Camping near Pawling, New York offers diverse overnight options across several state parks and private campgrounds. The region sits where the Taconic Mountains meet the Hudson Highlands, creating varied terrain with elevations ranging from 200 to 1,400 feet. Most campgrounds operate from late April through October, with early fall presenting cooler temperatures that drop into the 40s overnight.
What to do
Fishing at multiple lakes: Rudd Pond at Taconic State Park provides good largemouth bass fishing from shore or rental boats. "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 to Rudd Pond Area — Taconic State Park.
Hiking near historical sites: Several trail networks connect camping areas to historical attractions. "There's a trailhead at the end of the campground that connects to the other trails in Taconic State Park. There's a swimming beach and during non-covid times, boat rentals," reports a camper who stayed at Rudd Pond.
Stargazing opportunities: The region offers good night sky viewing conditions when away from the immediate New York metro area. A camper at Kettletown State Park Campground commented, "Plus you would see awesome stars during the nighttime! I went to there with campers for ten years."
What campers like
Platform tent sites: Several campgrounds feature raised wooden platforms that keep tents dry during wet conditions. "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," notes a reviewer who stayed at Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground in October.
Post-season swimming access: Some parks restrict beach access to registered campers after Labor Day. "The beach is closed after Labor Day to the public, but open to people staying at the campsite. Clean and beautiful. Great hikes," reports a visitor to Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground.
Shoulder season solitude: Visiting before peak summer or after Labor Day provides a quieter experience. "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," shares a September visitor to Beaver Pond Campground.
What you should know
Wildlife awareness: Local campgrounds frequently experience wildlife activity. "Wildlife do roam around your campsite so be mindful of putting food and garbage away before sleeping," advises a Beaver Pond camper.
Water conditions may change: Swimming areas occasionally close due to bacteria or algae. "I was there the week I was there there was a high bacteria count, so no swimming was allowed. Also, when swimming is allowed, there isnt a lifeguard," notes a Kettletown visitor.
Limited site privacy: Many campgrounds feature relatively open layouts. "The campsites are pretty close together, so if the campground is full, you are rather close to your neighbors. It was close to half full when we were there, and it still felt like a fairly noisy campground, even after quiet hours," reports a Rudd Pond camper.
Tips for camping with families
Dedicated children's areas: Multiple campgrounds offer family-specific amenities. "Prospect mountain is a great campground for families with younger kids. They have activities every weekend such as dances, bingo, hayrides. They also have a great pool, playground and pond for fishing," shares a visitor to Prospect Mountain Campground and RV Park.
Bathroom facility awareness: Quality and maintenance vary significantly. "The bathrooms are always kept clean and stocked and there are a ton of watering spots," notes a Kettletown camper, while others mentioned older facilities at various parks.
Reserve strategically: Weekends fill quickly during summer. "Sites are close together so recommend reserving two for more space. Well maintained and secure. Staff patrols for safety. Good place for families and large groups," advises another Kettletown visitor.
Tips from RVers
Concrete pad advantages: Some RV sites provide more stable setups. "Interlake RV Park & Campground offers 50-amp electrical service, sewer hookups, and cable television connections at sites with concrete pads that remain level for easy setup," notes a camper at Interlake RV Park & Campground.
Winter availability limited: Most rv campgrounds near Pawling, New York close seasonally. One exception is "Black Bear RV Park in Florida, NY maintains 74 full hookup sites with both back-in and pull-through options that fit large rigs" that remains open year-round.
Price considerations: RV sites with full hookups generally cost more than tent sites. "It was more expensive than places we usually stay, and none of their amenities/buildings were open (I was warned about this when I reserved, so it was not a surprise)," shares a winter visitor to Black Bear RV Park describing off-season conditions.
