Thousand Trails Rondout Valley Review — Wooded Campsites, Family Fun & Catskills Adventures
Rondout Valley RV Resort – Quick Facts
Location: Accord, New York (Hudson Valley)
Setting: Fully wooded campground between the Catskills & Shawangunk Mountains
Rig Size: Big rig friendly with mindful navigation
Hookups: Partial & full hookups (some river sites without sewer)
Best Sites: Pond-side sites (we stayed at Site 182)
Quiet Hours: Strictly enforced at 10:00 PM
Vibe: Outdoor-focused, family-friendly, local-heavy
Best Nearby Adventures: Walkway Over the Hudson, Catskills waterfalls, U-Pick Farms
Introduction
Thousand Trails Rondout Valley was our second New York experience, and it quickly became one of those places we still talk about long after leaving. This park is fully wooded, peaceful, and thoughtfully run, with a strong focus on outdoor activities, family safety, and community.
From the moment we arrived and were invited to choose our own campsite, to evenings filled with structured activities and calm, quiet nights, Rondout Valley felt intentional in the best way. Add in nearby Hudson Valley views, Catskills waterfalls, and one of our favorite campsite backdrops ever, and this stop became truly memorable.
Arrival & Check-In Experience
One of the first things we loved about Rondout Valley was the check-in process.
When we arrived:
Staff let us pick from available sites
They took their time explaining options
They gave honest advice based on layout and conditions
Every interaction felt friendly and unrushed
Right at the entrance is a beautiful campground store that immediately sets the tone for the park.
The store includes:
Tons of stickers
Ice cream
Food items
RV and camping essentials
Everything was clean, organized, and welcoming — and the staff throughout the park were consistently kind.
Campsites & Park Layout
Rondout Valley is heavily wooded, which gives the entire park a serene, outdoorsy feel.
Some sites near the river do not have sewer, so check carefully when booking
Many sites do offer full hookups
We stayed at Site 182, located next to a pond
Our back view opened up to calm water, making the site feel peaceful and private
Pulling into our site was easy, even with a larger rig
One thing we appreciated was how the park closes certain roads near the pool and pavilion areas during events, creating safer spaces for kids to play and families to gather.
Family Rules, Safety & Park Culture
Rondout Valley takes safety and respect seriously — especially for families.
Important things to know:
Kids are required to wear helmets when biking
Kids should not bike alone
Pool areas are closely monitored
Quiet hours begin right at 10:00 PM, and everything shuts down on time
Karaoke, events, and activities all stop promptly, and the park becomes calm and quiet. We really appreciated how consistent and enforced this was.
The park attracts a lot of outdoor-loving locals, which gives it a friendly, community-driven feel rather than a transient resort vibe.
Amenities, Events & Activities
Rondout Valley offers a lot — and it’s all actively used.
Highlights include:
Very clean, well-maintained pool
Multiple playgrounds (small and large)
A large inflatable bounce bubble
Fishing areas
Pond and river access
Seasonal events, including a Sasquatch event
Activities for both adults and kids
What stood out most was that many events were outdoor-based, not just sit-and-watch activities. The park encourages people to get outside and participate.
Nature Notes & Park Policies
During our stay, caterpillars were in season — and they were everywhere. It was one of those unexpected nature moments that became part of the memory.
A few policies to know:
You cannot wash your rig while staying in the park
You are allowed to rinse off your roof before departure, which is helpful
Rules were clearly communicated and enforced respectfully.
Fishing & Wildlife
We did some fishing during our stay. While we didn’t catch much besides turtles, other campers were having better luck. Even without big catches, the experience was relaxing and added to the overall peaceful vibe of the park.
Walkway Over the Hudson (A Must-Do Nearby)
One of our favorite off-park experiences was the Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park, often referred to as the Discovery Walkway experience.
This is a 360-degree elevated walkway over the Hudson River that allows you to slowly walk out, stop, and take in sweeping views in every direction. It’s wide, accessible, and incredibly scenic — one of those places where you naturally slow down and soak it all in.
Exploring the Catskills & Waterfalls
We also took a short drive into the Catskills, where we explored waterfalls and scenic viewpoints.
What to know:
There are accessible viewing platforms
Continuing beyond them becomes steep and more challenging
To reach the lower falls, there are 181 steps
The walk down wasn’t bad — but the climb back up definitely burned our legs. It was absolutely worth it for the views and experience.
Who This Park Is Best For
Rondout Valley is a great fit if you:
Love wooded, nature-filled campgrounds
Travel with kids and value clear safety rules
Enjoy structured activities and outdoor events
Appreciate quiet evenings
Want easy access to the Hudson Valley and Catskills
What We’d Do Differently Next Time
Double-check which river sites include sewer
Prepare for seasonal insects like caterpillars
Plan multiple Catskills hikes
Book another pond-side site if possible
Final Thoughts
Thousand Trails Rondout Valley is one of the most thoughtfully run parks we’ve stayed at in New York.
With:
Kind, attentive staff
Beautiful wooded campsites
Strong family culture
Clean amenities
Outstanding nearby adventures
This park delivers an experience that feels intentional, welcoming, and deeply connected to the outdoors — and it remains one of our favorite Thousand Trails stays to date.
