Mountain Lakes Park offers year-round yurt camping in Westchester County, New York, where fall temperatures typically range from 40°F to 65°F. The park sits on 1,082 acres with several interconnected ponds and lakes. Winter camping in yurts provides electricity and heat, making cold-weather stays viable for less experienced campers or those wanting extra comfort.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: West Point FMWR Round Pond Recreation Area maintains a stocked lake for anglers of all experience levels. "The campground is beautiful and the staff was wonderful! We started our camping season off right with a quick weekend stay at Round Pound... We are looking forward to... fishing or the beach," noted Jacey H.
Swimming and water recreation: Wildwood State Park Campground offers beach access along the Long Island Sound for swimming, though it's worth noting some conditions. "The beach is fairly clean and has a small boardwalk... It is a downhill walk to the beach," explains Giselle P., highlighting the elevation changes between camping areas and water access.
Hiking options: Local trails vary from short loops to more challenging routes. "There are also many hikes which can be trekked straight from the campgrounds which is always a huge plus in my mind. When we were there it was right after a rain storm and everything was a bit muddy and slippery," explains Ethan K. about Mountain Lakes conditions.
What campers like
Platform tent sites: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation offers a practical solution for tent campers concerned about ground conditions. "They have these 12x12 platforms to put your tent on. This was pretty cool especially since some of the sites are all gravel with surrounding dirt," explains Christina L., highlighting how this reduces concerns about sleeping on wet or rocky ground.
Privacy in wooded settings: The campsites at Mahlon Dickerson provide ample space between neighbors. "Located in the Skylands of New Jersey, Mahlon Dickerson Campgound is a perfect place to spend a few nights or a couple of weeks. The campsites are paved and mostly level. They are wooded and large," reports Jeff W.
Proximity to NYC: Multiple campgrounds near Armonk serve as practical weekend destinations for city dwellers. "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. Lots of great hiking in the area in addition to beautiful Cold Spring, NY for the small-town charm," writes Becky G. about Round Pond Recreation Area.
What you should know
Military-only restrictions: Several campgrounds near Armonk limit access to military personnel. "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," warns Ethan K.
Cell service limitations: Lake Waramaug State Park Campground has spotty connectivity. "Yes, cell service is basically non-existent. Our trip this weekend was the first time we received more than 1 bar in 20 years. Actually we were a bit disappointed because this camp ground is a great place to disconnect and relax," notes G Y.
Seasonal considerations: Fall camping brings changing conditions that affect trails and activities. "It is a dirt road loops through the property with trails off and through it. No facilities that I can think of, but there are a few lean-to's scattered off the looping road," describes Ben H. about Mountain Lakes Park's trail system, which can become muddy after rainfall.
Tips for camping with families
Bathroom facilities: Jellystone Park Gardiner has limited shower facilities compared to the number of campsites. "Very few for the number of sites and people it covers. They need to add more bathrooms. They rarely cleaned the bathroom in all the 6 days that I stayed," reports Elizabeth M., highlighting the need to plan bathroom breaks during off-peak times.
Playground access: Evaluate campground layout before booking with children. "The office, playground, dog park, pool, laundry are located at the top of the hill. Camping spots are downhill, a good distance from the office and amenities," notes Coffee&Camping T. about Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort, which affects how easily children can access play areas.
Water play options: Look for campgrounds with appropriate swimming areas for your children's ages. "The swimming area is an absolute joke, unless you are 18 months old, and then its probably perfect. (Extremely small, extremely shallow, and some sand to dig in.)" explains Mo S. about Lake Waramaug, suggesting it's best for families with toddlers.
Tips from RVers
Electrical and water connections: Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort offers full hookups but has some infrastructure challenges. "When you leave you have to drive the wrong way in the campground because of the low hanging trees the correct direction... One downfall is you have to drive to the trash bin it is way too far to walk," advises Bill B.
Site levelness: Many campgrounds near Armonk require additional leveling equipment. "Rv sites were mostly pretty flat, spacious and in a wooded area which we loved. Visited in October so leaves were falling and it was perfect weather," mentions Janelle G. about Pleasant Acres, though noting garbage disposal is inconvenient.
Seasonal campground changes: Weather and seasonal timing affect amenities. "Due to our early start in the camping season the weather did not allow us to enjoy fishing or the beach or water hook ups, however all areas looked well maintained," explains Jacey H. about early season camping at Round Pond Recreation Area.
