Camping options around Millerton, New York range from primitive backcountry sites to developed campgrounds with modern amenities. Located at about 700 feet elevation in the Taconic Mountains, this region experiences moderate summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping season. Winter camping is limited, with most facilities closing by mid-October when temperatures typically drop below freezing.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Rudd Pond Area offers excellent largemouth bass fishing. "The sites were a little close together, but being able to fish and catching 2 decent-sized largemouth bass made everything all ok!! There is plenty of fishing access from shore and you can rent a boat for the whole day to fish on the water," notes one visitor.
Hiking to waterfalls: Multiple trail systems connect campgrounds to scenic waterfalls. At Copake Falls Area, "There are plenty of hiking trails nearby and of course, trails to Bash Bish Falls which is beautiful. It was low the first time we visited and we were able to make it to the top of the falls to go swimming and the views were incredible."
Stargazing opportunities: The dark skies in this region provide excellent night viewing. At Macedonia Brook State Park, visitors appreciate "a night sky as dark as you can find in CT." The park's valley location between mountains creates ideal conditions for viewing stars away from light pollution.
What campers like
Platform tent sites: Many campgrounds feature raised wooden platforms for tent setup. "Each of the sites had a large platform (enough room for one very large tent or 2-3 smaller tents), a fire pit, and picnic table," reports a camper at Copake Falls Area. These platforms keep tents dry during wet conditions and provide a level sleeping surface.
Swimming areas: Several campgrounds offer designated swimming spots. At Lake Taghkanic State Park, "The lake is beautiful and clean. Expect to pay $15 fee (I think) to use your paddleboards/kyacks etc. Worth every penny." The park maintains a beach area with lifeguards during peak season.
Bear boxes for food storage: Many backcountry sites provide secure food storage options. At Alander Trail Campground, "They give you a semi-flat area for a tent, a fire pit and grill rack, one picnic table, and a bear box you would be sharing with other campers nearby." These metal containers help prevent wildlife encounters while camping.
What you should know
Campsite privacy varies significantly: Some campgrounds offer more seclusion than others. At Rudd Pond Area, "Campsites are pretty close together, so if the campground is full, you are rather close to your neighbors." Conversely, at Alander Trail Campground, visitors appreciate "a super private, true primitive camping experience."
Hike-in distances for primitive sites: Backcountry camping requires physical preparation. For Alander Trail Campground, "You have to park at the entrance and hike in about 1.5-2 miles with everything on your back to get to the spots." Plan equipment accordingly for these carries.
Weekend crowding from NYC: Proximity to urban areas affects campground atmosphere. At Copake Falls Area, one camper advises to "Avoid Weekends" noting, "This was a truly great campground, but its proximity to NYC draws large crowds on weekends." Weekday visits generally provide a quieter experience.
Tips for camping with families
Playground and kiddie areas: Some campgrounds provide dedicated children's facilities. At Lone Oak Camp Sites, "There's a full bar with adult only dancing up stairs in the lounge Saturday nights, and a DJ playing dance music for the younger crowed down stairs. The pools are beautiful, great store and the activities are plenty."
Organized activities schedule: Family-oriented campgrounds often run structured programs. "Tons of kids activities going on all day," notes a visitor to Lone Oak Camp Sites, making it ideal for families seeking engagement beyond hiking and swimming.
Cabin options for easier family trips: For families new to camping, cabins provide a comfortable introduction. Lake Taghkanic State Park offers "clean cabins, cottages, beach" with one visitor noting their cottage was "great besides all the bees." These accommodations require less equipment and setup than traditional tent camping.
Tips from RVers
Site lengths and hookup details: At Housatonic Meadows State Park, RVers should note it's "a small campground and the sites on the north side are the only ones worth staying at." The campground primarily accommodates tents, with one visitor noting "we were the only trailer in the park."
Limited big rig accessibility: Most campgrounds near Millerton have size restrictions for larger RVs. Copake Falls Area has no electric hookups, with one camper explaining, "This is basic dry camping... there is no electric or water at the sites only in the bathhouse. So if you get a site close to the bathhouse you will have water close by and electricity close."
Dump station locations: Several campgrounds provide sanitary dump stations, but not all sites have sewer connections. Lake Taghkanic State Park offers both sanitary dump facilities and sites with full hookups, making it one of the best places to camp near Millerton, New York for self-contained RVs.
