Camping near Philmont, New York sits at elevations ranging from 400 to 800 feet in the foothills of the Taconic Mountains. This transitional zone between the Hudson Valley and the Berkshires offers camping options throughout a relatively long season from May through late October. The region experiences typical Northeast climate patterns with average summer temperatures between 70-85°F during peak camping months.
What to do
Hiking trails to waterfalls: Taconic State Park connects directly to popular hiking destinations including Bash Bish Falls. "Had a couple spots right next to each other on a group trip. There are plenty of hiking trails nearby and of course, trails to Bash Bish Falls which is beautiful," notes a visitor to Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park.
Swimming in natural areas: While some parks offer lifeguarded swimming, others have natural swimming holes. October Mountain State Forest visitors appreciate the "2 lIfeguarded swimming areas — a kiddie pool and a deep area with floating dock to jump off of," according to one camper at October Mountain State Forest Campground.
Sports and group activities: Many campgrounds maintain fields for sports and organized activities. At Brookside Campground, campers note the "large activities field" and that there are "some things for kids to do," making it suitable for active families looking for organized recreation.
What campers like
Platform tent sites: The wooden platforms at several campgrounds provide a stable foundation for tent camping. "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," explains a camper about Taconic State Park.
Clean bathroom facilities: The cleanliness of facilities often rates highly in reviews. At Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground, a visitor mentioned, "Showers are hot and there's great water pressure. The cleanliness of the bathrooms depends on how busy the campground is."
Natural setting with amenities: The combination of nature and convenience draws repeat visitors. "The swimming there felt really clean and I loved the dock. Close to great hiking," reports a camper about Taconic State Park, highlighting the balance between natural features and camping comforts.
What you should know
Seasonal differences: Most campgrounds operate from May through mid-October, with some extending slightly longer. "Sites are available May 15 to Oct 10," according to information from Spacious Skies Woodland Hills, which aligns with regional camping seasons.
Reservation requirements: Advance booking is strongly recommended, especially for weekend stays. "Avoid Weekends," advises an October Mountain camper. "This was a truly great campground, but its proximity to NYC draws large crowds on weekends."
Site selection matters: Sites vary significantly in terms of privacy and terrain. At October Mountain, one reviewer notes, "What site you get makes all the difference. There are Many, I would say most, Sites that you feel very exposed and out in the open. Just plopped next to someone on the grass."
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated children's activities: Some campgrounds offer organized events for children. A visitor to Lone Oak Camp Sites shares, "Tons of kids activities going on all day," and another notes it has "Big fun for kids and adults. Two big pools, store, bar for adults with live entertainment."
Choose campgrounds with playground access: Children need play spaces during downtime. At Brookside Campground, a camper mentioned the "nice pool, large activities field, some things for kids to do," which helps keep younger campers entertained.
Consider glamping options for first-timers: For families new to camping, glamping in Philmont area provides an easier introduction. "This place is very good for easing on first timers and there were quite a few children so those who are parents should consider this a great place to get kids involved in the outdoors," suggests a visitor to Taconic State Park.
Tips from RVers
Check electric service specifications: Different sites offer different electric hookups. At Waubeeka Family Campground, campers can access "electric hookups" and "fifty-amp hookups," but specific sites may vary in their offerings.
Verify site dimensions before booking: RV sites vary in size and accessibility. A visitor to Spacious Skies Woodland Hills noted it was "Good family spot" but cautioned that the "terrain is uneven. Hit and miss on how flat or level sites are."
Look for campgrounds with dump stations: While some sites offer full hookups, others provide only dump stations. Lone Oak campers mention that the campground has "sanitary dump" facilities, which is essential information for RVers planning longer stays in the Philmont region.
