Glamping near Valhalla, New York extends beyond the better-known destinations to include hidden gems in the surrounding Hudson Valley region. This area sits along the Appalachian Mountain foothills with elevations ranging from 200 to 1,800 feet above sea level. Northern New Jersey and southern New York state parks operate on seasonal schedules, with most luxury camping options available from April through October when temperatures average 70-85°F during summer days.
What to do
Fishing and water activities: The lakes throughout Mahlon Dickerson Reservation provide excellent recreational opportunities. "Several lakes throughout these glamping destinations provide recreational opportunities from fishing to swimming, with hiking trails accessible directly from most accommodations," notes a visitor to Mahlon Dickerson Reservation. The reservation offers large, wooded campsites with amenities for comfort-focused campers.
Explore Mount Bailey: The highest point in Westchester County offers hiking opportunities directly from campgrounds. "A gorgeous piece of land that contains lakes, a lookout and Mt. Bailey, the highest point in Westchester County. A dirt road loops through the property with trails off and through it," mentions a camper at Mountain Lakes Park.
Visit nearby small towns: The region offers access to charming villages for day trips. "Beautiful but small-ish tent sites. Lots of great hiking in the area in addition to beautiful Cold Spring, NY for the small-town charm," states a visitor to West Point FMWR Round Pond Recreation Area.
What campers like
Military-exclusive amenities: For service members and veterans, certain facilities offer premium experiences. "We've been coming here for at least 13 years. We love that it's a place specifically for Vets and active Military. Everyone is amazingly respectful of each other and the caretakers take such care of the grounds," shares a reviewer at West Point FMWR Lake Frederick Outdoor Recreation Area.
Comfortable rustic cabins: Many sites offer well-maintained cabin accommodations that blend comfort with outdoor experience. "Cabins are always clean and stocked with firewood. Lots of hiking trails," reports a visitor at Camp Glen Gray, which features comfortable accommodations with firewood provided.
Proximity to NYC: Most glamping options are within easy driving distance of metropolitan areas. "Love the proximity to NYC - I always look for areas that are not too far, but not too close to NY," says a camper about Round Pond Recreation Area, noting its convenience for weekend getaways.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most upscale camping sites require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. "The campground is beautiful and the staff was wonderful! We started our camping season off right with a quick weekend stay at Round Pound," notes a visitor, highlighting the importance of early reservations.
Cell service limitations: Coverage can be spotty in the mountain terrain. "Just a note to other campers with T-Mobile, we did not have any service on the campsite, however just a hop in the car or a quick walk down the mountain for 5G service near the entrance off the main road," advises a camper at Round Pond.
Weather considerations: Fall and spring can bring significant temperature variations and precipitation. "When we were there it was right after a rain storm and everything was a bit muddy and slippery. We will definitely be planning a trip back to Mountain Lakes when the weather gets nicer though!" shares a visitor to Mountain Lakes Park.
Tips for camping with families
Organized activities: Some campgrounds offer structured programming for children. "This campground is great for kids. It has an event just about every weekend with kid activity," says a reviewer about Jellystone Park Gardiner, which specializes in family-oriented camping experiences.
Swimming options: Water features vary widely between locations. "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," recommends a family camper at Jellystone Park Gardiner.
Playground accessibility: Check if play structures are near camping areas. "We were very impressed with the playground on site! Unfortunately, due to our early start in the camping season the weather did not allow us to enjoy fishing or the beach or water hook ups," reports a family visiting Round Pond Recreation Area.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some locations have significant terrain variations. "The sites are paved and mostly level. They are wooded and large. Water and electric hookups and a dump station," explains an RVer at Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort, noting the campground's accommodations for larger vehicles.
Hookup availability: Electric and water access varies significantly between locations. "Large levelled spaces but a little muddy. Good for a quiet, relaxing weekend; not very close to attractions otherwise," mentions an RV camper about Pleasant Acres Farm.
Navigational considerations: Access roads can present challenges for larger vehicles. "When you leave you have to drive the wrong way in the campground because of the low hanging trees the correct direction," cautions an RV owner about Pleasant Acres Farm, highlighting the importance of route planning for large rigs.
