Taconic State Park at Copake Falls forms the centerpiece of camping options in this scenic region of eastern New York. Several campgrounds within a 20-mile radius offer accommodations ranging from tent platforms to full-hookup RV sites and cabin rentals. The Copake Falls Area at Taconic State Park features tent platforms, while nearby Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground and Copake Camping Resort provide more developed camping experiences. For visitors seeking a more rustic experience, primitive tent camping can be found at nearby Alander Trail Campground in Mount Washington State Forest or along the Appalachian Trail at Brassie Brook Shelter.
Most campgrounds in the Copake Falls area operate seasonally from May through October, with some extending into November. "Taconic area is a nice location with campgrounds that are clean and well maintained with a lot of amenities," notes one camper, though they observed sites can be "incredibly crowded" on weekends. Road access varies considerably, with established campgrounds like Copake Camping Resort and Waubeeka Family Campground offering drive-in accessibility for large RVs, while trail shelters and backcountry sites require hiking access. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer months, particularly for weekend stays when proximity to New York City brings increased visitation. Most campgrounds enforce quiet hours and have specific regulations regarding pets, with many requiring proof of rabies vaccination.
Water features attract many visitors to the region's campgrounds. The swimming areas at Taconic State Park receive positive reviews, with one camper noting, "The swimming there felt really clean and I loved the dock." Hiking opportunities abound, with trails connecting to notable features like Bash Bish Falls. Site privacy varies significantly across campgrounds, with some reviews indicating that sites at Taconic State Park's Copake Falls Area can be "close together not providing much privacy," while others mentioned finding more secluded spots toward the back of the campground. Family-friendly amenities are common, including playgrounds, recreational fields, and organized activities at some of the private campgrounds. Several campgrounds offer full bathroom facilities with hot showers, though water quality can vary, with some campers recommending bringing drinking water.
$17 - $175 / night
"I'm use to the rough and tough it of backpacking the AT Trail so this place had quite a few amenities I am not use to! Haha."
"It wasn't too busy when we went- we got there on a Friday night around 6pm and were able to get a spot. There are also some fun activities within the campground, and things nearby."
$17 - $195 / night
"The campground has a lake with boat rentals. Late night, stargazing over the lake is a great pastime, because the water is calm and the light pollution is low."
"We decided on Lake Taghkanic. Lake Taghkanic State Park was not a long drive from NYC, maybe 2 hours. The campsite was very clean and maintained."
$79 - $229 / night
"We have plans to return with friends due to the proximity to home and easy access to local things to do."
"We could have fit 3 campers in it and were a good distance from the neighboring sites (there are some places that you are packed in like sardines, not this one)."
"well worth a visit and close to berkshires"
"You have to park at the entrance and hike in about 1.5-2 miles with everything on your back to get to the spots."
"Each spot is easy to find off the trail. They also have bear boxes at each site!"
$22 - $44 / night
"Our first campground was in New York Aug 8th. Unfortunately, Debbie was socking New York hard. North South Lake Campground in the Catskills was our camping home."
"Had a great time at this campground- surrounded by many returning campers which gave the whole experience a good community vibe. Ice cream truck comes around each evening in the summer."
"We love going here for the activites and it is close by!! Check it out...you won't be disappointed"
$17 - $20 / night
"This is a really interesting campground that's situated on a hill overlooking Rudd Pond in Taconic State Park. "
"Wonderful hiking trails. Pond for fishing & swimming. Kiddie pond, children’s playground, Deli across the street is poorly managed but OK for a sandwich. Beautiful surrounding countryside."
"Between Sage's Ravine and Jug End Road there are five backcountry campsites on the Appalachian Trail."
"We started our hike at the under-mountain trailhead, located right off route 41, and climbed up the mountain. Be prepared for steep inclines, and lots of rocks."
"There's also a bear box near by. Room to camp your tent on the ground too if you wanted to or had more ppl along."
TravelerAll around good spot to camp the staff was all really nice the bathrooms were clean my one complaint was how bad the bugs were! Which is no fault to the park! Had a great time will probably go again!
GuideBeautiful large site. Can walk the trail down to the river. Beware of bears. Bathhouse was shut down for renovation but there was porta potties. Can hear road noise but wasn't bad. This and site 3 is one of the best sites.
RangerBetween Sage's Ravine and Jug End Road there are five backcountry campsites on the Appalachian Trail. Sage's Ravine Laurel Ridge Race Brook Falls (with a shelter) The Hemlocks (with a shelter) Glen Brook (with a shelter) After descending Mt. Everett, you descend to Guilder Pond State Park. It is a day use park with trash cans and in season it also has a porta potty and a few picnic tables. No camping besides those already mentioned, which are all A.T. campsites. Jug End Road allows overnight parking (often used by folks hiking the A.T.) but I wouldn't classify that as dispersed camping unless you just need a place to pull over and sleep for a night. Each site mentioned, with the exception of Race Brook, is no more than .2 off the A.T.
ScoutLean-to is just off the Mink Hollow trail near the Devil's Path there is an outhouse near lean-to. A reliable piped spring is a quarter mile away.
ScoutLean-to is right on the overlook trail so a lot of hikers passing by.
GuideDid an overnight camp out with a buddy here. All in all not bad. Very busy, not a place if you want solitude.
GuideCool spot next to a pond. There are a few others that aren’t next to a pond, and therefore not as cool… but still pretty cool bc it’s free and you can walk up a little to a pond.
ScoutI don’t normally write reviews especially a negative one. We had a very upsetting experience at North-South Lake. We drove over two hours to visit my husband’s childhood campground for the first time with our three kids(ages 5, 7, and 9). When we arrived at the entrance, we were asked if it was a day visit, and we said yes, we were only staying for the day. We paid the fee, received a map, and drove in. My husband was so excited to finally share this place and create memories with our children. Looking for a place to park, we thought we were lucky to find an empty campsite in one of the loops where he used to camp as a child.
We parked the car hoping to enjoy the view of the lake, take a walk, and maybe make the kids a couple of s’mores before heading home.
At around 2:15–2:30 p.m., the “SUPERVISOR” in the white Kia approached us in an extremely rude and nasty manner, speaking as if we were committing a serious crime and comparing our situation to“sleeping in someone else’s hotel room.” She asked us if we had a reservation; we said no. She said,“Someone else reserved this spot.” We were very apologetic, embarrassed, and immediately put our stuff in the car. I said they could have told us; we would have moved right away. I’m sorry.
She said,“They aren’t supposed to talk to you; that’s why they send me here.” She told us we had ten minutes to leave, waited there while we put our chair, blanket, and s’more cookies in the car, and refused our 9-year-old daughter access to the bathroom while we packed up our three things, and even followed us out of the loop to make sure we didn’t park elsewhere. My daughter came to us crying because the lady told her she couldn’t use the bathroom and had to get in the car. Well, she had an accident in the car right as we were pulling out.
We were mortified and apologetic. My husband even offered to leave the firewood we had just purchased for the next campers, but she was dismissive and harsh about that as well.
The following day, I called and asked to speak with a manager to explain how we were treated. The manager was just as unfriendly and miserable sounding as the supervisor. I was told they had been looking for us“for hours” and that it’s“common sense” not to park in a campsite. She actually said it’s considered trespassing. So, a friendly warning for first-time visitors: Apparently, if you don’t know that“day use” doesn’t mean“park in any empty campsite,” just for the day, you’re officially a trespassing criminal, at least according to the manager.
Reading the website now, I see that check-in for people with reservations is at 2 p.m., which was the time we were trying to make a small fire, so unless someone left their site and returned, it’s unclear how they could have been looking for us“for hours.” We were right there at 2pm.
The website also states: Day Use• Anyone who is not camping is a day-user. Day-use hours are from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Day-users are not allowed between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m.
We were not camping but didn’t realize we couldn’t park in an empty campsite. I think“common sense” would be to inform DAY USE visitors at the ENTRANCE to use public parking, especially for families or first-time visitors who may not be camping experts. Bottom line: this was my husband’s childhood family spot. We just wanted to take a beautiful fall drive and have a special day with our kids.
We understand now that we needed to reserve the parking spot ahead of time, and it was an honest misunderstanding. I would have even offered to pay for the campers’ stay for their trouble. What we wish for is that the staff had approached us respectfully and explained the situation instead of treating us like criminals. Imagine being such a miserable person and working in such a BEAUTIFUL and peaceful place for families.
This was meant to be a special family day, honoring memories of my father-in-law and creating new ones with our children. Instead, it became stressful and humiliating. Sadly, this is what our children will remember about the day and about North South Lake
ScoutThis campground is just mowed spots on a hillside in Kerhonkson. There are no facilities aside from some port-o-sans that the owners didn't recommend using. But the location is great for accessing the Shawamhunks. Given the lack of affordable RV campgrounds (and even the few expensive ones) in the area, this stands out.
Camping near Copake Falls, New York offers multiple options for tent platforms, cabin rentals, and RV hookups within 20 miles of Taconic State Park. The region sits in the Taconic Mountain Range with elevations reaching 2,000 feet at nearby peaks. Campgrounds typically operate from May through October, with prime sites filling quickly during summer weekends due to the area's proximity to New York City.
Hiking trails with waterfall views: The Copake Falls area connects to extensive trail systems including paths to Bash Bish Falls. "This was one of my favorite all time hiking/camping experiences. My friends and I were doing this as an overnight hike. We actually started this hike in by Race Brook Falls area," notes a reviewer at Laurel Ridge.
Swimming in managed facilities: Several campgrounds feature designated swimming areas. Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground offers a "Great beach, 5 minute drive from campground. Clean facilities, with a rec room for rainy days," according to one camper.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple ponds and lakes in the area support fishing. At Rudd Pond Area — Taconic State Park, a camper reports, "being able to fish and catching 2 decent-sized largemouth bass made everything all ok!! There is plenty of fishing access from shore and you can rent a boat for the whole day to fish on the water."
Tent platforms: Elevated camping surfaces are popular at several parks. At Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park, a visitor explained, "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."
Weekend activities: Organized events appeal to social campers. One visitor at Copake Camping Resort noted, "They have live music and it's gated so only campers and visitors can get into the gates which is nice security wise."
Star viewing: The limited light pollution makes the area good for night sky observation. A camper at Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground shares, "Late night, stargazing over the lake is a great pastime, because the water is calm and the light pollution is low."
Reservation timing: Due to popularity, securing spots requires advance planning. A camper at Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park advises, "This was a truly great campground, but its proximity to NYC draws large crowds on weekends."
Pet requirements: Animals are allowed at most sites but with restrictions. "If you are traveling with a dog, be sure to bring proof of rabies— they ask," warns a visitor.
Primitive options: For those seeking less developed camping, Alander Trail Campground offers a more remote experience. "You have to park at the entrance and hike in about 1.5-2 miles with everything on your back to get to the spots. Once you get there, theres quite a few sites to choose from and each offer quite a bit or privacy."
Weather preparedness: The mountainous terrain can experience rapid temperature changes. A backpacker at Laurel Ridge reported, "We used it [fire pit] at night because it was pretty cold in the 50s and down to 40s late at night (this was OCT)."
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer recreational facilities for children. Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground features a "nice playground but packed" according to recent visitors.
Safety features: Certain campgrounds prioritize security measures. "This park had a nice pool and used to be a KOA now it is privately owned but I believe it is still just as nice. They have live music and it's gated so only campers and visitors can get into the gates which is nice security wise," notes a visitor.
Beginner-friendly sites: First-time campers find certain areas more accommodating. A reviewer at Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park shared, "This place is very good for easing on first timers and there were quite a few children so those who are parents should consider this a great place to get kids involved in the outdoors."
Hookup availability: Different campgrounds offer varying levels of services. At Lone Oak Camp Sites, a visitor noted, "There are many ways to camp at Lone Oaks. Tenting to a RV, very family friendly."
Reservation requirements: Several campgrounds have specific policies for larger vehicles. "Lone Oak has a variety of sites to choose from. It has a large field for seasonal and large RV's to small wooded sites for tents," explains one camper.
Site selection strategies: Positioning affects comfort at many campgrounds. A visitor to Waubeeka Family Campground cautioned, "Our site was more like camping in a Walmart parking lot with hookups. Golf carts everywhere."
Frequently Asked Questions
What recreation activities can I enjoy while camping at Copake Falls?
Copake Falls offers abundant recreation activities for campers of all interests. The area features excellent hiking trails that connect to the Appalachian Trail and Taconic Crest Trail. Water enthusiasts can enjoy swimming, fishing, and boating in nearby lakes. North-South Lake Campground in the Catskills offers a large lake perfect for swimming and fishing, while Phoenicia Black Bear Campground provides creek access for water activities. The region is also popular for mountain biking, wildlife viewing, photography, and picnicking. During winter months, visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on designated trails. The area's stunning natural beauty makes it ideal for nature appreciation year-round.
Can I rent cabins at Copake Falls in New York?
Yes, cabins are available for rent at Copake Falls in New York. The cabins offer a comfortable alternative to tent camping with basic amenities including beds, electricity, and heat during colder months. For those seeking unique cabin experiences in the region, Treetopia Campground in the Catskills offers distinctive glamping accommodations including yurts and custom cabins. Similarly, Spacious Skies Woodland Hills provides cabin rentals with various comfort levels. Cabin reservations at Copake Falls are recommended well in advance, especially during peak season (summer through early fall), as they tend to book quickly. Rates vary by season and cabin size, with weekend minimums often required during busy periods.
Is Copake Falls part of Taconic State Park?
Yes, Copake Falls is part of Taconic State Park in New York. The park extends along the Taconic Mountain Range and is divided into two main sections: the Copake Falls Area and the Rudd Pond Area. Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park serves as the larger section and main entrance to the park. It features numerous hiking trails, including access to the famous Bash Bish Falls (though the falls themselves are in Massachusetts). The park's positioning makes it a convenient base for exploring the tri-state region where New York, Massachusetts, and Connecticut meet. Similar to Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds, it offers recreational activities while preserving the natural environment of the area.
What amenities are available at Copake Falls campground?
Copake Falls campground provides essential amenities for a comfortable outdoor experience. The campground features clean restrooms with flush toilets, hot showers, and drinking water stations. Campsites include fire rings and picnic tables. Similar to Catskill/Kenneth L Wilson Campground, you'll find a good mix of privacy and community with sites spaced among trees. The campground offers firewood for purchase and trash/recycling facilities. Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground has comparable amenities with access to clean facilities and organized campsites. While not luxurious, the amenities provide everything needed for a traditional camping experience, with convenience stores nearby for additional supplies.
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