Dispersed camping around Poughkeepsie, New York offers options throughout the Catskill Mountains and Hudson Valley region. The area sits at elevations ranging from 150-400 feet along the Hudson River and climbs to over 4,000 feet in the nearby Catskill high peaks. Tent sites in this region typically experience temperature variations of 10-15°F between day and night, with summer nights often cooling to the 50s even when daytime temperatures reach the 80s.
What to do
Hiking and rock scrambles: The area surrounding Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground offers numerous outdoor activities beyond just camping. One camper noted: "This is the closest campground to world renowned rock climbing in 'the gunks' and also offers many other outdoor activities including some great hikes and rock scrambles, swimming holes and waterfalls."
Swimming in mountain waters: The Peekamoose Valley area features natural swimming opportunities at the "Blue Hole" which is popular during summer months. A camper described: "The 'Blue Hole' is amazing and it's quite beautiful to stay right on the creek," though they cautioned about ticks in the area.
Winter recreation: For those interested in cold-weather camping near Poughkeepsie, Ward Pound Ridge Reservation offers year-round camping options and winter activities. A camper mentioned: "Ward Pound Ridge is very well known to the locals as a great place for sled-riding in winter (Pell Hill area)."
What campers like
Multiple camping areas: The Peekamoose Valley offers several distinct camping fields rather than a single concentrated area. As one camper explained: "This is a cute little campground between the Peekamoose Road and Rondout Creek. It's actually a set of 4 campgrounds, the lower field, the middle field, the upper field, and the trailer field."
Protected swimming: For families tent camping near Poughkeepsie who want supervised water activities, Croton Point Park provides safe swimming options. A camper mentioned: "Short 5 minute drive to nearby supermarket to pick up food or firewood...and did I say, gorgeous scenery along the river and a private beach which is opened from Wednesday to the weekend with life guards on duty!"
Campsite design: The layout and amenities of tent sites vary significantly between campgrounds. At Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground, one camper appreciated: "Big flat tent bases to set up on, a picnic table at each site, a 'comfort station' for the campsites farther from the main pavilion with bathrooms and big sinks for dish washing."
What you should know
Seasonal conditions: The operating season varies by location, with some tent camping areas near Poughkeepsie closing during winter months or having specific weather-dependent policies. One camper warned about Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground: "Please be aware that, although the website says they are open in March, they will not open if there is snow on the ground. We found out the hard way on a previous trip."
Reservation systems: Each camping area has different reservation requirements. At Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed, no reservations are needed as it's a true dispersed camping area with campers noting: "There is a small (10 car) parking lot and a trail that runs thru 80 acres of forest. Camping is allowed anywhere 150ft from the trail. Normal LNT rules apply."
Terrain considerations: Campgrounds in the region have varying physical layouts that can affect site access and setup. At Peekamoose Valley, a camper described: "I was in the lower area and had to walk pretty far with everything and make at least 6-8 trips for each load-in and out. I went and bought a wagon after the first day to carry the firewood down to our site, But the terrain was so rough it almost didn't help."
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife encounters: Parents should be aware of local wildlife activity when tent camping near Poughkeepsie. At Croton Point Park, one camper warned: "Keep your food in the dry bag and away from the tent or benches provided or face the packs of fearless raccoons at night."
Playground access: Ward Pound Ridge Reservation offers recreational facilities for children beyond just tent sites. A camper noted: "There is wide open space and the paths are well paved so kids can have fun riding the bikes or running around. There is also many trails of various difficulty levels to suit everyone, including horseback riders. The Trailside Nature Museum is also fun for the kids."
Bathroom proximity: When camping with young children, bathroom locations become particularly important. At Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, a camper observed: "The sites are much farther away from the comfort stations than most campgrounds we have been to. But there are port-a-potties very close to the sites, which is very important when you have young kids."
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: RV campers should research carefully as many campgrounds in the area prioritize tent camping over RV access. At Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground, a camper highlighted this as a positive for tent campers: "No big RVs" is listed as a pro of the campground.
Alternative options: For RVers seeking tent camping near Poughkeepsie, the Peekamoose Valley offers a dedicated area. One camper mentioned: "It's actually a set of 4 campgrounds, the lower field, the middle field, the upper field, and the trailer field. All of the sites are walk in except for the trailer field, which I didn't look at."
