing more primitive camping experiences. Most campgrounds in the area maintain both tent and RV sites, though hookup availability varies significantly between locations. Campgrounds like Beaver Pond in Harriman State Park, located within an hour's drive, offer additional mixed-use campground options with picnic tables and fire rings.
Access to most camping areas remains seasonal, with many sites operating from April through October or early December. Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground operates from April 15 to December 4, while neighboring campgrounds have varied schedules. According to one visitor, "The park has a nice open beach on Canopus Lake with a concession area and bathhouse, which we found to be quite clean! They even have boat rentals - or you can bring your own boat to launch!" Advance reservations are strongly recommended for weekend stays, as several review comments indicate campgrounds fill quickly, particularly during summer months and holiday weekends. Most established campgrounds provide basic amenities including water spigots, restrooms, and designated fire rings, though several lack electrical hookups or sanitary dump stations for RVs.
Several visitors mention wildlife encounters as a significant consideration when camping in the area. Bears are present throughout the region, particularly in Harriman State Park. One camper noted, "Never have food or anything with odor inside the tents because the bears come for the food." While some campgrounds offer secluded sites set back from main roads, others position campsites relatively close together, creating a more social atmosphere. Sites near water features tend to receive higher ratings, with lakes and ponds serving as focal points for recreation. Proximity to hiking trails represents another benefit, with most campgrounds offering direct access to trail networks. Bathroom facilities vary considerably across campgrounds, with some receiving praise for cleanliness while others draw criticism for limited maintenance.
"When you are camping with a large group of friends and don't all have access to a car, this is the perfect spot."
"We were right next to the entrance for hiking trails which was convenient. The facilities are a bit of a walk, but that means it is spread out and there's plenty of room to relax and have fun."
from $21 / night
Check Availability"Close to the city and civilization, yet large enough to have nice trails and creeks to feel away from it all. The camping sites are very different so it’s useful to go in person and select the area."
"The shelter sites are large and private with access to hiking trails and make for a unique experience. The staff is friendly as well"
from $45 - $55 / night
Check Availability"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 $21 - $24 / night
Check Availability"Reminds me of lake camping that I grew up with. Hosts are very nice and helpful. This is more of a seasonal camping site. Do not follow your GPS directions. Get directions from the campground staff."
"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."
"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."
"One of my favorite so far , went with family , to comply w covid and social distancing, the camp only rent your site and no one on your left or right or across ! Amazing !"
"My family has been camping at Lake Waramaug for over 20 years. I can say most of what’s been said is true or partially so but whether it’s bad or good depends on your point of view."
from $17 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Our camp spot was right above the river the flows behind this spot. You can go sit down by the water. But be careful!"
"We camped next to the brook and one couldn't have had a much better experience! Had supper in nearby Kent which is a fantastic small village."
from $14 / night
Check Availability"Mountain Lakes park is a great place to camp within driving distance from NYC. A fun option available at Mountain lakes is to rent a yurt to camp in."
"A gorgeous piece of land that contains lakes, a lookout and Mt. Bailey, the highest point in Westchester County. A dirt road loops through the property with trails off and through it."
"They have the best staff and they are everywhere, if you need someone they are always around and super friendly also."
"Location- 4 stars- close to NYC but kinda just in the woods and close to homes, not much around. Sites- 4 stars- a real mixed bag- the rv/trailer only section is really nice, wooded."
ScoutThis is not the place to come if what you are looking for is a nice quiet, peaceful nature retreat. The "full shade" sites really aren't, it's crowded with kids yelling and running everywhere, and honestly, you're better off camping in your backyard.
ScoutThe neighbor cry about a dog that barks and then we are no good
RangerThis is an A.T. shelter and campsite. First come, first served. Privy was nice. Flat tentsites for 6 or more. Good for Hammocking also.
ScoutI was in the area and needed a location to hook up. Temperature at 7:00 p.m. was 85 in July which is expected. They're able to get me in for the night. Quick and easy. Had smoke from the Canadian Wildfire which made for a good sunset
LegendExcellent campground! The forest is beautiful, the Hudson River is super close, there are great trails, and the surrounding area is beautiful. Sites are electric only, so make sure your water pump is working and fresh water tank is full. There are spigots for filling and a nice dump station. The player is excellent. I don't think tetn camping here would be great because the tent sites are closer together and there are trains that pass regularly. We couldn't hear the trains in our camper and our site was large and private with great Forest and hammock trees. The mansion tours at Vanderbilt and Mills were awesome!
TravelerWe arrived after 10pm so we couldn’t go into the general store to check in. But there was an envelope with our name and a description of where we had to go. Because it was so dark we couldn’t find it but the security guard was really helpful and showed us the way. We spent a really quiet night at this campground at a tent site with our rooftop tent and appreciated the clean showers and friendly staff. We would come back anytime.
GuideTall pines, the sound of the mighty housatonic river, and some car noise on the nearby 2 lane. The campground is landscaped and maintained beautifully. the highlight is the river, ever-present in sound. The primo sites are on the northern end , where most sites are right on the water, and just a small descent. Bathrooms are good, not great. Showers are push button automatic, water was warm. We have a small RV, the dump site is up the main road about a 1/2 mile in a turnout. Free for campers, on your honor. At office were college aged young men and women in very casual street clothes all very nice, and mannerly, but not very knowledgeable, and hard to believe they could handle an adverse situation. I asked for the soap to be filled in the mens room on Thursday afternoon at 4 and it was still not done at noon the next day. -it’s a 2 minute walk from the office. I asked about a hike, they told me a trail head was a mile up the road. We found a spur directly across the street. I miss real docents, with knowledge, and wearing the garb. All sites not directly on the river side have paths down to get there. Did a nice little moderate hike just across the street called Pine Knob. Nice vista, quick 760ft ascent, combines withe AT for a length, then back down total 3 miles the way we did it. Some nice restaurants in Kent. Found a good breakfast in Goshen. We’ll be going back.
TravelerArrived at night on a weekday to find two other vehicles parked in the lot, srilll was able to find a fire ring with a level area relatively easy. Very quiet, just the sounds of owls hooting at night. Very nice mixed forest, seems managed well. It is somewhat buggy. But doesn’t seem to be overly infested with ticks at least.
GuideA really nice campground for tenters and dry campers. No hookups, but decent bathrooms, lukewarm showers and well kept. The Housatonic river is wide and shallow but good for soaking on a hot day and right behind pretty much every campsite. The riverside sites have a clear view, the others you walk through the woods. The only negative is Route 7, which gets busy in the mornings, and at rush hours, but quiets down at night. Not a busy highway to begin with, but a major route. A good up and down hike right across the street, 760 ft ascent in a mile or so, 3 mile loop, you see AT through hikers on the portion of the combined trail. There is a drinking water tap you can hook a hose to for filling your RV, or jugs. No dump station. We had our class B here. Sites mostly level. Come during the week for better privacy. Supposedly fly fisherman come on weekends. Cute cabins for rent in a awesome location.
Camping near Holmes, New York covers several public lands across Putnam and Westchester counties, with elevations ranging from 400 to 1,300 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach highs in the mid-80s with nighttime lows in the 60s, while spring and fall camping brings more variable conditions. Most camping areas sit within mixed hardwood forests dominated by oak, maple and hickory trees.
Hiking trails from campsites: At Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, over 40 miles of trails wind through the property. One camper noted, "There are endless trails in the area. I believe there are over 40 miles of trails in this area. Would definitely recommend for those who want to camp near NYC but not drive too far."
Water recreation: Beaver Pond Campground provides access to Welch Lake for swimming and fishing. A reviewer explains, "The grounds are just steps away from Welch Lake, offering a lifeguard monitored sandy beach which is open during the summer season for swimming, fishing, and small boat craft further out."
Seasonal activities: Fall camping offers additional activities in the region. "We make a habit of going during the end-of-summer/fall when you can watch the leaves change along the hiking trails, go apple and pumpkin picking near the campsites, and eat some scrumptious apple cinnamon doughnuts and drink pumpkin hot chocolate," reports one visitor to the area.
Privacy between sites: The layout of Clarence Fahnestock State Park earns praise for site separation. One camper shared, "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)."
Wildlife viewing: Many sites offer opportunities to observe local wildlife. "Deer running everywhere and surprisingly beautiful and quaint," noted one visitor to camping areas in the region.
Proximity to small towns: The camping locations provide easy access to nearby towns. A camper at Macedonia Brook State Park mentioned, "Kent is nearby and it is a beautiful town!" Another camper added, "Had supper in nearby Kent which is a fantastic small village."
Bear safety protocols: Bears are active throughout the region. At Beaver Pond Campground, rangers emphasize bear awareness. "'Welcome to Bear Mountain' grumbles the park ranger as he sits in complete darkness! He offers us a highlighted map to our site, wishes us a good stay, and gives us the run down on bear activity in the area."
Cell service limitations: Most campgrounds have limited or no cell reception. At Mountain Lakes Park, there is virtually no service, which some campers appreciate as an opportunity to disconnect.
Reservation timing: The best places to camp near Holmes, New York book quickly, especially during peak season. One camper advised, "This place can book up during camping season in the Northeast so make sure to book early in advance."
Kid-friendly water features: Kettletown State Park offers plenty of space for children to play. A reviewer mentioned, "The reason why I said that place is perfect kids? It has a huge land of campsite that the kids can run around until their energy out for the night! Plus you would see awesome stars during the nighttime!"
Entertainment options: For families seeking structured activities, some campgrounds offer regular programming. At Jellystone Park Gardiner, "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."
Wildlife awareness: Teach children about local wildlife safety. One camper shared, "I went to there with campers for ten years. One thing that I have to say to watch out for raccoons and skunk, they love to find food. Be sure put foods in the car!"
Site selection: When camping near Holmes with an RV, research sites carefully. A camper noted, "The sites are much farther away from the comfort stations than most campgrounds we have been to. But there are port-a-potties very close to the sites, which is very important when you have young kids."
Mid-week advantages: For RV campers seeking more space and quiet, timing matters. At Beaver Pond Campground, "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."
Hookup limitations: Many campgrounds near Holmes offer only partial hookups. At Kettletown State Park, site 11 was described as having "No hookups," which is common among the best places to camp near Holmes, New York.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Holmes, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, Holmes, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 120 campgrounds and RV parks near Holmes, NY and 7 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Holmes, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Holmes, NY is Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 33 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Holmes, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 free dispersed camping spots near Holmes, NY.
What parks are near Holmes, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 parks near Holmes, NY that allow camping, notably Hop Brook Lake and Northfield Brook Lake.
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