Looking for fun ways to fill your long summer days? Already hearing "I'm Bored!"? Don't miss our 'Summer Fun Days'!
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Spend some time with your family in the great outdoors at one of the many great Hudson Valley Campgrounds and State Parks.
Camping is a great way to unplug and spend quality time together before the hectic routines of school begin again. If adventuring out into the wilderness isn't quite your thing you can still bring the campsite lifestyle home. We recently posted 7 great backyard camping tips, here.
We love the new water park that opened this summer at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park! Here you can swim all day in the pool, relax by the campfire or play at the many on- site amenities including mini- golf, a playground, a mini- theater, jumping pillow, gem mining, water slides and much more!
[Read more: Local families share: How to make the most of outdoor camping]
Other great local campgrounds include:
1. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park, Gardiner
Escape the busy everyday life with a trip to Jellystone Park. One of the most family friendly in our area, they just finished installing a brand new and exciting water park for kids of all ages! You can swim all day, relax or play at the many on- site amentities. Some of my favorite include mini- golf, playground, mini theater, jumping pillow and gem mining, plus they have a lot more. A true summer vacation in our own back yards! http://www.lazyriverny.com
2. Sylvan lake Beach, Hopewell Junction
A bit of a quieter option would be Sylvan Lake in Dutchess County. Campsites are along the sandy beach of the beautiful Sylvan Lake with many onsite activities to keep the entire family entertained during your stay. Choose from boating, fishing, horseshoes, volleyball, playground, basketball hoop and more. http://www.dutchesscountycampground.com
3. Wilcox Memorial Park, Milan
A little hidden gem that (well I guess until now) not many know about! You can visit for the day or spend some time tent or RV camping too. There is plenty to do to spend your days at the park. We enjoyed the paddle boats, the lake, you can fish and the large playground provided plenty of entertainment! Plus everything is relativly close together making it easy to keep an eye on kids running in different directions. Keep in mind the lake is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays when you plan your trip! http://www.co.dutchess.ny.us/CountyGov/Departments/DPW-Parks/PPwilcox.htm
4. Rip Van Winkle, Saugerties
When I asked around a few years ago for a great local campground many suggested Rip Van Winkle. A staple in the community, many have worked there as teens and are now raising their kids spending summers here. I trecked my two littles up, not sure what to expect and was pleasantly surprised. A nice and quiet little campground in the Catskills with plenty to do. There are 9 fun zones, fish in the pond to feed, a pool to swim in, a rc track for a race and more fun for the whole family. http://www.ripvanwinklecampgrounds.com
5. Skyway Camping Resort, Greenfield Park
Another beautiful campground in the Catskills though the catch here is it is RV camping only. Though if you don’t have one of your own there are RVs on site availible to rent. At skyway camping there is no shortage of amentities. A toddler romping room, clubhouse, fitness center, dog run, game room, spa, pool, fishing and paddle boats amongst many others gives you the resort feeling with a camping experience. http://skywaycamping.com/
6. Newburgh KOA, Plattekill
If you ejoy camping, chances are you have been to a KOA. Popular through the country, they provide a safe and fun camping experience for the whole family. I particularly like the Newburgh KOA, it’s nearby and full of family fun. Not much further, the Copake KOA is another great option! http://koa.com/campgrounds/newburgh
7. Rondout Valley Campground, Accord
Tents, RV, cabins, Rondout Valley is another one that has it all. From an adult lounge to 95ft. swimming pool with cabanas it feels like you are vacationing at a top resort! A few of the other amentities include mini golf, fitness center, sports courts and fishking pond.http://thousandtrails.com
8. Brookside Campground, Catskill, NY
Family owned and operated, Brookside is a relaxing, family- friendly campground set on the edge of the beautiful Catskill Mountains. They have a tiny tots playground filled with outdoor toys, a pirate ship to play on and explore, a swimming pool, fishing and more.http://www.campingfriend.com/brooksidecampground/
9. Lake Taghkanic State Park, Ancram
A Hudson Valley favorite, families love to spend their summer days sitting by the lake here. Camping here is an excitement in its self. Lake Taghkanic has two beaches, boating, picnic area, playing fields, swimming, fishing, hiking and even a snack shack! http://nysparks.com/parks/38/details.aspx
10. Brook N Wood Family Campground, Elizaville
A true camping adventure! They offer an enourmous amount of fun for the whole family. Brook n wood offers a variety of camping sites, fun in nature such as forest and brook, swimming pool, sports courts and fields, gaming pavilion, and a full schedule of weekly themes activities!http://brooknwood.com
Share your fun by posting and tagging us on social media! Use hashtag #HVPsummer and tag @hudsonvalleyparent on Facebook or {@HVParent} on Twitter or Instagram and we may share your photos with our followers too!
Pamela is the Community Liaison at Hudson Valley Parent. She resides in Dutchess County with her husband and two boys and enjoys crossing things off their bucket list each summer.
