Camping near Lake Mohegan offers sites with terrain ranging from wooded mountain settings to riverside locations. Visitors can access campgrounds at elevations between 300-1,800 feet in this section of southeastern New York. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F during the day and 50-65°F at night, with higher humidity levels common throughout the region.
What to do
Scenic hiking trails: Mountain Lakes Park provides direct access to several lakes and hiking paths from the campsite. A visitor noted, "There are many hikes which can be trekked straight from the campgrounds which is always a huge plus in my mind. When we were there it was right after a rain storm and everything was a bit muddy and slippery."
Fishing in multiple locations: West Point FMWR Round Pond Outdoor Recreation Area features fishing opportunities at the well-maintained pond. One visitor mentioned, "Unfortunately, due to our early start in the camping season the weather did not allow us to enjoy fishing or the beach or water hook ups, however all areas looked well maintained."
Water recreation options: Thousand Trails Rondout Valley offers creek access for cooling off during hot summer days. A camper shared, "The creek that runs by the campground is gorgeous, and my kids had fun finding Crayfish."
Winter activities: Many campgrounds in the region remain open for cold-weather glamping in Lake Mohegan area, with High Point State Park specifically noting an April to October season. Some sites offer winter hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities even when full facilities are closed.
What campers like
Military-exclusive facilities: West Point FMWR Lake Frederick Outdoor Recreation Area provides special accommodations for service members. A veteran camper explained, "Being military-only keeps standards high, the campground clean and well maintained. We've spent years here... The new docks around the swimming area create a safer swimming experience for even the most inexperienced swimmers."
Family-friendly amenities: Jellystone Park Gardiner offers extensive recreational facilities designed for children. One visitor stated, "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. My older kids preferred a deeper pool but they still had a great time."
Well-maintained sites: Campers consistently note the cleanliness of facilities at multiple locations. At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, a camper observed, "The sites are spaced well and have a nice bonus of large fire rings set back in the woods a bit from the pad that you park on. The water hoses provided are plenty long."
Natural setting: Many campgrounds maintain a natural forest environment despite offering modern amenities. A visitor to Mahlon Dickerson noted, "Very nice forest! The campground is clean, paved nicely and well run. Our site is easily the nicest- all the way in the back with only one neighbor. It is so quiet here."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Coverage can be spotty at certain campgrounds. At West Point FMWR Round Pond, a camper advised, "Just a note to other campers with T-Moblie, we did not have any service on the campsite, however just a hop in the car or a quick walk down the mountain for 5G service near the entrance off the main road."
Access restrictions: Several area campgrounds have specific eligibility requirements. For example, Round Pond is limited to military personnel. A visitor clarified, "Unfortunately for me, Round Pond is camping reserved for active and retired military personnel only. We drove through and the whole space is rather large."
Bathroom facilities vary: High Point State Park Campground has specific limitations with its facilities. A camper explained, "Clean-ish bathrooms with flush toilets, no sinks, no showers, with that awful outhouse smell. Bringing your own toilet paper is a good idea as the park didn't replace it enough and it ran out."
Site selection considerations: Some campgrounds have misleading online photos. A High Point State Park camper warned, "I chose this campsite, 031, based on the photos on the reservation website and boy was I disappointed. We wanted to setup our large tent on the flat gravel driveway and our hammocks and relaxation area on the platform. The photos did not convey the actual steepness of this site!"
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Kittatinny Campground offers water recreation packages that enhance the camping experience. A parent recommended, "Definitely go for the rafting/tubing package, it was the best part of the trip!"
Noise considerations: Campground noise levels vary widely across the region. At Jellystone Park Gardiner, a visitor noted, "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."
Bathroom proximity: When glamping in the Lake Mohegan area with children, choose sites near facilities. A visitor to Jellystone Park cautioned, "The bathrooms needed updating and people at the tent area made a comment that it took a while to get a turn at the showers."
Alternative accommodations: Mountain Lakes Park provides yurt options for families wanting more structure than tent camping. A visitor mentioned, "A fun option available at Mountain lakes is to rent a yurt to camp in. The area, as the name implies, is home to several lakes which can be used for various recreational purposes."
Tips from RVers
Site sizing: At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, RV sites accommodate larger vehicles. One camper confirmed, "Easy to navigate our 38 ft. RV. Easy to dump and fill. Peaceful. Close to train to N. Y. City."
Water hookup details: Some sites require extra equipment for water connections. A visitor to Mahlon Dickerson noted, "Website lists water hook ups at long distances but they have hose reels to help with that. Our site (15) said 75' however the 50' hose reel made it to our rv connection."
Seasonal hookup limitations: Some campgrounds restrict water hookups during colder months. A visitor to Round Pond mentioned that early season camping meant they couldn't use water hookups despite their availability.
Service options: At Thousand Trails Rondout Valley, flexible service arrangements are available. A camper noted, "Dump stations if need and a service to come to your rig to collect waste if you don't want to move it."
