Last updated on October 11th, 2023 at 10:25 am
If you’re traveling near the West Point Military Academy, Round Pond Recreation Area is a great place to stay for eligible military-affiliated patrons. Set around a beautiful pond, this seasonal campground is open from April to November and offers plenty of activities for those who enjoy the outdoors.
Campsites and Cabins
The campground offers a range of sites including 28 RV spaces, 4 pop-up spaces, 10 log cabins, and one rental cottage. All of the RV sites have water, electricity, a fire ring, a charcoal grill, and a picnic table. We stayed in site 16, which is farther from the pond, but we enjoyed the tranquil environment. It was also an easy walk from the site down to the main recreation area and beach.
The tent sites are all in their own wooded section of the recreation area. They don’t have any utilities, but they all have a fire ring, a charcoal grill, and a picnic table. They also aren’t far from the bathhouse.
The cabins have electricity, a mini-fridge, a table with chairs, a double bed, and bunk beds. Outside they also have a fire ring, charcoal grill, and picnic table. The rental cottage has electricity, plumbing, a kitchen, a bathroom, and a bedroom with a queen bed. There are also two futons for additional sleeping spaces.
Campground Amenities
As you can imagine by the name, there are a lot of recreational activities here. You can rent boats and kayaks or fish from the shore. Guests can also enjoy the designated swimming area and beach, playground, sand volleyball court, and nature trails.
While the sites don’t have sewer, there is a bath house with showers, as well as a dump station. Patrons can also choose to pay extra for the honey wagon service that will pump out their tanks.
Tour West Point
Located on the western bank of the Hudson River, West Point is home to the United States Military Academy. It’s a charming town that caters not only to cadets but also to tourists, history buffs, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Start your trip with a bang by visiting the West Point Museum, which is situated on the grounds of the United States Military Academy. The Museum has over 60,000 artifacts ranging from military weapons to artwork and is dedicated to preserving the history of West Point and the American Army. Apart from the historical artifacts, the Museum also has an IMAX theater that showcases military documentaries.
Next on the itinerary should be a hike on the Hudson Riverwalk. It is a 2-mile walking trail that runs through the grounds of the Military Academy and offers a stunning view of the Hudson River. The trail is paved, making it perfect for walking and biking.
Visit New York City
One of the best things about this campground is that it is an easy train ride to New York City. A couple of sites in the city that are especially notable for military travelers are the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum the National September 11 Memorial & Museum.
The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is one of the top military attractions in New York City. Visitors can explore an aircraft carrier, submarine, and supersonic jet. The museum showcases the history of US military aviation and maritime exploration. It is an incredible experience to walk the decks of the USS Intrepid and see the planes that helped to make aviation history.
The National September 11 Memorial & Museum serves as a memorial and museum honoring the victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The site features two enormous waterfalls set within the footprints of the original Twin Towers, as well as a museum space that houses many artifacts from the attacks. In addition to honoring victims of the 9/11 attacks, the museum also has exhibits that showcase the impact of the US military’s response to the attacks and how they safeguarded the nation from further attacks.
Stay overnight at one of the best hotels near Penn Station to allow yourself more time to see the attractions.
Make Your Reservation
As previously mentioned, this is a military campground. Learn more about eligibility in our Guide to Military Campgrounds. The campground books up fast for West Point home games and graduation, so be sure to plan your trip in advance and make reservations.
