Taconic State Park – Copake Falls, New York

Length of stay: 7 Days

Month: June

Taconic State Park – Copake Falls, New York – Camping & Campground Review

Located in Southeastern Columbia County in the small community of Copake Falls, New York, the Copake Falls section of Taconic State Park is a large, heavily wooded campground situated along the Taconic Mountain Range near the New York–Massachusetts–Connecticut border.

The park itself encompasses more than 5,000 acres and stretches along approximately 11 miles of the New York border with Massachusetts and Connecticut. The Copake Falls camping area is considerably larger than many of New York's smaller state park campgrounds, offering a combination of traditional ground campsites, tent platforms, RV/trailer sites, cabins and cottages.

What makes this campground particularly appealing to me is that it doesn't feel like a campground where you simply arrive, set up camp, and stay put. Copake Falls is really more of a base camp for exploring the surrounding Taconic Mountains, Harlem Valley, historic sites, waterfalls, trails and small communities.

For campers who enjoy hiking, fishing, photography, biking, exploring, or simply getting away into the woods, there is a lot to work with here.

And for the Xcursion Offroad crowd, that's really the point.

You come here to get outside.

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Campsites, Layout & Privacy

Copake Falls has a large campground with more than 80 individual campsites, divided between Loop A and Loop B. The sites include traditional ground campsites, tent-platform sites and sites intended for RVs and camping trailers. New York State currently identifies approximately 30 sites capable of accommodating trailers up to about 26 feet, although individual site equipment lengths should always be checked before reserving.

The campground is considerably different from a commercial RV park.

There are no electrical or full hookups at the trailer sites, so RV campers should arrive prepared to camp without shore power. The campground does provide a dump station and water fill-up station, which makes things considerably easier for self-contained RV and trailer campers.

Most campsites have a relatively traditional state-park layout, with the individual sites set among the trees rather than arranged in the wide-open, parking-lot style that you find at some commercial campgrounds.

Every campsite includes a picnic table and fireplace/fire ring with a cooking grate, and campsites have a maximum occupancy of six people, including children.

Ground Sites

The ground sites are the traditional camping option and are probably what most people picture when they think about camping at Taconic State Park.

Depending on the site, you'll find a mixture of natural forest floor, soil, grass, roots and more open areas. As with most wooded state park campgrounds, site-to-site conditions can vary considerably, so I would recommend looking closely at the individual site information and campground map before making a reservation.

Some sites are better suited to tents, while others have longer driveways and are designed around RV or trailer camping.

If you're looking for a "pull in, level the trailer and stay for the weekend" experience, pay attention to the individual site dimensions and driveway configuration rather than simply assuming that every site will accommodate the same equipment.

Tent Platform Sites

One of the more interesting camping options at Copake Falls is the tent platform.

New York State lists platform sites in both Loop A and Loop B. The platforms accommodate free-standing tents up to approximately 14 feet by 16 feet.

These can be a very nice option for campers who like tent camping but don't particularly enjoy sleeping directly on the ground.

And having spent enough nights camping in the Northeast, I'll say this:

Getting your tent off the ground when it has been raining for two days is not a bad thing.

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RV & Trailer Camping

There are approximately 30 sites capable of accommodating camping trailers up to 26 feet, but these are dry camping sites with no electrical hookups.

That is probably the single most important thing RV campers need to understand before making a reservation.

If you need 30- or 50-amp electrical service at your campsite, this isn't the campground for you.

If you're comfortable dry camping, however, Copake Falls makes considerably more sense.

There is a dump station and water fill-up station within the park, and restroom and shower facilities are located throughout the camping areas.

I would also recommend looking carefully at the individual site information when choosing an RV site. The campground is large enough that site size, driveway configuration, proximity to facilities and surrounding vegetation can make one site considerably more attractive to you than another.

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Bathhouses & Accessibility

One of the better features of Copake Falls is that restroom and shower facilities are located throughout the camping areas, rather than requiring campers to make a long trek from one end of the campground to the other.

New York State lists hot showers, restrooms and accessible showers among the campground's amenities.

For a campground this size, that matters.

Nobody wants to discover at 10:30 at night that the bathroom is a half-mile walk through the woods.

ADA Accessibility

Copake Falls does provide specific accessible camping options.

The A1 and A2 campsites are identified as accessible campsites and are located nearest to the comfort station. A1 is a ground campsite with an accessible picnic table and fire ring, while A2 is a tent-platform site with ramp access. Both have accessible routes and firm, stable surfaces around the primary camping features.

New York State also lists accessible showers and an accessible pavilion at the Copake Falls area. Some of the Greenwich cabins are wheelchair accessible and provide additional accessibility-oriented amenities.

As always, campers with specific accessibility requirements should verify the individual site and facility conditions directly with the park before making a reservation.

"Accessible" can mean very different things depending on whether you're talking about a campsite, restroom, shower, trail, swimming area or cabin.

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Cabins & Cottages

Copake Falls is also considerably more than a tent and RV campground.

The park has three cabin areas: Bash Bish, Ironworkers and Greenwich. The accommodations vary from basic cabins to more home-like cottages, with units accommodating approximately four to six people depending on the specific unit.

The cabins are a particularly good option for someone who likes the idea of camping but isn't quite ready to sleep on a piece of nylon stretched over the ground.

New York State describes the cabins as having electricity, lights, hot and cold running water, a kitchen with refrigerator and stove, a dining area, picnic table and outdoor fire ring with grill.

The Ironworkers cabins have private showers and flush toilets, while guests staying in the Bash Bish cabins use a centrally located shower facility with flush toilets. Some Greenwich units are wheelchair accessible and have additional amenities such as showers, microwaves, sofas, dishwashers and cable hookups.

There are also full-service Greenwich units that provide additional household amenities.

This is a nice feature because it gives Copake Falls a much broader appeal than a campground designed strictly around tent and RV camping.

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Campground Store & Nearby Supplies

This is one area where Copake Falls has a major advantage over some remote state park campgrounds.

There is not a traditional large campground store inside the campground, so I would still recommend arriving with the majority of your groceries and camping supplies.

However, you don't have to drive miles into civilization because there are useful local businesses very close to the park.

One of the best-known options is Depot Deli in Copake Falls, located at 64 Miles Road near Route 344. It operates as a combination deli, grocery/general store and local supply stop, offering sandwiches, salads, groceries, camp supplies, baked goods and ice cream.

For a camper, that's exactly the kind of business you want nearby.

Forgot something?

Need breakfast?

Ran out of milk?

Want something sweet?

Need some basic camping supplies?

Depot Deli is the kind of local business that can save you a trip into a larger town.

For a more substantial grocery run, Copake has additional stores and food options, including Copake General Store and other local businesses.

My recommendation is still the same as it is with almost any state park campground:

Do your major shopping before you arrive.

Use the local businesses to supplement what you brought with you.

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Food & Restaurants Nearby

You don't have to cook every meal at the campsite.

Copake Falls and nearby Copake have several dining options, including Taconic Wayside Inn, Depot Deli, Copake General Store, Church Street Deli & Pizzeria, and Dad's Copake Diner.

The nice thing about this area is that you're dealing with small, local businesses rather than a strip of chain restaurants.

That's a big part of the character of the region.

And after spending the day hiking, biking, fishing or exploring the mountains, sometimes a burger and a cold drink that somebody else cooked sounds considerably better than trying to figure out dinner over a camp stove.

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Reservations & Camping Season

Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for weekends and peak summer dates.

For 2026, the Copake Falls campsite season runs from May 8 through November 14. The Bash Bish and Ironworkers cabins operate from May 15 through October 17, while the Greenwich cabins and cottages operate from May 15 through November 14.

Campsite reservations can be made for the current day and up to nine months in advance. Same-day campsite reservations are permitted until 3:00 PM on the day of arrival, and walk-ins are permitted for campsites.

Check-in for campsites is 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

This is important:

You need to register by 9:00 PM on your arrival day.

If you arrive after 9:00 PM, New York State directs campers to set up temporarily in the day-use parking area. Reservations can also be cancelled and re-rented if the camper does not register by the deadline.

Check-out is 11:00 AM.

The maximum continuous camping stay is 14 nights. After 14 consecutive nights, the camping party and equipment must leave the facility for 48 hours before registering again.

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New York State Camping Rules & Advisements

There are several New York-specific rules that campers should know before arriving.

Quiet Hours

Quiet hours at Copake Falls are 10:00 PM through 8:00 AM.

During those hours, campers are expected to respect neighboring campers and keep radios, televisions and other sources of noise turned off or at an appropriately quiet level.

Generator Hours

Generator use is restricted to:

9:00 AM–11:00 AM

and

5:00 PM–9:00 PM

That means you cannot run a generator throughout the day or overnight.

For RV campers who depend heavily on generator power, this is something to plan around before you arrive.

Campground Speed Limit

The speed limit inside the park and campground is 10 MPH.

That's slow—and it should be.

There are pedestrians, children, bicycles, dogs, people backing trailers and campers wandering around who may not be paying attention.

Slow down.

You're camping.

There's nowhere you need to be that quickly.

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New York Firewood Rules

This is one New York camping regulation you should pay attention to.

Don't bring untreated firewood from home without checking the rules first.

New York restricts the movement of untreated firewood to a maximum of 50 miles from its source, and the Copake Falls park provides a specific firewood-source map showing the area from which untreated firewood may be transported to the campground.

The easiest solution is to purchase firewood locally or use properly certified heat-treated firewood.

This rule exists to help prevent the spread of invasive insects and diseases through New York's forests.

So, no matter how much room you have in the truck: Leave the firewood pile at home please.

I was able to purchase firewood right at the entry station - Think it was $7.00 per bundle.

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Campfires

Campfires are permitted only in the designated fire rings, fireplaces or grills.

Fires must remain under the constant supervision of a responsible person and must be completely extinguished before you leave the site.

Burning trash and using fireworks are prohibited. Burning trash in the fire rings can get you kicked out of the Xcursion community - that's just nasty - folks cook steaks, breakfast and s'mores in there.

And please don't cut down living trees for firewood.

New York State's campground rules specifically state that only wood from downed and dead trees may be cut for fuel, and power saws are not permitted.

Personally, I'd just bring or purchase approved firewood.

It's easier.

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Pets

Copake Falls is pet friendly, but New York State has specific requirements.

A maximum of two pets are allowed per campsite or day-use area, unless otherwise prohibited.

Pets must be supervised and either crated or kept on a leash no longer than six feet. Campers are required to clean up after their pets and must have current proof of rabies vaccination available. Metal rabies tags are not accepted as proof at check-in.

Just as a helpful note: If you need a rabies vaccination certificate and don't have one in hard-copy, call your veterinarian, they have a record of your pet's last shot and can email you a copy of your certificate. And, if you totally forgot about this and you are pulling into your campground, that email can be shown at the check-in station from your phone. Smart...

Dogs are not permitted in park buildings, swimming areas or picnic areas except where specifically allowed, with service-animal rules applying separately.

If you're bringing your dog (best buddy ever), make sure you have the vaccination paperwork with you.

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Swimming

Swimming is available at the park's designated swimming area when lifeguards are on duty, but swimming should never be considered guaranteed.

New York State specifically notes that swimming availability depends on water testing, staffing and lifeguard availability and that camping refunds are not provided when swimming becomes unavailable.

Important 2026 Swimming Update

There is also a significant 2026-specific change.

The Copake Falls Ore Pit Swimming Area closed for the 2026 season effective August 17, 2026.

Campers with valid camping permits can use those permits for swimming at Lake Taghkanic during their stay.

The Ore Pit itself is one of the more unusual features of the park, so anyone planning a trip specifically around swimming should check the current status before leaving home.

Swimming schedules can change based on lifeguard availability and other conditions.

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Hiking & Outdoor Recreation

This is where Taconic State Park really separates itself from a basic campground.

The Copake Falls area sits within the Taconic Mountain landscape and provides access to an extensive network of trails and outdoor recreation.

Activities available at the park include:

• Hiking

• Fishing

• Bicycling

• Swimming

• Picnicking

• Snowmobiling

• Cross-country skiing

• Snowshoeing

• Wildlife observation

• Hunting during designated seasons

The park also connects campers to the Harlem Valley Rail Trail, providing an excellent option for bicycling and easier recreational riding compared with the more rugged hiking trails.

If you're bringing bicycles, I'd definitely put the rail trail on your list.

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Copake Iron Works

One of the more unusual attractions at Taconic State Park is the Copake Iron Works.

The historic ironworks are located right within the park and provide an interesting look at the area's industrial history.

The park offers seasonal museum tours, generally around Memorial Day through Labor Day.

This is one of those attractions that is easy to overlook if you arrive primarily thinking about camping, but it adds another dimension to the trip.

You can spend the morning hiking through the woods and then spend part of the afternoon exploring a piece of local industrial history.

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Nearby Attractions

One of the biggest advantages of staying at Copake Falls is the number of things within reasonable driving distance.

Nearby attractions include:

• Bash Bish Falls

• Copake Iron Works

• Harlem Valley Rail Trail

• Rudd Pond

• Lake Taghkanic State Park

• Olana State Historic Site

• Clermont State Historic Site

• The surrounding Taconic and Berkshire mountain region

This is why I think of Copake Falls less as a campground destination and more as a base camp.

Set up your campsite and then start exploring.

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What About ATVs & UTVs?

This is an important distinction for Xcursion Offroad readers.

Taconic State Park – Copake Falls is not an ATV/UTV riding campground.

The park offers a tremendous amount of outdoor recreation, but the published campground activities center around hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and other park activities—not a dedicated OHV trail system.

So if you're looking for a campground where you can back the UTV out of your trailer, ride directly onto miles of designated OHV trails and return to your campsite at the end of the day, this isn't that campground.

That doesn't mean an Xcursion Offroad camper won't enjoy it.

Quite the opposite.

Bring the truck, bring the trailer, bring the camera, fishing gear, bicycles and hiking boots—and use Copake Falls as your base for exploring the surrounding region.

Just don't assume that your UTV can be operated inside the park simply because you brought it with you.

Check the regulations for the specific riding area you intend to visit.

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Dump Station & Water

For RV campers, Copake Falls provides a dump station and water fill-up station.

This is particularly useful because the campground does not provide electrical or full hookups at its trailer sites.

If you're coming in with a larger RV or trailer, I'd recommend taking care of your water and waste management before settling in for an extended stay.

And as always, check the current campground map and signage when you arrive rather than assuming the dump station configuration is identical to a previous visit.

This dump station has an island accessbile from both sides so two RVs can use it. The hose does have a standard connector so, you can connect the dumping hose to your back fill connection. That's a big deal.

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A Great Base for Outdoor Recreation

This is really where I think Taconic State Park shines.

The campground itself is nice, but the surrounding area is the real attraction.

You have mountains.

You have forests.

You have waterfalls.

You have historic sites.

You have the rail trail.

You have fishing.

You have hiking.

You have swimming when conditions and staffing permit.

And you have enough nearby small-town services that you don't feel like you've been dropped into the middle of nowhere.

For photographers, this area is particularly attractive.

The combination of mountain landscapes, forest roads, streams, historic structures, old ironworks, waterfalls and changing Northeast seasons gives you plenty to point a camera at.

And if you're like me, you'll probably come home with considerably more photographs than you intended to take.

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Overall Impression

Taconic State Park – Copake Falls is not a resort campground, and that's exactly why I like it.

It is a large, traditional New York State campground surrounded by an enormous amount of outdoor recreation.

The ground campsites and tent platforms provide traditional camping options, while the trailer sites give RV campers a place to stay without requiring a full-hookup campground. The cabins and cottages provide another option for people who want more comfort without giving up the state-park atmosphere.

The bathhouses and hot showers are a welcome convenience, the dump station and water fill-up make dry camping more practical, and the nearby Depot Deli is exactly the kind of local business that can save a camping trip when you've forgotten something important.

The real strength, however, is location.

Copake Falls puts you in a part of New York where you can spend one day hiking, another riding the rail trail, another exploring historic sites, another fishing, and another simply sitting around the campsite doing absolutely nothing.

And sometimes that last one is the best activity of all.

For campers who prefer woods over concrete, campfires over clubhouse entertainment, and exploration over organized campground activities, Taconic State Park is an excellent choice.

Weekdays and the shoulder seasons can be particularly appealing if you're looking for a quieter experience.

Summer weekends are a different story.

With more than 80 campsites plus cabins and cottages, Copake Falls is considerably larger than some of the smaller state campgrounds I've stayed at, but popular weekends can still fill quickly.

Now, the not so good. I toured the entire campground looking for better sites than my own and very few Trailer or RV sites were close to level. My spot, which was considered one of the best proved difficult to back my small trailer into, in that, I had to back uphill between two closely spaced trees - not optimal - and even using all my trailer leveling blocks, I was still 4 inches pointing down hill. That made cooking inside very challenging.

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Would I stay there again?

Maybe. I gave it 3 stars because nearly no sites, other than tent platforms, were level. For the Xcursion community, that's a big deal.

Full disclosure. I stayed there in June during a rare heat wave where every day was 95° - 100° during the day. I can't tell you how fast the campground cleared out as people melted - figuratively - as the thermometer blew up. Nights outside were considerably better, but sleeping in the camper after it was hot all day was not fun.

Rather than staying here again, I might check out another campground in the New York area instead - but, I wouldn't discourage anyone from making Taconic State Park – Copake Falls an adventure for them.

Taconic State Park – Copake Falls is one of those places that gives you a lot of options.

You can camp simply.

You can bring an RV.

You can rent a cabin.

You can hike.

You can fish.

You can ride a bicycle.

You can explore history.

You can go chasing waterfalls.

Or you can simply sit next to the fire and listen to the woods.

And the fact that you can get a decent sandwich, groceries, camp supplies and ice cream at Depot Deli just down the road doesn't hurt either.

If you're looking for a convenient, traditional state-park campground that puts you within easy reach of a tremendous amount of outdoor recreation, I'd book it.

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Personal Experience & Accuracy Disclaimer

This review is based primarily on my personal experiences camping in and visiting Taconic State Park and the Copake Falls area, combined with my own observations and research into the campground, campsites, roads, facilities, recreational opportunities, nearby services and surrounding area.

I do not guarantee that all information contained in this review is accurate, current, complete, or applicable to every visit. Campground conditions, site configurations, amenities, regulations, operating dates, accessibility, swimming conditions, cabin specifications, firewood requirements, fees, reservation policies and other rules can change over time.

This review does not represent or include the opinions, statements, recommendations, or experiences of any outside sources, organizations, agencies, or individuals. Information provided here should be considered a personal account and general reference only.

Because New York State Parks can change operating conditions, seasonal schedules, recreational availability, campground rules, fees and facility status, campers should verify current information directly with New York State Parks and Taconic State Park – Copake Falls before making reservations or beginning their trip, particularly when planning around swimming, accessibility, camping equipment, firewood, pets, cabin accommodations or seasonal facilities.

I'm also no poet laureate. I'm just an outdoor guy who enjoys camping, fishing, photography, exploring and getting out there. I write these reviews based on what I've experienced, what I've seen and what I think might be useful to somebody else planning their own adventure.

Your experience may be different.

And honestly, that's part of the adventure.

Explore • Ride • Escape