The Shrub Oak area sits in the lower Hudson Valley region of New York, offering campers elevation ranges of 300-1,100 feet throughout nearby parklands. Summer camping temperatures typically range from 60-85°F, while fall brings cooler temperatures and vibrant foliage displays. Terrain varies from lakeside settings to wooded ridges with several large state parks providing recreational opportunities within 30-45 minutes of Shrub Oak.
What to do
Hiking access from camp: Taconic State Park's Rudd Pond area connects to extensive trail networks. "There is also a trailhead at the end of the campground that connects to the other trails in Taconic State Park," notes a camper who visited in August 2020.
Swimming at Welch Lake: Located near Beaver Pond Campground, the beach includes lifeguard-monitored swimming during summer months. "A stones throw from NYC this beautiful area combines Lake Welch and Harriman State Park. The beach is secured with lifeguards and shower and bathroom facilities are available," reports one visitor.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple ponds offer access for anglers of all skill levels. "There is plenty of fishing access from shore and you can rent a boat for the whole day to fish on the water," mentions a visitor to Rudd Pond Area. Another reports catching "2 decent-sized largemouth bass" during their stay.
What campers like
Platform camping: Raised tent platforms at several campgrounds keep tents dry during wet weather. "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," writes a camper at Beaver Pond Campground.
Communal facilities: Convenient shared amenities make meal preparation easier. "I also particularly enjoyed the communal sink which made it very convenient and easy to wash dishes and fill up water," notes a camper at Beaver Pond. Another site offers "dish washing sinks available with hot running water."
Historical sites: The region contains Revolutionary War-era (1770s) historical areas. A visitor to Clarence Fahnestock State Park mentions nearby trails that include "Doodle Town. Long since the last resident left, the area is a ruins with markers showing where a house was, but most of the area has been taken back by nature."
What you should know
Site variation: Campsite quality and layout differ significantly across and within campgrounds. "This is one of my favorite campsites I have been to but only because after several visits we have finally found our favorite site," shares a camper at Fahnestock State Park. Another advises, "I would recommend checking your site before you get there because each site varied quite a bit from the other."
Seasonal crowds: Weekends and holidays bring significantly higher traffic. A ranger at one park noted that "during summer weekends the grounds fill up and can be quite noisy, but mid-week during the off-season it was great."
Wildlife awareness: Bears are present in the region, requiring proper food storage. "The wildlife do roam around your campsite so be mindful of putting food and garbage away before sleeping," warns a visitor to Harriman State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Many campgrounds offer specialized recreational facilities. At Thousand Trails Rondout Valley, "the creek that runs by the campground is gorgeous, and my kids had fun finding Crayfish," shares one parent. Another mentions it "offers a pool, playground, and activities that include bocce ball, shuffleboard, and horseshoes."
Timing considerations: Visiting outside peak season offers quieter experiences. "This is what I want for a Catskill campground. It is not a concrete pad haven and yes, there is mud," notes one camper, adding that weekday visits typically see fewer campers and more availability.
Proximity to attractions: Several campgrounds offer convenient access to educational or recreational sites. One parent mentions that Beaver Pond is "great location and quick to get to from NYC. 45 minute drive and location has a lot of amenities... Hike trails are all over the place and the lake is nearby."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger RVs: Campgrounds vary in their ability to accommodate larger rigs. "Sites are on the smaller size. The gem is the beautiful grounds, river, and parklike setting," notes a reviewer at Tri-State RV Park, adding "We had a FHU 30/50 amp."
Winter camping options: While most area campgrounds close seasonally, alternatives exist. "Open during the winter. Easy on, easy off. Lots of pull through sites," reports one winter RV camper. They add, "CLEAN bathrooms, showers, laundry. Perfect for an overnight stop."
Commuter considerations: RV travelers report varying experiences with infrastructure and connections. One RVer visiting Mountain Top RV Park observed, "If you're booking, it may be best to book on the upper levels because the lower area where we were did flood pretty bad a couple times when there was a lot of rain."
