Winding Hills Park, Montgomery, NY

Introduction / Overview

For New Yorkers seeking a true and accessible escape into nature, Winding Hills Park in Montgomery, Orange County, represents a premier destination for outdoor recreation and classic camping. Operated by the Orange County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation, this expansive public park spans 502 acres of picturesque, rolling hills and heavily wooded terrain. The centerpiece of the park is the beautiful 40-acre Diamond Lake, providing a stunning backdrop for all activities.

Winding Hills Park offers a genuine, unplugged camping experience with 51 dedicated sites for both tents and RVs (up to 29-ft in length). It is designed to be a peaceful, serene retreat, a sentiment frequently echoed by visitors who praise the quiet atmosphere, the natural beauty, and the cleanliness of the facilities. Whether you are looking to spend a weekend under the stars, cast a line into a tranquil lake, or explore miles of rustic trails, Winding Hills Park provides a family-friendly, well-maintained environment that feels far removed from the urban bustle, yet remains conveniently located within the Hudson Valley.

Reviews from local users consistently highlight the dedication of the park rangers, the enjoyable lake activities like fishing and kayaking, and the sheer pleasure of walking the wooded paths. It’s more than just a place to park your trailer or pitch a tent; it’s a comprehensive outdoor sanctuary for the New York community.

Location and Accessibility

Winding Hills Park is strategically located in Orange County, a region celebrated for its blend of scenic beauty and proximity to the greater New York metropolitan area. The park's official address is 76 Old Rte 17K, Montgomery, NY 12549, USA, a location that offers excellent road access for travelers coming from all parts of New York and beyond.

The park is situated just off New York State Route 17K, approximately two miles west of the charming Village of Montgomery. This proximity ensures easy access to local provisions and services while keeping the park grounds peaceful and secluded. Its position in the Hudson Valley makes it a prime weekend getaway for residents of New York City and the surrounding suburbs, often being just a little over an hour's drive away.

Accessing the park is straightforward via major routes like I-84, making it a convenient stopover or a primary destination for a multi-day trip. The park’s setting along the Montgomery-Crawford town line puts it in the heart of Orange County's beautiful countryside, characterized by wooded areas, low hills, and the placid waters of Diamond Lake. Multiple parking spots are available within the day-use and camping areas, accommodating visitors arriving for day trips or extended stays.

Services Offered

Winding Hills Park, managed by Orange County, offers a robust set of services to ensure a comfortable and active outdoor experience for all patrons.

Campsite Facilities: The campground provides 51 sites suitable for tents, trailers, and RVs up to 29 feet. Each site includes a
Picnic Table
and a
Fire Ring
for an authentic camping experience.
Utility Services: Approximately 30 of the 51 sites offer
Electric Hookups (30 Amp)
for an added nightly fee, accommodating campers who require power. There are no water or sewer hookups at individual sites.
Essential Amenities: The park features two large, centrally located
Comfort Stations
that include
Flush Toilets
and
Hot Showers
, which are highly valued by visitors for their cleanliness and maintenance.
Waste Management: A
Dump Station
is available on-site for RV and trailer campers to properly dispose of waste before departure.
Recreational Rentals: Seasonal availability for
Paddleboat Rentals
on the 40-acre Diamond Lake, providing an easy way to get out on the water.
Group Facilities: A covered
Picnic Shelter/Pavilion
with electricity, a paved floor, and restrooms is available for group rentals, perfect for family reunions or organizational events (reservations required).

Features / Highlights

The park’s natural beauty and diverse recreational offerings are its greatest highlights, making it a beloved destination for local New Yorkers throughout the year.

Extensive Trail System: A comprehensive
10-Mile Trail System
winds through the woods and varied terrain, perfect for
Hiking, Trail Running, and Horseback Riding
during the warmer months, and
Snowshoeing and Snowmobiling
in the winter.
Water Activities on Diamond Lake: The 40-acre
Diamond Lake
and a smaller 4-acre pond are open for
Fishing
(catch and release only, with proper New York State license required).
Car-Top Boating
is permitted for non-motorized or electric-motor vessels, allowing for serene kayaking and canoeing.
Family-Friendly Amenities: The park includes a dedicated
Playground
area for children, as well as facilities for
Horseshoe Pits
and a
Volleyball Court
, ensuring activities for all ages.
Spacious Picnic Areas: A large, 20-acre day-use picnic area is available, featuring 40 individual sites, each with a
Picnic Table
and a
Charcoal Grill
, with a nearby comfort station.
Seasonal Winter Sports: When conditions allow, the park transforms to offer seasonal activities such as
Ice Fishing
,
Ice Skating
, and
Groomed Snowmobile Trails
, extending the park’s utility beyond the summer camping season.

Contact Information

For reservations, especially for holiday weekends, or to inquire about current conditions and operational policies, please use the contact information below for Winding Hills Park, operated by the Orange County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation:

Address: 76 Old Rte 17K, Montgomery, NY 12549, USA

Phone: (845) 457-4918

Conclusion: Why this Place is Suitable for Locals

Winding Hills Park is an ideal and highly suitable retreat for New Yorkers, particularly those in the Hudson Valley and surrounding regions. It offers the perfect blend of easy accessibility and deep, natural immersion—a rare combination that satisfies the need for a quick weekend escape without demanding an arduous journey.

For local residents, the park serves as a multi-season, multi-activity hub. Its 51-site campground is a clean, reliable, and reasonably priced option for family camping, whether in a tent or an RV. The park’s commitment to maintaining a clean and beautiful environment, as evidenced by positive feedback on the staff and facilities, ensures a quality experience. The abundance of activities, from the 10 miles of peaceful hiking and horseback riding trails to the opportunities for fishing and kayaking on the pristine lake, provides something for every type of outdoor enthusiast. The option for winter sports further extends its suitability, offering year-round recreational value that is hard to find in one location.

In short, Winding Hills Park is more than just a campground; it is a vital, well-managed piece of Orange County’s public land that provides an affordable, restorative, and enriching natural experience right in the backyard of the New York metropolitan area. It is a place where locals can reliably unplug, enjoy the beauty of the Hudson Valley, and create lasting outdoor memories with their family and friends.