Lagrangeville, New York camping options sit at approximately 450 feet above sea level within the Hudson Valley's rolling terrain. The area experiences distinct seasons with warm summers averaging 80°F and cooler fall nights dipping into the 40s. Winter camping is limited but possible at select sites where trails remain accessible for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing when conditions permit.
What to do
Hiking near camp: At Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground, trails directly connect to campsites with various difficulty levels. "Great hikes. Clean and beautiful. Great hikes," notes one camper who appreciated the trail access, while another mentions "If you are in to apple picking it is a short drive and it is easy to get into town to take the train to and from NYC."
Boating options: Several campgrounds offer water access for personal watercraft. At Mills Norrie State Park Campground, "The park has a marina onsite with kayak rentals on the river." Another visitor notes the "Boat access" and "Kyack" opportunities available directly from the campground.
Cultural excursions: When taking a break from nature, nearby historic sites provide educational opportunities. One camper at Interlake RV Park mentioned the campground is "Close to FDR home and library...a must to see. Quaint towns nearby." The area offers numerous day trip options within 20-30 minute drives from most campgrounds.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Site selection varies significantly at Beaver Pond Campground, where "The biggest positive about Beaver Pond is how spread out it was. You definitely feel like you have your own space and are not camping on top of your neighbor." Similarly, at Clarence Fahnestock, a visitor mentioned, "All sites were so different... The camp areas were secluded if you wanted more private camping (also super unique layouts)."
Off-season tranquility: Visiting during weekdays or shoulder seasons offers a completely different experience. One camper at Beaver Pond noted, "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." At Mills Norrie, another camper similarly experienced, "When the park clears out during the week you sleep to the sounds of nature and the occasional freight train in the distance."
Wildlife viewing: The region hosts diverse wildlife, though proper food storage is essential. At Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park, "There is plenty of trails to explore and wildlife to enjoy, especially since these over 900 acres also back up to another huge plot of protected forests." Beaver Pond campers note, "The wildlife do roam around your campsite so be mindful of putting food and garbage away before sleeping."
What you should know
Cell service reliability: Connectivity varies widely between campgrounds. At Macedonia Brook State Park Campground, "No cell service" is noted as a significant factor for planning, while other campgrounds maintain better connections. A visitor to Taconic Hereford mentioned "99% off people don't even know this area exists... with the safety of having full cell service."
Bathroom conditions: Facilities vary significantly between locations. A Clarence Fahnestock visitor observed, "I do feel the campground bathhouse really needed more attention... while it had clearly been painted this past year, it was very 'buggy' - and did not appear to have been thoroughly cleaned since spring." Another camper at the same park noted "Bathrooms and dishwashing... UGH. So old and dirty!!!"
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds operate with limited amenities outside peak season. A Mills Norrie camper reported, "We stayed a coupe of days in Oct. This is a beautiful site to camp out. The staffs are friendly and very attentive." Another visitor to Clarence Fahnestock mentioned, "The beach is closed after Labor Day to the public, but open to people staying at the campsite."
Tips for camping with families
Activities for kids: Family-focused amenities vary widely between campgrounds. Jellystone Park Gardiner stands out with numerous reviewers noting, "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" and "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."
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. At Beaver Pond, one camper highlighted the site "has a playground" among its amenities, making it a "Great place for kids." Similarly, at the New York City North-Newburgh KOA, a visitor noted "Small dog park, communal spaces, and a camp store all made the place feel like a little village."
Swimming options: Lakes and pools provide relief during summer months. At Beaver Pond, "They have a beach. Their staff is friendly. I love going here," while another camper mentioned the "clean pond" as a key feature. Several other campgrounds offer water access, though quality and facilities vary considerably.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Electric, water, and sewer connections vary between campgrounds. The New York City North-Newburgh KOA offers comprehensive options but with site limitations. "Great campsites, wooded and cozy, though a little tight for longer rigs as our neighbors found out when they ran over a wooden post backing in. But spaced apart nicely with lots of vegetation between," reported one RVer.
Site dimensions: Many campgrounds have size restrictions or challenging access. At Interlake RV Park, sites accommodate larger rigs but come at premium rates. "This year the most basic site with water costs $46; add electric on up to sewer and cable tv and you'll pay as much as $60/night," noted a visitor, demonstrating the cost differences between basic and premium sites.
Generator policies: Rules regarding generator use vary significantly. Beaver Pond permits generators during specific hours, with one camper noting, "This is an off-grid camping experience. You can use your generator at certain hours." Most state parks have noise restrictions limiting generator operation to daytime hours only.
