Poughkeepsie camping areas typically experience four distinct seasons, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during the day and cooler evenings around 55-65°F. The Hudson Valley region sits at elevations ranging from 0-500 feet above sea level near riverfront campgrounds, creating diverse microclimates that affect camping conditions. Most campgrounds in the area remain open from April through October, with limited winter accessibility at dispersed sites.
What to do
Hiking at Minnewaska State Park Preserve: Accessible from Sam Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground, the park offers numerous trails for all skill levels. "We came here to hike Hudson Highlands State park while we were on 5 week assignment working in NY. It was close to good hiking as well as a few wineries. Not a bad weekend! Perfect getaway from fast-paced city living," reports Jenny K.
Rock climbing in the Gunks: The Shawangunk Ridge provides world-class climbing opportunities. "Love this campground! Have been here several times and have never had a complaint. Located really close to the Gunks for climbing and also some great hikes around the area," shares Jackie B. The climbing routes range from beginner to expert levels with many under 300 feet in height.
Historical sites exploration: Within 30 minutes of Interlake RV Park & Campground, you'll find significant landmarks. "Close to FDR home and library...a must to see. Quaint towns nearby," notes one reviewer. The FDR National Historic Site is approximately 20-30 minutes away according to campers.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground offers secluded camping spots. "All sites were so different. There was a storm the night before our arrival date, all campers were evacuated and they did a fantastic job clearing all the debris and downed trees before our arrival. The camp areas were secluded if you wanted more private camping (also super unique layouts)," writes Erinn N.
Clean facilities: Many Poughkeepsie-area dog-friendly campgrounds maintain excellent bathrooms. "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. There are even dish washing sinks available with hot running water," reports Jess M. about her stay at Fahnestock.
Family activities: Jellystone Park Gardiner specializes in entertainment for children. "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.
What you should know
Crowds vary by season: Weekday visits offer a completely different experience than weekends. At Mills Norrie State Park Campground, "Outdoor lovers dream. Deserted during the week but packed on weekends. Sites are large and spread nicely. When the park clears out during the week you sleep to the sounds of nature and the occasional freight train in the distance," explains Michael G.
Train noise: Some campgrounds experience railroad sounds. "The campground was situated right across the Hudson River from a highly active nighttime freight train route, and the noise from the horns and then being awake for a few minutes as the train clattered by," mentions Rebecca Y. about her Mills Norrie experience.
Limited bathroom facilities: At some parks, bathroom facilities may be insufficient during peak times. "Very few for the number of sites and people it covers. They need to add more bathrooms," notes Elizabeth M. at Jellystone Park. Another camper observed that "people at the tent area made a comment that it took a while to get a turn at the showers."
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with organized activities: Many Poughkeepsie-area pet-friendly campgrounds offer structured programs. "This campground is great for kids. It has events just about every weekend with kid activity," says Jennifer I. about Jellystone Park. Summer months typically feature the fullest activity calendars.
Consider site location carefully: At New York City North-Newburgh KOA, site selection greatly impacts your experience. "A real mixed bag- the rv/trailer only section is really nice, wooded. Has a classic campground feel. The other tent/cabin side was loud and not private," shares Greg S. Families with young children may prefer sites closer to bathrooms and playgrounds.
Pack for variable weather: The Hudson Valley experiences significant temperature fluctuations between day and night. "We stayed in site number 1, and I found it to be just wooded enough," notes Shelly B. at Fahnestock State Park, highlighting the importance of finding sites with adequate shade during summer months when temperatures can reach the mid-80s.
Tips from RVers
Check site angles before arrival: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain. "Some have a steep descent off the road, and there's a lip on the road that can scrape bottom of campers/RVs. This happened to our neighbor and it took out his RV sewer system, which will be not only a hassle but a costly repair," warns Kathy L. about Mills Norrie.
Site size considerations: For larger rigs, space can be limited at some campgrounds. "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," advises April L. about the KOA.
Seasonal maintenance affects quality: At Thousand Trails Rondout Valley, improvements happen gradually. "There must be new management because many upgrades have been made over the past year which include all new SWE (full hookups) street lighting, and campground markings/numbering," Scott reports, indicating that facilities improve throughout the camping season.
