Camping spots near Brewster, New York range across different terrains with elevations from 200-500 feet above sea level throughout Westchester, Putnam, and Dutchess counties. The region receives approximately 45-50 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush forested environments but occasional muddy conditions on trails after storms. Most tent sites are uneven, requiring campers to scout for the flattest spots.
What to do
Hiking trails access: At Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, campers have immediate access to over 40 miles of hiking trails with varying difficulty levels. "There are endless trails in the area. I believe there are over 40 miles of trails in this area. Would definitely recommend for those who want to camp near NYC but not drive too far," notes one visitor.
Fishing opportunities: Beaver Pond Campground provides access to Welch Lake for fishing enthusiasts. The lake allows fishing from shore or small watercraft. A camper reports, "A stones throw from NYC this beautiful area combines Lake Welch and Harriman State Park. This camp ground is laid back away from the busy activity of the big city. If you want to get away and relax you can come here to walk, swim and camp."
Winter recreation: Unlike many seasonal facilities, some campgrounds maintain year-round operations. Mountain Lakes Park offers winter camping options in their yurts during colder months when temperatures average 20-35°F. "Mountain Lakes park is a great place to camp within driving distance from NYC. A fun option available at Mountain lakes is to rent a yurt to camp in," shares one visitor.
What campers like
Platform camping: Beaver Pond Campground features raised tent platforms at many sites, providing significant advantages during wet weather. "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. Many of the camping options were on platforms which is especially nice if it recently rained," observes a camper.
Privacy between sites: Campers consistently note the spaciousness at certain campgrounds. "The camping sites are very different so it's useful to go in person and select the area. Parking is close, but some of the sites are also pretty close to each other so there is less privacy," remarks a visitor to Ward Pound Ridge Reservation.
Clean facilities: Mountain Lakes Park maintains their grounds meticulously. "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," notes a camper about the well-maintained landscape.
What you should know
Reservation methods vary: Different campgrounds have different booking systems. Ward Pound Ridge requires in-person reservations, which can be inconvenient. "There is no phone or internet reservations and has to be made in person at the office. I would recommend call earlier and come in few minutes earlier to 9 am when the office opens to find the best spots," advises a camper.
Wildlife awareness: Bears are active in several camping areas, particularly at Harriman State Park. "Welcome to Bear Mountain grumbles the park ranger as he sits in complete darkness! He is in his ranger hut, checking in the late evening arrivals to the campground... He offers us a highlighted map to our site, wishes us a good stay, and gives us the run down on bear activity in the area," recounts a visitor.
Variable site quality: At most campgrounds, site quality varies significantly within the same facility. "This is one of my favorite campsites I have been to but only because after several visits we have finally found our favorite site," notes a camper about Clarence Fahnestock State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Croton Point Park offers camping with playgrounds visible from some sites. "Peaceful and gorgeous campsite, with plenty of space between sites. Great view of the Hudson, and playground within sight of our camper," mentions a family who enjoyed the convenience.
Kid-friendly activities: Jellystone Park Gardiner specializes in family entertainment with scheduled activities. "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," reports a parent.
Nature education: Several campgrounds offer educational opportunities for children. "The Trailside Nature Museum is also fun for the kids," notes a visitor to Ward Pound Ridge, where families can learn about local ecology and wildlife.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most campgrounds near Brewster offer only partial hookups. "No site offers electric or water hook up, camp amenities include: a moderately stocked store, public bath houses, a laundry facility, playground for the kids and camp-sinks with access to water," reports an RVer at Beaver Pond Campground.
Public transport accessibility: Unique to this region, some campgrounds are accessible via public transportation from NYC. "When you are camping with a large group of friends and don't all have access to a car, this is the perfect spot. MetroNorth takes you right into Cold Spring, a charming, quaint town with antique shops and beautiful views of the Hudson. From there, it is a short drive to the campgrounds," shares a camper about Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground.
Dish washing facilities: Several campgrounds provide dedicated stations for washing dishes, which is particularly valuable for RVers conserving water. "I also particularly enjoyed the communal sink which made it very convenient and easy to wash dishes and fill up water," notes a visitor to Beaver Pond Campground.
