Winding Hills Park

For residents of New York seeking a scenic retreat without traveling to the far reaches of the Adirondacks, Winding Hills Park in Montgomery offers an exceptional outdoor experience right in the heart of Orange County. This expansive park is a cornerstone of the Hudson Valley’s recreational landscape, providing a lush, wooded environment that feels worlds away from the urban sprawl of New York City. As a multi-use facility managed by the Orange County Department of Parks, Recreation, and Conservation, Winding Hills Park is designed to cater to a wide variety of outdoor enthusiasts, from serious hikers and anglers to families looking for a peaceful weekend in a tent or RV.

The park is characterized by its rolling topography and the tranquil waters of its central ponds, which serve as the focal point for many of the activities available on-site. Local New Yorkers appreciate the park for its "classic" camping feel—where the air is thick with the scent of pine and campfire smoke—balanced with modern amenities that make the experience comfortable for modern campers. Whether you are looking to teach your children how to fish, launch a kayak for a morning paddle, or simply enjoy a quiet picnic under a canopy of mature hardwood trees, Winding Hills Park provides a well-maintained and welcoming setting that showcases the natural beauty of the Mid-Hudson region.

Location and Accessibility

Winding Hills Park is situated at 76 Old Rte 17K, Montgomery, NY 12549. Its location is strategically ideal for New York residents, sitting just a short drive from major transportation hubs while remaining insulated from the noise of the highway. The park is a favorite for those living in Orange, Ulster, and Dutchess counties, and it serves as a popular weekend destination for visitors from the metropolitan area due to its straightforward accessibility.

• Located conveniently off Route 17K and near the intersection of Interstate 84 and the New York State Thruway (I-87), making it an easy drive from almost anywhere in the state.
• The park features a wheelchair-accessible entrance and a wheelchair-accessible parking lot, ensuring that the facility is inclusive and welcoming to all guests.
• On-site parking is plentiful and provided via a free parking lot, which is a significant convenience for day-trip visitors and those with multiple vehicles.
• The campground roads are designed to accommodate various vehicle types, including those towing trailers or driving larger motorhomes.
• Close proximity to the historic Village of Montgomery, which offers charming local shops, restaurants, and grocery stores for any last-minute camping supplies.

Services Offered

Winding Hills Park provides a robust array of services aimed at creating a seamless and safe camping experience. The park is staffed by professional park rangers who are frequently noted by visitors for being "kind and helpful," providing an added layer of security and guidance for those unfamiliar with the terrain. The service infrastructure is designed to support both primitive camping and more modern residential needs.

• Campground site rentals for both traditional tent sites and RV camping, allowing for a variety of outdoor living styles.
• RV electric hookups are available at select sites, catering to the needs of modern travelers who require power for their rigs.
• A dedicated dump station is located on-site for the convenience of RV travelers.
• Full-service restroom facilities, including public restrooms and public showers that are kept clean and functional for all campers.
• Running water is available throughout the park, ensuring that hydration and cleaning needs are easily met.
• Flexible payment options are accepted, including major credit cards and debit cards, simplifying the registration process for modern users.
• Ranger assistance and park maintenance services to ensure that the trails, ponds, and campsites remain in peak condition.

Features and Highlights

The highlights of Winding Hills Park are centered on its diverse recreational landscape. The park is built around two beautiful ponds that offer a mirror-like surface for paddling and a thriving ecosystem for local fish. Beyond the water, the park’s infrastructure supports a wide range of social and physical activities, making it one of the most versatile parks in the Hudson Valley.

• Expansive hiking trails that wind through the woods, including kid-friendly hikes that are perfect for younger explorers and those looking for a leisurely stroll.
• Two picturesque ponds with a designated spot to launch a kayak, providing hours of aquatic exploration and exercise.
• Excellent fishing opportunities, with the ponds being a popular spot for local anglers to catch bass and other freshwater species.
• A comprehensive playground area equipped with slides and swings, making the park exceptionally good for kids.
• Picnic facilities, including picnic tables and barbecue grills, distributed throughout the park for both day-use and campground guests.
• A family-friendly environment where dogs are allowed, provided they are kept on a leash, so you don't have to leave your pets at home.
• Scenic overlooks and panoramic views that provide a stunning backdrop for photography, especially during the vibrant New York autumn foliage season.

Contact Information

For those looking to book a campsite or check on current seasonal hours, reaching out to the park administration directly is the best way to secure your spot. Winding Hills is a popular destination, particularly on summer weekends, so early inquiries are recommended.

• Address: 76 Old Rte 17K, Montgomery, NY 12549, USA
• Phone: (845) 457-4918
• Mobile Phone: +1 845-457-4918
• Management: Orange County Parks, Recreation and Conservation

What is Worth Choosing

Winding Hills Park is worth choosing for New Yorkers who want a "best-of-both-worlds" camping experience. It provides the rugged beauty and quietude of a traditional forest campsite while offering the safety and convenience of a county-managed facility. The presence of helpful park rangers and the high standard of cleanliness in the bathrooms and showers make it an ideal choice for families with children or first-time campers who might be hesitant about more primitive wilderness sites. It is a place where you can truly disconnect from digital distractions and reconnect with the natural rhythm of the outdoors.

Furthermore, for RV owners in the Hudson Valley, the availability of electric hookups and a dump station at a public park price point represents an incredible value. The diversity of the park means that no two days are the same; you can spend your morning on a kayak, your afternoon on a kid-friendly hike, and your evening grilling dinner by your tent. Its location in Montgomery also allows you to explore the wider Orange County area, including nearby historic sites and farmers' markets, adding a cultural layer to your outdoor getaway. If you are looking for a beautiful, clean, and accessible campground that represents the very best of New York’s regional parks, Winding Hills Park is a choice you will not regret.