Hi, I’m Diane, webmaster of the free yahoo group “KingstonPaddlePals”. After attending the Kayaker Jamboree “Yakjam” at the Norwalk Islands a couple of times, I thought abut how nice it would be to hold a similar event on the Hudson. I thought Mills Norrie State Park (Margaret Lewis Norrie)Staatsburg, NY 12580 would be a great location with so much to do nearby in addition to great paddling. Here’s some info:

“There are 46 tent sites and 10 cabins available for rental at the park. Recreational vehicles are also welcome; however, the park does not offer hook up facilities. River access is available for campers with boats at the Norrie Marina and at the Norrie Environmental Center. Restroom facilities and showers are located within walking distance.” Some may also wish to camp out on Esopus Island.

There is plenty of parking available at the Marina and Environmental Center. I often launch or pull my kayak in at the Norrie Riverfront Pavilion (easiest at high tide): “Riverfront Pavilion - holding up to 50 persons, and equipped with an outdoor oven, it's the perfect spot to hold barbecues and get-togethers.� Get there early, the pavilion isn't reservable.”

Two excellent kayak centers are nearby that offer kayak tours and instructional programs: Atlantic Kayak Tours (located at Norrie) and the River Connection in nearby Hyde Park.

Moderate/advanced paddlers can paddle north to the Historic Rondout area of Kingston and south to the Walkway over the Hudson. The paddle north would passes 2 lighthouses. Paddling and hiking combination paddles are possible to Scenic Hudson’s Esopus Meadows and Black Creek Preserves, and at the Bard Rock pull in on the Vanderbilt Estate.

“Campground Phone: (845) 889-4909
Check-in for camping and cabins is located at 85 Campground Hill, Staatsburg, NY. Look for the sign on Old Post Rd. showing the entrance for Margaret Lewis Norrie State Park. Turn there to drive down Norrie Point Way, then follow signs for campground. Please refer to park map for more information on all attractions within the park, including the marina, Dinsmore Golf Course and Staatsburgh State Historic Site.
Household pets only; caged or on a leash no more than 10 feet. Pets are not permitted in buildings or picnic areas. Pets are welcome in the campground, but there is a two-pet maximum per campsite.”