Tent camping options near Stormville, New York extend beyond Dutchess County into Westchester and Orange Counties, with several sites situated along the Hudson River valley at elevations between 200-1,300 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F with higher humidity levels, while spring and fall camping offers cooler temperatures with overnight lows sometimes reaching the 40s. Weather patterns can change rapidly due to the region's valley geography, requiring campers to prepare for sudden temperature shifts.
What to do
Hiking with elevation gains: Ward Pound Ridge Reservation offers over 40 miles of marked trails suitable for various skill levels. "This is a great place for camping. The shelters are great for people who want to camp and not have to worry about unplanned weather. The best part of this campsite are the endless trails in the area," notes Ethan K. from Ward Pound Ridge Reservation.
Lake activities: Visitors to the region can enjoy multiple lake recreation areas for swimming and paddling. "Mountain Lakes park is a great place to camp within driving distance from NYC. A fun option available at Mountain lakes is to rent a yurt to camp in. The area, as the name implies, is home to several lakes which can be used for various recreational purposes," shares Ethan K. from Mountain Lakes Park.
Rock climbing access: The Shawangunk Mountains provide world-class climbing opportunities. "This is a very nice modern campground with great access to amazing hiking and climbing in the area! About half the sites are walk-in and half the sites are drive-up," explains Mollie R. at Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground.
What campers like
Elevated camping platforms: Many campers appreciate raised platforms that keep tents dry. "I camped on one of the platforms, which was very nice and did not feel crowded even with other people on neighboring platforms. One highlight was having meals cooked by the stellar chef," says Ilya F. from The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center.
Lean-to options: Traditional Adirondack-style lean-tos provide shelter options throughout the region. "This site feature a fire-pit, wooded platform and picnic table," notes Ashley F. about Rustic Lean-To campsites.
Communal facilities: Many campsites feature centralized amenities. "Communal fire pit and supplied wood. Covered communal pavilion with picnic tables, big sinks for washing dishes, and lighting (which shuts off at 9:47PM)," describes Mollie R. about the Shawangunk Gateway Campground.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds in the area require advance booking, often with specific systems. "The reservation process is a bit wonky. You need to call (no online reservations) and then wait for an e-mail, but the e-mail does not tell you your assigned site; you have to wait until you check in to find out your site," explains Lee D. about Croton Point Park.
Site spacing variations: Proximity between sites varies significantly between campgrounds. "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," notes Ming R. about Ward Pound Ridge Reservation.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience noise from roads or infrastructure. "Campsites are pretty close to a road. It's not particularly busy, but the speed limit is 55 so you do get some pretty decent whooshing sounds while you're trying to sleep," warns Kelsey R. about Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Protected swimming areas: Several parks offer designated swim areas with safety features. "Clean park with a place to swim but only within buoys and when a life guard is present," describes Isabel L. from Croton Point Park.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Kids can enjoy observing local animals. "The lake is very peaceful, and home to beavers we watched from the dining hall patio," notes Ilya F. from The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center.
Playground access: Some campgrounds include play structures. "There is a model airplane air field and a decent playground for young kids," mentions Andrew A. about Croton Point Park.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most tent-focused campgrounds offer minimal RV accommodations. "This isn't a fancy campsite and has no amenities. 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," explains Cory D. from Hemlock Ridge MUA.
Tight turning radius: Larger vehicles may struggle at certain campgrounds. "No RV and campers allowed. The parking for your car is 1/4 mile away but they allow you to unload and give you a wagon to take stuff to your site," Thomas M. notes about The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center.
Pack-in requirements: Most backcountry sites require carrying gear from parking areas. "I was relieved to be in a site we had to walk to, because having the car right there combined with other tents would have been a little claustrophobic," comments Kelsey R. about the Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground.
