Tent camping near Bedford, New York offers diverse experiences across Westchester County's varied terrain. The region features elevations ranging from 200 feet to over 800 feet at Mount Bailey, creating distinct microclimates throughout camping areas. Spring temperatures typically range from 45-70°F with higher humidity, while fall brings 35-65°F temperatures and drier conditions ideal for camping.
What to do
Hiking extensive trail systems: Ward Pound Ridge Reservation provides over 40 miles of marked trails with varying difficulty levels. One visitor notes, "This is a great place for camping. The shelters are great for people who want to camp and not have to worry about unplanned weather. The best part of this campsite are the endless trails in the area" (Ward Pound Ridge Reservation).
Lake activities: Several Bedford-area campgrounds feature water recreation options. At Croton Point Park, campers can enjoy "a private beach which is opened from Wednesday to the weekend with life guards on duty." The park sits on a peninsula extending into the Hudson River, offering swimming and shoreline exploration.
Rock scrambling: For more adventurous campers, the Suffern-Bear Mountain trail offers challenging terrain with significant rewards. A camper reports, "At one point of the trail is a very difficult, but doable, rock scramble up the side of the mountain. At the top of the scramble is a primitive camping site with amazing views" (Suffern-Bear Mountain from Gate Hill Road Primitive).
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Tent campers appreciate the seclusion at many Bedford-area campgrounds. At Croton Point Park, "Tent sites are very private with some dirt roads to exit out but that's what make it unique experience!" The camping areas provide buffer zones between sites, allowing for a more natural experience.
Clean facilities: Despite their rustic nature, many campgrounds maintain good standards. Battle Row Campground earns praise for cleanliness: "The camp office workers are SO friendly and helpful. The sites have provided electric and water and are kept so clean. They have shower and restroom facilities, the showers were amazing and also so clean!" (Battle Row Campground).
Accessible wilderness: The region offers a true outdoor experience despite proximity to urban areas. One camper at Mountain Lakes Park describes it as "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
Reservation systems vary: Each campground has different booking procedures. At Ward Pound Ridge, "The one downside is that you need to book in person but it can be done well in advance if need be." This contrasts with other parks that allow phone or online reservations.
Seasonal considerations: Fall offers optimal camping conditions in the Bedford region. At The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center, a camper notes the park is "Easily accessible by car or train from NYC and NJ" with "Beautiful lakes all over the place," making it particularly attractive in autumn when crowds thin out.
Wildlife awareness: Raccoons and bears inhabit woodland areas near Bedford. Campers at Croton Point Park advise to "Keep your food in the dry bag and away from the tent or benches provided or face the packs of fearless raccoons at night." Many campgrounds provide bear boxes or have specific food storage requirements.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Several campgrounds offer facilities designed for children. At Croton Point Park, one family reported: "I took my 5 year-old son and wife, all of us first time campers. This place was great. The site was very nice, all the people friendly and area beautiful."
Educational opportunities: Sebago Cabin Camp offers programming for younger campers: "Sebago has a huge lake and great beach area. It was perfect for lounging and swimming in during a hot summer day." The camp also features "movie nights they do big bon fire on Saturday very kid friendly."
Beginner-friendly options: For families new to camping, sites with cabins provide a gentle introduction to outdoor experiences. One visitor mentions that at Sebago, "These cabins are VERY rustic, four walls, a cot, and a fridge. You still feel like you are 'roughing it' but with the convenience of a fridge."
Tips from RVers
Limited full-hookup options: Most campgrounds near Bedford have partial hookups only. At Battle Row Campground, RV sites include electric and water connections but lack sewer hookups. The campground is "old and there isn't much there, but it depends on why you're camping whether that matters to you."
Size restrictions: Large RVs may face challenges at most Bedford-area campgrounds. Croton Point Park accommodates bigger rigs with "a mix of w/e (6 sites) and FHU sites" though a reviewer noted the "FHU sites were back-to-back and although there were trees separating the sites, they were close together."
Noise considerations: Some RV areas experience ambient noise from surrounding infrastructure. At Battle Row, campers report "the lots are near an expressway that constantly has loud traffic," making interior sites preferable for light sleepers.
