Rondout Valley RV Campground Review

About the Author

Tom Davidock

Tom has been working in the outdoor recreation and environmental fields for over 25 years and writing about for the past 15. Whether it's camping, or RVing, Tom provides first-hand kneowldge of the information outdoor enthusiests need to enjoy adventures on the road. Tom has had his content featured in industry-leading news publications including RV Business, RV News, and RV.com. Tom is also the author of "Used RV: The Complete Guide for Buying a Used RV."

Rondout Valley Campground, located in Accord, NY, offers a wonderful family camping experience in a nicely wooded setting. Nestled in the heart of the Hudson Valley, it’s close enough for a weekend camping trip from the greater New York metro area but far enough away that it provides a needed feeling of “escape” from the hustle and bustle of suburban or city life. It’s also part of the Thousand Trails camping membership program.

This Campground may not be your preferred option if you’re looking for a modern campground with paved RV sites, non-stop organized activities, or spa-like facilities. Instead, the Campground has a more rustic and traditional feel, which in my opinion, gives it its charm. The Campground “feel” is exactly what I love about camping. It has the perfect amount of comforts and amenities but keeps the focus on the camping experience. 

Location:

Rondout Valley RV Campground

105 Mettacahonts Rd

Accord, NY 12404-5810

Rondout Valley Campground is about 70 miles south of Albany, NY, and 80 miles from NYC. It is situated just outside the Catskill Park, making it a great home base for exploring the multitude of outdoor activities in the region. Getting to the park is relatively easy. It’s accessible from the New York Thruway (87) by taking the Kingston, NY exit and Route 209 to the Campground. From Interstate 84, you can take the Route 209 Exit in Port Jervis from the west or the Highway 17 exit from the east at Middletown.

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The Campground is nestled within its namesake, the Rondout Valley, a rural agriculture area surrounded by quaint small towns of the Hudson Valley. Several nearby farm attractions offer fun family activities such as pick-your-own fruits and vegetables, hayrides, organized kid activities, etc.       

If you enjoy outdoor activities, you’ll have plenty of options nearby. The Catskill Park offers numerous hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and great family-friendly attractions worth visiting. If you’re looking for a scenic and easy hike with the kids, I highly recommend taking a 30-minute drive north to the Ashokan Rail Trail, which offers an 11-mile walk along the banks of the Ashokan Reservoir. It’s one of Ulster County’s premier attractions.

Another great place to visit, which is about a 20-minute drive from the Campground, is the Mohonk Preserve. The preserve offers over 70 miles of trails and 8,000 acres to explore. When hiking under the undercliffs trail, you’ll even get a chance to watch rock climbers scale the rock faces of the Gunks.

Campground Layout

The Roundout Valley Campground has over 400 sites consisting of 50 and 30 Amp full hookups, electric-only, tent camping, cabins and cottages, and seasonal sites. The Campground can accommodate pretty much any camper. The sites are available on a first-come-first-serve basis, so you’ll need to arrive early to get the site you want. The sites are fairly spacious, but be aware that RV sites are back-in only (aside from 1 pull-through).  

The Campground is largely wooded, but a few sections are more open and have a field-type experience. If you enjoy camping within the trees, you’ll have plenty of options. Two streams run through the property, and a small pond is situated in the center (great for fishing).

When looking at a map, you see that the Campground has a meandering system of roads to get you to the various areas. These roads and trails make great places to walk and bike. The Campground has a 5MPH speed limit, which is strictly enforced.

My favorite camping sites are along the pool loop and in The Woodlands. Unfortunately, many Woodland sites don’t have sewer, but the remote setting makes it worth the extra work of using a dump station or hiring the $10 honey wagon pumping service. This is also where tent camping is located.

Internet and Cell Phone Reception

If you need access to the internet during your stay you have a few options. First, you’ll be able to get a few bars of cell phone signal almost anywhere in the park. Some areas are a little choppier than others, but you shouldn’t have much of an issue. If you need full bars (I can only speak for AT&T), you can always use a cell phone booster for better connectivity in your camper. However, it’s rare that you’ll need this.

The campground does have paid WiFi available in most areas of the park. It’s offered through Camplink, which charges by the day, three days, a week, or longer (up to a year). It costs $5 per day or $15/per week. A full month is $40. The access is just okay. You’ll likely get 5-15 Mbs download speeds and it’s usually good enough for light streaming. You can have 2 devices connected at a time under the same paid subscription. While it’s not a perfect option, it’s helpful to have it available in the event that you need it.

Amenities

Activities Center

Located near the entrance to the pool loop, the Campground has a nice Activities Center that serves as the main hub of activities at the Campground. There will be activities underway for kids, adults, and families on most weekends. 

Autumn 2018 Trip Postcards: Rondout Valley Campground | An Eclectic Mind

Concession Stand:

In 2021, a new vendor took over the food service stand, and they transformed it into a great amenity for campers. You can get snacks like candy, chips, and ice cream, but they also have a nice-size menu of finger foods, burgers, and platters. They also offer breakfast if you don’t feel like cooking at your campsite.

Pool:

Open memorial day until mid-September, the pool offers a relaxing place to cool off during the hot summer months. It’s well maintained and is large enough to keep little and big kids busy. In addition, the pool has ample seating, tables, and lounge chairs available, allowing you to set up shop for the day and relax by the water. 

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Restrooms and Bathhouses

Regardless of the area where you’re camping, you’ll have restroom and shower facilities within walking distance. The Campground recently renovated a few of its bathhouses, which are very clean and well kept. Some of the older ones are more rustic, but they’re generally very clean and sanitary.

Laundry:

There is a small laundry room available for campers to use. While it’s not extravagant, it will get the job done. Just be aware that if you’re planning to do weeks’ worth of laundry at a time, you may want to visit a nearby laundromat. However, the facilities are more than adequate if you have a load or two to do while camping. The machines will be less busy during the week, which may be the best time to schedule your wash.

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Propane Tank Filling:

If you need propane while camping, you don’t have to travel outside the Campground. Instead, you can drop off your tanks and pick them up when filled. If you need this service, simply see the friendly staff at the camp office.

Sewage Pump Out Service

The Campground has a honey wagon service that costs $10 per request. It operates Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays and is convenient to use if you are at a site without a septic hookup.

Entertainment

Kids activities

The Campground offers kids’ activities on most weekends. On Saturdays and Sundays, you’ll have several options from a wide range of activities, including games and tournaments, arts and crafts, build-a-project events, etc. Most activities are great for kids of all ages, especially the younger ones. My 5-year-old daughter loves visiting the activity center when we’re camping and always leaves with memories and a memento she created.

Weekend events and Live Entertainment

The Campground offers evening entertainment for adults and kids on most weekends during peak camping season. This entertainment includes live bands, DJs, or outdoor family movies nights. If you don’t like music at night, you may want to choose a site further away from the activities center. Most events will be on Saturday nights, and a schedule is usually available in the campground office.

Fishing

The Campground has lots of fishing opportunities for campers. If you want a simple and relaxed outing, check out the pond. With a little patience, you can easily catch panfish and catfish. However, if you’re looking for some steam fishing, you can catch some trout in the two streams that run through the property.

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Dog Park

The Campground has a small enclosed dog park, which is a good option if you need to give your pup a little free time to run around. It’s not very large, but it’s nice to have this option within the campground. Outside of the dog park, all dogs must be leashed.

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Other:

Aside from the above activities, you’ll find other amenities to keep you occupied. For example, there are horseshoe pits, a volleyball net, a playground, a basketball court, bocce ball, etc. There are also several short hiking trails to explore.

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Rules and Regulations

Check-in and Check-out

  • RV check-in: 1 p.m.
  • RV check-out: 11 a.m.
  • Rental check-in: 4 p.m.
  • Rental check-out: 11 a.m.

Upon check-in, you may be asked to provide a valid ID and a certificate of insurance and registration for your camper. Members should also have their membership card on hand.

The minimum check-in age is 21 years. Guests aged 12 years and under at the time of check-in are considered children.

After Hours Arrival: For late arrival arrangements, please contact the Reservation Department at (845) 626-5521.

Cancellations & Refunds

RV campsites: We allow full refunds for cancellations up to 2 days prior to your arrival date for daily and weekly reservations. No refunds will be issued for early check-out. The Campground allows full refunds for cancellations seven days prior to your arrival date for daily and weekly reservations.

Daily and weekly reservations: for cancellations received less than the required notice period prior to arrival, your deposit will be forfeited up to a one-night rack rate.

Pet Policy

Pets are allowed. The Pet fee is $25 per day/pet (for vacation rentals that allow pets).

Conclusion

If you’re part of the Thousands Trail Program, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by this campground. While it’s a little rustic, that’s what makes it special. It’s a great destination for families with kids, especially in the summer months when the pool is open. Unlike other campgrounds that have a big “parking lot” feel, Rondout Valley Campground gives you a true camping experience, surrounded by nature and trees. If you have the opportunity to check it out, definitely do so. You won’t be disappointed.

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