4 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park accommodates pets across its spacious, platform-equipped tent sites and RV areas. The campground's clean, well-maintained facilities include hot showers and bathroom buildings throughout the property, making extended stays with dogs comfortable. Pets must be leashed at all times while exploring the grounds, and owners should bring waste bags as specific pet disposal stations are limited. Beyond tent camping, pet owners find cabin options at nearby Sebago Cabin Camp and Croton Point Park, both maintaining similar pet policies. Campground visitors particularly note the peaceful environment for dog walking during weekday or off-season stays when the grounds are less crowded. Wildlife encounters are common, requiring careful food storage and pet supervision to avoid attracting bears.
Extensive trail networks surrounding Harriman State Park provide excellent dog walking opportunities with varied terrain and difficulty levels. Lake Welch offers water access for dogs that enjoy swimming, though owners should check seasonal restrictions as swimming areas may have limited pet access during peak summer months. West Point FMWR's Round Pond and Lake Frederick recreation areas accommodate pets in both camping areas and cabins, offering additional options within 20 minutes of Arden. Black Bear RV Park provides full hookup sites for travelers with pets, including 50-amp service for larger rigs needing climate control for animals. Winding Hills Park allows pets at drive-in sites but lacks reservations, requiring early arrival during busy periods. Temperature fluctuations in spring and fall necessitate extra bedding for pets, especially at higher elevation campgrounds where nighttime temperatures drop significantly.
"With Covid/social distancing requirements, many sites are closed so it’s extra quiet and spread out. I stayed at site 6 with my seven year-old daughter from Tue-Thur."
"When you are camping with a large group of friends and don't all have access to a car, this is the perfect spot."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $21 / night
"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
"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
"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
"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
"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."
"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 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
"It is off the beaten path without any running water or showers within walking distance."
"Fantastic loop hike near some amazing hidden lakes. One downside is there were obviously people who had visited and didn't understand what LEAVE NO TRACE means. We'll bring a trashbag next time."
"It’s within 15 mins NOBO of the park office where there is a 24:7 bathroom with sink and trash, and a fresh water spigot outside. Right now there’s also a box of socks at the shelter- trail magic!"
"There are about 40 to 50 sites around Sawmill Lake. Many of these sites , like ours, are walk in sites (about a 50 yard walk) that sit lakeside."
"_The campground at High Point State Park has 50 spacious tent sites, many with direct lake access, located in a wooded area surrounding Saw Mill Lake."
from $5 - $20 / night
TravelerFree site ran by Peekemoose forest. There are supposed to be 12 along throughout the valley, this is the only one we were able to locate. Was able to access easily with a minivan and has a nice flat area. Can see the highway from the site.
GuideMade a reservation (site44) since I arrived as the sun had set. Office registration was open until 8. Staff was neither friendly nor unfriendly. Bathroom was dated but fine and a short walk from my site. CG was emptier being a Tuesday night in mid-October, so was plenty of space.
Great trail following the Hudson River. Beautiful fall colors.
ScoutNice campground, bathrooms are clean but dated, first come first serve for the sites.
RangerI'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.
ScoutPast 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
GuideDefinitely 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
GuideBooked 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!
TravelerThis 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.
RangerWe 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!
Camping in Harriman State Park positions visitors at elevations ranging between 500-1,300 feet, creating distinct microclimates throughout the region. This terrain contributes to temperature variations of 5-10°F between valleys and ridgetops near Arden, New York. Fall camping requires extra layers as overnight temperatures commonly drop below 45°F, especially during September and October.
Paddling opportunities: Lake Welch at Beaver Pond Campground offers water access for various small watercraft. "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," notes camper Steve W.
Hiking options: Miles of trails with varied terrain surround Clarence Fahnestock State Park. A camper reports, "The Maven did an outstanding job keeping my possessions organized and dry as well as keeping me comfortable and happy on the trail! This will definitely be my pack of choice for future hikes!" The Pelton Pond trail provides a 1.5-mile loop accessible directly from several campsites.
Fall activities: Within 15 minutes of Winding Hills Park, visitors find apple orchards and pumpkin patches open September through October. "We make a habit of going during the end-of-summer/fall when you can watch the leaves change along the hiking trails, go apple and pumpkin picking near the campsites, and eat some scrumptious apple cinnamon doughnuts and drink pumpkin hot chocolate," shares a visitor.
Platform tent sites: The raised camping platforms at Beaver Pond Campground provide practical benefits in wet conditions. "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. Many of the camping options were on platforms which is especially nice if it recently rained," explains Ethan K.
Access to NYC: Campsites around Arden provide nature escapes within commuting distance of urban areas. "About 30 minutes from sleepy hollow and tarrytown NY and only an hour to central park!! Deer running everywhere and surprisingly beautiful and quaint," writes Megan B. about Beaver Pond.
Rustic cabin alternatives: Sebago Cabin Camp offers basic cabins for those wanting minimal shelter. "These cabins are VERY rustic, four walls, a cot, and a fridge. You still feel like you are 'roughing it' but with the convenience of a fridge. Absolutely zero phone service (for T-Mobile) which was AMAZING," describes Sara P.
Variable cell coverage: Service varies significantly between providers and locations. At Winding Hills Park, "we had horrible cell service (we have sprint). Could not make calls or use internet at campgrounds or the park but did see others who were using cellphones," reports Amanda B.
Bear awareness: Wildlife encounters require proper food storage. "Welcome to Bear Mountain" grumbles the park ranger as he sits in complete darkness! He is in his ranger hut, checking in the late evening arrivals to the campground...He offers us a highlighted map to our site, wishes us a good stay, and gives us the run down on bear activity in the area," shares Steve W. at Beaver Pond.
Water quality concerns: Some campgrounds have mineral-rich water sources. At Winding Hills Park, "The water smells a little like sulfur, so you may want to bring your own," advises Laura E.
Playground access: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park offers dedicated kids' facilities. "Nice pool that is shallow so you can relax and let the little ones go in the water park section alone or they have a 3 ft pool also. My older kids preferred a deeper pool but they still had a great time," notes Amanda S.
Short hiking options: For families with young children, Croton Point Park provides accessible trails. "Peaceful and gorgeous campsite, with plenty of space between sites. Great view of the Hudson, and playground within sight of our camper," writes Thomas.
Off-season advantages: Camping during weekdays or shoulder seasons provides quieter experiences. "Ranger said that during summer weekends the grounds fill up and can be quite noisy, but mid-week during the off-season it was great," shares Rebecca S. about Beaver Pond Campground.
Electric-only options: At Black Bear RV Park, full hookups provide all necessities. "Have stayed here several times - great location and nice, full hook-up sites. Back-in and pull through sites and can accommodate large rigs," explains Dave S. Rates average $80 per night with discounts available for longer stays.
No reservation campgrounds: Some pet-friendly camping near Arden, New York operates on first-come, first-served basis. "Reservations are needed only for major holidays during camping season; Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day. Must book the entire holiday weekend 3 days ($90 for non electric sites add $5 each day for electric)," advises Amanda B. about Winding Hills Park.
Campground access issues: Some facilities have restrictions. "We tried to go to the beach, but were told it was at capacity at 3 different points throughout the day. At one point we saw 4 cars pullout of the parking lot and asked the employee if we could go in now, but was still told it was at capacity," reports Sammi A. about Fahnestock during a July 4th weekend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Arden, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Arden, NY is Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 34 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Arden, NY?
TheDyrt.com has all 93 dog-friendly camping locations near Arden, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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