The Round Pond Recreation area is located in a rocky, woody area, just three miles from the United States Military Academy. Round Pond is a clear mountaintop lake surrounded by a beach, playgrounds, picnic areas and campsites. The lake has lifeguards on duty at the swimming beach during the summer months. The Outdoor Equipment Resource Center, located behind the Round Pond Office and Bait Shop, has camping equipment, boats & trailers, party canopies and various sports equipment for rent. West Point fishing and hunting passes, as well as power boat passes for Stillwell and Popolopen Lake, are available at the Round Pond Office. The office also serves as the fishing boat control point.
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Round Pond Recreation Area
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| 4.1 (24) |
Location
| Installation | U.S. Military Academy, West Point, NY |
| GPS Coordinates | 41.3777, -74.0267 |
| Location Information |
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Directions
| Directions |
Take exit 16 from I-87. Go North on US-6 for about 2.5 miles. Turn North on SR-293 and go another 5.5 miles. Turn left on Round Pond Rd. to campground. ---- Address for GPS is: 1348 Round Pond Road, West Point, NY 10996 |
Contact Information
| Phone Number | (845) 938-2503 |
| Fax Number | (845)938-3788 |
| Mailing Address | IMNE-MIL-MWR, Round Pond Recreation Area, BLDG 681, Hardee Place, 2nd Floor, West Point, New York 10996 |
| Website URL | http://www.westpointmwr.com/outdoor/Roundpd.htm |
Campground Information
| Authorized Users | Active, National Guard, Reservists, Retired, 100% DAV. DoD Civilians, cadets. |
| Season | Apr 1 - Oct 30. |
| Reservations | Active Duty may make reservations starting the day after Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. All other categories may make reservation the day after President's Day. |
| Internet Access | Limited Wifi at Campground. Internet access is available on base. Marginal Verizon broadband, but strong with amplifier and external antenna. |
| Campground Information | Rates are higher on holidays and Army football weekends. Honey Wagon service is available Mon and Fri, $5. Dump available. *The cottage is rented in blocks of Mon-Fri or Fri-Mon. The Round Pond Recreation area is located in a rocky, woody area, just three miles from the United States Military Academy. Round Pond is a clear mountaintop lake surrounded by a beach, playgrounds, picnic areas and campsites. The lake has lifeguards on duty at the swimming beach during the summer months. The Outdoor Equipment Resource Center, located behind the Round Pond Office and Bait Shop, has camping equipment, boats & trailers, party canopies and various sports equipment for rent. West Point fishing and hunting passes, as well as power boat passes for Stillwell and Popolopen Lake, are available at the Round Pond Office. The office also serves as the fishing boat control point. Cottage/Cabin rental rates based on length of stay. |
| Facilities | Volleyball courts, Basketball court, Bait & Tackle store, Outdoor Equipment Rental Center. |
| Amenities |
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Site Information
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User reviews
View all user reviewsAverage user rating from: 24 user(s)
April 29 to May 1, 2013
Rate has gone up to $27 for 50 amp & Water. Good stop for FL to New England. Stop and visit West Point itself - museums, visitor center, chapel, etc. Also take a nice nature hike around Round Pond and then Wilkins Pond using the road right after the Laundry Building. We're Navy - lots of Beat and Sink Navy signs at the football stadiums.
October 11-15, 2012
We stayed in one of the teeny log cabins and were delighted! The two-room cabin had just the basic amenities but served us well. There is only a full-sized bed with a 4-inch foam pad but believe it or not, we slept well! Go figure. There is a set of bunkbeds built in and our two grandchildren slept over one night and loved the experience. Our cabin had a small heater which did the job adequately. The shower house was not too far and was super warm. Took a bit for the warm water to kick in but I was told by another camper that the first shower of the day usually took a while for the hot water. We loved the area, absolutely beautiful, quiet and convenient. Great job, Army! (Beat Navy!)
Aug 1 - Aug 8 2012
We enjoyed our stay at Round Pond a great deal. The staff were wonderful, the facilities were first rate. If you are looking for a get a way, & a commune with nature this is the place. RVs must use I-87 to get to this MWR, all other routes are cars only & you may encounter low clearances on others. The direction given on this site are spot on.
June 2012
The campground is near West Point which is the main reason we picked it. The staff was good - they had our reservation and we had no trouble at check in or any time during our stay. The campsite was in a large U-shaped common gravel area where we had to back in our rigs at a diagonal so they would fit. It was a bit awkward but no problem. The grounds were pretty well maintained. The road up to the campground from the road was a bit steep and curvy but we went slowly and had no trouble. The road has been recently re paved and was good. We would camp there again in our motorhome.
1 May -15 May 2012
This was our first stay and would definitely return. Great location for touring West Point, Hudson River Valley and historic sites. Commissary and Exchange very convenient to campground. In spite of not having wifi, satellite and full hookup, still enjoyed stay. Our site was C12 next to Bathhouse and laundry and dump. Probably the best area. C13 also good. We have outside antenna and mi-fi, so could access cell and internet. We got Fox news through sirius xm radio. Only suggestion is that they have recycle bins; however, you can take to the exchange. By the way not a problem driving in with tow.
9-14 Sept 2011
This is in a nice area with lakes, ponds, trails, West Point close by, and views, but for the price (daily only with no discounts) you get no sewer,cable,wifi, but there is a bath house and laundry with a dump site when you need it. The place is very clean and a nice shoppette of sorts with bait. Enjoy.
June 26, 2011
M.T. left this review using the Directory software: Tent camping overnight. I had the tent area to myself. The staff was very courteous and professional. Outstanding stay. I enjoyed the sound of various firing ranges during the late afternoon, but don't worry, they are silent by sundown.
June 1, 2011
We were in the bath house area which has 10 campsites that are of the lowest quality. It is a tough climb even for our 25 foot TREK. The price is out of site for water and electric. Would not use again because of price and driving conditions in and out. The bath house was Army clean.
20-23 Sep, 2010
Since this is one of the most expensive military campgrounds, I expected more. I think $25 a day is way too much for a site with no sewer. This was not a problem for me because we stayed for only 3 days. Water lines ran along the surface of the ground. This campground is rustic. If that is what you like, you will love this place. It is also within 60 miles of Manhattan and near West Point Military Academy if those are places you want to visit. Firing ranges are nearby and we heard gunfire every day we were here - like hundreds of firecrackers going off at one time. But is was quiet at night. A lot of seasonal campers here. In fact, we were assigned one of the seasonal sites while the regular tenant was away. They seem to have the prime sites. The staff was friendly and helpful. Canoes and paddle boats are available for rent. Fishing is allowed at Round Pond and another lake. Verizon cell phone service was not good - kept losing the connection. Verizon air card service was better only because I had an external antenna. Commissary and exchange about 4 miles away. Shuttle bus service available on base which is good since convenient parking is hard to find during a regular work day.
July 17, 2010
Used this little campground as a stop over spot for a Northeast camping vacation. In retrospect, I should have stayed more than a night and I will likely return. Staff was friendly, campground was immaculately maintained. The beach was very nice. There were several people camping near the bathhouse in an area that appeared to be a parking lot. I'm not sure if that is a normal camping area, but I would not have been happy if I had been parked there. As it was, I had a very nice somewhat secluded campsite that we enjoyed. Cell phone service (AT&T) was available, but spotty.
Sept '09
Yes, the hill looks like it belongs in San Francisco but pulling a 6,000 lb trailer with an 8 cyl Ford Explorer (towing package) gave me no trouble going up the hill. At $25 it is not the cheapest, but commercial campgrounds in the area are outrageously expensive. It provides a convenient way to visit NYC and if you don't care to wait three hrs for a return train, cross the river. The trains run on a better schedule there. It is a pleasant, well kept campground on a small lake. Avoid football weekends if you can. nortvoods
12 Apr 09
C.H. left this review using the Directory software: Yes, the road in is steep and winding, but it's certainly not a deal-breaker. When choosing a site, ask about your electrical requirements, for some sites have only a 50A hookup. The heated bathhouse with its free hot showers and laundry facilities is located quite a ways from most sites. This was our third stay here and as usual, we enjoyed it.
Sep 23, 2008
J.J. left this review using the Directory software: I neglected to visit Round Pond previously because of the scary write-ups reference the road into the campground. We visited in a 40' DP. We unhooked the toad on highway 293 before going up the hill. The climb and turns were not bad at all. I stayed in site #6 which was an OK site except no satellite TV reception. The road into the site was somewhat tight but doable. Check-in was friendly but they did not offer much info except give me a map to the site. Some information that they could have offered is if you need propane get it on entry as the tank is right next to the office and getting it later would require driving all around the pond later. It is somewhat overpriced for a MWR facility with no sewer. I would not hesitate to stay there again in the future.
Sept 1 - Sept 7, 2008
This is the first time I've stayed here at Round Pond, even though I spend at least a week a year in this area visiting relatives. I've read the previous reviews and was leery of staying for any length of time with only water and electric, and without Internet access. Since I was only going to be here for a week this trip, I decided to give it a try. The experience was well worth it. The campground is beautiful and very well maintained. Last weekend being the Labor Day holiday, I thought it would be crowded and noisy with folks just here for the day. Maybe the high fuel costs are keeping people away, but I don't think the CG was even half full. Several cookouts and party's were in full swing at some of the pavilions, but not overly noisy or out of hand. The price was higher than at most military CG's, but is a bargain for this area. I've stayed at private CG's in this area that were not nearly as nice for twice the price. The site I stayed in (C-1) was very large, level, and heavily wooded.....nice for camping, but terrible for cell phone service and Internet...LOL. I was able to get online using my Verizon AirCard, but only intermittently....mainly early morning and late evening. Cell phone service was bad. The signal kept fading and the call would drop. All things considered however, I would recommend Round Pond to anyone visiting the area. As other reviewers have said, it is very convenient to New York City and the tour of West Point is a MUST. Oh....BTW....I was a little concerned about the steepness of the hill at the entrance based on the previous reviews, but I had no problem at all with my 29' fifth-wheel, pulled by a Dodge Ram 3500. The one switchback is a little tricky if someone is coming down the hill at the same time, but it shouldn't be a problem for most rigs under 40'. I'm going to try and post some pictures I took of the hill in the photo section as soon as I get into an area with broadband coverage, to help you judge for yourself.
2 - 7 August 2008
Nice campground and a friendly staff with knowledge of the area. Though the hill is steep I found it not a problem in a 35ft RV with a explorer toad and using second gear up (1st gear once for 75 yards). I had no issues going up or down towing. A beautiful area with much to see. 1 hour or so to NY. The base has all amenities and it is a well kept base. No sewers but a honey wagon for nominal fee. Restrooms adequate. Lovely lake with lots for kids. Some sites are tight but manageable. I would love to go back and spend more time. No Internet connections and difficult for satellite except for those that are there for extended periods. Those sites go quick to students and active. Just to see the academy is worth the trip.
June 15-21, 2008
LOTS for kids to do - fishing, swimming, boating/canoeing, a playground, and plenty to explore. Yes, the hill into the place gave me a "scare" but, having no one to follow in the toad (I'm the only driver over 16) I HAD to do it, and I DID! I think I'm gonna hate going down more than the up, though. We had a wonderful stay, and I cannot say much more than the others, except that it's VERY crowded on Fri-Sun, and getting in and out of many spots is tough in a big rig - cars parked everywhere! We actually got blocked in on a Friday. The hosts will help, though, so don't fret. They'll help find the drivers to move so you can get in. We had a wonderful stay, and the on-base Youth Center (6th grade and up) is free from 12-5 M-Sa. My kids had a great time while I did stuff like this review :) and shopped at the comm/BX. Recycling, laundry (only 2 W/D) and a small shop at the CG. I would love to stay in one of the wooded sites on an extended visit next time - we were in the "C lot" right across from the bath house. It worked for us, though; easy in/out and close to laundry and the beach for kids! We will come again...
May 29 - 30, 2008
Our planned stop at the US Military Academy was during graduation week, so we made a one night reservation a couple of days in advance. When we arrived in the early afternoon, they had our paperwork all ready -- no forms to fill out, and no credit slip to sign. The staff here really has their act together. Unlike many Army recreation sites, the Golden Age pass is NOT ACCEPTED here. And with no sewer hookups for any of the sites, that makes the value for the dollar on the poor side. The natural beauty and convenient location help, however. We were in a shady pop-up site (U-1) on a wooded knoll with a view of the pond. We had water & electric. The bath house was clean, modern, and well-appointed. There's a camp store adjacent to the office space where you can get a few basics if needed. Compared to the US Naval Academy RV park, this place is heaven (although, I hear USNA is finally going to make some desperately needed improvements...I'm an Air Force guy, so I have no axe to grind for either side. I just like nice campgrounds). There is a hiking trail that circumnavigates Round Pond that was well marked, and an overlook spot off the beginning of the trail. The trail was free of trash, as was the pond shore...more evidence of a staff that has pride of place, even if a few cretins try to mess it up with their littering. (Note: there´s another pond behind the CG, as well). From our campsite, we had adequate SPRINT PCS cell phone reception. We also use the SPRINT PCS air card for internet, and got minimum internet connection and low speed only. NO EVDO. But at least we could get connected. As soon as we left the CG and went over the ridge, and down into the Academy grounds, we had solid EVDO connection. When you're in the PX parking lot, the cell tower is on the hilltop behind the exchange. There is a very nice, commissary, PX, and gas station/class VI/shoppette complex on the Academy grounds. The graduation parade was a stirring sight.
Oct. 28, Nov. 2, 2007
The location being it is located close to N.Y. City is great. Also because it is located next to the most beautiful and well kept Army Post in the world is great. I think they charge more than what it should be because of the amenities. They only have 30 amp. in most spots and a few 50 amp. No sewers, and limited water hookups. Only a few of the sites have access to getting satelite. I will note that the staff, especially the maintence personell are really helpful. The area going into and out of the park are a little challenging but we made it ok with our 40' and tow. The two hour tour of West Point via bus was really great because it took us to the grave yard where a lot of history lays. (punn) Overall a great place and I would return if in the area. I would say the campground is not big rig friendly but you can get around if you are careful.
Oct. 2 - 8, 2007
P.R. left this review using the Directory software: Beautiful,peaceful campround near one of he greatest places on earth-The United States Military Academy. We found the park people extrememly helpful and friendly, the site okay for being in the trees and on a hill. Drive in is a little curvy but not the worst we have driven. I find this a must return and we do it evry year! Trees are in color and gorgeous. Homecoming weekend and great festivities. Beautiful area around Round Pond. There may be low water shortage but we find that everywhere! Attendants very friendly and helpful. The United States Military Academy is one of the finest places on earth to visit and see our future leaders everywhere, being polite, helpful and they are proud to be there. Any inconcenience at the campground is overlooked due to the beautiful area you are camping in. We had 2 handicapped on board and got alone just fine. We have a 38 foot Itasca motor home and tow a Jeep Liberty. We made it up and down the hill to Round Pond just fine.
Aug - Sep 2007
D.A. left this review using the Directory software: Stayed two weeks in site C-5, a 50A site; almost got stuck trying to exit that area in our 40 ft rig. They have on site storage for $2.50/day which we took advantage of, then when we returned we moved to site C-17. Much more big rig friendly even though only 30amp. Over all nice campground. The staff gets five stars. I only rate the campground three stars mainly because there is a constant water shortage, so be sure to keep your fresh water tank full. There is twice a week (Mon and Fri) holding tank service for $3.00. West Point is definately worth a visit, but the campground is over priced especially since most of the time fresh water is limited.
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