Camping sites near Poughquag, New York range from primitive wilderness experiences to family-friendly facilities with amenities. The area sits at elevations between 500-1,200 feet with hardwood forests typical of the Hudson Valley region. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F while fall camping season brings cooler 50-70°F days with chilly nights that often drop into the 40s.
What to do
**Hiking the Appalachian Trail: From Fahnestock State Park, take the 1.5 mile Pelton Pond loop trail that connects to the Appalachian Trail network. "The campsite (#040) was private, but was located next to the Nature Center and a water spigot, so it was not a super quiet place... A tree with a couple medium-size dead limbs was above the ideal place to pitch the tent," notes Jess M. about Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground.
**Swimming and beach activities: Access Canopus Lake beach from the campground at Fahnestock. "The beach is closed after Labor Day to the public, but open to people staying at the campsite. Clean and beautiful," reports Courtney D.
**Apple and pumpkin picking: Fall campers can find orchards near Newburgh KOA. "We make a habit of going during the end-of-summer/fall when you can watch the leaves change along the hiking trails, go apple and pumpkin picking near the campsites, and eat some scrumptious apple cinnamon doughnuts and drink pumpkin hot chocolate," writes Robyn S. about New York City North-Newburgh KOA.
**Boating: Multiple campgrounds offer water access. At Lake Waramaug, "The lake is great for kayaking, paddle boarding, canoes and for fishing. Bring your own gear but kayak and canoe rentals are available," says G Y. about Lake Waramaug State Park Campground.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Site selection makes a big difference in the camping experience. "This is one of my favorite campsites I have been to but only because after several visits we have finally found our favorite site... I highly recommend this place but check out the sites online to get one that is private," advises Asher K. about Fahnestock State Park.
Family-friendly activities: Many campgrounds offer scheduled events. "This campground is great for kids. It has a event just about every weekend with kid activity," notes Jennifer I. about Jellystone Park™ Gardiner.
Natural water sounds: Creekside camping spots provide ambient sounds. "We stayed there for a night and it was very quiet and very safe. Our camp spot was right above the river the flows behind this spot. You can go sit down by the water," shares Catina C. about Macedonia Brook State Park Campground.
Quiet weekday camping: For those seeking solitude, timing is key. "Weekdays - this park is FULL! Make sure to reserve at least two weeks out. Weekdays? You should be in luck! We stayed in site number 1, and I found it to be just wooded enough. Almost all of the sites offered privacy.... Even when the campground was full," reports Shelly B.
What you should know
Bathroom facilities vary widely: Cleanliness and amenities differ significantly between locations. "The 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," shares Chelsea B.
Primitive camping options: For those seeking more rugged experiences, Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park offers true backcountry camping. "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," notes Tim M.
Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for local wildlife. "Every campsite has deep drainage ditches, likely roots, and stumps as well, but not too much pine in the immediate vicinity to make a mess of your gear," warns Mo S. about Lake Waramaug.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies by location. "This camp ground is a great place to disconnect and relax. Being forced to put away the devices is heaven in my mind. You can drive about 5+ minutes out and get cell service," mentions G Y.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection for kids: Choose campsites based on proximity to amenities. "Beautiful State Park, Nice clean Beach and Lake, Bathroom and showers were clean. We had a family camping trip with lots of kids of all ages, the walk in sites are not too far off the road so it was easily manageable," advises Stacey R.
Age-appropriate activities: Different facilities cater to various age groups. "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. My older kids preferred a deeper pool but they still had a great time there they have lasertag which they enjoy. And a bounce pillow," shares Amanda S.
Off-peak camping benefits: Consider timing your visit to avoid crowds. "The camp office is only staffed until 5 pm! There is a really great (but very short .65 miles) hiking trail behind the campground and a cool big rock to climb on near the bathrooms further away from the office and a field that would be good for flying kites, model airplanes or drones behind the state park parking lot," suggests Mo S.
Tips from RVers
Site access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. "Some sites are hard to get into and others are in more of a large parking lot, but I think that is for workers for local pipeline companies. They have been working on upgrades and adding more patio sites which does improve the place," notes April L. about Newburgh KOA.
Hookup availability: Electric, water and sewer connections vary by campground. "The rv/trailer only section is really nice, wooded. Has a classic campground feel. The other tent/cabin side was loud and not private," reports Greg S.
Site size limitations: Large RVs may struggle at some locations. "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," observes Chelsea B.
