Round Pond Recreation Area and Harriman State Park serve as the primary camping destinations within 30 miles of Armonk, New York. Located in the Hudson Highlands region where elevations range from 600 to 1,300 feet, these areas experience earlier frost dates than neighboring lowlands. Cell service can be intermittent throughout the region, with coverage varying widely between carriers depending on terrain.
What to do
Swimming access: $0-15: Croton Point Park offers swimming on its beach with lifeguards. "The lake is clear and sandy (some rocks in sand on shore, but standard for imported sand), and many families seemed to have traveled up for a day trip," reports a camper.
Hiking trails: 1.5+ miles: The Clarence Fahnestock State Park trail system connects directly to campsites. "This site and several others on the opposite (west) side of Pelton Pond had easy access to the 1.5 mile Pelton Pond hike loop," notes a reviewer.
Apple picking: Fall only: Several orchards operate within 15-20 minutes of campgrounds. "If you are in to apple picking it is a short drive and it is easy to get into town to take the train to and from NYC," according to an experienced camper.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Beaver Pond Campground layouts provide good separation. "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," shares a reviewer.
Platform tent sites: Several campgrounds feature raised wooden platforms for tent setup. "Many of the camping options were on platforms which is especially nice if it recently rained or if you are expecting rain during your stay," notes a Beaver Pond camper.
Quiet weekdays: "Weekends - this park is FULL! Make sure to reserve at least two weeks out. Weekdays? You should be in luck!" reports a visitor to Clarence Fahnestock State Park about the dramatic difference in crowds.
What you should know
Bear activity warnings: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation and other area campgrounds have active wildlife. "There are a lot of bear warnings here so that gave us a bit of pause with our three little boys," mentions one family.
Limited bathroom facilities: Some parks have minimal facilities despite size. "Only one or two bathrooms in the whole place so be prepared to go for a walk when you have to go," warns a Croton Point Park visitor.
Site selection importance: "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," advises a regular Clarence Fahnestock camper.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: West Point FMWR Round Pond offers dedicated children's areas. "We were very impressed with the playground on site!" notes a recent family visitor.
Pet-friendly options: Most campgrounds accommodate leashed dogs. "My fiancé, dog, and I have been going here for over 2 years and we love it," shares a Mahlon Dickerson Reservation camper.
Proximity to mall amenities: "It's beautiful and quiet, and close to beautiful hiking trails, lakes, and other outdoor recreation opportunities. And yet it's only about a 15 minute drive to a large mall with movies, shopping, and restaurants," explains a visitor about the convenience of some RV parks near Armonk, New York.
Tips from RVers
Water hookup distances: Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort and similar campgrounds have variable connections. "Website lists water hook ups at long distances but they have hose reels to help with that. Our site (15) said 75' however the 50' hose reel made it to our rv connection," shares a visitor to Mahlon Dickerson.
Leveling considerations: "The RV sites were mostly pretty flat, spacious and in a wooded area which we loved," notes a Pleasant Acres Farm visitor, though adding that amenities like garbage service were limited.
Site selection for larger rigs: "Very clean and quiet. Website lists water hook ups at long distances but they have hose reels to help with that," explains an RVer, highlighting the importance of choosing the right site for comfort.
