Fahnestock State Park, Carmel: Address, Phone Number, Fahnestock State Park Reviews: 4/5
Fahnestock State Park
Fahnestock State Park
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.0
68 reviews
Excellent
27
Very good
29
Average
6
Poor
0
Terrible
6
Lisa P
New York38 contributions
Friends
I have always enjoyed camping here and I broke early to get a choice spot. Unfortunately we had noisy neighbors and the “no amplified music” rule and 10pm quiet time were not enforced. The rangers should relax really come by a few times daily to “remind” folks of the rules. Also, the bathrooms are usually in good shape but on a busy June weekend needed more and earlier attention.
Written June 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
steveredler
Delmar, NY63 contributions
Stayed 3 nights, nice variety of easy to moderate trails. Most hikers would consider them easy. Non-hikers would like it too even though they wouldn't consider them that easy. some of the trailheads you have to drive to. From the campsite you have to drive a mile to the Beach area but the beach is nice. No lifeguard there, at least this year. The bathrooms were supposed to be cleaned frequently but they were between a little dirty to filthy. Campsites are good for having day visitors to your campsite. They don't have to check in at the registration booth. Dog friendly.
Written August 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Laura F
New York150 contributions
Family
Place is easy to get to, clean and quiet. Offer a place to BBQ. Has a small cafe, clean bathrooms, showers, and parking lot. Good for an easy day at the beach when you're not in the mood to battle the crowds at the Bronx or Long Island beaches. Not too crowded on the weekends either.
Written January 31, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
widgetman4ever
54 contributions
Couples
Ok...i understand it's a lifeguards job to keep people safe. First, the swimming area is miniscule
..ridiculously so. There should be a larger area for adults who want to swim in water that's not full of children's pee and excrement. The lifeguards are constantly blowing the whistle and screaming at children for no reason. It is not a relaxing place to go to, as it should be because of this. A young child was walking along the beach near the dock ankle deep in water, and the lifeguard was screaming at him. I u derstand the basic rules: no floating devices, no standing on rope, etc. But these guys try to look for reasons to abuse their power. It was absolutely ridiculous. I overheard other adults that were equally appalled. I used to really love this place, but they need to expand the swimming area and chill out a bit. I went to an ocean beach the other day (far more dangerous than a shallow lake) and there was none of this behavior from the lifeguards. Diligence is good...this was extreme and I hope it gets addressed.
..ridiculously so. There should be a larger area for adults who want to swim in water that's not full of children's pee and excrement. The lifeguards are constantly blowing the whistle and screaming at children for no reason. It is not a relaxing place to go to, as it should be because of this. A young child was walking along the beach near the dock ankle deep in water, and the lifeguard was screaming at him. I u derstand the basic rules: no floating devices, no standing on rope, etc. But these guys try to look for reasons to abuse their power. It was absolutely ridiculous. I overheard other adults that were equally appalled. I used to really love this place, but they need to expand the swimming area and chill out a bit. I went to an ocean beach the other day (far more dangerous than a shallow lake) and there was none of this behavior from the lifeguards. Diligence is good...this was extreme and I hope it gets addressed.
Written June 30, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
James W
Somers, NY1,161 contributions
Solo
I like to visit the "Fahnestock Winter Park" for cross-country skiing. This is the only park I know of in the area that:
a) has groomed trails, for both classic and skate skiing
b) offers ski and equipment rentals
c) prohibits walkers and dogs, so the trails don't get messed up
They have about 18 km of trails, and terrain for anyone from beginner to expert. This being down-state NY, it means that we don't get a lot of good snow, so be sure to call ahead before driving over there: (845) 225-3998, or check out the ski conditions at:
http://www.snocountry.com/cross-country-ski-reports/ny
They also have other winter-time activities (see http://nysparks.com/parks/147/details.aspx for details).
Entrance fee is $10. They have a large parking lot, but it will fill up on the weekends if snow conditions and weather are good.
a) has groomed trails, for both classic and skate skiing
b) offers ski and equipment rentals
c) prohibits walkers and dogs, so the trails don't get messed up
They have about 18 km of trails, and terrain for anyone from beginner to expert. This being down-state NY, it means that we don't get a lot of good snow, so be sure to call ahead before driving over there: (845) 225-3998, or check out the ski conditions at:
http://www.snocountry.com/cross-country-ski-reports/ny
They also have other winter-time activities (see http://nysparks.com/parks/147/details.aspx for details).
Entrance fee is $10. They have a large parking lot, but it will fill up on the weekends if snow conditions and weather are good.
Written January 29, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
elusivemuse
Greensboro, NC97 contributions
Couples
The campground was hard to find even with GPS.The campsites were nicely tucked into the woods allowing for as much privacy as possible but be sure and book your campsite early as slim pickings on the weekend. We got the last available site beside the bathhouse and all night long there was the loud hand blower and then the slam of the screen door. We noted that most of the campers were quiet but there was the exception across the gravel drive from ours and the boisterous family with teens were loud and talked and laughed until 2 a.m. Nice nature trails but be aware of poison ivy.
Written August 9, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
roccoz18
New York565 contributions
Solo
I camped in Fahnestock for 4 weeks in a row, leaving only on the weekends. First 3 weeks were in the upper campground. Awesome camp sites that afforded some degree of privacy. Very scenic area with average, rustic bathing/ bathroom facilities. The water tasted foul in the showers and there were signs on the water fountain proclaiming "unpotable water". However, the camping area was nice and quiet. I especially liked the howling coyotes in the middle of the night.
The 4th week, I had to take a site in the lower campground as the upper area was closed off. There are two major problems with the lower sites; 1) they are so close to the Taconic Parkway, you hear traffic all night, and 2) The bathrooms were simply so nasty, I couldn't bring myself to walk inside, let alone shower. There was black mold growing as well as layers of soap scum everywhere! It was so bad, I thought it was worse than the nastiest bathrooms I visited in the countryside of Mexico. It looked like it hadn't been cleaned since the WPA built it! It was so bad, I wondered what kind of diseases were spread in such a filthy place. It's a black eye on New York State in general and a downright shame for Fahnestock in particular. Totally ruined my stay and the natural beauty of the park.
The 4th week, I had to take a site in the lower campground as the upper area was closed off. There are two major problems with the lower sites; 1) they are so close to the Taconic Parkway, you hear traffic all night, and 2) The bathrooms were simply so nasty, I couldn't bring myself to walk inside, let alone shower. There was black mold growing as well as layers of soap scum everywhere! It was so bad, I thought it was worse than the nastiest bathrooms I visited in the countryside of Mexico. It looked like it hadn't been cleaned since the WPA built it! It was so bad, I wondered what kind of diseases were spread in such a filthy place. It's a black eye on New York State in general and a downright shame for Fahnestock in particular. Totally ruined my stay and the natural beauty of the park.
Written October 30, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
dukestravels
New York City, NY219 contributions
Family
If you're looking for a hiking trail, you'll find it at Fahnestock State Park. Trails for all types of hikers and will satisfy no matter what your experience level. It's a good idea to stop in and check with the Park office to talk about what trail makes sense for your group. Leisurely walk around the lake or a long piece of the Appalachian Trail, they are both here on the 14,000 acre State Park.
Written July 7, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Fudbutter
Westchester County, NY309 contributions
Couples
Large NYS Park. Route 301 runs through the main part. easy access from the Taconic State Pkwy which was constructed specifically for the purpose of reaching this and other parks
There are many hikes, some long, some short. A local favorite quickie (1.5 miles loop) is around Pelton Pond.
One of the great strengths of this park are some excellent picnic areas.
There are also lakes for kayaking or small boating. The park office is on 301 just west of the exit off the Taconic
This is a real local gem that we use often and are thankful for
There are many hikes, some long, some short. A local favorite quickie (1.5 miles loop) is around Pelton Pond.
One of the great strengths of this park are some excellent picnic areas.
There are also lakes for kayaking or small boating. The park office is on 301 just west of the exit off the Taconic
This is a real local gem that we use often and are thankful for
Written April 14, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
pattyautieri
Carmel, NY26 contributions
Family
Best value for the money really clean ,fun , beautiful atmosphere we had a great day. The price hasn't changed for the last 13 years I've been going with my boys they redid the bathrooms and the snack stand it really is fun day out with the family at a great price
Written January 17, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
100life
Succasunna, NJ5 contributions
Do they have electricity,water ,sewer
Dawn P
Bronx, NY16 contributions
They have water fountains and bathrooms that have showers, toilets and electricity. However, there are no lights around camp. Pack lots of lanterns and even an external charger, if you don't want to charge your phone in the bathroom. Or, you can just reserve a spot next to the bathroom!
Ashley_Sydney
New York City, NY119 contributions
Would I be able to purchase fire wood and ice at the camp office? Thanks for your help!
Michael
26 contributions
I don't think so. There are no stores in or immediately near the park. The camping areas are nice and I think there is at least one ranger-like station in the area, but they don't sell anything. And I don't think there is any shopping within 5-10 miles of the park, but I could be wrong about that.
RumPunchGirl
Everett, Canada14 contributions
Hi there. We are planning a camping trip this August into New York State and were hoping to find a campground that would allow us easy access to New York City. Would this park be a good choice? Thank you for your help with this.
Rita S
Croton on Hudson, NY
For a campground that's near NYC, I highly recommend Croton Point Park in Westchester County, NY. It's a small peninsula in the Hudson that has camp sites for tents and RV's and a beach for swimming in the river. And, best of all, it's right next to the Croton Harmon train station that has hourly service to Grand Central terminal in Manhattan. It's a healthy walk or short, 5 min drive to the station. This would work quite well for you. And, the nearby towns in the Hudson Valley have plenty of good restaurants and interesting visitor activities. If you decide on this, get back to me for specific trip ideas! Cheers! Rita
Frequently Asked Questions about Fahnestock State Park
- Hotels near Fahnestock State Park:
- (8.12 mi) Chrystie House Bed and Breakfast
- (7.08 mi) The Swann Inn of Beacon
- (5.54 mi) Springhill Suites by Marriott Fishkill
- (5.26 mi) Hampton Inn Fishkill
- (5.45 mi) Hilton Garden Inn Poughkeepsie/Fishkill
- Restaurants near Fahnestock State Park:
- (4.93 mi) Maya Cafe
- (5.57 mi) Red Line Diner
- (7.89 mi) Moo Moo's Creamery
- (6.24 mi) The Tomato Cafe
- (8.58 mi) Adams Fairacre Farms