Campsites near Monsey, New York offer diverse terrain across elevations from 400 to 1,300 feet throughout the Hudson Valley region. The area experiences distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F, while fall brings cooler nights in the 40s and colorful foliage. Winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that can drop below freezing, particularly at higher elevation sites.
What to do
Hiking from primitive sites: The Suffern-Bear Mountain trail from Gate Hill Road features challenging terrain with rock scrambles. "This is a high difficulty 15 mile out and back trail. At one point of the trail is a very difficult, but doable, rock scramble up the side of the mountain," notes a camper at Suffern-Bear Mountain Primitive.
Lakeside recreation: Several campgrounds feature swimming areas with varying facilities. At Beaver Pond Campground, one visitor mentioned, "The grounds are just steps away from Welch Lake, offering a lifeguard monitored sandy beach which is open during the summer season for swimming, fishing, and small boat craft further out."
Off-season exploration: Fall and winter camping provides a different experience with fewer crowds. A camper at Clarence Fahnestock State Park shared: "The beach is closed after Labor Day to the public, but open to people staying at the campsite. Clean and beautiful. Great hikes."
What campers like
Platform camping: Raised tent platforms are available at several campgrounds, providing practical benefits in wet weather. One reviewer at Beaver Pond noted, "Many of the camping options were on platforms which is especially nice if it recently rained or if you are expecting rain during your stay."
Communal facilities: The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center offers meal options that campers appreciate. "One highlight was having meals cooked by the stellar chef. The lake is very peaceful, and home to beavers we watched from the dining hall patio," reports one visitor.
Budget-friendly options: For campers seeking affordable accommodations, Beaver Pond offers competitive rates. A camper shared: "This is an off-grid camping experience. You can use your generator at certain hours. They have a beach. Their staff is friendly. I love going here. Camping for just $15."
What you should know
Seasonal crowd variations: Weekends and holiday periods see significantly higher occupancy at most campgrounds. At Croton Point Park, a camper observed: "Nice site and a 30-40 minute drive from Western Queens. The site was very loud (dance music) until after 11pm. Quiet time at 10pm. Great site for a party, try to stay away from this end of the site or choose a site away from other bookings if you'd like quiet."
Wildlife considerations: Food storage protocols are essential across all campgrounds. One visitor to Croton Point Park advised: "The wildlife do roam around your campsite so be mindful of putting food and garbage away before sleeping."
Water access limitations: Some swimming areas have restricted hours and supervised access only. "The lake is secured with lifeguards and shower and bathroom facilities are available," notes a Beaver Pond camper.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Round Pond Recreation Area features dedicated play areas. "We were very impressed with the playground on site!" shared a recent visitor, adding that all areas looked well-maintained.
Cell service coverage: Connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds and can be important for families. One camper at Croton Point Park reported: "Peaceful and gorgeous campsite, with plenty of space between sites. Great view of the Hudson, and playground within sight of our camper."
Short hikes: For families with smaller children, Harriman State Park offers more accessible trails. A visitor to Suffern-Bear Mountain noted there are "trails that are rated easy and accessible to disabled are equally enjoyable and beautiful."
Tips from RVers
Hookup limitations: Campgaw Mountain Reservation and several other sites have limited or no hookups for RVs. A camper observed: "Campgaw doesn't seem to offer much in terms of a camping experience. The sites themselves are fairly close to the road."
Site spacing: Many RV areas have closely positioned sites with limited privacy. At Beaver Pond, a camper appreciated that "the biggest positive about Beaver Pond is how spread out it was. You definitely feel like you have your own space and are not camping on top of your neighbor."
Seasonal facilities: Not all utilities are available year-round. A visitor to Round Pond Recreation Area mentioned: "Unfortunately, due to our early start in the camping season the weather did not allow us to enjoy fishing or the beach or water hook ups."
