Best Campgrounds near Poughkeepsie, NY

Several good camping spots can be found not far from Poughkeepsie in New York's Hudson Valley. North-South Lake Campground draws many campers with its open sites and clear views of the Catskills. The campground has bathrooms with showers that work well for families with kids. About an hour away, Clarence Fahnestock State Park has both tent and RV camping, plus trails for hiking and places to fish. Many campers bring canoes or kayaks to use on the park's lake during summer. Harriman State Park works well for hikers with its many trails and different camping styles from basic to more developed areas. Spring and fall bring the most comfortable weather for camping around Poughkeepsie. Summer gets hot and sticky, while winter camping means dealing with snow and cold. Always check if campgrounds are open before you go, as many close during winter months. The Poughkeepsie area has camping that ranges from quiet forest spots to more active places with water activities.

Best Camping Sites Near Poughkeepsie, New York (163)

    1. Jellystone Park Gardiner

    31 Reviews
    Gardiner, NY
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 255-5193

    "With a new check in area, Gardiner has really stepped up. They expanded the pool area to include another pool plus splash area and water slides."

    "We got a red carpet site by the Gaga pit and near the water park (Cindy bear lane) and it was a convenient yet noisy site. Kids were at the playground 8 am or before and the noise woke us up."

    2. Clarence Fahnestock State Park — Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park

    34 Reviews
    Fishkill, NY
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 225-7207

    $17 / night

    "This park has a nice open beach on Canopus Lake with a concession area and bathhouse, which we found to be quite clean! They even have boat rentals - or you can bring your own boat to launch!"

    "When you are camping with a large group of friends and don't all have access to a car, this is the perfect spot."

    3. Mills Norrie State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    Staatsburg, NY
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 889-4646

    $17 - $102 / night

    "There are great hiking trails on the Hudson River right outside your campsite. Amenities are the great outdoors and an ancient bath house built during the New Deal in the 1930's."

    "Firewood wasn’t available at the camp, had to drive about a mile to grab some. Close to town so easy to grab needed items."

    4. New York City North-Newburgh KOA

    13 Reviews
    Plattekill, NY
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 564-2836

    "They have the best staff and they are everywhere, if you need someone they are always around and super friendly also."

    "Location- 4 stars- close to NYC but kinda just in the woods and close to homes, not much around.

    Sites- 4 stars- a real mixed bag- the rv/trailer only section is really nice, wooded."

    5. Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground

    8 Reviews
    Accord, NY
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 951-4571

    "I definitely recommend trying to get the walk-in (meaning you can't drive to them) sites (8-15) because they're just a little bit more set back and kind of wonderfully wooded all around. 8 & 9 seemed"

    "There are drive-up sites and also walk-in sites. No fire pits at individual campsites, though. Only a group fire pit."

    6. Thousand Trails Rondout Valley

    13 Reviews
    Accord, NY
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Great place situated in a great area with lots to do all within an hour's drive. Even camping during a pandemic was peaceful & fun!"

    "This is a Thousand trails campground so it was free. I think the regular price is $64. Full hookups, tents and cabins to rent. Pleanty to do in and around campground."

    7. Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park

    2 Reviews
    Verbank, NY
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 256-3000

    "Less then 10 min drive from town, but hiking in and finding a suitable place to make camp has the feeling of the wild, with the safety of having full cell service."

    8. Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Plattekill, NY
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 256-3000

    "There are absolutely no amenities whatsoever & barely even a signal here, but it’s quiet & off the beaten path. The parking lot only holds about 4-5 cars, 6 if you park real tight."

    9. Interlake RV Park & Campground

    4 Reviews
    Rhinebeck, NY
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 584-3729

    $46 - $60 / night

    "With that you get free wi-fi, a heated pool, a lake for fishing and boating, a game room and snack bar, movies, other sports, and the security of a gated entrance."

    10. Sam Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground — Minnewaska State Park Preserve

    3 Reviews
    Gardiner, NY
    14 miles
    Website

    $20 - $42 / night

    "Most acidic lake in New York but completely safe."

    "It’s got good access to Lake Minnewaska (driving), staff was nice and polite. But I thought the sites were on the smaller side and no fire is allowed."

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Recent Reviews near Poughkeepsie, NY

720 Reviews of 163 Poughkeepsie Campgrounds



Guide to Poughkeepsie

Camping near Poughkeepsie, New York, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around North-South Lake Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "This is a hiking park... Kaaterskill Falls is an exception - short, easy trail."
  • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, Little Pond - DEC is close to the Beaverkill, a renowned fly fishing stream. A camper noted, "Close to the Beaverkill and lots of great fly fishing."
  • Swimming: Check out the lakes at Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park. One visitor said, "This is also an ideal place to relax and explore."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Kenneth L Wilson Campground. A reviewer shared, "Such a clean and well-maintained campground."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campers rave about the helpful staff at Clarence Fahnestock State Park. One visitor said, "The staff FANTASTIC, and most people camping want to be out in nature."
  • Privacy: Campers enjoy the privacy at Woodland Valley Campground - DEC. A review mentioned, "Each of the campsites... has a lot of foliage around it, creating privacy."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds, like North-South Lake Campground, have little to no cell service. One camper noted, "There is NO cell service & just forget about WiFi."
  • Bear Activity: Be cautious of wildlife, especially bears. A camper at Beaver Pond Campground mentioned, "There is a lot of bear activity here, so constantly cleaning up your food is very important."
  • No Electric Hookups: Many sites, such as those at Clarence Fahnestock State Park, do not offer electric hookups. A reviewer pointed out, "No electric hookup: No."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with activities for children, like Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner. One parent said, "This place is so much fun. My whole family loved the activities."
  • Choose Weekdays: If you want a quieter experience, consider camping during the week. A visitor at Woodland Valley Campground mentioned, "It was really peaceful when we visited in the middle of the week."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring your own food and cooking supplies, as some campgrounds may not have markets nearby. A camper at Little Pond - DEC noted, "There is a dump station and recycling center."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to check the size of the sites before booking, especially at Clarence Fahnestock State Park. One reviewer advised, "Careful which site you choose."
  • Generators Allowed: Some campgrounds, like Stokes State Forest, allow generators. A camper mentioned, "Generators are allowed for 5 hours."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Since some campgrounds may not have firewood for sale, plan ahead. A visitor at Woodland Valley Campground said, "No firewood for sale."

Camping around Poughkeepsie, NY, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Poughkeepsie, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, Poughkeepsie, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 163 campgrounds and RV parks near Poughkeepsie, NY and 8 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Poughkeepsie, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Poughkeepsie, NY is Jellystone Park Gardiner with a 4.4-star rating from 31 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Poughkeepsie, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 free dispersed camping spots near Poughkeepsie, NY.

What parks are near Poughkeepsie, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Poughkeepsie, NY that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.