Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground sits at approximately 700 feet elevation in New York's Hudson Valley region, offering a mix of tent sites, platform camping, RV spots, and cabin rentals. The camping season runs from early May through mid-October, with water temperatures in the park's lake averaging 72-75°F during summer months. Fall camping requires additional layers as overnight temperatures can drop into the 30s by October.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Rudd Pond Area — Taconic State Park, anglers can target largemouth bass from shore or by renting boats. "The sites were a little close together, but being able to fish and catching 2 decent-sized largemouth bass made everything all right! There is plenty of fishing access from shore and you can rent a boat for the whole day to fish on the water," notes one visitor.
Stargazing sessions: Lake Taghkanic provides excellent night sky viewing with minimal light pollution. "Late night, stargazing over the lake is a great pastime, because the water is calm and the light pollution is low," reports one camper. The best viewing spots are along the lakeshore on clear nights.
Historic site exploration: The area provides convenient access to significant landmarks. "The town of Hudson is also close by if you're looking to get some of the comforts of a town while you're out and about," mentions a Lake Taghkanic visitor. FDR National Historic Site is approximately 20-30 minutes from Interlake RV Park & Campground, providing a convenient base for exploring Hyde Park attractions.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathhouses. At Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground, campers appreciate the maintenance standards: "Showers are hot and there's great water pressure. The cleanliness of the bathrooms depends on how busy the campground is." This attention to cleanliness extends to the lake itself: "The lake is beautiful and clean."
Platform tent sites: Elevated camping platforms provide advantages in wet weather. "This was our second time coming to this campground and our second time getting dumped on by the rain, but have no fear! The platforms kept us off the ground and were helpful in setting up appropriate tarp protection," explains a camper at North-South Lake Campground.
Waterfront recreation: Swimming areas receive consistently positive feedback. "This campground is very beautiful and rustic at the same time. The employees are all very friendly. Once you get the hang of getting around the area there is so much to do," notes a visitor to Taconic State Park. Another camper adds: "I went there with a friend and her family on Tuesday and it was awesome!" regarding the swimming at Lake Taghkanic.
What you should know
Site selection considerations: Location within campgrounds significantly impacts experience. At Lake Taghkanic, one camper advises: "My advice would be to take the sites on the hill, nearest to the bathrooms, as all these sites seemed to be generally very well maintained." Another warns about specific spots: "Beware of site G006. The grill at the fire pit is upside down, so it doesn't hold level above the fire."
Varying connectivity: Cell service fluctuates throughout the Hudson camping region, with coverage gaps in more remote areas. At Treetopia Campground, which offers RV sites with 30/50 amp service, campers can expect more reliable connectivity than at state parks.
Water activity fees: Non-motorized watercraft usage may require additional payment. At Lake Taghkanic, a camper notes: "Expect to pay $15 fee (I think) to use your paddleboards / kyacks etc. Worth every penny."
Seasonal considerations: The camping season typically runs May through October with varying conditions. "We were there in late September and stayed on one of their deck sites with our Class B (Winnebago). I LOVED sitting out on the deck every morning for my coffee while taking in the fall air," reports a Treetopia camper.
Tips for camping with families
Recreation options: Many campgrounds offer dedicated family activities. "Big and spacious state park with many camping options. Has options for trailers, tent sites, platforms for tents and even some cabins. Small store in park that sells firewood and ice and a few other things you may need," describes a visitor at Lake Taghkanic State Park.
Swimming areas: Kid-friendly water access varies between locations. At Thousand Trails Rondout Valley, "The creek that runs by the campground is gorgeous, and my kids had fun finding Crayfish." The campground also offers "a pool, playground, and activities that include bocce ball, shuffleboard, and horseshoes."
Rainy day provisions: Weather contingencies exist at some campgrounds. Lake Taghkanic offers "Clean facilities, with a rec room for rainy days. A camp store with all the supplies you might have forgotten."
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Space constraints affect larger rigs differently across campgrounds. At Copake Camping Resort, "They offer a mix of site types in both full sun and shaded areas." The resort provides full hookup sites for travel trailers and motorhomes from May through mid-October.
Hookup availability: Electric service varies between 30 and 50 amp depending on location. A camper at Copake Camping Resort notes they offer "Full RV hookups with 50 & 30amp services."
Pull-through access: Navigation challenges exist in some campgrounds. At Treetopia, "For large rigs they have some big sites," while one camper recommends "the deck sites to people small to moderate sized RVs."
Dump station locations: Waste disposal options range from on-site to service calls. At Thousand Trails Rondout Valley, they maintain "a service to come to your rig to collect waste if you don't want to move it."
