Tent camping opportunities near Brewster exist across Westchester County and parts of the Hudson Valley, with sites ranging from primitive to developed. The region sits at elevations between 200-1,000 feet, creating varied camping conditions from riverside lowlands to wooded hills. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing from November through March, while summer highs typically reach 80-85°F with moderate humidity.
What to do
Hiking extensive trail networks: Ward Pound Ridge Reservation provides numerous hiking options for campers seeking active exploration. According to one camper, "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." The reservation has terrain suitable for various skill levels.
Lake activities during summer months: Mountain Lakes Park offers water-based recreation on multiple small lakes. A visitor notes, "Mountain Lakes park is a great place to camp within driving distance from NYC. The area, as the name implies, is home to several lakes which can be used for various recreational purposes." Swimming, fishing and kayaking are available from late May through September.
Rock climbing for experienced adventurers: Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground provides access to world-class climbing areas approximately 45 miles from Brewster. One climber shares, "This is a very nice modern campground with great access to amazing hiking and climbing in the area! About half the sites are walk-in and half the sites are drive-up." The nearby cliffs attract climbers from around the world.
What campers like
Privacy between campsites: Many tent campers appreciate the spacing at select campgrounds. At Croton Point Park, located 17 miles from Brewster, a camper observed, "Peaceful and gorgeous campsite, with plenty of space between sites. Great view of the Hudson, and playground within sight of our camper." This spacing allows for more secluded camping experiences.
Year-round accessibility: Several campgrounds maintain operations throughout winter months. One experienced camper at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation shares, "They have great sights and are open all year round. Ive stayed in hammocks, tents, leantos, and even did a good share of car camping." Winter camping requires appropriate cold-weather gear.
Clean facilities with modern amenities: Sebago Cabin Camp maintains well-kept restroom and shower facilities. According to one visitor, "This place is only an hour away from NYC with so much to do and see. 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." The campground charges additional fees for showers.
What you should know
Reservation requirements vary significantly: Different systems exist across campgrounds. A camper at The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center reports, "This camp is run by AMC (The Appalachian Mountain Club), you don't have to be a member to use the facillity but you get better rates." Ward Pound Ridge requires in-person bookings only.
Wildlife considerations for food storage: Bear activity requires proper food management. One camper at Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground noted, "With all the heavy bear traffic signs that were up, I was surprised to see how close bear boxes were to our tents. They seemed to be 1-10 feet away from tents in each campsite."
Variable cell service throughout region: Many camping areas have limited connectivity. A Sebago Cabin Camp visitor mentioned, "Absolutely zero phone service (for T-Mobile) which was AMAZING." Campers should download maps and information before arrival.
Tips for camping with families
Select campsites with playground access: Families with children benefit from built-in recreational facilities. One Croton Point Park visitor observed, "Peaceful and gorgeous campsite, with plenty of space between sites. Great view of the Hudson, and playground within sight of our camper. Site does not have Wi-Fi and street address didn't work correctly with multiple GPS apps."
Consider cabins for easier family camping: Some locations offer simple cabin accommodations. A parent who stayed at Sebago Cabin Camp shared, "Sebago has a huge lake and great beach area. It was perfect for lounging and swimming in during a hot summer day. We were able to rent a cabin which was equipped with an outside grill and picnic area. It was great if you are going with a group/family and people want to sleep inside a cabin as oppose to a tent outside."
Look for organized activities: Several campgrounds offer scheduled programming for children. According to one visitor at Sebago Cabin Camp, "Sebago has a ton of activities like outdoor movies and communal bonfires on weekends. I was told by ranger Joe they also do Karaoke nights too."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: RV-friendly sites with utilities are primarily concentrated at Croton Point Park. One camper noted, "A county park with a mix of w/e (6 sites) and FHU sites plus about a dozen tent sites near a capped dump!" Utility sites typically require reservations weeks in advance during summer.
Prepare for tight spacing at RV campsites: Many RV areas have limited separation between units. A visitor observed, "The FHU sites were back-to-back and although there were trees separating the sites, they were close together."
Consider seasonal timing for RV camping: Winter RV camping options are limited. One reviewer mentioned, "Please be aware that, although the website says they are open in March, they will not open if there is snow on the ground. We found out the hard way on a previous trip."
