Cabin camping options near Bedford Hills offer convenient access to the Hudson Valley region, with elevations ranging from 400-1200 feet throughout the surrounding parks. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F, with cooler nights in spring and fall. Winter camping is available at select locations, though many cabin facilities close from November through April.
What to do
Hiking at Harriman State Park: Follow well-marked trails surrounding the Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center with options for all skill levels. "Been here a dozen times! Great hiking for all abilities. Free camping at stone shelters. Beautiful lakes all over the place," notes a regular visitor. The center provides access to multiple lakes and connecting trails.
Beach access and swimming: Wildwood State Park offers beachfront activities along the Long Island Sound. "The North Shore experience with high bluffs, sandy calm beaches along the Long Island Sound, and views of CT across the water," describes one camper. The rocky shoreline requires water shoes, and swimming areas are designated with buoys.
Fishing opportunities: Round Pond Recreation Area maintains a stocked fishing pond accessible to military families. The lake supports multiple fish species and allows shore fishing without a special permit. "The campground is beautiful and the staff was wonderful! We started our camping season off right with a quick weekend stay at Round Pound," shares a recent visitor.
Winter stargazing: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation in New Jersey offers clear night skies away from urban light pollution. Several sites provide elevated viewing areas for astronomical observation. A camper reports, "It is so quiet here. No amenities or extras here, just really pleasant camping in the woods."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Kettletown State Park maintains well-kept bathroom and shower facilities. "Clean but a bit dated. No shelves or hooks for toiletries. I was surprised the door was left open all night long," notes one visitor. The park's cabins are basic but comfortable with access to central bathhouse facilities.
Family-friendly atmosphere: Jellystone Park Gardiner offers structured activities for children throughout the summer season. "This campground has a lot of activities and has kids of all ages galore. I was worried my 12 year old would be too old for it but he enjoyed making friends there," shares a family. The camp hosts planned events most weekends.
Natural setting: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation provides wooded sites with privacy between cabins. "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," explains a regular visitor. The reservation's terrain offers varied landscapes within walking distance of cabin sites.
Peaceful surroundings: The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center provides a quiet retreat with minimal noise pollution. "This was beautiful campground with an even nicer lake. You are able to do a hike around the lake. They have both cabins for rent and camping spots on platforms which are great, especially when it rains," describes a visitor. The center's layout separates cabin areas from general camping.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most cabin facilities require advance booking, particularly during summer months. West Point FMWR facilities (Round Pond and Lake Frederick) restrict access to military personnel and families. "Home away from home for us and a chance to connect with other Vets. So grateful for a place just for Military and their families and guests," shares a visitor to Lake Frederick.
Varied amenity levels: Croton Point Park offers different cabin configurations with varying comfort levels. "It's a good park/camp for groups. They have cabins and RV sites and now that the Tapan Zee bridge work is done most of them are now open again as the bridge workers have moved out," notes a camper. Some locations provide basic furnishings while others include kitchen facilities.
Accessibility concerns: Many cabin sites require walking from parking areas to reach accommodations. "The parking for your car is 1/4 mile away but they allow you to unload and give you a wagon to take stuff to your site," explains a visitor to Harriman Outdoor Center. Terrain can be challenging for those with mobility limitations.
Noise considerations: Train tracks near Croton Point Park create periodic noise disruption. "Only down side is there is a train depot right outside and you can hear them shunting trains all night," mentions one reviewer. Weekend camping typically brings more activity and noise at most locations.
Tips for camping with families
Platform tents as alternatives: Wildwood State Park offers platform tenting options for families looking for a middle ground between cabins and ground tents. "I usually host group camping trips and the single vehicle rule makes that very difficult. That aside, this is a very nice campground with various kinds of sites. This is one of my favorite campgrounds solely because there are platform sites so I can place my tent on a concrete or wooden platform," reports a regular visitor.
Wildlife awareness: Bear activity requires proper food storage at several locations. "They do have bear boxes available as this is bear country," notes a camper at Harriman. Raccoons are common at Croton Point, with a visitor warning, "Keep your food in the dry bag and away from the tent or benches provided or face the packs of fearless racoons at night."
Kid-friendly activities: Jellystone Park provides structured entertainment for children. "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 there they have lasertag which they enjoy. And a bounce pillow," explains a parent.
Weather preparation: Spring and fall camping requires additional layers as temperatures can drop significantly after sunset. Cabins provide shelter but may not offer heating systems. Many locations close water systems after first frost, limiting late-season facilities.
Tips from RVers
Hook-up availability: Few cabin areas accommodate RVs, but Kettletown State Park provides options for both. "I tented here while doing a river stream reconstruction project in southern Connecticut. The sites were super close together and the boundary lines were unclear, so my neighbors ended up using my fire ring to secure their tent," shares a visitor, highlighting space limitations for larger setups.
Navigation challenges: Many cabin campgrounds have limited access roads not suitable for larger vehicles. GPS directions may be unreliable in wooded areas. "Site address didn't work correctly with multiple GPS apps. Used Park address instead," notes a visitor to Croton Point Park.
Power considerations: Electric service varies between sites with some offering only basic 15-amp connections. Winter camping may strain electrical systems due to higher heating demands.
Water access: Seasonal limitations affect water availability, particularly at higher elevations. Mahlon Dickerson provides special accommodations: "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."
