Site 16

- Putnam Valley, NY 10579

For New York residents looking to trade the noise of the city for the sounds of the forest, the campsites at Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park offer a readily accessible solution. Among its approximately 80 sites, Site 16 stands out as an excellent choice for campers who value privacy and a genuine, rustic experience. Located within the vast 15,000-acre state park in Putnam Valley, Site 16 is officially designated as a **Hike-In Tent Site**, meaning it is designed for those willing to carry their gear a short distance to reach a more secluded destination.

This particular site is categorized as a "Standard" Single Capacity Tent Site, meaning it is perfectly suited for a small group or family—with a maximum capacity of six individuals and two vehicles (parking subject to availability near the trailhead). Choosing Site 16 is choosing an authentic wilderness retreat, offering the peaceful isolation that drive-in sites often lack, while still providing convenient access to the park’s essential, clean amenities like hot showers and potable water.

The terrain surrounding the Fahnestock campground, formed along natural rock ridges and surrounded by woodlands, ensures a scenic and tranquil atmosphere. For campers who find joy in the simplicity of a fire ring, a picnic table, and the quiet canopy of the trees, Site 16 delivers a quintessential New York camping experience.

Site 16 is situated within the expansive grounds of Clarence Fahnestock State Park, offering a deep-woods feel while remaining conveniently close to major travel routes from the New York metropolitan area.

Address: Clarence Fahnestock State Park, Putnam Valley, NY 10579, USA.

Access to Site 16 is distinctly **hike-in**. This means visitors should be prepared to park their vehicle at a designated nearby spot and transport all their camping equipment by hand to the site. This short trek is a defining characteristic of the site, serving as a natural filter that guarantees a quieter, more private camping experience away from the main campground roads.

The park itself is easily reachable for local users, nestled between the Taconic State Parkway and U.S. Route 9. New Yorkers without a car can even utilize the Metro-North commuter rail to Cold Spring Station, approximately eight miles away, though a taxi service would need to be pre-arranged for the final leg of the journey to the park entrance. It is highly recommended to pre-register your site online through the New York State Parks reservation system two days prior to arrival to ensure the smoothest check-in process.

While Site 16 itself is a rustic tent site, its reservation grants full access to the comprehensive, centrally located facilities of the Fahnestock State Park Campground:

• Campsite Equipment: Site 16 is fully equipped with a picnic table, a fire ring, and a barbeque grill, providing everything needed for camp cooking and outdoor enjoyment.
• Sanitation Facilities: Access to clean, centrally located restroom buildings featuring modern amenities, including flush toilets and **free hot showers**. While the facility style is older, the cleanliness is consistently noted by visitors.
• Potable Water: Drinking water pumps are available throughout the campground loops, ensuring fresh water for cooking and consumption is always within a reasonable distance.
• Pet-Friendly Policy: Up to two pets are allowed at Site 16. Proof of rabies vaccination is mandatory at check-in, and all pets must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet and under control at all times.
• Seasonal Concessions: A concession stand is typically open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, offering convenience items, firewood, and snacks.

Site 16 is a gateway to the best of Fahnestock State Park’s 15,000+ acres, offering unparalleled access to nature's highlights:

• Appalachian Trail Access: The campsite is in close proximity to the extensive trail system that crisscrosses the park, including a section of the legendary Appalachian Trail, making it an ideal basecamp for serious hikers.
• Canopus Lake Beach: A highlight for summer visitors, the park features a beautiful, sandy beach on Canopus Lake where swimming is permitted during the operating season when lifeguards are on duty. The lake also offers boat rentals (rowboats and kayaks).
• Privacy and Tranquility: As a designated hike-in site, Site 16 provides exceptional seclusion and quiet. Campers appreciate the peaceful atmosphere, especially at night, which is a rare commodity in campgrounds closer to the city.
• Multi-Season Recreation: Fahnestock’s appeal extends beyond summer, with opportunities for year-round activities. The adjacent Fahnestock Winter Park offers groomed trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing when conditions permit.
• Nature & Wildlife: The scenic, rugged landscape is a delight for bird watching and nature photography. The Nature Center occasionally hosts staff-led interpretive programs and activities for deeper engagement with the park's ecology.

All inquiries and reservations for Site 16 at Clarence Fahnestock State Park should be directed to the main park office. Reservations, particularly for popular weekend dates, are strongly advised.

Address (Park Office): Clarence Fahnestock State Park, Putnam Valley, NY 10579, USA

Phone Number: (845) 225-7207

For New Yorkers eager to fully disconnect and embrace a more authentic camping experience, reserving a spot like Site 16 at Fahnestock State Park is an excellent choice. Its defining feature—the hike-in access—transforms a standard camping trip into a mini-expedition, rewarding the effort with deep solitude. You get the best of both worlds: the feeling of true backcountry camping with the security and convenience of nearby flush toilets, hot showers, and park rangers.

Site 16 is especially suitable for local users who cherish their privacy, love hiking, and appreciate the rugged beauty of the Hudson Valley. It provides a simple, quiet base from which to explore the magnificent trails, swim in Canopus Lake, or simply enjoy a campfire under a dark, starry sky—all within an easy striking distance of New York City.

Site 16

Putnam Valley, NY 10579, USA