Camping, Dutchess County, where to go ?

best tent camping hudson valley image

Dan S

I go to college in Poughkeepsie and im looking for a good place to go for a weekend camp trip with my girlfriend. Ive scouted some of the local parks (Norrie Point and Wilcox park) but these are not real camping.... these are just crummy campsights all on top of each other so close that you can hear the furthest neighbor fart.

That isnt real camping to me, real camping when i was a kid took an hour walk in the woods, finding your own spot, and setting up tent.

Where can i find a REAL camp areas in the Dutchess County / Hudson Valley ? Hopefully soon, as fall nears camping will be less fun for us. I dont care if its a park, i just want some where we can hike into, cap for two days and not be bothered by anyone.

I was tempted to go to Fishkillridge but i dont think that is legal.

any help ?

Answer
Hi Dan,

Yeah, you pretty much mentioned everything that Dutchess County has to offer when it comes to camping. Here are some other suggestions to consider in the Hudson Valley.

In Columbia County (north of Dutchess County):
Taconic State Park http://nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/83/details.aspx
Lake Taghkanic http://nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/38/details.aspx

In Ulster County (west of Dutchess County):
Catskill Park http://www.catskillpark.com/
Woodland Valley http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/24501.html

Hope I gave you some new options to consider. Have fun!

-Suburban Dana

Where is the best camping sites in PA/NY/VA/MD.?

Cletus

Camp site should have the following requirements;

1) Secluded- don't want a camp site right next to another group of people
2) Outdoor fires should be allowed
3) Drinking should be allowed
4) Should be near water, waterfall would be optimal, lake is ok. For swimming and/or fishing.
5) Hiking/views, should be able to make long hike for cool views or long hike to camp ground.

Anything else noteworthy about recommended locations would be great. Is it near any mountains, does it have bike trails, is it haunted... you get the idea. The more details the better, personal experience is preferred.

Answer
PA - there are several near Gettysburg if you want haunted. Most are family type camp grounds, but if you call around, a couple have camping off the beaten path and not next to the rest of the camp ground. My favorite is Artillery Ridge. Granite Hill was very nice as well.

VA - Have you been to Big Meadows in the Blue Ridge Mountains? It is part of the Skyline Drive sights. There are several long trails to waterfalls and amazing overlooks. AT trail cuts through here as well. that would be the Appalachian Trail. Big Meadows has some camp sites that are not right next to the parking areas and require a little hike out to the site to pitch your tent. This campground has lots of wildlife that are very docile around humans. We woke up to a buck and doe sleeping right up against our tent. Fox were chasing chipmunks through the site as well and we had to get the ranger to set 2 dogs on a renegade bear that wanted to check our vehicles for food. Bears are smart. If they don't smell food near the tent, they will check the cars. I guess they realize that people have to eat and keep their food near enough to get to it in a pinch.

NY - Head for the Hudson Valley - never camped there myself, however spoke to people who have and there are lots of trails to hike.

My recommendation is not to go to a state or federal campground if you want to drink. They all say no alcohol allowed. Don't know anyone that actually followed that rule, but all campgrounds around here have it.

Check with the VA Blue Ridge officials about back country camping. There are permits available for the Appalachian Trail too.

Enjoy your trip to this region.

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