Cabin camping near Tivoli, New York offers a mix of state park and private campground options within the Hudson River Valley. Situated at elevations of 200-500 feet, this region experiences comfortable summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F, with cooler nights typically in the 55-65°F range. Campgrounds in this area frequently close between mid-October and early May due to the colder weather patterns of the Northeast.
What to do
Water activities at Lake Taghkanic: Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground offers boating, swimming, and fishing opportunities. "The lake is beautiful and clean. Expect to pay $15 fee (I think) to use your paddleboards/kyacks etc. Worth every penny," notes one camper.
Hiking near Taconic State Park: Access nearby trail networks including paths to Bash Bish Falls. "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," shared a visitor.
Stargazing experiences: Several campgrounds offer excellent night sky viewing due to minimal light pollution. As one Taconic State Park visitor mentioned, "Late night, stargazing over the lake is a great pastime, because the water is calm and the light pollution is low."
Historical exploration: The region provides access to significant historical sites. "Close to FDR home and library... a must to see. Quaint towns nearby," noted a camper at Interlake RV Park & Campground.
What campers like
Cabin variety and comfort: Many campgrounds offer different cabin styles to match preferences. "Clean cabins, cottages, beach... the lake is beautiful and clean," noted a visitor at Lake Taghkanic State Park.
Spacious campsites: Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds receives praise for its layout. "Amazing campground with perfectly spaced large sites. There's a few playgrounds, a great pool and a lot of amenities," according to a recent visitor.
Creek access at select sites: Some cabins and campsites offer direct water access. "Stayed for a night. We were over in 'Lover's Lane' so it was isolated on a separate loop. Couples only on this loop, no kids! Pricey--$60 a night. But super nice being right on the creek--we took our chairs and plopped down in the water," shared a Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds visitor.
Wildlife viewing: Many cabin areas offer opportunities to observe local fauna. "We had several species of frogs and toads wandering about in the evening, giant millipedes were plenty, and even found a newt on our hike," reported a camper at Mills Norrie State Park Campground.
What you should know
Seasonal opening times: Most cabin rentals operate seasonally. "Season: May 6 to October 15" is listed for Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground, while Mills Norrie State Park Campground operates "May to October."
Bathroom facilities vary: Quality and proximity of facilities differ between locations. "This campground was one of the best I've been to. They have both platform and dirt tent sites, all sites come equipped with fire pits. The bathrooms and showers are clean and the water stayed hot until the last weekend of the season," noted a Lake Taghkanic visitor.
Security features: Some properties offer added security measures. "Loved having gated security. My husband went on a work trip (Albany airport isn't too terribly far away) and left me alone for a few days and we left our rig to take the train (about 1 hr away in Poukeepsie) into the city for the weekend and we had no problems," mentioned a Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds visitor.
Site selection considerations: Not all sites offer the same level of privacy or terrain. "Sites are close, some are sunnier than others. I was below the bath house/rec hall, but wasn't disturbed by lights or noise," reported a visitor at Interlake RV Park.
Tips for camping with families
Activity-focused resorts: Jellystone Park Gardiner specializes in family entertainment. "Nice pool that is shallow so you can relax and let the little ones go in the water park section alone or they have a 3 ft pool also. My older kids preferred a deeper pool but they still had a great time there they have lasertag which they enjoy. And a bounce pillow," shared a parent.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. "Fantastic little campground with lots of activities for kids... Amazing campground with perfectly spaced large sites. There's a few playgrounds, a great pool and a lot of amenities," noted a Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds visitor.
Age-appropriate areas: Some parks separate areas by age group. "We were over in 'Lover's Lane' so it was isolated on a separate loop. Couples only on this loop, no kids!" mentioned a visitor at Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds.
Platform tent sites: For families new to camping, platform sites offer advantages. "The platforms kept us off the ground and were helpful in setting up appropriate tarp protection!" noted a Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground visitor.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup options: Multiple campgrounds offer complete services. "Full connections. Pay showers and laundry onsite," noted a Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds visitor about site #7.
Camp store convenience: On-site supplies eliminate trips to town. "First trip to ease my way into camping!! Plenty of space, your car is right there next to you, and the camp store has every essential you could ever need if you left anything at home or are just stopping by!!" reported a first-time Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds visitor.
Site leveling challenges: Some parks have uneven terrain. "Very easy to level and setup on #7. Full connections," shared an RVer at Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds.
Work-friendly amenities: Remote workers can stay connected at select locations. "Cell coverage was good for us to work (att & Verizon). Stayed 8 nights," mentioned a Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds visitor.
