Cherry Plain State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Cherry Plain State Park in east-central New York, near the borders of Massachusetts and Vermont, consists of 175 acres in the woods of the Taconic Valley. The park is also on Black River Pond, where there is a sandy beach, a boat launch and picnic tables. Not only will you be able to enjoy world-class hiking, biking, boating and camping, but it's also a great place to appreciate the stunning scenery of this beautiful region of the country. Due to the park's relatively high elevation compared to the Hudson Valley, you can expect cooler and more comfortable summer conditions. In the winter, the nature trails can be used for cross-country skiing. Cherry Plain State Park is only around a half hour away from Albany, so you can explore all the many sights and activities in the state's capital.
Nearest Cities:
Albany, NY
Bennington, VT
North Adams, MA
Pittsfield, MA
Spring 26-45 F
Summer 62-84 F
Fall 41-62 F
Winter 16-33 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Cherry Plain State Park
Campground Accommodations
Cherry Plain State Park Campground
Water hookup: No
Electrical hookup: No
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: 15 feet
Other amenities: Bathhouses, restrooms, picnic pavilion, playground, horseshoes, firewood sales
Alps Family Campground
Discover a campsite that's right for you with 100 options scattered throughout the park. Nightly rates start at $35 per night. Guests can rent a cabin on-site for a more sheltered overnight stay. Camping with an RV? Alps Family Campground provides plenty of full-hookup campsites for those who prefer to have electricity and running water. Both back-in and pull-through sites are available to accommodate RVs of all types and sizes. Once you get settled in, consider participating in a park activity like hayrides, basketball, or swimming for some outdoor fun.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi: No
Other features: Laundry facility, showers, bathrooms, arcade, playgrounds, swimming pool, hayrides, basketball area, softball field, and dump station
Broken Wheel Campground
This festive campground hosts weekend and seasonal events for its guests. From pot lucks and dances to parades and auctions, Broken Wheel Campground has a range of events you can attend. It's a great place to camp whether you are pitching a tent or parking an RV. Camping rates start at $29 per night; weekly rates begin at $174.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Other features: Showers, bathrooms, playgrounds, dump station, convenience store, and recreation hall
What to Do at
Cherry Plain State Park
Cherry Plain State Park is known for its famous Black River Pond. This relatively small body of water is perfect for catching freshwater fish, swimming, canoeing and kayaking. In addition, you'll be able to enjoy a picnic in the park's pavilions. Furthermore, it's a great place to enjoy stargazing. There are scheduled star parties at the park, which are hosted by local amateur astronomers.
At Cherry Plain State Park, you can ride your horse on one of the bridle trails, go hunting, snowmobile in the winter and even rent the pavilion for a special event.
Inside Cherry Plain State Park
If you own a boat, you can take it with you to the boat launch for a relaxing afternoon of boating. Need to borrow a boat? You can rent a kayak at $4 per hour or a rowboat at $5 an hour. Anglers can do what they love at this state park. There are plenty of spots along the shore to fish, or you can take a boat out for some deep lake fishing. Visitors can also walk, hike, or bike one of the many trails scattered throughout the park.
Fishing
Black River Pond is a great place to catch pickerel, bass and bullheads. In the winter, you can go ice fishing.
Nature Watching
Cherry Plain State Park is home to foxes, raccoons, squirrels, coyotes, chipmunks and even black bears. As the park is surrounded by the Capital District Wildlife Management Area, you may also spot moose, beavers, wild turkeys and white-tailed deer.
Stargazing
Since Cherry Plain State Park is in a region with little light pollution, on clear nights, you can marvel at millions of stars.
Flora and Fauna
Cherry Plain State Park is located within a region that's known for exceptional fall colors. Furthermore, you'll be able to enjoy bird-watching and wildlife viewing throughout the park. The region is home to a wide range of tree species, including birch, sugar maple, oak and a variety of evergreen species. The area is also home to a wide range of grasses.
Hiking
While Cherry Plain State Park is relatively small, there are multiple hiking trails to choose from. The longest trail is the Cherry Plain State Park loop, which is approximately 5 miles in length. However, the Escarpment Trail, the North by Northwest Trail and the Cherry Plain Waterfalls Trail are also great for a day hike.
Boating
There are kayak and canoe rentals available in Cherry Plain State Park for an affordable price.
Swimming
Black River Pond is a great place to go for a swim. While the pond is relatively small, it features a sizable swimming area.
How to Get to
Cherry Plain State Park
If you're coming from Albany, New York, take Route 43 to Miller Road. The trip is approximately 25 miles and takes around half an hour. If you're coming from New York City or elsewhere in downstate New York, take I-87 north until you reach the exit for Route 43 East. Take Route 43 east until you reach Miller Road.
Entering Cherry Plain State Park
There are no fees to enter Cherry Plain State Park, and the parking fee is only $7. There are parking lots near the park office and by the picnic pavilions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cherry Plain State Park
While Cherry Plain State Park is open year-round, summer is generally considered to be the best time to go. However, you can enjoy cross-country skiing and ice fishing in the winter. Snowfall typically begins in November and can occur as late as April, and the park receives approximately 100 inches per year.
In addition, the area's scenery is exceptionally beautiful during the fall months. You'll be able to enjoy an incredible display of fall colors throughout the park and surrounding areas. While the specific time that the color peaks will vary from year to year, it's typically somewhere around the middle or end of October.
Foxes, raccoons, coyotes, squirrels and chipmunks are commonplace throughout the region. In addition, the region is home to a wide range of rarer forms of wildlife, such as black bears.
Cherry Plain State Park has 10 sites that are designed for small recreational vehicles. The maximum RV length at these sites is only 15 feet.
You do have to reserve a camping spot before staying at Cherry Plain State Park. The nightly fee is $12-$19 for New York State residents, and it's $17-$24 if you're from out of state.
A maximum of two pets are allowed in day-use areas and campsites. They are required to remain on a leash that doesn't exceed 6 feet in length at all times. Pets aren't permitted in buildings or playgrounds.