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Campgrounds near New Windsor, New York range from state parks to private facilities, with options spanning across the Hudson Valley region. Camping near New Windsor covers a broad spectrum, from primitive tent sites and lakeside campgrounds to RV hookups, cabin rentals, and glamping accommodations. Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground, located about 20 miles east, provides tent and RV sites with amenities including electric hookups, showers, and reservable spaces. Harriman State Park's Beaver Pond Campground, situated south of New Windsor, offers lakeside camping with access to hiking trails and swimming areas. The area includes several mixed-use campgrounds accommodating various camping styles, from primitive tent sites to RV hookups and cabin rentals. Jellystone Park in Gardiner and New York City North-Newburgh KOA in Plattekill expand the options with glamping accommodations and family-oriented facilities.
Most campgrounds in the Hudson Valley operate seasonally, typically from April through October or early November. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for summer weekends when sites fill quickly. "Weekends - this park is FULL! Make sure to reserve at least two weeks out. Weekdays? You should be in luck!" noted one visitor about Fahnestock State Park. Weather conditions vary significantly by season, with humid summers and cold winters that limit camping options. Several campgrounds offer varying levels of amenities, from primitive sites with pit toilets to developed areas with full bathrooms, showers, and electric hookups. Cell service can be spotty throughout the region, especially in more remote areas of state parks and forests.
Campers consistently highlight the natural beauty and accessibility of the region's campgrounds. The proximity to water features receives particular praise, with many sites offering lake or river access. According to one review, "We stayed at site #T007... we were able to position our tent facing the lake, it was beautiful!" Wildlife encounters are common, with several reviews mentioning bear activity, especially in Harriman State Park. A visitor cautioned, "Be aware that rt 214 separates the campground in half. A lightly to moderately traveled road, the sound of cars and trucks are certainly common." Proximity to hiking trails, particularly connections to the Appalachian Trail, represents another frequently mentioned advantage. The campgrounds near New Windsor balance accessibility from New York City with opportunities for nature immersion, making them popular destinations for weekend getaways and longer outdoor adventures.
"When you are camping with a large group of friends and don't all have access to a car, this is the perfect spot."
"We were right next to the entrance for hiking trails which was convenient. The facilities are a bit of a walk, but that means it is spread out and there's plenty of room to relax and have fun."
from $21 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $21 - $24 / night
Check Availability"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."
"They have the best staff and they are everywhere, if you need someone they are always around and super friendly also."
"Location- 4 stars- close to NYC but kinda just in the woods and close to homes, not much around. Sites- 4 stars- a real mixed bag- the rv/trailer only section is really nice, wooded."
"Love the proximity to NYC - I always look for areas that are not too far, but not too close to NY. Beautiful but small-ish tent sites."
"We are looking forward to stopping by Round Pond again in the near future."
from $25 - $40 / night
Check Availability"We have stayed here multiple times since it’s so close to home. Reservations are needed only for major holidays during camping season; Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day."
"The trails to walk on are perfect to get out of the campsite for a few hours. There are no spots with sewer hookup but they have a dumping area."
from $25 - $30 / night
Check Availability"There are absolutely no amenities whatsoever & barely even a signal here, but it’s quiet & off the beaten path. The parking lot only holds about 4-5 cars, 6 if you park real tight."
"Yes, this is a military-only campground but, that doesn't take away from how incredible it is and that is properly advertised.
This place is incredible. "
from $20 - $150 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $99 / night
Check Availability"This was beautiful campground with an even nicer lake. You are able to do a hike around the lake."
"Great trails to hike for novices looking to branch out but not too large that you'll be lost forever lol highly recommend and can't do so enough 👍🏽"
ScoutThis is not the place to come if what you are looking for is a nice quiet, peaceful nature retreat. The "full shade" sites really aren't, it's crowded with kids yelling and running everywhere, and honestly, you're better off camping in your backyard.
ScoutThe neighbor cry about a dog that barks and then we are no good
RangerThis is an A.T. shelter and campsite. First come, first served. Privy was nice. Flat tentsites for 6 or more. Good for Hammocking also.
TravelerWe were looking for a campsite on our way up north and we’re so happy to find this one. While it is a commercial site. It is located in the woods. It has full hook up and portable water at the site. We couldn’t be happier with a warm welcome we received late at night and the cleanliness of the bathrooms and each site. I would highly recommend this campsite.
LegendExcellent campground! The forest is beautiful, the Hudson River is super close, there are great trails, and the surrounding area is beautiful. Sites are electric only, so make sure your water pump is working and fresh water tank is full. There are spigots for filling and a nice dump station. The player is excellent. I don't think tetn camping here would be great because the tent sites are closer together and there are trains that pass regularly. We couldn't hear the trains in our camper and our site was large and private with great Forest and hammock trees. The mansion tours at Vanderbilt and Mills were awesome!
ScoutThe main issue with the sites was that they were primitive -- no water. The campsites were basically just wooden platforms, with a picnic table and fire pit. There were also a lot of bugs, though this may be due to the rain. The location itself was fairly pretty and there were a number of hiking trails of not-overly-serious difficulty. The particular site we picked left is a little farther from our car than we would have liked, but for other sites you can bring your car closer.
GuideStayed for 2 nights in June and it was delightful. Facilities were very clean, had flush toilets and showers, and the trails around the pond were great for my dog. Sites were well maintained, but a little close together for my preference. We stayed at site 146. Would definitely come back and hope to get a site along the pond next time!
TravelerThe campground was closed in 2024 for renovations. It is now open. I did a tour of the campgrounds but did not stay there. FYI, generators are NOT allowed at all at this campground. I did not see electric or water hookups. There are three loops. Each has it pros/cons. Sites 30-33 are near the bathroom facilities, sites 34-50 are more secluded, sites 52-65 are closer to the lake.
GuideTall pines, the sound of the mighty housatonic river, and some car noise on the nearby 2 lane. The campground is landscaped and maintained beautifully. the highlight is the river, ever-present in sound. The primo sites are on the northern end , where most sites are right on the water, and just a small descent. Bathrooms are good, not great. Showers are push button automatic, water was warm. We have a small RV, the dump site is up the main road about a 1/2 mile in a turnout. Free for campers, on your honor. At office were college aged young men and women in very casual street clothes all very nice, and mannerly, but not very knowledgeable, and hard to believe they could handle an adverse situation. I asked for the soap to be filled in the mens room on Thursday afternoon at 4 and it was still not done at noon the next day. -it’s a 2 minute walk from the office. I asked about a hike, they told me a trail head was a mile up the road. We found a spur directly across the street. I miss real docents, with knowledge, and wearing the garb. All sites not directly on the river side have paths down to get there. Did a nice little moderate hike just across the street called Pine Knob. Nice vista, quick 760ft ascent, combines withe AT for a length, then back down total 3 miles the way we did it. Some nice restaurants in Kent. Found a good breakfast in Goshen. We’ll be going back.
Camping spots near New Windsor, New York span across Orange County and the surrounding Hudson Highlands, an area characterized by mixed hardwood forests and rolling terrain with elevations ranging from 250 to 1,400 feet. The camping season typically runs from mid-April through October, with July average temperatures reaching 85°F during the day and dropping to 65°F at night. Thunderstorms occur frequently in summer months, particularly in late afternoon.
Fishing opportunities: At Winding Hills Park, multiple water bodies provide varied fishing experiences. "There is a large lake to kayak and fish in... There is a nice sized pond at the park to fish which also has benches around it," notes one visitor. Remember that "fishing license is required to fish here and they do come around to check licenses."
Hiking access: Many campgrounds connect directly to trail systems. At The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center, visitors appreciate the range of hiking options. "Great trails to hike for novices looking to branch out but not too large that you'll be lost forever," mentions one camper. The center is "easily accessible by car or train from NYC and NJ" with "great hiking for all abilities."
Water recreation: Swimming beaches are available at several parks during summer months. "The beach is closed after Labor Day to the public, but open to people staying at the campsite. Clean and beautiful," reports a visitor to Clarence Fahnestock State Park. Some locations also offer boat rentals or allow visitors to bring their own small watercraft.
Woodland privacy: The natural setting at Beaver Pond Campground offers a secluded camping experience. "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," writes one reviewer. Many appreciate "the peaceful tranquility of sitting under the changing oak, sumacs, maples, and poplars."
Platform camping: Several camping areas feature raised tent platforms. At Beaver Pond, "many of the camping options were on platforms which is especially nice if it recently rained or if you are expecting rain during your stay." These platforms help keep tents dry and provide level sleeping surfaces regardless of ground conditions.
Family-friendly amenities: Jellystone Park Gardiner stands out for its kid-oriented activities. "This campground is great for kids. It has a event just about every weekend with kid activity," states one camper. Another notes the "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."
Wildlife awareness: Bear activity is common throughout the region. At Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed, campers should follow standard precautions. "This isn't a fancy campsite and has no amenities... Camping is allowed anywhere 150ft from the trail. Normal LNT rules apply. Bugs are relentless." Proper food storage is essential at all area campgrounds.
Booking requirements vary: Reservation policies differ significantly between campgrounds. "Reservations are needed only for major holidays during camping season; Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day," states a Winding Hills Park review. For other times, "pull into whichever site you want and at some point the groundskeepers will come to collect your money."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies by location and carrier. One Winding Hills Park visitor reported: "We had horrible cell service (we have Sprint). Could not make calls or use internet at campgrounds or the park but did see others who were using cellphones." Consider downloading offline maps before arrival.
Activity options: Choose camping areas with built-in recreation. At New York City North-Newburgh KOA, "they have counselors who lead activities with kids in the summer and two pools plus a rock climbing tower, manifold, basketball and a bounce pillow and more... they have rental boats for a lake and fishing at the lake too."
Site selection matters: Research specific campsites before booking. "This is one of my favorite campsites I have been to but only because after several visits we have finally found our favorite site," notes a camper at Clarence Fahnestock State Park. "Check out the sites online to get one that is private."
Bathroom considerations: Facilities vary widely between campgrounds. A visitor to Jellystone Park Gardiner reported "very few [bathrooms] for the number of sites and people it covers. They need to add more bathrooms." During peak season, plan shower times accordingly.
Electric hookup options: Many campgrounds offer limited utility connections. At Winding Hills Park, "there are water spigots around the grounds and attached to the bathroom facilities. But no actual sites with water hookups for RVs." Electric sites typically cost $5 more per night than non-electric sites.
Accessibility challenges: Some campgrounds have terrain considerations. "Be aware that rt 214 separates the campground in half. A lightly to moderately traveled road, the sound of cars and trucks are certainly common," according to a visitor. Research site layouts before arrival to select the most suitable location for your setup.
Reservation timing: Popular RV sites book quickly during prime season. At the KOA, campers recommend specific sites: "My favorite sites are the 30's. Full hookups, back in, lots of trees and really roomy." For holiday weekends, reserve well in advance to secure preferred locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do while camping in New Windsor, NY?
The New Windsor area offers diverse activities for campers. At Sam Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground — Minnewaska State Park Preserve, swim in New York's most acidic yet completely safe lake. Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds provides fishing in two private lakes or the nearby river (NY fishing license required for river fishing), plus playgrounds, basketball courts, a swimming pool, and even a remote control car track. For hiking enthusiasts, Ward Pound Ridge Reservation offers numerous trails frequented by locals. In winter, it's also popular for sledding at Pell Hill. Just outside the immediate area, Phoenicia Black Bear Campground sits near downtown Phoenicia with perfect access to various outdoor activities.
Where are the best camping sites near New Windsor, NY?
Several excellent camping options surround New Windsor. Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park offers affordable sites ($15/night for NY residents) and is particularly nice if you select a spot in the secluded W section. For those seeking riverside camping, Croton Point Park sits along the Hudson River and provides swimming, hiking, kayaking, and family activities. Military families should consider West Point FMWR Round Pond Outdoor Recreation Area, while Winding Hills Park in nearby Montgomery offers drive-in access with water and toilet facilities.
What tent camping options are available near New Windsor, NY?
Tent campers near New Windsor have several fantastic options. Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground offers clean facilities, access to Canopus Lake with swimming and boat rentals, and well-maintained tent sites. At Wawayanda State Park Campground, group site 4 provides a nice rustic experience with dirt/grass terrain, though it's off the beaten path without nearby running water or showers. For those seeking privacy and natural surroundings, Catskill/Kenneth L Wilson Campground features large, tree-surrounded sites that balance privacy with community atmosphere.
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