The Hudson Valley region surrounding New Windsor sits at elevations ranging from 150 to 500 feet, featuring a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons. Summer temperatures typically average 70-85°F during peak camping season, while spring and fall camping experiences milder temperatures with occasional precipitation. Campgrounds in this region offer varying degrees of tree cover, with some providing shaded sites and others more open layouts.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground offers productive fishing for panfish and bass. "This park has a nice open beach on Canopus Lake with a concession area and bathhouse, which we found to be quite clean! They even have boat rentals - or you can bring your own boat to launch! If you are into fishing, there is another lake and two ponds that our neighbor campers said were great for catching panfish - one fisherman said he had caught several bass weighing over 3 pounds," notes a visitor.
Seasonal hiking: Harriman State Park's Beaver Pond Campground provides access to numerous trails including portions of the Appalachian Trail. "The camp ground is on RTE 287 just south of Newburgh. A quick 15 minute drive from Beaver Pond, is Bear Mountain State Park. Here you can find some of the Appalachian Trail, with various smaller trail heads for this historic (Revolutionary Times 1770s) part of the region including the one to Doodle Town," shares a camper who visited the area.
Swimming access: Several parks maintain swimming beaches with varying amenities. "The lake is gorgeous and there are plenty of nearby hikes for exploring," mentions one camper about Lake Taghkanic. Another visitor notes, "Short distance from the NYC, very organized, clean pond, has a playground, showers, bathroom. Your phone will have signal."
What campers like
Quiet midweek stays: Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground offers a different experience depending on when you visit. "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. Expect to purchase firewood, although scrounging for kindling was possible," reports one visitor who stayed on a Thursday night in September.
Tent platforms: Many campgrounds in the region feature raised wooden platforms that keep tents dry. "This campground was one of the best I've been to. They have both platform and dirt tent sites, all sites come equipped with fire pits," shares a camper about Lake Taghkanic. Another visitor adds, "The platforms kept us off the ground and were helpful in setting up appropriate tarp protection!"
Proximity to NYC: Campers appreciate the ability to escape the city quickly. "A stones throw from NYC this beautiful area combines Lake Welch and Harriman State Park. This camp ground is laid back away from the busy activity of the big city," notes one visitor. Another mentions, "Short distance from the NYC, very organized, clean pond."
What you should know
Bear activity: Wildlife encounters are possible in this region. "Welcome to Bear Mountain grumbles the park ranger as he sits in complete darkness! He offers us a highlighted map to our site, wishes us a good stay, and gives us the run down on bear activity in the area," reports a visitor to Beaver Pond Campground.
Off-season closures: Facilities may be limited during colder months. "The beach is closed after Labor Day to the public, but open to people staying at the campsite. Clean and beautiful. Great hikes. Bathrooms and dishwashing... UGH. So old and dirty!!!" notes a September visitor to Clarence Fahnestock.
Campsite variation: Site quality differs significantly within the same campground. "Site Selection Important. This is one of my favorite campsites I have been to but only because after several visits we have finally found our favorite site. This place can book up during camping season in the Northeast so make sure to book early in advance."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Some campgrounds offer recreation options beyond nature. "Very nice and clean. Nice pool, this is a good family campground for kids. It large with nice size sites," writes a visitor about Skyway Camping Resort near Greenfield Park, which is about 45 minutes from New Windsor.
Multi-generational trips: The region accommodates various camping styles. "My school friends decided on a camping trip since 1970's. We decided on Lake Taghkanic. The park offered many activities or just sit around the campsite drinking beers and reminiscing our youth days. We went on weekdays which is not crowded."
Recreation halls: For rainy days, some campgrounds provide indoor options. "They have a small playground that would be better suited for older children, and there's also a nice lounge room with games, a pool table, a tv and puzzles/board games," notes a visitor to Mountain Top RV Park.
Tips from RVers
Year-round options: Black Bear RV Park in Florida, NY stays open through winter. "Have stayed here several times - great location and nice, full hook-up sites. Back-in and pull through sites and can accommodate large rigs. A little expensive but everything is included," reports one RVer who frequents the park.
Off-season water access: RV campers should verify utility availability during colder months. "We are returning to the south after spending a couple months of fall in New England. Unfortunately at this site, the heated water pipe was broken so we had no water for the night," notes a winter visitor to Black Bear RV Park.
Interstate accessibility: Tri-State RV Park provides convenient access for overnight stays. "Friendly, aim to please staff. This is a point to point camp on the freeway. Easy on and off on I 84. Great place to pull in for the night if you are traveling. Safe, clean, and right on the Delaware River. Groceries and Home Depot close buy if you need to restock," shares a reviewer.
