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Best Campgrounds near Poughkeepsie, NY

750 Reviews

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.

Map showing campgrounds near Poughkeepsie, New YorkExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Poughkeepsie, New York (166)

    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

    $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

    15 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. 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

1111 Photos of 166 Poughkeepsie Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Poughkeepsie, NY

750 Reviews of 166 Poughkeepsie Campgrounds

  • 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.

  • Chelsea B.
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Whip O Will Campsites

    Not for recreational campers

    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 arrived after leaving another campsite in the area (that was also 100% full timers) and were disappointed to find that this site was all permanent campers with crap everywhere. One site even had a funeral home sign hanging out front of an entire plywood addition to their camper…like what? Call me picky, but I don’t feel entirely comfortable camping for fun next to folks who live in the campground like this. After driving through the super narrow and rutted out roads to the site they recommend, a man came hauling a** into our site (with a beer in his hand) and was saying “hello hellooooo.” Said he was the owner of the campsite and asked if we were staying, we said we were thinking about it, just checking out the available sites (as the lady up front told us to do). TL;DR- bad vibes. Didn’t stay. Be warned this is a full time campsite with crap everywhere. The lady working the office was super nice though.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park

    Convenient pit stop

    This spot is easy to find and access, and had decent ATT service. There's only a few spots, and the road is narrow with not much turnaround room, I wouldn't recommend for trailers or RVs.

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Point Folly Campground

    Great

    I’ve been coming here for decades. Little store has what you need if you can find the shop keeper. Great access to bantam lake. You can leave you canoes/kayaks tied up in the water. Great fishing. Love it overall. The only issue I have is the pit toilets are brutal. If you are tent camping, beware!

  • Christine S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Cozy Hills Campground

    Quiet and clean

    So far it's been pretty quiet but we are here at the beginning of October on a Monday. Nice area.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Mills Norrie State Park Campground

    Average

    We stayed one night in late September without a reservation. Bathhouse is old but was adequate with hot showers. We’re from out of state and paid about $23 for a tent site which was reasonable for the facilities.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Sylvan Lake Beach Park

    Great Beach Lake for summer swimming and Boating

    This is an old campground, but is quite quaint. Reminds me of lake camping that I grew up with. Hosts are very nice and helpful. This is more of a seasonal camping site. Do not follow your GPS directions. Get directions from the campground staff.

  • Mindie C.
    Sep. 27, 2025

    West Point FMWR Round Pond Outdoor Recreation Area

    West Point

    No frills but beautiful. Bath houses are absolutely spotless. Fire pits, electric and water hook ups only. Will return! Staff is friendly and helpful. Military families should check it out!

  • Tamar W.
    Sep. 22, 2025

    The Peekamoose Valley

    Not all sites open

    Despite current info posted online and even at the Lower Field site, not all sites are open. Only the Lower Field site is open. We walked down the hill, across the bridge, and looked at a few sites in each direction. It was walk-in only and about a 5-10 minute walk to the first site. The setting was nice, close to the creek, with a stone fire ring at each. You can see the folks in the next site but there’s quite a bit of privacy. There wasn’t much wood laying around to make a fire, so plan ahead. The ports potties are in the parking lot so it’s likely that you won’t make the trek up to them. Make sure you know the rules about how far away from the water you should pee and whatnot. I believe it’s on the info sign nearby. We have a roof top tent and we were stopping in the middle of a long drive so we just waited until dark and popped it in the parking lot and then left in the morning but I don’t think you’re supposed to do that. FYI they empty the dumpsters at 4am on Monday and then do the ports potties at 7am. Yay.

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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