Situated in Putnam County, New York, the Brewster area features rolling hills and glacial lakes within driving distance of New York City. The climate allows for camping from April through October, though many facilities close by early November. Camping options near Brewster include standard tent sites, RV spots, cabins, and specialized yurt accommodations.
What to do
Hiking opportunities: Mountain Lakes Park trails range from easy loops to more challenging terrain. "There are also many hikes which can be trekked straight from the campgrounds which is always a huge plus in my mind," notes reviewer Ethan K. The park contains "lakes, a lookout and Mt. Bailey, the highest point in Westchester County," according to Ben H.
Water recreation: Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground offers paddleboard and kayak rentals for $15. "The lake is beautiful and clean. Expect to pay $15 fee (I think) to use your paddleboards / kayaks etc. Worth every penny," mentions Mellisa T. The calm water conditions also create perfect conditions for evening activities. "Late night, stargazing over the lake is a great pastime, because the water is calm and the light pollution is low," adds Seth K.
Military-only recreation: West Point FMWR Round Pond Outdoor Recreation Area provides exclusive camping for military families. "Super friendly staff clean sites and bathrooms. Great little store. Bath houses are absolutely spotless. Fire pits, electric and water hook ups only," notes Mindie C. The location serves as "a sweet reminder that there are still places that appreciate their service," according to a reviewer identified as "Name."
What campers like
Privacy and space: Thousand Trails Rondout Valley offers sites with natural separation. "Our site was even and easy to level on," mentions Ian R. Another camper noted, "We had one and a babbling brook was 30 feet behind us. Great spot for morning coffee."
Clean facilities: At Bear Creek Campground at Lake Compounce, visitors appreciate the well-maintained amenities. "Restrooms are clean and spacious. Showers are great. Whoever planned this campground is/was a camper," says Diane R. Another camper notes, "Extremely helpful to my newbie lack of knowledge!"
Seasonal considerations: Lake Waramaug State Park Campground experiences different crowd levels depending on when you visit. "If you go during the week the place is a ghost town," notes katrina M. Weather patterns affect camping conditions too. "When we were there it was right after a rain storm and everything was a bit muddy and slippery," reports one reviewer about Mountain Lakes Park.
What you should know
Site selection matters: At Lake Waramaug State Park, some spots are more desirable than others. "My advice would be to take the sites on the hill, nearest to the bathrooms, as all these sites seemed to be generally very well maintained," suggests Kurt S. from nearby Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground.
Cell service limitations: Network coverage varies by provider. "Just a note to other campers with T-Moblie, we did not have any service on the campsite, however just a hop in the car or a quick walk down the mountain for 5G service near the entrance off the main road," reports Jacey H. Other locations have similar issues, with one reviewer noting, "There is also free wifi at the commissary/exchange, which is about 2 miles away."
Reservation policies: Many campgrounds require advance booking. "The campground is beautiful and the staff was wonderful! We started our camping season off right with a quick weekend stay," explains one camper. Weekends book faster than weekdays, especially for yurt camping near Brewster, New York.
Tips for camping with families
Activity scheduling: Lone Oak Camp Sites provides numerous kids' programs. "Tons of kids activities to keep the little ones busy," reports Ashley A. Another camper mentions, "Two big pools, store, bar for adults with live entertainment. Tons of kids activities going on all day."
Site proximity: At some locations, tent areas may lack privacy. "Sites very close together also very expensive with not much to do," cautions one reviewer. Another notes more positively, "Not a ton of privacy, but we didn't mind much. Nice change from the dry camping we usually gravitate towards."
Weather preparedness: Pack for changing conditions. "The platforms kept us off the ground and were helpful in setting up appropriate tarp protection," notes Rosie R. about tent platforms at one location. This feature helps families stay dry during unexpected rain.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Jellystone Park Gardiner provides full utility connections with some limitations. "Make sure to double check power requirements because it's not labeled on the sites and it varies," warns Natalie N. RVers should confirm their specific electrical needs before booking.
Rental options: Golf carts are available but consider their usefulness before renting. "Renting a golf cart is prob not the best option $175 for 2 days and it only goes 5mph I can walk faster than that," advises Scott. These slow-moving vehicles might not justify their cost for most campers.
Pull-through accessibility: Some campgrounds feature easier access for larger rigs. "Easy entry, long pull thrus. You will face your neighbor door to door but enough room between you don't feel invaded," explains Diane R. This setup helps new RV owners navigate with more confidence during arrival and departure.
