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Best Campgrounds near Poughkeepsie, NY

758 Reviews

Campground options near Poughkeepsie in New York's Hudson Valley range from developed facilities to rustic dispersed sites. Mills Norrie State Park Campground along the Hudson River accommodates tent campers, RVs, and cabin users from May through October. The region includes other established campgrounds like Jellystone Park in Gardiner and Clarence Fahnestock State Park, which offer various accommodation types including glamping options and yurts approximately 15-25 miles from downtown Poughkeepsie.

Camping in the area follows seasonal patterns, with most developed campgrounds operating from April through November. Several dispersed camping areas like Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park and Hemlock Ridge MUA remain accessible year-round but provide no amenities. Permits and reservations are required at most established campgrounds, while dispersed sites typically operate on a first-come basis with standard Leave No Trace practices. Cell service varies significantly between locations, with better coverage in established campgrounds and spotty reception in remote areas. As one camper noted about Hemlock Ridge, "There are absolutely no amenities whatsoever & barely even a signal here, but it's quiet & off the beaten path."

Riverside and wooded settings distinguish many camping areas near Poughkeepsie. Campers report enjoying the scenic views and hiking opportunities, particularly at Mills Norrie State Park where trails connect directly to campsites. The proximity to the Hudson River provides a pleasant backdrop, though some visitors mention noise from trains. "Outdoor lovers dream. Deserted during the week but packed on weekends. Sites are large and spread nicely. There are great hiking trails on the Hudson River right outside your campsite," according to one review. Public lands with primitive sites attract those seeking solitude, while family-oriented campgrounds with amenities like pools, playgrounds and organized activities appeal to those wanting more structured experiences. Camping areas within multiple-use public lands offer the most seclusion but require self-sufficiency as they lack facilities.

Map showing campgrounds near Poughkeepsie, New YorkExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Poughkeepsie, New York (167)

    1. Jellystone Park Gardiner

    32 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 Campground

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

    $21 / 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

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

    $21 - $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

    14 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. Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park

    3 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."

    7. 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."

    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

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

    $46 - $60 / night

    "Close to FDR home and library...a must to see. Quaint towns nearby."

    "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 Camping Photos near Poughkeepsie, NY

1115 Photos of 167 Poughkeepsie Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Poughkeepsie, NY

758 Reviews of 167 Poughkeepsie Campgrounds

  • Sue B.
    Oct. 24, 2025

    Austin Hawes Memorial Campground — American Legion State Forest

    Great State Forest Campground

    Austin Hawes (also known as American Legion State Forest/Campground) is a great little place in a beautiful part of the State. They have cabins if you want some of the creature comforts, as well as sites suitable for tents or campers. Have camped here before in tents and a pop up, it's right on the Farmington River, so we have gone tubing down the river, swimming and fishing as well. The bathrooms have showers and flush toilets, there are hiking trails in and near the campground, and stores not too far. Sites vary in size and privacy.

  • Sue B.
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Black Rock State Park Campground

    Nah

    If you want to feel like you are camping in the middle of a lawless low income housing project, this is the place for you. We camped next to a woman with 2 pit bulls, which was surprising, given the "no dogs allowed" rule, and were surrounded by people partying despite the "no alcohol" rule. Teens congregate in the bathroom so they could charge their devices but did not appreciate you being there to use the bathroom they clearly took over, and even though it's 2025, I still prefer no boyfriends hanging out in the women's bathroom. Call me whatever. Used to camp here years ago, clearly it has gone downhill. Park Ranger? What's that?

  • Sue B.
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Ten Mile River Shelter — Appalachian National Scenic Trail

    Not a public campground!

    Ten Mile River Shelter and campsite is not a public campground. Sure, anyone can camp there, but it is designated for folks hiking the A.T., whether thru-hikers, section hikers, or whatever. While there are no rules about who can camp there, during thru-hiking season, consideration should be made for folks who rely on places like this during a long distance hike. It is at least a mile if not a mile and a half from approved parking (on the side of the road off the A.T.) to camp, either from the A.T. or a combo of the A.T. and a blue blaze trail (which is easier, imo). There are also no fires allowed on the CT A.T.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Osa Trail

    Gorgeous Views

    Had a great time here with my wife and 2 little kids and our dog.  One of the most beautiful sunrises we've ever seen!  Very secluded, though Alex is right down the driveway so didn't feel like the middle of nowhere.

  • Erin N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Tri-State RV Park

    Friendly Owners and Reasonable rates

    We just stayed the night last minute. We hit unexpected traffic on the way and the owners were kind enough to wait for us to check in. The sites aren’t anything glamorous but the hookups are great and easy to pull through. It is by the highway so it can be loud at times but I don’t mind. Beautiful river on the property. Bathroom and showers were clean and well stocked.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Sage's Revine

    Not highest recommended

    There was a bunch of signs that said no parking so we parked at the entrance to the trailhead. The area itself is beautiful but I believe it is more for tent camping versus cars, overlanding vehicles and RVs.

  • FThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Mills Norrie State Park Campground

    Great staff but back-to-back campsite

    We stayed a coupe of days in Oct. This is a beautiful site to camp out. The staffs are friendly and very attentive.
    Bathroom and water pressure was ok. But one shower location for 50 campsites. Three small showers units and three toilet.
    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.

  • Chelsea B.
    Oct. 10, 2025

    New York City North-Newburgh KOA

    Good amenities and fun experience!

    Campsites Great campsites, wooded and cozy, though a little tight for longer rigs as our neighbors found out when they ran over a wooden post backing in. But spaced apart nicely with lots of vegetation between. Nice and level. Amenities Bathrooms are older and need of some repair but let me tell you I was very happy to see a normal shower head with real hot water! So no complaints here. Laundry facilities were clean and open 24/7 with reasonable prices 2.50/2.00 washer/dryer. And the dryers actually worked. Small dog park, communal spaces, and a camp store all made the place feel like a little village. They even have a wine store- cab sav was good. WiFi I work remotely and WiFi is always an issue. We have Starlink but in a wooded campsite, connecting is an issue but luckily their WiFi was great. Had no issues and could stream just fine. Halloween! We visited mid October and folks had sites decorated and the KOA has trick or treating and other activities every weekend in Oct. we were SO bummed to be leaving on a Friday and miss the festivities because it looked really fun. Would definitely go back. Also, staff was super nice.

  • Chelsea B.
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Brookside Campground

    Not a recreational campsite

    Full disclosure, we did not stay here. PLEASE, folks that leave reviews on this app, PLEASE say whether it’s a full-timer campsite or a recreational campsite. We paid for two weeks in advance of arriving at this site based on reviews available on Google and Dyrt. However, when we arrived we were surprised that this was mostly a trailer park. Call me picky, but I really prefer not to camp in an area where folks are living full time. Just not the vibe I’m going for. We decided to leave without staying. We called to see if we could get a refund and they were very kind and it wasn’t a problem. But just be warned… this is not a recreational campsite.

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 are the best campgrounds near Poughkeepsie, NY?

Several excellent campgrounds are located within an hour's drive of Poughkeepsie. North-South Lake Campground in the Catskills is one of New York's larger public campgrounds with well-spaced sites perfect for families and a huge lake for recreation. Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground offers a clean beach area on Canopus Lake with boat rentals, fishing opportunities, and hiking trails. Both parks get busy during summer weekends, so reservations are recommended. For those seeking a quieter experience with easy access to hiking trails, Minnewaska State Park Preserve has camping options. The Hudson Valley region provides a perfect mix of natural beauty and accessibility for campers visiting the Poughkeepsie area.

Is tent camping available in Poughkeepsie, NY?

Yes, tent camping is readily available near Poughkeepsie. Sam Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground at Minnewaska State Park Preserve offers tent sites in a beautiful setting with access to hiking and the unique acidic lake that's safe for swimming. Catskill/Kenneth L Wilson Campground provides spacious tent sites surrounded by trees, offering a good balance of privacy and community. Most sites have fire rings and picnic tables. For a more rustic experience, Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park offers free hike-in tent camping. Many campgrounds in the area require reservations, especially during peak summer months and weekends, so booking ahead is advised.

Where can I rent an RV or camper in Poughkeepsie?

While there aren't dedicated RV rental facilities directly in Poughkeepsie, several options exist in the surrounding area. Treetopia Campground in the Catskills offers various rental accommodations including glamping options for those who want a camping experience without bringing their own equipment. Jellystone Park Gardiner sometimes has rental units available. Additionally, online peer-to-peer RV rental platforms like Outdoorsy and RVshare list privately-owned RVs and campers available for rent in the Hudson Valley region. For those planning to bring a rented RV to the area, Interlake RV Park & Campground near Rhinebeck offers suitable sites with hookups.

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