Camping options near Putnam Valley, New York include both established campgrounds and primitive sites set in the forested hills of the Hudson Highlands. The region sits at elevations ranging from 400-1,200 feet, creating varied terrain with numerous small lakes and ponds. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F with moderate humidity, while fall brings cooler temperatures and colorful foliage displays from late September through October.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Rudd Pond in Taconic State Park, visitors can fish from shore or rent boats for full-day access to the water. "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," notes one visitor to Rudd Pond Area — Taconic State Park.
Hiking trails: Clarence Fahnestock State Park offers extensive trail networks suitable for day hikes. A camper at Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground reports, "There is great hiking and a lake you can get to and swim in right from the campsite. If you are in to apple picking it is a short drive and it is easy to get into town to take the train to and from NYC."
Swimming beaches: Multiple campgrounds provide swimming access during summer months, typically with lifeguarded beaches. "The beach is closed after Labor Day to the public, but open to people staying at the campsite. Clean and beautiful," explains a visitor describing the swimming area at Fahnestock State Park.
What campers like
Platform tent sites: Several parks offer elevated wooden platforms for tent setup, providing flat surfaces in otherwise hilly terrain. A camper at Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park shares, "The biggest positive about Beaver Pond is how spread out it was. You definitely feel like you have your own space and are not camping on top of your neighbor. Many of the camping options were on platforms which is especially nice if it recently rained or if you are expecting rain during your stay."
Family-friendly activities: Campgrounds often include recreational facilities beyond just camping. One reviewer at Skyway Camping Resort mentions, "Very nice and clean... Nice pool, this is a good family campground for kids. It large with nice size sites."
Wildlife viewing: Deer and other wildlife are commonly spotted around campsites. "The wildlife do roam around your campsite so be mindful of putting food and garbage away before sleeping," advises a Beaver Pond camper, who adds, "The only thing we really liked about it was it's convenient location to the city with easy access to the ferry boats."
What you should know
Varied site privacy: Site layout and spacing differs significantly between campgrounds and even within the same park. A visitor to Thousand Trails Rondout Valley notes, "This is what I want for a Catskill campground. It is not a concrete pad haven and yes, there is mud. Our site was even and easy to level on. Lots of locals and summer residents."
Seasonal closures: Most state park campgrounds operate from late April through early October, with only a few private campgrounds open year-round. "We recently had the pleasure of staying at Mountain Top and were impressed by the exceptional experience and service provided by the owners. The newly upgraded camp infrastructure elevated the stay, providing amenities for comfort and entertainment," writes a camper who visited during peak season.
Bathroom conditions: Facility quality and maintenance vary widely between parks. One camper mentions, "The bathrooms and dishwashing... UGH. So old and dirty!!!" while another reports, "The bathrooms were clean and well-kept (saw toilet bowl cleaner in the morning), no stalls ran out of toilet paper, and there was soap most of the time at the sinks."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection strategy: Research specific site numbers before booking as quality varies significantly within campgrounds. A camper at Clarence Fahnestock mentions, "This is one of my favorite campsites I have been to but only because after several visits we have finally found our favorite site. This place can book up during camping season in the Northeast so make sure to book early in advance."
Wildlife awareness: Bears are present in several parks, particularly Harriman State Park. "Welcome to Bear Mountain" grumbles the park ranger as he sits in complete darkness! He is in his ranger hut, checking in the late evening arrivals to the campground... He offers us a highlighted map to our site, wishes us a good stay, and gives us the run down on bear activity in the area."
Weekend noise levels: Some campgrounds become considerably louder on weekends. "There is a constant buzz in the air of conversation, music, laughter and shrieking toddlers. Quiet time at night is laughable as the enjoyment of being in nature rages on into the early morning," shares one visitor to Beaver Pond Campground.
Tips from RVers
Winter RV camping limitations: Services are reduced during off-season stays. A visitor to Black Bear RV Park notes, "We are returning to the south after spending a couple months of fall in New England. 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. Unfortunately at this site, the heated water pipe was broken so we had no water for the night."
Advance booking essential: For RV camping near Putnam Valley, New York, securing sites well in advance is crucial, especially for specific site preferences. "We had to come to the area kind of last minute, and they were very accommodating! The restrooms were closed for the winter, so we didn't get to use or see those," explains an RV camper.
Highway noise considerations: Some RV parks are situated close to major roads. A reviewer at Tri-State RV Park cautions, "While I did not have high expectations of the campground, I was very disappointed with how close it was to the interstate (you could actually feel the heavier trucks go by) and how close together the sites were."
