Tomkins Cove offers close access to Harriman State Park, featuring over 47,500 acres of wilderness with 31 lakes and approximately 200 miles of hiking trails. The region experiences four distinct seasons, with campgrounds typically operating from April through October due to the cold winters and snowfall. Water levels in area lakes tend to be highest in spring, with some swimming beaches not opening until Memorial Day weekend.
What to do
Fishing access: At Pelton Pond in Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground, anglers report good catches. "There is another lake and two ponds that our neighbor campers said were great for catching panfish - one fisherman said he had caught several bass weighing over 3 pounds," notes one visitor.
Petting farm activities: Children can enjoy farm animals at Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort. "The farm has goats, a donkey, and a pony within the campground. Very cool," says a guest. Families appreciate the interaction with animals as a unique feature not found at standard campgrounds.
Local trails: The region offers varied hiking difficulties for all ability levels. "Scenic Willride on 44-55 to Mohonk House and trails," mentions one camper at Thousand Trails Rondout Valley. Trailheads often connect to historic sites from Revolutionary times, with some paths suitable for bikers and others designated as wheelchair accessible.
What campers like
Fall foliage viewing: The changing colors create spectacular scenery throughout the region. "We loved our full hookup site minus the neighbors' weekend ragers. The creek that runs by the campground is gorgeous, and my kids had fun finding Crayfish. The nearby towns are adorable and offer shopping, hiking, farms, and more," writes a visitor to Thousand Trails Rondout Valley.
Urban transit access: Several campgrounds provide convenient routes to New York City. "This is all about location. The closest RV park to NYC. It's basically a parking lot with a dump station. Pick one of the larger end row sites to get a little extra elbow room. Two blocks away from NJ Path train into Manhattan or take the ferry to Wall Street!" mentions a camper at Liberty Harbor RV Park.
Wildlife viewing: Multiple campsites offer opportunities to observe native animals. "The wildlife do roam around your campsite so be mindful of putting food and garbage away before sleeping," advises a Beaver Pond visitor. Deer sightings are common throughout the region, with some sites reporting evening animal activity: "The best part was at dusk when the animals came out!"
What you should know
Campground noise levels: Sound conditions vary considerably between locations. "It is important to note that there is only RV and cabin rentals offered at Pleasant Acre. The grounds are up on top of a mountain and is quite beautiful and quiet," shares a guest. Meanwhile, at Tri-State RV Park, "Located just off the highway so lots of vehicle noise 24/7. Sites are on a gravel lot."
Site variability: Individual campsite quality differs significantly even within the same campground. "All sites were so different. The camp areas were secluded if you wanted more private camping (also super unique layouts) but there were plenty if you needed a quick stop over," reports a camper at Clarence Fahnestock State Park.
Winter operations: Limited options exist for cold-weather camping. "We are returning to the south after spending a couple months of fall in New England. This was our first stop and primarily chosen because it was one of the few places along our route that was open for RVs in the off season," notes a winter visitor to Tri-State RV Park.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Many campgrounds schedule organized events for children. "This is a large family campground with tons of stuff to do, I was pleasantly surprised by how quiet it was," shares a visitor to Thousand Trails Rondout Valley. Beaver Pond offers "a pool, playground, and activities that include bocce ball, shuffleboard, and horseshoes."
Swimming options: Beach areas vary in facilities and season length. "The beach is closed after Labor Day to the public, but open to people staying at the campsite. Clean and beautiful," reports a September visitor to Beaver Pond Campground. Many campgrounds with swimming facilities provide lifeguards during summer months.
Educational opportunities: Several sites offer nature learning experiences. "The creek that runs by the campground is gorgeous, and my kids had fun finding Crayfish," shares a parent. The region's Revolutionary War history creates additional learning opportunities with historic markers and preserved locations.
Tips from RVers
Transit routes: Several RV parks provide direct access to New York City transportation. "We spent 3 nights here last week. Very convenient location. My wife visited Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Easy access with our 32 foot RV pulling our Jeep," notes an RVer at Liberty Harbor.
Seasonal considerations: Off-peak camping offers different experiences. "We visited in October so leaves were falling and it was perfect weather. There were not many campground employees around. Good family fun though!" shares a visitor to Pleasant Acres. Many facilities reduce staffing during shoulder seasons while maintaining essential services.
Utility hookups: Water availability varies by campground and season. "Winter Visit for just one night, no water. Unfortunately at this site, the heated water pipe was broken so we had no water for the night," warns an off-season visitor to Tri-State RV Park. RVers should confirm which specific utilities remain operational during their planned visit dates.
