Schodack Island State Park Campground, Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground, and Interlake RV Park form the core camping options in Columbia County. Near Kinderhook, recreational vehicle parks range from basic to resort-style facilities with seasonal availability from April through October. Most campgrounds in the area sit at elevations between 200-500 feet, with humid continental climate patterns producing warm summers and cold winters.
What to do
Birding opportunities: At Schodack Island State Park Campground, wildlife viewing is exceptional with numerous blinds for bird spotting. "I saw a juv eagle. Not time to fully explore. Would go back. Disappointed that trees and vines on trails obscured almost all possible river views," notes one camper who appreciated the birding options.
Swimming activities: The beach at Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground ranks high among visitors. One camper stated, "Best swimming experience ever. I went there with a friend and her family on Tuesday and it was awesome!" Water quality at the lake remains consistently good throughout the summer season.
Hudson River access: Most RV parks near Kinderhook provide access points to the Hudson River. Boat launches at several campgrounds allow for day trips on the water. "The view from the boat ramp area was amazing. However, stay away if you see boat going by. The boat ramp dock turns into a death trap when a big wake from a boat hits the river bank!" warns one visitor.
What campers like
Bathroom facilities: Clean restrooms rank high in camper satisfaction throughout the Kinderhook region. At Mt. Greylock Campsite Park, "The bathhouse was incredibly clean. Showers were great. The pool was cold, but really nice and again very clean," reports one satisfied visitor.
Site privacy: Many campgrounds near Kinderhook feature natural barriers between sites. "The sites are all within 200 feet of the bathrooms. The state did an excellent job designing sites with dense foliage as sound and site barriers creating good privacy for campers," notes a Schodack Island camper.
Stargazing opportunities: Limited light pollution makes nighttime sky viewing exceptional. "Late night, stargazing over the lake is a great pastime, because the water is calm and the light pollution is low," shares a Lake Taghkanic visitor describing the clear night skies.
What you should know
Seasonal variations: Most Kinderhook area campgrounds operate between April and October, with different opening dates. "Labor Day Weekend stay. A lot of people! Very nice beach but packed. Huge parties at the picnic area. If you're okay with all that then it was a great time," reports a Lake Taghkanic visitor, highlighting how crowds vary by season.
Navigation challenges: The rural roads around many campgrounds can be difficult to navigate with larger vehicles. Several parks recommend following campground-provided directions rather than GPS, which can route through unsuitable roads.
Wildlife encounters: The area's natural setting means frequent wildlife sightings. Thousand Trails Rondout Valley campers often report creek wildlife: "The creek that runs by the campground is gorgeous, and my kids had fun finding Crayfish."
Site terrain: Many campgrounds feature uneven terrain. "The site was slightly slanted but that did help with drainage when we had torrential downpours the last 24 hours we were there," notes one Mt. Greylock camper, showing how site positioning affects water runoff.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and recreation: Treetopia Campground offers multiple family-friendly amenities. "They have RV sites, yurts, custom furnished treehouses with electricity, beautiful tiny homes with outdoor living spaces, completely remodeled vintage airstreams, and gorgeous private cabins!" notes one visitor describing the diverse accommodation options.
Weekday vs. weekend visits: Family campers report quieter experiences during weekdays. "We went on weekdays which is not crowded. Wal-Mart was 25 minutes from the campsite which make making meals lots simpler," shares a Lake Taghkanic visitor.
Rainy day options: Indoor recreation spaces provide alternatives during bad weather. "Clean facilities, with a rec room for rainy days. A camp store with all the supplies you might have forgotten," reports a Lake Taghkanic visitor describing the amenities that help during inclement weather.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Interlake RV Park & Campground provides full-service options. "I stayed there for 3 weeks for work it was quite priced very reasonably for full hook up and about a half hour from stunning views," reports one RVer who used the campground as a base for exploration.
Road conditions: Access roads to several RV parks around Kinderhook require careful navigation. "The roads in are definitely patched and bumpy, but once your in the loop things are smooth!" notes a Schodack Island visitor about approach conditions.
Water supply points: While many sites don't have individual water hookups, most campgrounds provide central fill stations. "Water is available at different spots in the campground but not at the sites," explains a Schodack Island visitor about the water access situation.
