Leo C.
Scout
ScoutWinding Hills Park
Nice but dated
Nice campground, bathrooms are clean but dated, first come first serve for the sites.
Camping near Arden, NY
143 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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The Harriman State Park area northeast of Arden, New York encompasses several developed campgrounds offering diverse camping experiences. Beaver Pond Campground serves as a central camping hub within the park system, providing tent platforms, RV hookups, and standard tent sites with picnic tables and fire rings. Nearby, the Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center and Sebago Cabin Camp expand accommodation options with cabin facilities. The region also includes primitive backcountry camping areas along trails such as the Suffern-Bear Mountain trail from Gate Hill Road.
Seasonal considerations play a significant role in the camping experience, with most developed campgrounds operating from April through October. Harriman State Park campgrounds feature varying levels of amenities - some offer electric hookups, showers, and water access while primitive areas require self-sufficiency with no facilities. Weekends and holidays see significantly higher visitation, especially during summer months. As one camper noted, "This is my 'home' campsite and the one I return to most frequently because of the convenience of location. I DO NOT recommend going on holiday weekends or peak summer seasons. It will be noisy, there will be generators, there will be loud music."
Several visitors highlight the contrast between peak and off-peak camping experiences in the area. Campgrounds within an hour's drive of New York City tend to fill quickly during summer weekends, with midweek and off-season periods offering much quieter experiences. Many sites feature raised wooden platforms for tent placement, providing flat surfaces in the otherwise rocky terrain. The region's network of trails connects many camping areas, making it popular for both overnight stays and multi-day backpacking trips. Campers frequently mention the surprisingly dark night skies despite proximity to urban areas. One visitor remarked, "The view from the beach in the evening is breathtaking. I have never seen so many stars," highlighting the natural beauty accessible within this relatively close distance to New York City.
Best Campgrounds near Arden (143)
1. Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park
"15 dolares la noche para los que viven en el Estado de New York o New York city .. si es fuera del estado son $5 dolares mas!!"
"Drive-in tent campgrounds. Adequate restroom facilities sprinkled amongst tent sites. Some campsites have raised platforms. All sites have picnic tables and fire ring with flip-top grill."
from $21 - $24 / night
Check Availability2. The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center — Harriman State Park
"This was beautiful campground with an even nicer lake. You are able to do a hike around the lake."
"Great trails to hike for novices looking to branch out but not too large that you'll be lost forever lol highly recommend and can't do so enough 👍🏽"
3. Sebago Cabin Camp — Harriman State Park
"It is a step up from cabin camping. They also have a beach behind it."
"This place is only an hour away from NYC with so much to do and see. These cabins are VERY rustic, four walls, a cot, and a fridge."
from $74 - $130 / night
Check Availability4. Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground
"When you are camping with a large group of friends and don't all have access to a car, this is the perfect spot."
"We were right next to the entrance for hiking trails which was convenient. The facilities are a bit of a walk, but that means it is spread out and there's plenty of room to relax and have fun."
from $21 / night
Check Availability5. West Point FMWR Round Pond Outdoor Recreation Area
"Love the proximity to NYC - I always look for areas that are not too far, but not too close to NY. Beautiful but small-ish tent sites."
"We are looking forward to stopping by Round Pond again in the near future."
from $25 - $40 / night
Check Availability6. Croton Point Park
"Tent sites are very private with some dirt roads to exit out but thats what make it unique experience! Bathrooms with shower is near by and has plenty porta potties all around."
"Was close to bear mountains state part and the train station is right there!"
from $30 - $60 / night
Check Availability7. Black Bear RV Park
"Have stayed here several times - great location and nice, full hook-up sites. Back-in and pull through sites and can accommodate large rigs. A little expensive but everything is included."
from $82 - $95 / night
Check Availability8. West Point FMWR Lake Frederick Outdoor Recreation Area
"Yes, this is a military-only campground but, that doesn't take away from how incredible it is and that is properly advertised.
This place is incredible. "from $20 - $150 / night
Check Availability9. Jellystone Park™ Gardiner
"With a new check in area, Gardiner has really stepped up. They expanded the pool area to include another pool plus splash area and water slides."
"We got a red carpet site by the Gaga pit and near the water park (Cindy bear lane) and it was a convenient yet noisy site. Kids were at the playground 8 am or before and the noise woke us up."
10. Winding Hills Park
"We have stayed here multiple times since it’s so close to home. Reservations are needed only for major holidays during camping season; Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day."
"The trails to walk on are perfect to get out of the campsite for a few hours. There are no spots with sewer hookup but they have a dumping area."
from $25 - $30 / night
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Drive Time
- 5 min from Kiryas Joel, NY
- 43 min from New York, NY
- 44 min from Kingston, NY
- 1 hr 8 min from Bridgeport, CT
Recent Camping Photos near Arden, NY
395 Photos of 143 Arden Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park
Black Bear RV ParkT
Wawayanda Group Shelter
Croton Point Park
Campgaw Mountain Reservation
Moon Valley CampgroundD
Tentrr Signature Site - Appalachian Trail Hilltop Hideaway - Coleman Cooking Site
Winding Hills Park
Woodland Trails
Malouf's Mountain Campground
Tentrr Signature Site - Camp Coal Tree
Clarence Fahnestock State Park CampgroundK
Recent Reviews near Arden, NY
691 Reviews of 143 Arden Campgrounds
Thomas B.
RangerNeversink River Resort
Cool Riverside Campground
I'll start by saying this is a site-specific review (C20). I booked using Campspot and didn't select my own site but put in the criteria for my rig (30ft TT plus truck) and got a 50A back-in spot. The site was big but abnormal. Between the picnic table placement and the trees, I ended up right around 50ft from the electric and water, and the water spigot was so low I could barely put on my camco filter. With the uneven dirt roads, I had to unhitch with my truck in a gigantic puddle (lol). The site was otherwise fine aside from my gate code not working on Day 2. As for the campground as a whole, I thought it was pretty unique place by the river that offered several good amenities and activities, like downstream river tubing, an arcade, bathroom/shower facilities, a small store, little trails, and more. I would say this place borders the more primitive side.
- eedgar V.Scout
Black Bear RV Park
Super clean and quiet
Past reviews has mentioned that the office seems to be closed often, while I found that to be true I had no reason to contact anyone. This is definitely one of the cleanest quiets site I’ve ever visited
- KKelly B.
GuideClarence Fahnestock State Park Campground
Check site photos first
Definitely a wide variety of sites—look at the site pictures before booking—there are two areas where it’s just an open field with bonfires and picnic tables that I’d avoid. I could see a large group going there or something but personally it doesn’t offer any privacy.
BUT if you book one of the other sites that DOES have privacy you’ll be in camping heaven. The “hike in” sites are more like “walk-in,” I was worried at first but it’s some are as little as a few yards from the road. The most annoying part was lugging the cooler back and forth, but totally worth it
- KKelly B.Guide
Stephens State Park Campground
Great last min getaway
Booked the day before—even on the holiday weekend! Just 1.5 hours outside of NYC, site was a bit close to the neighbors (fire pit was very far back and basically in the neighbors’ campsite, but we put up a “privacy clothesline” and hung a tarp over it for a bit of extra coverage.
The staff was friendly and helpful, they said it was the busiest they’ve seen the campground all year (there were lots of large groups but everyone seemed to settle down by 9:30pm
Poison ivy was EVERYWHERE at our site so make sure to stick to the open areas and the paths. Lots of families around, we felt very safe Bathrooms were fine—it was my impression they’re usually cleaner but the high traffic of the weekend left a bit to be desired, (lots of families around=dirty diapers in the bathroom trash bin) but it’s camping! I’m not gonna argue w a flushing toilet!
- KKevin F.
TravelerTri-State RV Park
A place to stay in an area lacking campgrounds.
This area seems to be devoid of campgrounds except for this one. It’s basically just a large parking lot with hook ups. Completely open, which is great for Starlink. Bathrooms were slightly above average; fairly clean and places to hang clothes for your shower. Has a laundry but be sure to bring quarters. It is about 100 yards from the interstate so you’ll get a lot of noise and diesel exhaust fumes.
- Sue B.Ranger
Edgemere Roadside Campsites — Delaware State Forest
Loved this spot!
We came here 4th of July weekend, and this is one of the things I love about these sites...they had availability! Our site was very big, and was perfect with sone shade and also lots of sun!
- Sue B.Ranger
Thunder Swamp Trailhead
Just ok
We came here to ride our ATV's...since it is more than 3 hours from home, we decided to book this spot for the night. We have stayed in a bunch of the DWSF sites. This one was kinda meh. Nearer to the road so traffic at all hours. Picnic table and fire ring, and as always, evidence of people chopping down live trees for firewood. Ugh! We set up our tent and had a nice fire, albeit there was broken glass on the ground. Biting flies worked overtime on us. Not a terrible stay, but we prolly won't book this one again. And these sites are no longer free. As out of state-rs, we paid $21 for one night. Still a good deal.
- JJoyceScout
Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park
Bare bones
No hookups. It was wooded, quiet and dark at night. I used the dump station on my way out. The first time I ever saw a poop fountain. The sewer opening sticks up above ground level. The cover swivels away, so I couldn't put it on top of my hose. And then, when I tried to rinse it, there was nowhere for it to go, because the inlet is elevated.
Guide to Arden
Camping opportunities around Arden, New York center primarily within Harriman State Park, with several established campgrounds within a 30-minute drive. The region includes options like Beaver Pond Campground and Sebago Cabin Camp, which provide tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations. Harriman State Park's 47,000+ acres offer both developed sites with amenities and more primitive backcountry options. West Point FMWR operates two recreation areas nearby—Round Pond and Lake Frederick—providing additional camping experiences with cabin rentals and tent sites within the forested Hudson Valley landscape.
Seasonal considerations greatly impact camping availability, with most developed campgrounds operating from April through October or early November. Primitive camping and backpacking along the Appalachian Trail remain available year-round, though winter camping requires appropriate cold-weather gear. Many sites require reservations, particularly during summer weekends and holidays when facilities reach capacity quickly. The terrain features rolling, forested hills with numerous lakes and ponds. One camper noted, "Pure backcountry an hour North of Manhattan. Water is abundant in cooler months, but expect to purify lake water in Summer."
Several visitors highlight the contrast between weekday and weekend experiences in the area's campgrounds. The developed sites at Beaver Pond offer amenities like hot showers, picnic tables, and fire rings with grills, though privacy can be limited at more popular locations. Platform tent sites receive particular praise for their solid foundation and relative seclusion. Trails throughout Harriman State Park connect many camping areas, allowing hikers to access viewpoints overlooking the Hudson River Valley. Campers consistently mention the surprisingly remote feel despite proximity to New York City, with one visitor remarking, "Only 45 minutes from sleepy hollow and Tarrytown. Beautiful park with deer running through it." West Mountain and Fingerboard shelters provide popular overnight destinations for backpackers seeking primitive camping experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Arden, NY?
What camping is available near Arden, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, Arden, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 143 campgrounds and RV parks near Arden, NY and 5 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Arden, NY?
Which is the most popular campground near Arden, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Arden, NY is Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park with a 4.2-star rating from 41 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Arden, NY?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Arden, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Arden, NY.
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