Winding Hills Park

For New Yorkers seeking a versatile and engaging outdoor escape that offers everything from tranquil lakeside relaxation to invigorating trail adventures, Winding Hills Park in Montgomery, NY, presents an ideal destination. As an Orange County park, it provides a well-maintained and amenity-rich environment designed to cater to a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts, whether you're looking for a day trip or an overnight camping experience.

Winding Hills Park is a gem nestled in the picturesque landscape of Orange County, offering a significant natural space that balances accessibility with a sense of peaceful retreat. Spanning over 500 acres and centered around the beautiful 40-acre Diamond Lake, the park is a testament to the region's commitment to preserving natural beauty for public enjoyment. It stands out from more primitive state forest options by providing developed camping facilities alongside extensive recreational opportunities, making it suitable for both seasoned campers and those new to the outdoors.

The park's diverse terrain, from rolling hills to wooded areas, provides a scenic backdrop for a variety of activities. It’s a place where you can spend your mornings hiking winding trails and your afternoons fishing on the lake, all within a short drive from many parts of New York. The presence of well-maintained facilities, including comfort stations with hot showers and flush toilets, adds a level of convenience that enhances the camping experience, allowing visitors to truly unwind. This article will provide a comprehensive look at Winding Hills Park, exploring its prime location, the extensive services it offers, its standout features, and why it's a perfect choice for locals looking to explore the natural beauty of New York's Hudson Valley region.

Winding Hills Park is conveniently located at 76 Old Rte 17K, Montgomery, NY 12549, USA. This address places it within Orange County, a vibrant part of New York's Hudson Valley region. Montgomery, a charming village nearby, provides a sense of local community and offers convenient access to essential services and supplies.

The park's location off Route 17K, just a couple of miles west of the Village of Montgomery, ensures excellent accessibility for visitors from across New York State. It is within a reasonable driving distance from major metropolitan areas, making it an ideal spot for weekend getaways or even day trips for those seeking an outdoor respite. The surrounding region is known for its scenic beauty, offering picturesque drives and a general atmosphere of rural tranquility, yet still connected to larger population centers.

Within the park itself, there are "Multiple parking spots," making it easy for day-use visitors and campers to find convenient access points to the trails and amenities. Reviews mention a "porta john at the parking lot further down the road past Diamond Lake," indicating that even more remote trailheads have some basic facilities. The park's design, with trails "loop through the various terrain," allows for comprehensive exploration of its 508 acres, all while being easily reachable by car from the main entrance points. This balance of natural immersion and convenient access makes Winding Hills Park a highly practical choice for New Yorkers looking for outdoor recreation.

Winding Hills Park, as an Orange County Park, offers a comprehensive range of services and facilities designed to make both day visits and camping stays comfortable and enjoyable. These include:

• Camping Sites: The park features "51 camp site destinations" suitable for "tents, trailers and motor homes up to 29-ft." Each site is equipped with a "picnic table and fire ring," providing essential amenities for a traditional camping experience.
• Electric Hookups: For RV and trailer campers, there are "electric hookups" available at many sites. While not all 51 sites have electricity, a good portion do, offering added convenience.
• Comfort Stations: Two "large, centrally located comfort stations contain electricity and shower facilities." These facilities provide "hot showers and flush toilets," significantly enhancing comfort for campers. Showers are reported to be free and have adjustable temperature, with water running continuously.
• Sanitary Dump Station: A "Sanitary Dump" is available for RVs and trailers, with a number to call for staff to unlock it, providing a crucial service for self-contained units.
• Potable Water: "Water spigots available throughout campground" for fresh water access.
• Boating: The 40-acre "Diamond Lake" is "open for boating from May through October." Only "electric-motor, solid bottom and car-top boats" are permitted. All boaters must wear a life jacket, and a "Boat House" is present.
• Fishing: Both the 40-acre Diamond Lake and a "4-acre pond" are "available for everyone's fishing enjoyment at no charge." Fishing can be done from the shoreline or by boat on the lake. Fishing is "catch and release only," and state licenses are required.
• Picnic Areas: A "20-acre picnic area overlooking a four-acre pond is available at no charge," with "40 individual picnic sites each contain a table and charcoal grill." A "Picnic Shelter" is also available for larger groups by permit and fee.
• Hiking and Nature Trails: The park boasts an extensive "10-mile trail system" suitable for "hiking," "walking," and "nature/hiking trails." These trails are described as "peaceful," "beautiful and hilly," with some challenging sections and "new trailhead" to discover. Trails are also open for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in winter.
• Playgrounds: Playgrounds are available for children, making it a family-friendly destination.
• Winter Sports: When conditions permit, "Ice Skating," "Ice Fishing," and "Snowmobile Trails" are available, offering year-round recreational opportunities.
• Ranger Station/Staff: A "Ranger Station" is present, and staff are available to register campers and collect fees, even for late arrivals. Reviews praise staff for being helpful.

It's important to note that "NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ARE PERMITTED IN THE CAMPGROUND," and payment for camping is "cash only," with exact change required. Some reviews mention a slight sulfur smell in the water, suggesting some campers might prefer to bring their own drinking water.

Winding Hills Park offers a rich array of features and highlights that make it a standout destination for outdoor recreation and camping in Orange County, NY:

• Picturesque Landscape: The park is set within a "picturesque landscape with many amenities" and offers "beautiful view of the lake and ponds." Its "hilly place" and "wooded areas" provide a scenic and tranquil backdrop for all activities.
• Diverse Trail System: A "10-mile trail system" allows for varied experiences, from "peaceful trail" ideal for walking and jogging to more "tricky" sections for avid hikers. The trails loop through diverse terrain, passing "old stone walls," offering continuous discovery. They are also suitable for "snowshoeing and cross country skiing" in winter.
• Diamond Lake: The 40-acre "Diamond Lake" is a central feature, offering opportunities for "fishing" (catch and release only) and "boating" (car-top, electric motor only). Its "beautiful view" makes it perfect for "relaxing" and picnicking by the water.
• Convenient Camping Amenities: With 51 sites accommodating tents, trailers, and RVs (up to 29ft), many with "electric hookups," Winding Hills provides comfortable camping. The "clean bath house," "hot showers" (free and adjustable), and "flush toilets" are highly praised, significantly enhancing the camping experience.
• Family-Friendly Environment: The presence of "playgrounds," varied activities, and a welcoming atmosphere ("perfect for relaxing, dogs allowed") makes it an excellent choice for families with children and pets. Kids can enjoy nature while adults unwind.
• Year-Round Recreation: Beyond summer camping, the park offers winter activities such as "Ice Skating," "Ice Fishing," and "Snowmobile Trails" when conditions permit, ensuring recreational opportunities across all seasons.
• Accessibility and Convenience: Despite its natural setting, the park boasts "Multiple parking spots," is easily accessible off Route 17K, and has staff available for check-in even for late arrivals, making visits relatively hassle-free.
• Wildlife Observation: Reviewers frequently mention seeing "snakes, frogs and lots of butterflies," indicating a healthy ecosystem and opportunities for nature observation and photography.

These highlights combine to create a comprehensive outdoor experience that caters to a wide array of interests, from active recreation to serene relaxation.

As an Orange County Park, Winding Hills Park typically operates on a standardized fee structure rather than offering frequent, publicly advertised "promotions or special offers" in the commercial sense. The value provided is inherent in its well-maintained facilities, diverse recreational opportunities, and accessible location.

However, there is a notable distinction in camping fees based on residency, which can be considered a form of ongoing offer for locals:

• County Residents: Camping rates are more affordable for Orange County residents, priced at "$30 per night" or "$35 with electricity."
• Non-Residents: Rates for non-residents are "$40 per night" or "$45 with electricity."

Additionally, there is a "$5" surcharge for "HOLIDAY WEEKENDS," regardless of residency. It's important to remember that payment for camping is "Cash only!" and "exact change required" for the caretaker who collects fees. Reservations for "Advanced holiday weekend reservations may be made by calling (845) 457-4918," and "No reservations taken other than for certain popular holidays," meaning general camping is first-come, first-served.

For Scout Troop Campout reservations or information on picnic pavilion permits, specific contact numbers and email addresses are provided by Orange County Parks & Recreation. While there aren't traditional "sales" or "discounts," the tiered pricing for residents and the comprehensive amenities at a reasonable rate serve as the park's consistent value proposition.

For individuals and families interested in learning more about Winding Hills Park, including camping availability, trail conditions, or to make reservations for holiday weekends, the following contact information is available:

• Park Address: 76 Old Rte 17K, Montgomery, NY 12549, USA
• Primary Park Phone: (845) 457-4918 (This is the direct line for Winding Hills Park.)
• Orange County Parks & Recreation Administrative Office: For general inquiries, scout troop reservations, or picnic pavilion permits.
• Phone: (845) 615-3830
• Email: parks@orangecountygov.com

It is highly recommended to call the park directly, especially concerning camping availability, as general camping is often on a first-come, first-served basis outside of holiday weekends. For specific details on park rules, fees, and seasonal operations (like winter sports conditions), the official Orange County Parks & Recreation website for Winding Hills Park (typically orangecountygov.com/1491/Winding-Hills-Park) is an excellent resource for up-to-date information and trail maps.

For New Yorkers, particularly those in Orange County and the wider Hudson Valley region, Winding Hills Park is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended destination for outdoor recreation and camping. Its multifaceted offerings cater to a diverse range of interests, making it a perfect local escape.

Firstly, its accessibility and convenience are paramount. Located within a short drive for many residents, it provides an immediate escape into nature without the need for extensive travel. The "Multiple parking spots" and well-marked access points ensure that even a spontaneous day trip is easy to organize. This proximity makes it ideal for regular visits, whether for a morning run, an afternoon of fishing, or a weekend camping adventure, fostering a deeper connection with local natural spaces.

Secondly, the park's blend of primitive charm and essential amenities is a key draw. While offering vast natural areas and "peaceful trail" for hiking and nature observation, it also provides the comforts of "hot showers," "flush toilets," and "electric hookups" at campsites. This balance makes camping approachable for families and those who appreciate a few creature comforts, without sacrificing the outdoor experience. The ability to accommodate both tents and RVs further broadens its appeal to the local camping community.

Finally, the sheer variety of activities available year-round ensures that Winding Hills Park remains a valuable resource in every season. From summer boating and fishing on Diamond Lake to extensive hiking in the spring and fall, and even "Ice Skating," "Ice Fishing," and "Snowmobile Trails" in winter, there's always something to do. The affordable pricing, especially for Orange County residents, makes it an economical choice for regular family outings and provides consistent value. For New Yorkers seeking a versatile, accessible, and amenity-rich outdoor haven close to home, Winding Hills Park is an undeniable local treasure.

Winding Hills Park

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