Lake Taghkanic State Park sits approximately 25 miles east of Round Top in New York's Catskill region. The area features elevations ranging from 500-1,200 feet with mixed hardwood forests and glacial lake formations. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing with summer averages in the mid-70s, creating distinct camping seasons with fall foliage viewing from mid-September through October.
What to do
Hiking to waterways: Taconic State Park provides access to Bash Bish Falls through connecting trails. "There are plenty of hiking trails nearby and of course, trails to Bash Bish Falls which is beautiful. It was low the first time we visited and we were able to make it to the top of the falls to go swimming and the views were incredible," notes a visitor to Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park.
Swimming options: Lake areas provide summer water recreation with varying facilities. "Taconic State Park has 2 lifeguarded swimming areas — a kiddie pool and a deep area with floating dock to jump off of," reports one camper who visited in summer. The swimming areas typically operate from late June through early September, weather permitting.
Wildlife observation: Several campgrounds support local wildlife viewing opportunities. At A Promise to Gaia/Garden of One, the property functions as a "Plant, Wildlife and Butterfly Sanctuary" with deliberate plantings to attract native pollinators. Morning hours typically offer the best butterfly viewing, with afternoons better for bird watching.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Modern bathrooms with reliable hot water rank highly among visitor preferences. "Treetopia is in a class all by itself! We really enjoyed our 3 night stay at the campground. It's obvious that the campground recently underwent major renovation," shares a camper from Treetopia Campground.
Farm experiences: Some sites offer agricultural components as part of the glamping in Round Top experience. "Quain little campground, nice pool, large activities field, some things for kids to do. Small farm right next to our site, goats, cow chickens, ducks, geese," notes a visitor to Brookside Campground.
Platform tent sites: Raised platforms help keep gear dry in wet conditions. "This was our second time coming to this campground and our second time getting dumped on by the rain, but have no fear!! The platforms kept us off the ground and were helpful in setting up appropriate tarp protection," explains a camper at Lake Taghkanic.
What you should know
Site variety differs significantly: Campgrounds offer vastly different experiences from primitive to luxury. "Big and spacious state park with many camping options. Has options for trailers, tent sites, platforms for tents and even some cabins," notes a visitor about Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground.
Seasonal considerations: Some luxury glamping near Round Top, New York closes during winter months. Most state parks operate May through October, while some private campgrounds stay open year-round with reduced services.
Reservation requirements: Busy season demands advance planning. "We paid for two weeks in advance of arriving at this site based on reviews available on Google and Dyrt," shares one camper. Most campgrounds require 24-hour minimum stays with 1-2 week maximums unless arranged for seasonal placement.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Properties with diverse recreational options work best for mixed age groups. "I went last year with my kids they loved the arcade small but it's a camp ground the playground area was nice," recalls a visitor to Brookside Campground. "During the heavy rains water flowed down the roads ways due to the clay based soil and looked like it pooled up in places near the tent areas," notes another camper, suggesting packing extra footwear for wet conditions.
Safety considerations: Parents appreciate campgrounds with security features. "They have live music and it's gated so only campers and visitors can get into the gates which is nice security wise," mentions a visitor to Nickerson Park Campground.
Educational opportunities: Some properties incorporate learning experiences. "This property is rented to others to help maintain and expand native and pollinating species of plants," explains information about A Promise to Gaia/Garden of One. Families can inquire about participation in conservation activities when booking.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: Review the campground map before selecting a site. "Groups of sites sit on level terraces stepped down toward the river. The center area of each grouping of sites had a common use area with tether ball, playgrounds, privies, or additional parking," notes a camper from Nickerson Park Campground.
Utility considerations: Water quality varies between campgrounds. "We stayed on one of their deck sites with our Class B (Winnebago). I LOVED sitting out on the deck every morning for my coffee while taking in the fall air," shares a visitor to Treetopia. Most RV sites provide 30/50 amp electrical connections, but not all include sewer hookups at individual sites.
Seasonal RV options: Some campgrounds cater to longer-term stays. "Most of the campground is filled with seasonal RVs which makes for a different experience," explains a visitor, indicating the potential for community atmosphere but possibly fewer available short-term sites during peak season.
