Lodging
In 2 visits, we learned "within walking distance" means over-priced and dirty (we paid $159 in Highland Falls). Having stayed at state parks across the nation and always pleased, that was our choice for the second visit. It was worse than HF and on Sunday we found a swarm from NYC when we went out onto our deck of the "private lodge overlooking the lake". We spent the day listening to the multitudes individual choices of music, watched them sunbathe, break open the party supplies, bicker, make out, etc. We even had some circle the lodge and cut across the deck as they made tracks for their choice spot. Laugh, we did too!
On 3 other visits, we stayed in nearby towns and chose the names we know to be clean, new and wonderful (Hamptom, Marriott, Hilton). All were what we expected and reasonably priced - as low as $70/night. They are well worth the 15-20 minute drive!
Do not be suckered into "within walking distance"! If the weather is crap, you won't want to walk the 10 minutes anyway!