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Best Campgrounds near Copake Falls, NY

706 Reviews

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.

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Best Camping Sites Near Copake Falls, New York (163)

    1. Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park

    20 Reviews
    Copake Falls, NY
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 329-3993

    $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."

    2. Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground

    12 Reviews
    Ancramdale, NY
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 851-3631

    $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."

    3. Copake Camping Resort

    5 Reviews
    Copake Falls, NY
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 329-2811

    $79 - $229 / night

    "We have plans to return with friends due to the proximity to home and easy access to local things to do."

    4. Lone Oak Camp Sites

    12 Reviews
    Norfolk, CT
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 422-2267

    "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"

    5. Alander Trail Camground — Mount Washington State Forest

    3 Reviews
    Mount Washington, MA
    4 miles
    Website

    "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!"

    6. North-South Lake Campground

    43 Reviews
    Palenville, NY
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 589-5058

    $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."

    7. Waubeeka Family Campground

    3 Reviews
    Copake Falls, NY
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (518) 329-4681

    "We love going here for the activites and it is close by!! Check it out...you won't be disappointed"

    8. Rudd Pond Area — Taconic State Park

    4 Reviews
    Millerton, NY
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 789-3059

    $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."

    9. Brassie Brook Shelter - Bear Mountain — Appalachian National Scenic Trail

    2 Reviews
    Taconic, CT
    7 miles
    Website

    "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."

    10. Laurel Ridge — Mount Everett State Reservation

    2 Reviews
    Taconic, MA
    6 miles

    "No matter where you start, you'll be hiking on some of the steepest parts of the Appalachian Trail in the northwestern Connecticut and southwestern Massachusetts."

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Recent Camping Photos near Copake Falls, NY

1068 Photos of 163 Copake Falls Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Copake Falls, NY

706 Reviews of 163 Copake Falls Campgrounds

  • Lorraine H.
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Aqua Vista Valley Campgrounds

    2 month stay started July

    It's ok great water views stuff for kids to do every weekend it's the seasonal campers that make it not fun at times u have some very friendly then others that are noisy judging ,parting witch parting really ain't problem until ur not watching ur kids or being loud at times I give it a 7 out of 10

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Gentiles Campground

    Nice place to stay

    Quiet CG near Waterbury CT. Close to major stores for resupply. CG has lots of friendly seasonal campers and lots of other sites. Most sites seem pretty level, but there are some steep roads in the CG. There is an airport next to CG, but it is for single engine private planes only so not a problem. Not by a major road so little traffic noise. I would stay here again.

  • M
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Aqua Vista Valley Campgrounds

    kids always have a blast!

    We went for the Halloween event, and the kids had a great day and evening! They really enjoyed trick or treating!!!

  • Nicole G.
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Tolland State Forest Campground

    Great Lakeside Campground

    This was only my second camping trip ever (and first tent camping) so grain of salt here - We had a great time at Tolland. The site was spacious and equipped with a bear box, fire ring, and picnic table. The ground at the site was large gravel which was not great in the tent, but walking around it looks like most sites are more dirt and pine needles.

    The swimming area is small but sandy, great for kids, and my daughter loved thethe campfire and nature talk given on Saturday night by park staff.

  • Mike W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Cozy Hills Campground

    First time here

    Nice facility, friendly staff. They pack us in pretty tight in some sites.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2025

    Mt. Greylock Campsite Park

    Great Little Campground in the Berkshires

    The owner of this campground really cares about her job and making sure each and every camper has a great experience. I have a very large tent but was able to fit it on my site. The site was slightly slanted but that did help with drainage when we had torrential downpours the last 24 hours we were there. There seems to be a lot of seasonal campers but they were so friendly. The bathhouse was incredibly clean. Showers were great. The pool was cold, but really nice and again very clean. I loved that they deliver firewood to your site when you purchase from them. And again, I can’t say enough about the owner. She welcomed me with open arms when I arrived and I can tell she takes a lot of pride in her job and in her campground. I do hope to return again.

  • k
    Aug. 6, 2025

    Aqua Vista Valley Campgrounds

    Aqua Vista Campground

    I have been camping at Aqua Vista for 2 seasons and have been having a great time.Each year gets better and better.They have hayrides, many activities, themed weekends. Activities going on all the time.Great place for family and kids.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 29, 2025

    Pittsfield State Forest Campground

    A lovely park and campground

    July 2025. We stayed in site #36.  It had plenty of room for our 4 person tent, kitchen tent and car.  The ground was all gravel to took some time to remove the bigger ones from under the tent.  The sites were close to each other but enough vegetation around to have a little privacy.  The bath house was great.  Four private shower rooms (2 for men, 2 for women).  They also had outdoor showers and a dish washing station.  There was also an information area.   Staff cleaned daily.  There were many hiking trails.  The loop took us to the top where there was a beautiful view.  We will be coming back.

Guide to Copake Falls

Camping near Copake Falls, New York, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: The area is known for its scenic trails. Many campers enjoy the nearby hiking options, with one reviewer mentioning, "The campground has some great hiking trails and a cozy vibe in a beautiful part of NY" at Catskill/Kenneth L Wilson Campground.
  • Swimming: Enjoy a refreshing dip in the lakes. One camper at North-South Lake Campground said, "There are two nice lakes with beaches."
  • Fishing: For those who love to fish, Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds offers fishing in two private lakes, making it a great spot for anglers.

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Mt. Greylock Campsite Park noted, "The bathrooms were clean and well-maintained."
  • Friendly staff: Many reviews highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. One camper at Schodack Island State Park Campground mentioned, "The staff and CAPs they are in the campground were very friendly."
  • Privacy between sites: Campers enjoy the spaciousness of sites. A reviewer at Catskill/Kenneth L Wilson Campground said, "While some of the spots were fairly close together, they seem more spread out than in other Catskill camping sites."

What you should know:

  • Limited cell service: Many campgrounds in the area have poor cell reception. A visitor at North-South Lake Campground mentioned, "There is NO cell service & just forget about WiFi. You are unplugged."
  • Bear activity: Campers should be cautious about food storage due to bear sightings. One camper at Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds warned, "There’s a lot of bear activity here, so constantly cleaning up your food is very important."
  • Reservations are recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A camper at October Mountain State Forest noted, "First off no same day reservations or walk ups allowed."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and organized activities. A parent at Lone Oak Camp Sites said, "The activities are fun for the kids and there’s a giant pool."
  • Choose spacious sites: Opt for campgrounds that offer larger sites for more room to play. A camper at Mt. Greylock Campsite Park mentioned, "Campground has great amenities and great feel to it."
  • Plan for noise: Some campgrounds can get busy and noisy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground noted, "The park is huge with tons of space for picnics, but the campsites are jammed into one quadrant."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure the campground can accommodate your RV size. A reviewer at Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds mentioned, "We have a large 5th wheel RV, and we were assured that it would fit. It did—technically."
  • Look for full hookups: Campgrounds with full hookups can make your stay more comfortable. A camper at Schodack Island State Park Campground appreciated the "30/50 amp electricity" available at the sites.
  • Be prepared for tight fits: Some campgrounds have narrow roads and tight turns. A visitor at Lone Oak Camp Sites said, "The roads are so narrow to squeeze in so many sites, it’s almost impossible to navigate an RV through."

Camping near Copake Falls, New York, has something for everyone, from families to seasoned RVers. Just be sure to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

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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