Cabins and yurts offer comfortable accommodations near Ardsley, New York, a Westchester County village located approximately 20 miles north of Manhattan. The region features mixed deciduous forest with elevations ranging from 200-600 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F, while spring and fall can see temperature swings of 30-40 degrees between day and night.
What to do
Lake activities: nearby access Lake activities are available at Panther Lake Camping Resort where visitors can enjoy fishing and boating. As one camper noted, "The lake and pool were a big plus, especially for hot days. While I did not take advantage, you are allowed to rent boats and take them out on the lake."
Hiking: moderate elevation gains Several trails suitable for day hikes are available in the area. At High Point State Park Campground, one visitor shared, "I spent two nights camping with my niece and this campground was perfect. The site was maybe a 50-yard walk-in and we barely heard anyone around us and had a real wilderness feel. We fit in a hike up to the Appalachian Trail from our campsite."
Winter recreation: seasonal options While most campgrounds operate seasonally, some areas offer year-round activities. At Mountain Lakes Park, trails remain open during winter months for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing when conditions permit. The park's elevated position creates better snow retention than surrounding lower-elevation areas.
What campers like
Spacious sites: room to spread out Mahlon Dickerson Reservation receives praise for its site layout. One reviewer stated, "This county park has large, wooded campsites with electric and water. It's beautiful and quiet, and close to beautiful hiking trails, lakes, and other outdoor recreation opportunities."
Yurt camping: Ardsley area alternatives Yurt camping options near Ardsley provide sturdy structures with beds and electricity. One visitor to Great Divide Campground described it as "a beautiful campground with much to do around the grounds themselves... Bathrooms clean and shower was warm and clean as well. They even have a heater to keep you comfortable in and out of the shower."
Wildlife viewing: early morning opportunities Dawn hours offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities. A camper at Mountain Lakes Park mentioned, "A gorgeous piece of land that contains lakes, a lookout and Mt. Bailey, the highest point in Westchester County. A dirt road loops through the property with trails off and through it."
What you should know
Military-only restrictions: verify before booking Some campgrounds in the region have specific access requirements. At West Point FMWR Round Pond Outdoor Recreation Area, one reviewer pointed out, "Unfortunately for me, Round Pond is camping reserved for active and retired military personnel only. We drove through and the whole space is rather large. There are several signs everywhere making it clear that it is only for military."
Bathhouse limitations: variable facilities Facilities vary widely between campgrounds. At High Point State Park, a camper noted, "Clean-ish bathrooms with flush toilets, no sinks, no showers, with that awful outhouse smell. Bringing your own toilet paper is a good idea as the park didn't replace it enough and it ran out."
Seasonal considerations: plan accordingly Most campgrounds in the region operate from April through October. The shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) typically offer more availability and fewer crowds, but may have cooler night temperatures dropping into the 40s.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: scheduled events Jellystone Park Gardiner specializes in family camping. One visitor mentioned, "This place is great for kids. It has a event just about every weekend with kid activity." Another noted, "This is a very nice campground for families. Has a lot of activities and facilities for campers."
Swimming options: supervised areas Multiple campgrounds offer swimming opportunities with varying supervision levels. A visitor to Jellystone Park Gardiner mentioned, "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."
Noise considerations: quiet time enforcement Family-oriented campgrounds typically enforce quiet hours. At Great Divide Campground, campsites "have their own space so you can enjoy quiet at night," according to one reviewer. However, at busier locations like Jellystone, one camper noted it "can end up being as crowded as an amusement park depending on when you go."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: topography matters The region's hilly terrain can create challenges for RV camping. At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, a camper noted, "The campsites are paved and mostly level. They are wooded and large. Water and electric hookups and a dump station."
Off-season considerations: limited services Many campgrounds reduce services outside peak season. Water systems may be winterized as early as mid-October, with full hookups unavailable until late April depending on nighttime temperatures and freeze risk.
