Campsites near Saugerties, New York sit within the Hudson Valley region at elevations ranging from 200-400 feet along the river to 3,000+ feet in the western Catskill Mountains. Most campgrounds operate from April through October, with a 30-day frost-free growing season from mid-May through late September. Summer daytime temperatures typically range from 75-85°F with cooler nights in the mountains dropping to 50-60°F.
What to do
Hiking at Taconic State Park: The Rudd Pond Area features numerous trails connecting to the larger park system. One camper noted, "There's a trailhead at the end of the campground that connects to the other trails in Taconic State Park" and mentioned "wonderful hiking trails" throughout the area. Family-friendly options include shorter loops around the pond.
Fishing opportunities: Rudd Pond Area — Taconic State Park offers excellent fishing for largemouth bass. A reviewer shared, "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."
Swimming beaches: Lake Taghkanic State Park provides a clean swimming area that receives consistent praise. "The lake is beautiful and clean" according to one visitor, while another called it the "Best swimming experience ever." Most swimming beaches in the region have designated hours (typically 10am-6pm) and lifeguards during peak season.
Historic sites: The FDR National Historic Site sits 20-30 minutes from Interlake RV Park & Campground, providing educational opportunities. A reviewer recommended, "The FDR National Historic Site (20-30 minutes away) and the Walkway over the Hudson" as key attractions when staying in the area.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the region generally maintain high standards for bathrooms and showers. At Lake Taghkanic, campers appreciate that "Showers are hot and there's great water pressure. The cleanliness of the bathrooms depends on how busy the campground is."
Platform tent sites: North-South Lake Campground features elevated wooden platforms for tent camping, which prove valuable during wet weather. A visitor explained, "The platforms kept us off the ground and were helpful in setting up appropriate tarp protection!" These platforms are especially useful during the region's frequent summer thunderstorms.
Lake activities: Most campgrounds with lakes offer boat rentals during summer months (Memorial Day through Labor Day). North-South Lake campers noted its "beautiful lakes" and how it's "surrounded by trails," making it "perfect" for a "Hudson getaway."
Proximity to local attractions: The region offers easy access to charming towns and cultural sites. A camper at Thousand Trails Rondout Valley mentioned, "The nearby towns are adorable and offer shopping, hiking, farms, and more," highlighting the convenience of exploring the Hudson Valley while camping.
What you should know
Weather considerations: The Catskills experience significant temperature swings between day and night. A camper at Lake Taghkanic noted their visit during "the last weekend of the season (Oct 12-14)" when the campground still maintained hot water despite cooler temperatures.
Site privacy varies: Many campgrounds feature sites in close proximity. At Rudd Pond, a reviewer observed, "Campsites not private at all. Felt like I was sharing my site with strangers." Research site maps or call ahead for more secluded options.
Limited cell coverage in mountains: While the existing description mentions varied cell service, specific campgrounds have different connectivity levels. At Treetopia Campground, guests can expect better connectivity compared to more remote mountain locations.
Early booking for waterfront sites: Popular waterfront sites fill up months in advance. North-South Lake campers advise to "Reserve very early for waterfront" sites, with bookings opening 9 months ahead for New York State Parks.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds offer play areas for children. Brook N Wood provides "a cute mini golf area" and "lots of space to run around," though some note "If you have kids there is not a lot for them to do."
Beach amenities: Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground features child-friendly swimming areas with clean beaches. Visitors report, "Great beach, 5 minute drive from campground. Clean facilities, with a rec room for rainy days. A camp store with all the supplies you might have forgotten."
Recreational activities: For families seeking organized activities, consider campgrounds with scheduled events. One visitor at Interlake RV Park noted, "It took me a while to identify a campground that was convenient for exploring the Hyde Park area... but this campground also offers plenty to keep the whole family occupied. It was Christmas in July while I was there, with decorations and planned activities."
Safety considerations: Some campgrounds enforce strict pet policies to ensure child safety. At Copake Camping Resort, management monitors campground rules, though one visitor noted some inconsistency with "tents on any sites as they got rid of the designated tent area" which caused some issues with "dog to wander around freely."
Tips from RVers
Site size and access: RV sites near Saugerties, New York vary in accommodations for larger rigs. Copake Camping Resort provides sites for various RV sizes, with one camper noting their site was "shady and long" though they cautioned about management sometimes closing roads for activities, creating "confusion or tension" for larger rigs.
Hookup quality: Water pressure and electrical service vary between campgrounds. Thousand Trails Rondout Valley offers full hookup sites, though some reviewers mentioned inconsistencies, with one noting, "Sites were even and easy to level on" but cautioning the campground has "mud" during wet periods.
WiFi access: Internet connectivity is important for many RV travelers. At Treetopia Campground, one visitor with a Class B Winnebago appreciated the "deck sites" and noted the campground "recently underwent major renovation" including improved facilities that are "out of this world! Best of any campground we've ever visited!"
Seasonal timing: Most rv campgrounds near Saugerties close between mid-October and mid-November, reopening in April or May. A Copake Camping Resort visitor noted their season runs "from May 9 to October 15," which aligns with most campgrounds in the region.
