Tent and RV camping options surround Pine Plains, New York, situated in the rolling Hudson Valley at approximately 550 feet elevation. The region spans both New York and nearby Connecticut with several established campgrounds operating from May through October. Winter closures affect most facilities, with only a few sites maintaining year-round operations for cold weather camping enthusiasts.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Access trails directly from Taconic State Park to reach scenic spots like Bash Bish Falls. "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," shares jackie G.
Swimming in natural areas: Enjoy designated swimming areas at several campgrounds within 30 minutes of Pine Plains. Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground offers both beach and pool options. "Great beach, 5 minute drive from campgound. Clean facilities, with a rec room for rainy days," notes Kurt S.
Farm visits and wildlife watching: Several campgrounds feature small farm animals or border agricultural areas. At Brookside Campground, campers can interact with various animals. "Small farm right next to our site, goats, cow chickens, ducks, geese," describes David R., creating unique opportunities for children to observe farm animals up close.
What campers like
Platform tent sites: Elevated wooden platforms at Lake Waramaug State Park Campground provide flat, stable areas for tent setup. "This was our second time coming to this campground and our second time getting dumped on by the rain, but have no fear!! The platforms kept us off the ground and were helpful in setting up appropriate tarp protection!" explains Rosie R.
Clean bathroom facilities: Bathroom quality varies significantly between campgrounds, with some recently renovated. "The bathrooms and showers are clean and the water stayed hot until the last weekend of the season (Oct 12-14, 2018) which was when we were there," reports Seth K. about Lake Taghkanic.
Stargazing opportunities: The Hudson Valley's rural setting creates excellent night sky viewing. "Late night, stargazing over the lake is a great pastime, because the water is calm and the light pollution is low," notes Seth K. who camped at Lake Taghkanic in October when clear autumn nights enhance visibility.
What you should know
Seasonal operating schedules: Most campgrounds near Pine Plains operate from May to October. "Lake Waramaug State Park was not a long drive from NYC, maybe 2 hours. The campsite was very clean and maintained," reports george L., who recommends weekday visits to avoid crowds.
Limited cell service: Several areas experience poor connectivity, particularly in valley locations. "There is no cell service in that area. Have fun. But I'm not going back. Are you sure you want to camp here?" warns Tom J. about Lake Waramaug State Park, highlighting the importance of planning communications.
Weekend crowds: Proximity to New York City means weekend population surges at most campgrounds. "This was a truly great campground, but its proximity to NYC draws large crowds on weekends," explains John E. about Taconic State Park, suggesting midweek visits for quieter experiences.
Tips for camping with families
Activity-focused options: Jellystone Park Gardiner specializes in family programming with scheduled events. "This campground has a lot of activities and has kids of all ages galore. I was worried my 12 year old would be too old for it but he enjoyed making friends there," shares Stephanie H.
Pool alternatives: Wading areas suit different ages at various campgrounds. "Nice pool that is shallow so you can relax and let the little ones go in the water park section alone or they have a 3 ft pool also," notes Amanda S. about Jellystone Park Gardiner.
Fishing access: Multiple locations offer fishing opportunities for children. "The tent site are very richly and uneven, it was very hard to pitch a tent. When it rains theres a horrible smell across the campground," cautions Yolanda T. about Blue Mountain Campground, suggesting careful site selection for tent campers with kids.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Terrain varies significantly between campgrounds near Pine Plains. "Terrain is uneven. Hit and miss on how flat or leave sights are," explains Ray P. about Spacious Skies Woodland Hills, emphasizing the need for leveling blocks.
Hookup specifications: Electric capabilities differ by site within the same campground. "We had a back in site and was having problems with my camper, and they were able to change to a pull through at time of check in," shares Ann B. about Spacious Skies Woodland Hills.
Weekend versus weekday experiences: RV campers report dramatically different experiences based on timing. "We went on weekdays which is not crowded. Wal-Mart was 25 minutes from the campsite which make making meals lots simpler," explains george L., noting the balance between isolation and convenience.
