Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park RV & Campground Guide
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As state parks around the country go, Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park is bigger than most at more than 14,000 acres, which is also more than 22 square miles. Back in 1929, a doctor named Ernest Fahnestock donated the first 2,400 acres of land to be made into a park in the memory of his brother Clarence, who died during the influenza epidemic of 1918. Clarence was also a doctor, and he gave his life while treating influenza patients. Ernest outlived his brother by a further 19 years and was active in New York politics and philanthropy.
Spring 44-70 F
Summer 77-82 F
Fall 50-73 F
Winter 18-37 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park
Of the 66 campsites in Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park, there are 36 that support RVs. The largest RVs accommodated are 30 feet long, but a few of the sites only accept 15-foot vehicles. The campground also has showers and restrooms along with a beach, boat launch, fire rings, picnic tables, a seasonal concession stand, picnic pavilion, and a horse-and-bridle trail. Note that there is no dump station.
What to Do at
Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park
You are sure to enjoy the hiking throughout the park's more than 14,000 acres. The beach is just right to set up your telescope for some evening stargazing, too. Canopus Lake is also great for fishing and boating.
Hiking
Aside from the section of Appalachian Trail that cuts through the park, there are 36 other well-trodden hiking trails of varying lengths and difficulty ratings in Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park. Quite a few of these trails connect to the Appalachian Trail at one or more points. The trails are extensive, so it'd be a good idea to get a trail map from the park staff or to download and print one to help you with your orienteering.
Stargazing
The stargazing at Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park is rated Class 4 on the Bortle Scale. This means that there will be domes of light on the horizon that turn the sky from pure black to gray and that you will likely need filters on your telescope to pick out the dimmest features of the night sky.
Flora and Fauna
Many species were extirpated in this area because they were considered threats to livestock, but a great number of them have been reintroduced since the 1930s. These include several species of hawks and other raptors, bobcats, lynx, beavers, and even elk. Black bears are also known to roam the park's woods. Be sure to practice predator safety, and never approach closer than 150-175 feet. Queen Anne's lace, wood anemone, and wild bleeding heart are three of the wildflowers that you can see within the park.
Fishing
You can catch steelhead, brook trout, pickerel, largemouth bass, and pumpkinseed in Canopus Lake. Even when the campground is closed, fishing is still permitted as long as you have the requisite licenses and observe all applicable catch limits.
Swimming
During the summer, the water temperature of Canopus Lake is 66 F, making it a great spot to enjoy a cool dip after a long day hiking. The beach is staffed with lifeguards 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. every day during the summer.
Boating
You can rent rowboats or kayaks for use on Canopus Lake, or you can bring your own. There is a boat launch, too, but motorboats are disallowed. You need a boating license to use your own boats at Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park
Climbing
There is no climbing at Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park, but one of the premier climbing destinations in the world is only 39 miles away: "The Gunks." The Shawangunk Mountains feature more 1,200 climbing routes from super-easy to punishingly difficult. There are also bouldering opportunities there that are equally diverse in their difficulty.
How to Get to
Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park
Do not travel on the Taconic State Parkway in your RV because it's illegal. Instead, proceed to Cold Spring. Then, follow Route 301, which is also known as the Cold Spring Turnpike, east. Look for the signs for the park.
Entering Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park
It's best to enter the park in your vehicle. The operating hours of the park are from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. Aside from the campground, there are several parking lots for day use.
Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park Entry Fee (2nd week of June until Labor Day) : $9.0
Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park Entry Fee (Memorial Day until the end of the first week of June) : $0.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park
Any season is great to visit the park. The winter park provides plenty of cold-weather activities, and the main park is terrific in the spring, summer, and fall for different reasons, including the stunning New York fall foliage, fish biting all summer, and refreshing swims.
The park is well-known for its birding, and aside from the reintroduced raptors, you can notate songbirds and waterfowl of various species in your notebook. More than 50 species of mammals live in the park, too, and give you wonderful photographic opportunities.
Yes, there are RV-specific campsites in the park.
Yes you need campsite reservations at Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park. The campsites cost between $15 and $19 per night. Out-of-state visitors pay an additional $5 per night, and there is $7.25 surcharge on all reservations.
Yes, your pets are allowed. You may only have one or two pets per campsite, and whenever they're not in their own tent or in your vehicle, then they must either be crated or on a leash of no more than 6 feet. They're not allowed in buildings or on the beach.