Mills Norrie State Park
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Mills-Norrie State Park

4.6
·724 reviews·Staatsburg, United States

A 1,000-acre park offering diverse camping, hiking trails, a golf course, and a marina on the Hudson River.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Escape the heat and crowds

CrowdMedium
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Mills Norrie State Park

Mills-Norrie State Park

Best Time

Summer mornings

Escape the heat and crowds

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 1,000-acre park offering diverse camping, hiking trails, a golf course, and a marina on the Hudson River.

4.6
(724 reviews)

"A compact and diverse camping offering with fantastic playgrounds and beautiful nature trails."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Best Playground for Little Ones

The toddler-specific playground is a hit for families with young children!

🏕️ Shaded Campsites

Sites offer great shade, but can make solar charging tricky.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Toddler-Friendly Playground

Toddler-Friendly Playground

Staatsburg Park

A safe, low-to-the-ground playground designed for little ones finding their balance.

Hudson River Waterfront

Hudson River Waterfront

Norrie Point

Enjoy scenic views and access to the Hudson River, with a marina and kayak launch.

Accessible Nature Trails

Accessible Nature Trails

Throughout the park

Beautiful, not overly challenging trails perfect for family hikes and connecting with nature.

Norrie Point Environmental Center

Norrie Point Environmental Center

Norrie Point

Discover educational programs and hands-on learning about the local ecosystem.

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Planning Your Visit

Camping Comforts & Considerations

Mills-Norrie offers diverse camping, from RV hookups to cabins. Sites are shaded but close together. Be aware of the single, communal shower facility and potential train noise at night. Staff are friendly and helpful, and the park store stocks essentials.

Family Fun & Nature Trails

This park is a gem for families, featuring a fantastic playground suitable for toddlers and older kids. Beautiful, accessible nature trails are perfect for little legs and offer a peaceful escape from screens. The Norrie Point Environmental Education Center adds an educational layer.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Escape the heat and crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer families, more peace
Crowd
Low
When
Fall foliage season
Why
Stunning autumn colors
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

If you’re looking for a peaceful, family-friendly park that actually considers the needs of toddlers and older kids — Staatsburg Park in Mills Norrie State Park is such a hidden gem 🌳🛝 This park has two separate playgrounds — one built low and safe for little ones (perfect for toddlers still finding their balance), and another one geared for bigger kids who want to climb, jump, and go full energy...
mylarae_
11 likes • 345 views

🎯 Best Playground for Little Ones

The toddler-specific playground is a hit for families with young children! TikTok

🏕️ Shaded Campsites

Sites offer great shade, but can make solar charging tricky. Reddit

Norrie Point Environmental Education Center at Margaret Lewis Norrie State Park in Staatsburg, NY ~ New York’s National Estuarine Research Reserve. FREE! Trails along the Hudson River Adjacent State Park Boat Launch & Marina Kayak launch and rentals Fishing ➕ more ! Trails connect to Ogden & Ruth Livingston Mills State Park and Staatsburgh State Historic Site and are part of the Hyde Park...
hudsonvalleykids
46 likes • 1.6K views
Summer Camping ⛺️ Trip with @eddiebernard 📍 Mills Norrie State Park #iloveny #ispyny
nadineclaudiaw
17 likes • 579 views

🚂 Train Noise Alert

Campsites near the train tracks can be loud at night. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Easy Hiking for All

Trails are beautiful and not too strenuous, perfect for kids. InstagramReddit

🌿🎣 Big shoutout to #millsnorriestatepark Education Center — even with record-high algal blooms this season, they’re still packed with awesome educational + recreational offerings for the whole community. From nature programs to hands-on learning, it’s worth the visit. Hell yeah. 💪 Meanwhile… Humphrey is officially fed up with me 🤦‍♂️😂 #BeWellRaiseHell #HudsonValley 🐢 #turtle #OutdoorLife #NatureEd...
crowseph_campbellz
7 likes • 299 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Best Playground for Little Ones

The toddler-specific playground is a hit for families with young children! TikTok

🏕️ Shaded Campsites

Sites offer great shade, but can make solar charging tricky. Reddit

🚂 Train Noise Alert

Campsites near the train tracks can be loud at night. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Easy Hiking for All

Trails are beautiful and not too strenuous, perfect for kids. InstagramReddit

🛶 Kayak & Boat Access

Rentals and launches available at Norrie Point. TikTok

🏛️ Nearby Historic Sites

Close to Roosevelt Library & Vanderbilt Mansion. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.6
(724 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Mills-Norrie State Park for its family-friendly atmosphere, particularly its excellent playgrounds and accessible nature trails. The diverse camping options and beautiful Hudson River views are also highlights. Some campers note the communal shower facilities and potential train noise as minor drawbacks.

"We’ve camped at several NY state parks in the area with my two young kids and this is best described as saying it’s a compact and diverse camping offering. It has hookups for RVs, platforms, regular camp sites and cabins. Sites are pretty close to one another.

Sites all had ample shade which made getting solar tough but offered relief from the sun.

Only one bathroom and shower facility and stalls were clean with hot water but showers were small with communal changing space out in the open making it hard with young kids.

Staff were friendly and helpful. The park store had the standard offerings.

Playground was close by and really nice, probably the best one so far and the. Nature trails were beautiful and not overly challenging so perfect for kids."

G H

"Nice place to camp for a variety of campers. I solo camped and slept in my SUV. The campsite has firewood that you can purchase and hot showers and restrooms that are within walking distance. Potable water nearby as well to each campsite. 15 minutes away from Rhinebeck. Multiple trails to hike on during the day. And there is also a marina with a nature center. My one problem was that the train passes right next to the campsite and it can be loud when the horn blows in the middle of the night. Beware not all campsites are that level for pitching a tent."

Anne Carpenter

"We needed an overnight in the Hyde Park area.

Very close to Roosevelt Library and Home and the Vanderbilt National historic site with a superb guided mansion tour.

A real unexpected plus was the Staats urg Historic Site right down the road a mile or so.

I had never heard of it before. It's a state owned historic site featuring the massive Mills mansion Staatsburg overlooking the Hudson

.
We could not tour because it's only open Thursday-Sunday, but if we are in the area again we will"

John Worthington

What People Like

Excellent playgrounds for all ages
Beautiful, easy nature trails
Shaded campsites

What People Dislike

Communal shower changing areas
Potential train noise

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Mills-Norrie State Park is located in Staatsburg, NY. It's easily accessible by car via Route 9. Many visitors arrive by car, and it's a popular stop for scenic drives along the Hudson River. TikTok

While direct public transportation to the park itself is limited, you can take Amtrak to the Rhinecliff station and then arrange for a taxi or rideshare service to the park, which is about a 15-minute drive away. Reddit

From the Taconic State Parkway, take the Route 55 West exit towards Poughkeepsie. Merge onto Route 9 South and follow signs for Mills-Norrie State Park. From the New York State Thruway (I-87), take Exit 18 for Poughkeepsie and follow Route 9 North. TikTok

Yes, ample parking is available throughout the park, especially near the main attractions like the playgrounds, nature center, and trailheads. TikTok

Absolutely! Mills-Norrie State Park features a marina at Norrie Point, offering boat launch facilities and access for boaters. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Mills-Norrie State Park generally does not charge an entrance fee for day use. However, there may be fees for specific activities like camping, boat launches, or special events. TikTok

The park grounds are typically open from dawn to dusk daily. The Norrie Point Environmental Education Center may have specific hours, so it's best to check their schedule in advance. TikTok

It is highly recommended to book campsites in advance, especially during peak season (summer and weekends), as they can fill up quickly. You can usually book through the NY State Parks reservation system. Reddit

While there isn't a general park entry fee, discounts might apply to camping fees for certain groups or through specific state park programs. Check the NY State Parks website for details. Reddit

Yes, the Norrie Point Environmental Education Center offers free admission and is a great place for educational programs and hands-on learning. TikTok+1

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The park offers a variety of trails, from easy nature walks perfect for families to more challenging routes along the Hudson. The white trail is noted for its scenic, albeit sometimes edge-of-cliff, views. InstagramReddit

Yes, Mills-Norrie State Park boasts an excellent playground, with a section specifically designed for toddlers and another for older kids, making it a family favorite. TikTokReddit

Absolutely! The park offers a range of camping options, including RV sites with hookups, tent sites, and cabins. Sites are generally well-shaded. TikTokReddit

Norrie Point is a hub of activity, featuring a marina, kayak launch and rentals, fishing opportunities, and trails along the Hudson River. TikTok

Some of the nature trails are relatively flat and accessible, but it's always a good idea to check specific trail conditions. The Environmental Education Center is generally accessible. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no full-service restaurants within Mills-Norrie State Park. However, the park store offers basic snacks and drinks. Reddit

Yes, picnic areas are available throughout the park, making it a great spot for a family lunch amidst nature. Remember to pack out all your trash. TikTok

The park is conveniently located about 15 minutes from Rhinebeck and Hyde Park, which offer a wide array of restaurants, cafes, and eateries to suit various tastes and budgets. Reddit

The park store at Mills-Norrie State Park typically sells essential camping supplies, snacks, drinks, and firewood. Reddit

While not a regular feature, occasional events or seasonal vendors might be present. It's best to check the park's event calendar or social media for any updates. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The Hudson River waterfront at Norrie Point offers stunning views, especially during sunrise and sunset. The scenic trails and the diverse flora and fauna also provide excellent photographic opportunities. Instagram+1

Yes, the park's combination of river views, wooded areas, and varied terrain makes it a great location for landscape photographers. The changing seasons also offer unique photographic potential. Instagram

The park is home to various bird species and other small wildlife, offering opportunities for nature photography. Remember to maintain a respectful distance and avoid disturbing the animals. Instagram

Drone usage is typically restricted in New York State Parks to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. It's advisable to check the official NY State Parks regulations before flying a drone. Instagram

The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography. Midday can be harsh, but the shaded trails offer softer light. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Mills-Norrie State Park is a fantastic choice for families. The park features a highly-rated playground with separate areas for toddlers and older children, ensuring fun for everyone. TikTok The nature trails are beautiful and easy to navigate, making them perfect for little legs and a great way to introduce kids to the outdoors. InstagramReddit The Norrie Point Environmental Education Center offers engaging programs that can spark curiosity in young minds. TikTok+1 Consider packing a picnic to enjoy at one of the designated areas. Reddit

🏕️ Campers

Campers will find a variety of options at Mills-Norrie, from RV sites with hookups to tent sites and cabins. Sites offer good shade, which is a plus on sunny days. Reddit Be prepared for communal changing areas in the shower facilities and potential noise from passing trains at night. Reddit The park store is convenient for essentials, and the nearby town of Rhinebeck offers more dining options. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Hikers & Nature Enthusiasts

For those seeking a peaceful escape, Mills-Norrie offers serene hiking trails with beautiful views of the Hudson River. InstagramReddit The trails are generally well-maintained and accessible, suitable for a leisurely stroll or a more invigorating hike. Reddit The park's diverse landscape provides opportunities to observe local flora and fauna, making it a rewarding experience for nature lovers. Instagram+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Camping Experience at Mills-Norrie

Mills-Norrie State Park provides a diverse camping experience, catering to various preferences. Visitors can choose from RV sites with hookups, traditional tent sites, and even cabins. A significant advantage noted by campers is the ample shade provided by the mature trees, offering a welcome respite from the sun. However, this shade can sometimes make solar charging for RVs less efficient. Reddit

While the park offers a clean bathroom and shower facility with hot water, some campers mention that the showers are small and have communal changing areas, which can be inconvenient, especially when traveling with young children. The park store is available for essential supplies, snacks, and firewood. Reddit

A unique aspect for some campers is the proximity to train tracks, which can lead to noise disruptions, particularly at night when the train horn blows. Additionally, it's worth noting that not all campsites are perfectly level, which might require some adjustment when pitching a tent. Reddit

Family-Friendly Activities and Playgrounds

Mills-Norrie State Park is a standout destination for families, largely due to its exceptional playground facilities. One section is specifically designed with toddlers in mind, featuring low structures and safe surfaces perfect for little ones still developing their balance. TikTok Adjacent to this is another playground geared towards older children, ensuring fun for a wide age range. TikTok

Beyond the playgrounds, the park offers beautiful and accessible nature trails that are ideal for family hikes. These trails are described as not overly challenging, making them suitable for children and allowing families to connect with nature without strenuous effort. InstagramReddit The Norrie Point Environmental Education Center further enhances the family experience by providing educational programs and hands-on learning opportunities about the local ecosystem. TikTok+1

This focus on accessible and engaging activities makes Mills-Norrie a place where children can enjoy the outdoors and reduce their screen time, fostering a love for nature. InstagramReddit

Exploring the Norrie Point Environmental Education Center

The Norrie Point Environmental Education Center is a key attraction within Mills-Norrie State Park, offering valuable educational and recreational opportunities. Situated along the Hudson River, it serves as part of New York’s National Estuarine Research Reserve. TikTok

Visitors can explore trails that wind along the river, providing scenic views and opportunities for birdwatching. The center itself often hosts nature programs and hands-on learning experiences that are engaging for all ages. Even with environmental challenges like algal blooms, the center continues to offer its educational and recreational services. TikTok

Adjacent to the center are facilities like a public boat launch and marina, as well as kayak rentals and a fishing area, making Norrie Point a comprehensive destination for those interested in aquatic activities and environmental education. TikTok

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