103 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping areas near Brewster, New York span across several state parks and reservations within a 30-mile radius. Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground, located in Carmel, offers tent and RV camping with amenities including electric hookups, showers, and reservable sites. Ward Pound Ridge Reservation provides year-round camping options with tent and RV sites in a more secluded setting. The region includes both established campgrounds with facilities and more primitive options, with several parks offering cabin accommodations for those seeking alternatives to traditional tent camping. Most campgrounds in the area maintain seasonal operations, typically running from April through early December.
Many campgrounds require advance reservations, particularly during summer weekends when sites fill quickly. Access to most camping areas involves paved roads, though some walk-in sites require short hikes from parking areas. "Weekends - this park is FULL! Make sure to reserve at least two weeks out. Weekdays? You should be in luck!" noted one visitor about Fahnestock State Park. The camping season generally runs from spring through fall, with limited winter options available at select locations like Ward Pound Ridge Reservation. Weather conditions vary significantly by season, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 70-85°F during the day and cooler nights, while spring and fall bring more variable conditions and occasional rainfall that can affect trail conditions.
Campers report high satisfaction with the proximity to water features at several campgrounds. Croton Point Park and Beaver Pond Campground at Harriman State Park offer lake access, making them popular destinations for swimming and fishing during summer months. "A gorgeous camping ground right on the Hudson with beach and trails," described one visitor about Croton Point Park. Mixed-use campgrounds throughout the region accommodate various camping styles, from tent-only areas to RV sites with hookups. Wildlife sightings are common, with several reviews mentioning encounters with local fauna. "Welcome to Bear Mountain" is a common greeting at Harriman State Park, where proper food storage is essential. The campground options near Brewster balance accessibility to New York City (typically within a 1-2 hour drive) with natural settings that provide a retreat from urban environments.
"When you are camping with a large group of friends and don't all have access to a car, this is the perfect spot."
"We were right next to the entrance for hiking trails which was convenient. The facilities are a bit of a walk, but that means it is spread out and there's plenty of room to relax and have fun."
from $21 / night
Check Availability"Close to the city and civilization, yet large enough to have nice trails and creeks to feel away from it all. The camping sites are very different so it’s useful to go in person and select the area."
"The shelter sites are large and private with access to hiking trails and make for a unique experience. The staff is friendly as well"
from $45 - $55 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"15 dolares la noche para los que viven en el Estado de New York o New York city .. si es fuera del estado son $5 dolares mas!!"
"Drive-in tent campgrounds. Adequate restroom facilities sprinkled amongst tent sites. Some campsites have raised platforms. All sites have picnic tables and fire ring with flip-top grill."
from $21 - $24 / night
Check Availability"We love this State Park because it's close to our home for a quick getaway. This time we tried one of the sites on the water, and I probably wouldn't choose the same site again. "
"Semi private with great view and nice walks to the water. Noise was not a problem overnight as to having problems with noises neighbors at other CT state parks."
from $17 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Tent sites are very private with some dirt roads to exit out but thats what make it unique experience! Bathrooms with shower is near by and has plenty porta potties all around."
"Was close to bear mountains state part and the train station is right there!"
from $30 - $60 / night
Check Availability"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."
"We are looking forward to stopping by Round Pond again in the near future."
from $25 - $40 / night
Check Availability"With a new check in area, Gardiner has really stepped up. They expanded the pool area to include another pool plus splash area and water slides."
"We got a red carpet site by the Gaga pit and near the water park (Cindy bear lane) and it was a convenient yet noisy site. Kids were at the playground 8 am or before and the noise woke us up."
"Reminds me of lake camping that I grew up with. Hosts are very nice and helpful. This is more of a seasonal camping site. Do not follow your GPS directions. Get directions from the campground staff."
ScoutThis is not the place to come if what you are looking for is a nice quiet, peaceful nature retreat. The "full shade" sites really aren't, it's crowded with kids yelling and running everywhere, and honestly, you're better off camping in your backyard.
ScoutThe neighbor cry about a dog that barks and then we are no good
RangerThis is an A.T. shelter and campsite. First come, first served. Privy was nice. Flat tentsites for 6 or more. Good for Hammocking also.
ScoutI was in the area and needed a location to hook up. Temperature at 7:00 p.m. was 85 in July which is expected. They're able to get me in for the night. Quick and easy. Had smoke from the Canadian Wildfire which made for a good sunset
LegendExcellent campground! The forest is beautiful, the Hudson River is super close, there are great trails, and the surrounding area is beautiful. Sites are electric only, so make sure your water pump is working and fresh water tank is full. There are spigots for filling and a nice dump station. The player is excellent. I don't think tetn camping here would be great because the tent sites are closer together and there are trains that pass regularly. We couldn't hear the trains in our camper and our site was large and private with great Forest and hammock trees. The mansion tours at Vanderbilt and Mills were awesome!
TravelerWe arrived after 10pm so we couldn’t go into the general store to check in. But there was an envelope with our name and a description of where we had to go. Because it was so dark we couldn’t find it but the security guard was really helpful and showed us the way. We spent a really quiet night at this campground at a tent site with our rooftop tent and appreciated the clean showers and friendly staff. We would come back anytime.
GuideTall pines, the sound of the mighty housatonic river, and some car noise on the nearby 2 lane. The campground is landscaped and maintained beautifully. the highlight is the river, ever-present in sound. The primo sites are on the northern end , where most sites are right on the water, and just a small descent. Bathrooms are good, not great. Showers are push button automatic, water was warm. We have a small RV, the dump site is up the main road about a 1/2 mile in a turnout. Free for campers, on your honor. At office were college aged young men and women in very casual street clothes all very nice, and mannerly, but not very knowledgeable, and hard to believe they could handle an adverse situation. I asked for the soap to be filled in the mens room on Thursday afternoon at 4 and it was still not done at noon the next day. -it’s a 2 minute walk from the office. I asked about a hike, they told me a trail head was a mile up the road. We found a spur directly across the street. I miss real docents, with knowledge, and wearing the garb. All sites not directly on the river side have paths down to get there. Did a nice little moderate hike just across the street called Pine Knob. Nice vista, quick 760ft ascent, combines withe AT for a length, then back down total 3 miles the way we did it. Some nice restaurants in Kent. Found a good breakfast in Goshen. We’ll be going back.
TravelerArrived at night on a weekday to find two other vehicles parked in the lot, srilll was able to find a fire ring with a level area relatively easy. Very quiet, just the sounds of owls hooting at night. Very nice mixed forest, seems managed well. It is somewhat buggy. But doesn’t seem to be overly infested with ticks at least.
GuideA really nice campground for tenters and dry campers. No hookups, but decent bathrooms, lukewarm showers and well kept. The Housatonic river is wide and shallow but good for soaking on a hot day and right behind pretty much every campsite. The riverside sites have a clear view, the others you walk through the woods. The only negative is Route 7, which gets busy in the mornings, and at rush hours, but quiets down at night. Not a busy highway to begin with, but a major route. A good up and down hike right across the street, 760 ft ascent in a mile or so, 3 mile loop, you see AT through hikers on the portion of the combined trail. There is a drinking water tap you can hook a hose to for filling your RV, or jugs. No dump station. We had our class B here. Sites mostly level. Come during the week for better privacy. Supposedly fly fisherman come on weekends. Cute cabins for rent in a awesome location.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds in Brewster?
The Brewster area offers several excellent camping options. Croton Point Park stands out with its breathtaking location right on the Hudson River, offering private tent sites and family-friendly facilities. For a more secluded experience, Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground provides a peaceful setting with access to Canopus Lake for swimming, fishing, and boating. Both offer a great balance of natural beauty and camping comfort within reasonable proximity to Brewster.
Are there RV parks in Brewster that accommodate large vehicles?
Totoket Valley RV Park is an excellent option for RV campers near Brewster, offering full hookups with electrical, clean water, and sewer connections. Each site features grass areas and picnic tables, with a friendly owner maintaining the facilities. For those willing to travel a bit further, Jellystone Park Gardiner is big-rig friendly and offers reservable sites with water and toilet facilities. Both parks provide comfortable accommodations for larger recreational vehicles while serving as great home bases for exploring the Brewster area.
What amenities are available at Brewster camping facilities?
Camping facilities near Brewster typically offer essential amenities to enhance your outdoor experience. Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park provides picnic tables, fire rings with grills, and restroom facilities throughout the campground. Some sites even feature raised platforms. At Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, you'll find spaces suitable for group gatherings and access to numerous hiking trails. Most campgrounds in the area offer water access, toilet facilities, and designated camping areas, though amenities can vary by season.
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