The Hudson Valley region surrounding Pleasant Valley experiences four distinct seasons with summer highs typically reaching 85°F and winter lows dropping below freezing. The area maintains slightly higher elevation than surrounding regions, contributing to cooler evenings even during summer months. Campsites throughout the region often fill completely on summer and fall weekends, with late spring offering more availability.
What to do
Swimming and beach access: Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground offers a spacious beach area with clear water. "The lake is beautiful and clean. Expect to pay $15 fee (I think) to use your paddleboards / kyacks etc. Worth every penny," notes camper Mellisa T. The swimming area remains open to campers after Labor Day when closed to the general public.
Fishing opportunities: Rudd Pond Area — Taconic State Park provides dedicated fishing access from both shoreline and 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," explains Rosie R.
Local attractions: Thousand Trails Rondout Valley's location serves as a central point for regional exploration. One camper shared that it's a "Great place situated in a great area with lots to do all within an hour's drive." Visitors frequently mention the proximity to small towns, hiking trails, and historic sites that can be explored as day trips while maintaining a camping base.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground receives consistent praise for maintenance standards. "The bathrooms and showers are clean and the water stayed hot until the last weekend of the season," notes Seth K. Another camper appreciates that "Showers are hot and there's great water pressure. The cleanliness of the bathrooms depends on how busy the campground is."
Platform tent sites: Multiple campgrounds offer raised tent platforms that prove useful during wet conditions. "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!" shares Rosie R. about Clarence Fahnestock.
Creek access: Thousand Trails Rondout Valley features a creek that provides both scenery and recreation. "The creek that runs by the campground is gorgeous, and my kids had fun finding Crayfish," notes Kasey M. This natural feature creates an additional recreation option beyond standard campground amenities.
What you should know
Site topography concerns: Mills Norrie State Park Campground features varied terrain that affects campsite selection. One camper warns that "I never stayed a state campsite where the sites are so close each other. If you like a 'normal' distance to your neighbors, I'd not recommend this place." The proximity of sites contrasts with the natural setting.
Train noise: Several campgrounds in the Hudson Valley region experience periodic train noise. At Mills Norrie, "It was situated right across the Hudson River from a highly active nighttime freight train route, and the noise from the horns and then being awake for a few minutes as the train clattered by" can disrupt light sleepers.
Seasonal campground conditions: Off-season camping comes with distinct limitations. Multiple campgrounds close completely between October and May, while those remaining open often have reduced services. Black Bear RV Park remains operational year-round but winter campers should note "none of their amenities/buildings were open" and "some sites might not have working water."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Look for campgrounds with updated play equipment for children. At Copake Camping Resort, families can enjoy "Outdoor pool, horseshoes, mini golf, outdated playground, Washer/dryers, game room." While the playground needs updating, the diversity of activities helps keep children entertained.
Weekend activity planning: Interlake RV Park & Campground schedules regular family-focused events during summer weekends. "It was Christmas in July while I was there, with decorations and planned activities to accompany it," notes one camper. These organized activities provide structured entertainment options beyond natural exploration.
Site selection strategy: Families should research specific site numbers before booking. "My advice would be to take the sites on the hill, nearest to the bathrooms, as all these sites seemed to be generally very well maintained," advises Kurt S. about Lake Taghkanic. Requesting sites near amenities reduces walking distance for children while maintaining better-maintained facilities.
Tips from RVers
Sewer hookup positioning: At Thousand Trails Rondout Valley, RVers should check the sewer connection gradient. One camper notes, "The sewer connection in 372 ran uphill for me, but my pipe sits very low." This infrastructure challenge can cause difficulties for RVs with low-mounted waste pipes.
Site selection considerations: Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground offers RV sites that vary significantly in accessibility. "This place can book up during camping season in the Northeast so make sure to book early in advance... check out the sites online to get one that is private," advises Asher K. Each site's access angle, length, and surrounding vegetation differ substantially.
Winter RV camping: Several Pleasant Valley RV parks accommodate winter camping with limitations. Black Bear RV Park remains open year-round but winter visitors note, "We have short driving days and we try stop after every couple hundred miles for one night at a time, just to sleep, shower and eat." Services may be restricted and water hookups might be unavailable during freezing temperatures.
