Sue B.
Ranger
RangerWawayanda Group Shelter
Appalachian Trail Shelter/Campsite
This is an A.T. shelter and campsite. First come, first served. Privy was nice. Flat tentsites for 6 or more. Good for Hammocking also.
Camping near Arden, NY
143 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Search destinations
Add dates
SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
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. Suffern-Bear Mountain from Gate Hill Road Primitive
"Suffern-Bear Mountain from Gate Hill Road 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."
10. 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."
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
389 Photos of 143 Arden Campgrounds
Desiree N.
Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park
Thomas V.
Black Bear RV Park
Sue B.
Wawayanda Group Shelter
Anil S.
Croton Point Park
Jake R.
Campgaw Mountain Reservation
Dominic G.
Moon Valley Campground
The Dyrt
Tentrr Signature Site - Appalachian Trail Hilltop Hideaway - Coleman Cooking Site
Laura E.
Winding Hills Park
The Dyrt
Woodland Trails
Malouf M.
Malouf's Mountain Campground
The Dyrt
Tentrr Signature Site - Camp Coal Tree
Megan B.
Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground
Recent Reviews near Arden, NY
680 Reviews of 143 Arden Campgrounds
- Sue B.Ranger
Camp Mohican Outdoor Center — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Great lodging options and trails!
I've visited the MOC a bunch of times, and have taken training classes here also. There are campsites for tent camping, cabin stays where you can rent a whole cabin or rent a bunk in a cabin with others. There is a store as well as food options. It's a great place to visit whether you grab a meal, a bunk, or just take a hike. The Appalachian Trail crosses through here also.
- NNicole Z.
TravelerHappy Days Campground
Excellent campsite
We were looking for a campsite on our way up north and we’re so happy to find this one. While it is a commercial site. It is located in the woods. It has full hook up and portable water at the site. We couldn’t be happier with a warm welcome we received late at night and the cleanliness of the bathrooms and each site. I would highly recommend this campsite.
Greg S.
LegendMills Norrie State Park Campground
4.7 stars
Excellent campground! The forest is beautiful, the Hudson River is super close, there are great trails, and the surrounding area is beautiful. Sites are electric only, so make sure your water pump is working and fresh water tank is full. There are spigots for filling and a nice dump station. The player is excellent. I don't think tetn camping here would be great because the tent sites are closer together and there are trains that pass regularly. We couldn't hear the trains in our camper and our site was large and private with great Forest and hammock trees. The mansion tours at Vanderbilt and Mills were awesome!
S G.
ScoutMahlon Dickerson Reservation
Primitive
The main issue with the sites was that they were primitive -- no water. The campsites were basically just wooden platforms, with a picnic table and fire pit. There were also a lot of bugs, though this may be due to the rain. The location itself was fairly pretty and there were a number of hiking trails of not-overly-serious difficulty. The particular site we picked left is a little farther from our car than we would have liked, but for other sites you can bring your car closer.
Frank J.TravelerSwartswood State Park Campground
The campground is open
The campground was closed in 2024 for renovations. It is now open. I did a tour of the campgrounds but did not stay there. FYI, generators are NOT allowed at all at this campground. I did not see electric or water hookups. There are three loops. Each has it pros/cons. Sites 30-33 are near the bathroom facilities, sites 34-50 are more secluded, sites 52-65 are closer to the lake.
- SStephanie P.
GuideFloyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn, NY
Not park and camp available
The park was open but camping was not. After a little extra digging they do have a few sites, but hike in only.
Greg Z.TravelerSussex County Fair Grounds
Rock Ribs and Ridges 2026
We’re here for the Rock, Ribs, and Ridges festival and what a great experience! Make sure to bring a 50’ power cord as the hook ups are grouped together on telephone poles rather than at each individual site. As far as I know camping is only available during select events.
- MMari F.Traveler
Mashipacong Island Campsite — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Not the correct description
Not an NPS location as was described. Now a campsite and canoe rental at $77 a night
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 40 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.
Keep Exploring