Best Campgrounds near Holmes, NY

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.

Best Camping Sites Near Holmes, New York (115)

    1. Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Fishkill, NY
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 225-7207

    $17 / night

    "This 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!"

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

    2. Camp W Herrlich

    1 Review
    Holmes, NY
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 319-3084

    3. Ward Pound Ridge Reservation

    9 Reviews
    Cross River, NY
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (914) 864-7317

    $45 - $55 / night

    "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"

    4. Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park

    41 Reviews
    Pomona, NY
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 947-2792

    $17 - $20 / night

    "$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."

    5. Jellystone Park Gardiner

    32 Reviews
    Gardiner, NY
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 255-5193

    "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."

    6. Lake Waramaug State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    New Preston, CT
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 868-0220

    $17 - $50 / night

    "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."

    7. Macedonia Brook State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Kent, CT
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 927-3238

    $14 / night

    "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."

    8. Mountain Lakes Park

    3 Reviews
    North Salem, NY
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (914) 864-7312

    "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."

    9. Kettletown State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Stevenson, CT
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (203) 264-5678

    $17 - $50 / night

    "We love this State Park because it's close to our home for a quick getaway. 

    This time we tried one of the sites on the water, and I probably wouldn't choose the same site again. "

    "Semi private with great view and nice walks to the water. Noise was not a problem overnight as to having problems with noises neighbors at other CT state parks."

    10. Freedom Farm Homestead

    1 Review
    New Milford, CT
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (914) 508-1594

    $50 - $70 / night

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Recent Reviews near Holmes, NY

507 Reviews of 115 Holmes Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Skyway Camping Resort

    One night stoo

    Nice well maintained park, full hookups with cable and wifi. Office forgot to give us wifi info and had closed early. Very nice staff.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Gentiles Campground

    Nice place to stay

    Quiet CG near Waterbury CT. Close to major stores for resupply. CG has lots of friendly seasonal campers and lots of other sites. Most sites seem pretty level, but there are some steep roads in the CG. There is an airport next to CG, but it is for single engine private planes only so not a problem. Not by a major road so little traffic noise. I would stay here again.

  • Paul K.
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Croton Point Park

    Not the Best Place to Go in the Northeast By a Longshot

    Croton Point Campground is a modest little campground, located along the Hudson River within Croton Point Park in NY. In addition to camping, the park itself offers many of its own attractions, including swimming, hiking, kayaking, cabin rentals, and a host of other family-oriented activities just along the Hudson. 

    The park, which is honestly probably the largest attraction here, is located just an hour and a half outside of the city. This proximity is both its perk and its downfall, as the park itself, but particularly the campground, has become laden with all sorts of inexplicable and burdensome rules, endless guidelines, and restrictions only a New York State-run bureaucracy could ever make sense of, let alone hope to justify. 

    This includes all manner of restrictions on how you can camp, where you can camp, what equipment can be used, and use in relation to what particular site you may have been lucky enough to reserve. Much of this you can understand while imagining what may have taken place here to bring them to such measures, but it doesn't make it any easier to contend with. 

    In terms of the actual camping conditions Both the tenting section and RV sites are each very clustered together, and quite crowded, with regular patrols🚓(actual patrols) being made day and night, by both the Park Rangers and what appears to be general park staff members, all looking to see if you or your family might be doing something that they might consider outside of the guidelines or not in compliance with the many restrictions. 

    This is not to say you can't possibly have a good time here. It just might mean being a bit more diligent toward reviewing the potential legitimacy of your normal camping routine to ensure it meets with many restrictions and guidelines imposed, while also making yourself comfortable with some fairly regular surveillance during your stay here. These all being things we hoped to get away from while camping ourselves It just turned out to be a bit much for our particular liking.

  • Mike W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Cozy Hills Campground

    First time here

    Nice facility, friendly staff. They pack us in pretty tight in some sites.

  • Bob F.
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Moon Valley Campground

    Very unique smaller private campground

    This was a great campsite nestled in the foothills of Northern NJ on the NY border. Small, clean with great views and great location for hiking , cruising etc. Bring your tent or use the existing glamping tents. Headed back for a fall weekend in the "dome" which has incredible views. Try it you won't be sorry.

  • Elizabeth M.
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Jellystone Park Gardiner

    Dirty bathrooms

    This is my second time I visited the park, the first time was 4 years ago and we stayed in a cabin, but a few weeks ago we decided to stay in a tent side and it was a nice experience except for some things, the campers don't respect the quiet time at night and morning too. A lot noises until 2 am and early from 6 am. But the worst experience was bathrooms, very few for the number of sites and people it covers. They need to add more bathrooms. They rarely cleaned the bathroom in all the 6 days that I stayed. The showers didn't have enough water pressure, 2 out of 6 had only hot water, some had no paper, hairs everywhere, the toilets didn't work, and super dirty, the truth was a disgusting thing that didn't encourage to use them but there was no other option. For the price you pay is not for having the bathrooms under those conditions. I hope you get better because the truth is a park that has many things to have a good time but with the bathrooms with that condition, is not encouraged to reserve again. And please add more shadows in the areas of the tents and MORE BATHROOMS, is not enough to cover all the tents area.

  • sdwalter@bellsouth.net
    Jul. 10, 2025

    Interlake RV Park & Campground

    Great campsite.

    Great Campsite. Well maintained. Lots of pretty lots under the shade. Good for Families. Pool. Recreation Barn. Recycling. Some people stay here all summer. Close to FDR home and library...a must to see. Quaint towns nearby.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 6, 2025

    Alander Trail Camground — Mount Washington State Forest

    Amazing Dispersed Camping

    Absolutely love this spot and highly recommend if you’re looking for a super private, true primitive camping experience. You have to park at the entrance and hike in about 1.5-2 miles with everything on your back to get to the spots. Once you get there, theres quite a few sites to choose from and each offer quite a bit or privacy. It’s completely free and it usually isn’t too busy since most people don’t like having to carry all their stuff in that far. You will be in the heart of the forest/woods so definitely make sure to be prepared. We had some scares with coyotes and bears in the past but never anything crazy. They give you a semi-flat area for a tent, a fire pit and grill rack, one picnic table, and a bear box you would be sharing with other campers nearby

  • Brittany V.
    Jul. 3, 2025

    Skyridge Trails Campground

    Fantastic new campground!

    A little over a year old, and they have tons to do! Weekly themed events, spacious sites with fantastic views. The sites are level gravel with full hook ups and include a fire pit and picnic table. Beautiful swimming pond and a serene fishing pond located on site. The outpost has anything you might have forgotten to bring and everyone is ready to make sure you are enjoying your stay!


Guide to Holmes

Camping near Holmes, New York, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Exploring: Many campers enjoy the trails around the area. One visitor at Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park mentioned, "Going for a hike here in the morning before heading out" is a great way to start the day. Another camper at Clarence Fahnestock State Park noted, "The NYS Parks has done a lot of work on the surrounding trails."
  • Fishing and Water Activities: At Lake Waramaug State Park Campground, visitors can enjoy kayaking and fishing. One long-time camper said, "The lake is great for kayaking, paddle boarding, canoes and for fishing."
  • Family Activities: Campgrounds like Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner offer tons of activities for kids. A parent shared, "This campground has a lot of activities and has kids of all ages galore."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers appreciate the beautiful surroundings. A visitor at Winding Hills Park said, "The forest is beautiful around the park. Lake is pretty too."
  • Clean Facilities: Many reviews highlight the cleanliness of the campgrounds. One camper at Clarence Fahnestock State Park mentioned, "The bathrooms are very old and very clean."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers enjoy the peacefulness of the area. A visitor at Beaver Pond Campground noted, "When I plan my trip around the spring, fall, or summer weekends that look sparse it is quiet, clean."

What you should know:

  • No Reservations at Some Campgrounds: At Winding Hills Park, sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. A camper shared, "You just show up and pick a spot and the ranger will come around and collect fees."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Lake Waramaug State Park Campground, have minimal services. A visitor mentioned, "The campground store is likely not going to be open so bring everything you need."
  • Noise Levels Can Vary: Campers have reported noise issues at certain times. One camper at Kettletown State Park Campground said, "There was so much noise pollution the one night I was here!"

Tips for camping with families:

  • Bring Your Own Food: Many campgrounds have limited food options. A family at Lake Waramaug State Park Campground advised, "Plan on bringing your own food and cooking."
  • Check for Activities: Look for campgrounds with family-friendly activities. A parent at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner said, "This place is so much fun. My whole family loved the activities."
  • Choose the Right Site: Some sites offer more privacy than others. A camper at Clarence Fahnestock State Park noted, "Some sites are grouped in open areas. These lack privacy."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Rondout Valley RV Campground mentioned, "The sites are very spacious and have lots of trees and shade."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Connectivity: Many campgrounds have poor cell service. A camper at New York City North-Newburgh KOA said, "Our Verizon cell service was practically non-existent."
  • Plan for Check-In Delays: Some campgrounds can be busy during peak times. A visitor at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner noted, "It took 45 minutes to check-in."

Camping near Holmes, New York, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a quiet getaway or a fun family adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Holmes, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, Holmes, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 115 campgrounds and RV parks near Holmes, NY and 5 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 4.1-star rating from 34 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Holmes, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 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.