The best camping in Taconic State Park, NY

Stretching for 16 miles along the Taconic Mountain Range along the border with Massachusetts and Connecticut, this spread-out park features plenty of wilderness along one of the largest unfragmented forests in the northeast. Two developed areas at the northern and southern ends of the park offer an extensive hiking and biking trail system and two campgrounds with more than 140 campsites suitable for small RVs and trailers with no-hookups, tents, and 18 cabins. Enjoy swimming, paddling, and fishing in the two ponds and brook. In winter, ice fishing, ice skating, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing are also popular.

• Best for swimmers: The A-area of Copake Falls Campground is located near Ore Pit Pond, where swimming is permitted
• Best for paddlers: The Rudd Pond Campground is the closest to Rudd Pond, where non-motorized boats are permitted.
• Best for year-round access: The Greenwich Cabins in the Copake Falls area are open year-round and can sleep four to six people.

1. Plan to reserve a site as soon as you know your dates. Reservations can be made up to nine months in advance, and are required to camp.
2. If you’re planning to camp between mid-May and October, reservations can be made the same day up until 3pm.
3. Campsites may be reserved for one night only, and must be made within three days of arrival, while cabins require 7 or 14 days between the end of June to the Sunday before Labor Day.

The park is open year-round and most popular over the summer. Vehicle entrance fees are collected from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The Copake Falls Campground is open from early May to mid November, while the Rudd Pond Campground is open from late May to early September. The Ironworker and Bash Bish cabins are open from early May to mid October, and the winterized Greenwich Cabins are open year-round. The Ore Pit Pond swim area is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, when tours of the Copake Iron Works Museum are also offered on weekends.

• The popular Bash Bish Falls is located in Massachusetts as part of Bash Bish Falls State Park. Copake Falls and Rudd Pond are about 10 miles away from each other.
• Non-motorized boats are allowed at Rudd Pond and can be rented from the park. 
• A swim test is required at Ore Pit Pond for kids 12 and under, and an adult must accompany anyone 10 and under. Swimming is permitted only when lifeguards are on duty.
• Accessible facilities include several campsites, cabins, pavilions, and shelters.
• Pets are allowed at campsites and some cabins, but not in buildings, playgrounds, or beaches. Proof of rabies vaccination is required.
• Fishing and hunting require permits.