Mills Norrie State Park Campground sits on the eastern edge of the Hudson River valley at approximately 200 feet above sea level. The campground, located about 12 miles from Stanfordville, operates from May to October when temperatures range from 60-85°F during summer months. The surrounding area features deciduous forest with oak and maple trees that provide shade during summer camping.
What to Do
Hiking near Bash Bish Falls: At Taconic State Park, trails lead to the popular Bash Bish Falls. "The 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 Jackie G., who appreciated the swimming opportunities during low water periods.
Fishing at Interlake: Interlake RV Park & Campground offers a lake for fishing and boating opportunities. "It took me a while to identify a campground that was convenient for exploring the Hyde Park area... this campground also offers plenty to keep the whole family occupied," writes Jean C., who discovered the campground while visiting the FDR National Historic Site.
Swimming at state parks: The swimming facilities at Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground receive high marks from campers. "Late night, stargazing over the lake is a great pastime, because the water is calm and the light pollution is low," shares Seth K., who visited during October when the campground was less crowded.
What Campers Like
Large, private sites: Sites at Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds provide good separation between campers. "Amazing campground with perfectly spaced large sites. There's a few playgrounds a great pool and a lot of amenities can't wait to go back," writes Richard V. The campground's layout offers privacy while maintaining access to facilities.
Waterfront camping options: Several campgrounds offer waterfront sites that campers particularly enjoy. "We stayed in lot 109, which was perfect because going through the really faint trail through the trees you can come to a ledge overlooking the Hudson River. We took our few beers and hung out there instead of our camping spot to watch the sunset," shares Larissa C. about her October experience at Mills Norrie State Park.
Platform tent sites: Platform sites at Taconic State Park provide a more stable camping foundation. "Each of the sites had a large platform (enough room for one very large tent or 2-3 smaller tents), a fire pit, and picnic table," Christina M. explains. These platforms keep tents elevated during wet conditions and make setup easier.
What You Should Know
Seasonal crowds and timing: Weekday visits offer a quieter experience at most area campgrounds. "Deserted during the week but packed on weekends. Sites are large and spread nicely," notes Michael G. about Mills Norrie State Park, adding that "when the park clears out during the week you sleep to the sounds of nature and the occasional freight train in the distance."
Wildlife awareness needed: Macedonia Brook State Park Campground visitors should be prepared for wildlife encounters. "As we were walking back up to our tent there was a small bear within feet from us that we almost didn't see!" warns Catina C., who stayed at a campsite positioned along the water.
Rustic facilities at some parks: Not all campgrounds offer full amenities. "No bathhouse, just portable toilets and a few water pumps. And a night sky as dark as you can find in CT," says Kate about Macedonia Brook State Park, highlighting both limitations and benefits of more primitive sites.
Tips for Camping with Families
Dog friendly campgrounds near Stanfordville: Many campgrounds in the area welcome pets with some restrictions. "We took our dog with us on our camping trip in May (she loved it)," mentions Larissa C. about her experience at Mills Norrie State Park, where dogs must remain leashed on trails.
Activities for different age groups: Jellystone Park Gardiner offers numerous family activities. "This campground has a lot of activities and has kids of all ages galore. I was worried my 12 year old would be too old for it but he enjoyed making friends there," shares Stephanie H., though she notes some activities are repetitive.
Swimming options for children: Lake Taghkanic provides excellent swimming facilities for families. "Great beach, 5 minute drive from campgound. Clean facilities, with a rec room for rainy days. A camp store with all the supplies you might have forgotten," Kurt S. mentions in his review of Lake Taghkanic State Park.
Tips from RVers
Hookup options: Interlake RV Park offers full hookup sites for different needs. "It was quite priced very reasonably for full hook up and about a half hour from stunning views," notes David P., who spent three weeks at the campground while working in the area.
Site selection considerations: When booking RV sites, location within the campground matters. "Very easy to level and setup on #7. Full connections. Pay showers and laundry onsite," reports C O. about Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds, where they stayed for eight nights using the campground as a base for exploring.
Big rig access limitations: Not all pet-friendly campgrounds near Stanfordville accommodate larger RVs. North-South Lake Campground can handle big rigs but sites fill quickly. "Reserve very early for waterfront," advises Rachel G., emphasizing the importance of advance planning for prime locations.
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