Peekskill area campgrounds sit within the Hudson Highlands region, with elevations ranging from 100 to 1,200 feet above sea level. The camping season typically runs April through October, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F. Fall camping offers prime foliage viewing in mid-October when maple and oak trees display vibrant colors across the surrounding mountains.
What to do
Fishing access nearby: At Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park, campers can enjoy fishing in the adjacent pond and nearby Lake Welch. "There must be new management because many upgrades have been made over the past year which include all new SWE (full hookups) street lighting, and campground markings/numbering," noted one visitor at Rondout Valley RV Campground, where creek fishing is popular with younger visitors. "The creek that runs by the campground is gorgeous, and my kids had fun finding Crayfish," reported another camper.
NYC day trips: RV sites near Peekskill, New York offer convenient access to Manhattan attractions. At Liberty Harbor RV Park in Jersey City, visitors can use nearby public transportation to reach the city. "The light rail is a block away, and the path train is about 8. Staff is average, as this is not meant to be high end," notes one camper. Another mentioned that "There is a ferry 100-yards away that takes you to Wall Street M-F."
Hiking opportunities: The Appalachian Trail passes through Harriman State Park, connecting to numerous day hiking trails. "Hike trails are all over the place and the lake is nearby," reported a visitor to Beaver Pond Campground. The park features trails rated from easy to challenging, with some accessible paths available for those with mobility limitations.
What campers like
Lake swimming: Several parks provide lake access with designated swimming areas. "The beach is secured with lifeguards and shower and bathroom facilities are available," notes one camper about Beaver Pond Campground. The beach at Harriman State Park's Lake Welch features sandy shores and typically opens Memorial Day through Labor Day, weather permitting.
Wildlife viewing: Multiple campgrounds offer opportunities to observe local wildlife. One visitor to Tri-State RV Park noted, "They are also located right on a river that you can easily access by foot." The campgrounds in the Harriman State Park area frequently have deer sightings, with one camper reporting, "Deer running everywhere and surprisingly beautiful and quaint."
Pet-friendly policies: Most RV campgrounds in the region welcome pets with reasonable restrictions. At Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort, visitors appreciate the designated dog areas. "This is a great place to get away and bring your family and dogs," noted one camper. The resort also features farm animals, with one visitor commenting, "The farm has goats, a donkey, and a pony within the campground."
What you should know
Seasonal availability varies: Winter camping options are limited in the area. Clarence Fahnestock Campground operates from April 15 to December 4, while Skyway Camping Resort has a shorter season from May 1 to October 14. One camper noted Skyway as "Very nice and clean. Nice pool, this is a good family campground for kids. It's large with nice size sites."
Site privacy differences: Campgrounds offer varying levels of privacy between sites. At Clarence Fahnestock State Park, "This is one of my favorite campsites I have been to but only because after several visits we have finally found our favorite site." Another camper recommended, "Check out the sites online to get one that is private."
Reservation timing matters: Many campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. For Beaver Pond Campground, one visitor observed, "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." Fall foliage season (mid-September through October) sees particularly high demand.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and activities: Several campgrounds provide dedicated children's areas. At Mountain Top RV Park, "The family-friendly atmosphere was evident through the thoughtfully designed property, including an updated pool, playground, game room, and a brand-new pickleball court that added a unique touch to the stay."
Swimming options: Multiple campgrounds maintain swimming facilities for children. At Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort, facilities include "a great swimming pool and ping pong." Another visitor noted the resort offers "plenty to occupy the kids. Playground, hayride, animals to feed (goats, chickens, donkey and pony)."
Farm animal experiences: Children particularly enjoy the animal interactions available at certain campgrounds. At Rondout Valley RV Campground, families appreciate the range of activities, with one visitor commenting, "This is a large family campground with tons of stuff to do, I was pleasantly surprised by how quiet it was."
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Many parks provide complete RV services. At Tri-State RV Park, "We have full hookups with cable and wifi," noted one RVer. Another visitor described it as "perfect for the commuting RVers just looking for somewhere safe to sleep for the night."
Big rig access: Several campgrounds accommodate larger motorhomes and fifth wheels. At Black Bear RV Park, one camper reported, "Great location and nice, full hook-up sites. Back-in and pull through sites and can accommodate large rigs." Access roads at some campgrounds may have low-hanging branches or tight turns that require careful navigation.
Utility quality: Power reliability varies between parks. Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort provides reliable service, though one camper noted, "Our site 30 is overgrown with weeds as were most of the sites although it had been mowed." RVers should confirm amperage options when booking, as not all parks offer both 30 and 50-amp service.
