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 Ardsley, NY
76 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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State parks and forests within an hour of Ardsley, New York feature a range of camping experiences from developed campgrounds to more secluded sites. Harriman State Park's Beaver Pond Campground, approximately 20 miles northwest of Ardsley, offers tent and RV camping with amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and access to Welch Lake for swimming and fishing. Croton Point Park, situated along the Hudson River just 10 miles north of Ardsley, provides year-round camping with both tent and RV sites. Ward Pound Ridge Reservation in nearby Pound Ridge offers more spacious sites with lean-to options. For campers seeking proximity to New York City, Liberty Harbor RV Park in Jersey City provides urban camping with Manhattan skyline views.
Reservations are essential during peak season (May through October), particularly for weekend stays when campgrounds fill quickly. As one camper noted about Harriman State Park: "If looking for privacy, back end of campgrounds provide adequate quietness, a bit hidden and tucked away from the rest." Bear activity requires proper food storage at several locations, especially in Harriman State Park where rangers routinely warn campers about wildlife precautions. Seasonal operation varies by location, with Croton Point Park open year-round while Beaver Pond operates from April to October. Weather conditions in the Hudson Valley can change rapidly, with summer thunderstorms common and spring bringing occasional flooding to lower-elevation sites near water bodies.
Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews, particularly at Croton Point Park where campers praise the Hudson River views. According to one visitor: "This must be one of the most breathtaking campgrounds right on the Hudson. Tent sites are very private with some dirt roads to exit out." Noise levels vary significantly between locations, with sites closer to highways experiencing more ambient sound. Weekday camping typically offers more solitude than weekends, when many campgrounds reach capacity with visitors from nearby urban areas. Facilities range from basic (vault toilets and water spigots) to more developed campgrounds with shower buildings, laundry facilities, and camp stores. Wildlife sightings commonly include deer, raccoons, and various bird species, with bear encounters possible in more remote areas.
Best Campgrounds near Ardsley (76)
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. 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 Availability3. Liberty Harbor RV Park
"Very plain & functional, no frills but right on the harbor & on the very edge of Jersey City, close to a ferry & the train that takes u across to New York City."
"Very easy to hop on transit to get to New York City. People were friendly."
from $145 - $180 / night
Check Availability4. Ward Pound Ridge Reservation
"Close to the city and civilization, yet large enough to have nice trails and creeks to feel away from it all. The camping sites are very different so it’s useful to go in person and select the area."
"The shelter sites are large and private with access to hiking trails and make for a unique experience. The staff is friendly as well"
from $45 - $55 / night
Check Availability5. 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 👍🏽"
6. 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 $130 / night
Check Availability7. 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 $17 / night
Check Availability8. Camp Glen Gray
"One rustic place with many hiking trails to choose from. Camp also provides trucking of gear weather permitting. No vehicles allowed to drive through camp. Trading Post for treats and other items."
"Lots of hiking trails. Trading post is well stocked and volunteers are always friendly and able to answer any questions"
from $5 - $200 / night
Check Availability9. Skyline RV Camp - Non-Waterfront
from $85 - $120 / night
Check Availability10. Campgaw Mountain Reservation
Drive Time
- 21 min from New York, NY
- 35 min from Kiryas Joel, NY
- 43 min from Bridgeport, CT
- 59 min from New Haven, CT
Recent Camping Photos near Ardsley, NY
244 Photos of 76 Ardsley Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Croton Point Park
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Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State ParkS
Ward Pound Ridge Reservation
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Clarence Fahnestock State Park CampgroundS
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Recent Reviews near Ardsley, NY
465 Reviews of 76 Ardsley 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.
Edwin R.ScoutCheesequake State Park Campground
Park uses county cops to shut down park by 9pm.
On Friday, September 4, 2026, I rented a trailer and brought my family to Cheesequake State Park to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary over the extended Labor Day weekend. Around 9:20 PM—well before the park's designated 10:00 PM quiet hours—we were sitting inside our canopy, playing Jenga, and listening to low background music. Two officers from the Matawan Police Department approached our campsite. They were polite and courteous, simply offering a standard reminder to wrap things up by 10:00 PM. Before they could leave, however, a third, senior officer intervened. Wanting to"show them how it's done," he made the two polite officers return and stand by to watch as he demonstrated how to aggressively harass campers. Flashlight in hand, the senior officer approached with an immediate hostile attitude, treating us like criminals as he demanded to know who rented the site. He began reiterating rules and claimed we had too many vehicles. We had three cars, one belonging to my brother-in-law's girlfriend, who was visiting with her daughter. She had paid the$10 visitor fee at the main office and was instructed by staff to obtain the gate access code from us, the primary renters, if she got locked in. No staff member ever informed her of an 8:00 PM visitor departure deadline, leading us to reasonably assume visitors were permitted until quiet hours began at 10:00 PM. The officer rudely snapped that she had been given wrong information. The senior officer then used profanity in front of three small children, aggressively telling her to ("get her shit and get the fuck out!") in that manner or use profanity, the officer went from hostile to furious. He angrily declared that these were official violations and threatened that he could be issuing us tickets instead. Desperately searching for anything and everything to throw at us, he demanded that we turn off our idling car—which was supplying power to our campsite—and instructed us to make sure the campfire was doused before shutting down for the night. He then proceeded to shine his flashlight into our private setup—including our canopy, tents, and the inside of our trailer—searching for any other possible violation while the two polite officers were forced to watch. What was supposed to be a special 10th wedding anniversary celebration with my family was completely ruined by a senior officer misusing his authority to put on an unnecessary display of intimidation. Worse than just ruining our night, he spent that evening teaching those two police officers how to be bad cops. He corrupted two officers in real time, demonstrating firsthand exactly why most people have lost faith in the police force. The next day we was ready for them. We turned off our lights and quietly by the fire while they went next door to harass an asian family that had just set up camp and had their leds lights on.
- 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
- 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.
Lauren Q.ScoutJellystone Park™ Gardiner
Overall good stay
We stay at a lot of Jellystone parks so have become accustomed to the park layouts and activities. This one was well maintained with clean facilities. Some things like the mini golf and fire pits needed maintenance. The pools were nice but get very busy later in the day. The sites up on the hills are nice but beware, it’s a hill! There is little to no WiFi or cell service or it gets easily bogged down, so be ready for that. Food was basic but good. Some activities like bingo were a bit chaotic and there were a lot of ground hornets around the jumping pillows. Would totally go again.
- Sue B.Ranger
Wawayanda 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.
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.
Guide to Ardsley
Seasonal camping options near Ardsley, New York vary widely from tent sites to cabin rentals, with most campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. The Hudson Valley region experiences average summer temperatures between 75-85°F with occasional thunderstorms, while spring and fall camping brings 45-65°F temperatures with colorful foliage. Winter camping is limited to specific year-round facilities that maintain water access during freezing temperatures.
What to do
Swimming at Welch Lake: Access the sandy beach at Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park, where a lifeguard-monitored area is available during summer months. "A stones throw from NYC this beautiful area combines Lake Welch and Harriman State Park. The beach is secured with lifeguards and shower and bathroom facilities are available," notes Brian O.
Hiking through former historic sites: Explore the remnants of Revolutionary War-era settlements on trails near Beaver Pond. "A quick 15 minute drive from Beaver Pond, is Bear Mountain State Park. Here you can find some of the Appalachian Trail, with various smaller trail heads for this historic (Revolutionary Times 1770s) part of the region including the one to Doodle Town," reports Steve W.
Off-season beach access: Stay at Clarence Fahnestock State Park to enjoy swimming areas when public access ends. "The beach is closed after Labor Day to the public, but open to people staying at the campsite. Clean and beautiful. Great hikes," explains Courtney D., who visited in September.
Halloween camping: Book a fall camping trip at Croton Point Park for nearby seasonal activities. "We came in October to celebrate Halloween in sleepy hollow! This is a great campsite and reasonably priced. Was close to bear mountains state park and the train station is right there!" shares Wendy C.
What campers like
Platform tent sites: Several campgrounds feature raised wooden platforms that keep tents dry during wet weather. "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.
Lean-to shelters: At Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, campers appreciate the permanent structures for all-weather camping. "This is a really great place to camp. The shelter sites are large and private with access to hiking trails and make for a unique experience. The staff is friendly as well," notes Jeremy S.
Off-season weekday quiet: Campgrounds near Ardsley tend to be much less crowded outside summer weekends. "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. Expect to purchase firewood, although scrounging for kindling was possible," reports Rebecca S. about Beaver Pond Campground.
Dish washing stations: Many campgrounds provide dedicated sinks with hot water for cleaning cookware. "I also particularly enjoyed the communal sink which made it very convenient and easy to wash dishes and fill up water," mentions Ethan K. about facilities at Beaver Pond.
What you should know
Bear activity protocols: Food storage procedures are strictly enforced at most campgrounds in the region. "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," reports Steve W. from Beaver Pond.
Noise variations: Campgrounds closer to urban areas or transportation corridors experience more ambient sound. "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," advises Jonathan C. about Croton Point Park.
Site selection importance: Research specific site numbers before booking as quality varies significantly within each campground. "This is one of my favorite campsites I have been to but only because after several visits we have finally found our favorite site. This place can book up during camping season in the Northeast so make sure to book early in advance," recommends Asher K. about Clarence Fahnestock State Park.
Wildlife encounters: Beyond bears, raccoons are common nighttime visitors at campsites. "Keep your food in the dry bag and away from the tent or benches provided or face the packs of fearless raccoons at night," warns Anil S. about Croton Point Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Choose campgrounds with dedicated play areas for children. "Short distance from the NYC, very organized, clean pond, has a playground, showers, bathroom. Your phone will have signal," notes Zorina N. about Beaver Pond Campground.
Group site reservations: For family reunions or multi-family camping, book adjacent sites well in advance. "We had a family camping trip with lots of kids of all ages, the walk in sites are not too far off the road so it was easily manageable," shares Stacey R. about Clarence Fahnestock State Park.
Child-friendly programming: Some parks offer organized activities during peak season. "Sebago has a huge lake and great beach area. It was perfect for lounging and swimming in during a hot summer day... Rangers also do movie nights they do big bonfires on Saturday very kid friendly ranger Joe is great with the kids," mentions Hashim C. about Sebago Cabin Camp.
Cell phone coverage: Signal strength varies significantly between campgrounds, which matters for families needing to stay connected. "Beautiful park with a place to swim but only within buoys and when a life guard is present. Only one or two bathrooms in the whole place so be prepared to go for a walk when you have to go," reports Isabel L. about Croton Point Park.
Tips from RVers
Urban camping options: For RVers wanting proximity to New York City, specialized parks offer direct access to public transportation. "This is all about location. The closest RV park to NYC. It's basically a parking lot with a dump station. Pick one of the larger end row sites to get a little extra elbow room," advises Keith and Tia S. about Liberty Harbor RV Park in Jersey City.
Generator restrictions: Many campgrounds near Ardsley prohibit generator use to maintain quiet atmosphere. "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," shares Adaly about Beaver Pond Campground, where generator use is limited to specific times.
Site sizing variations: Research campground maps before arriving with larger RVs. "We have gone from tent platform, tent camping, tarp, and now hammock camping. The sites can be a bit tight, at times and you may find a few visitors, not necessarily on two legs, but always a delight," notes Elliot G. about Beaver Pond Campground.
Dumping station availability: Only select campgrounds offer on-site dumping facilities. "Large enough for my 32 foot RV pulling our Jeep. The sites had electric and water and were in a fenced off section of the marina parking area. There's a convenient dump station if staying and needing to dump," notes Kevin A. about Liberty Harbor RV Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Ardsley, NY?
What camping is available near Ardsley, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, Ardsley, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 76 campgrounds and RV parks near Ardsley, NY and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Ardsley, NY?
Which is the most popular campground near Ardsley, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Ardsley, 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 Ardsley, NY?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Ardsley, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Ardsley, NY.
What parks are near Ardsley, NY?
What parks are near Ardsley, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 parks near Ardsley, NY that allow camping, notably Gateway National Recreation Area and Fire Island National Seashore.
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