Tent camping options near Buchanan, New York span across Westchester and Rockland counties, where elevations range from 100 to 1,300 feet. The camping season typically runs April through October, with July temperatures averaging 74°F and winter lows frequently dropping below freezing. Campgrounds in this region often require reservations made in-person rather than online, a unique aspect that affects planning for both primitive and developed sites.
What to do
Hiking at elevation: The highest point in Westchester County sits within Mountain Lakes Park, where Mt. Bailey offers challenging trails and scenic views. A camper noted, "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."
Swimming in designated areas: Croton Point Park offers supervised swimming within marked buoy areas only during lifeguard hours. According to a camper, "Clean park with a place to swim but only within buoys and when a life guard is present. Only one or two bathrooms in the whole place so be prepared to go for a walk when you have to go."
Seasonal activities: Fall camping near Croton Point Park connects to nearby Halloween events in Sleepy Hollow. As one visitor explained, "We came in October to celebrate Halloween in sleepy hollow! This is a great campsite and reasonably priced. Was close to bear mountains state part and the train station is right there!"
What campers like
Accessibility from NYC: Ward Pound Ridge Reservation offers year-round camping just 50 miles from Manhattan with varied accommodation options. A reviewer mentioned, "Ive been coming here for years. 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."
Multiple lakes for recreation: Several properties feature multiple water bodies for different activities. At the Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center, a visitor reported, "You are able to do a hike around the lake. They have both cabins for rent and camping spots on platforms which are great, especially when it rains. You can also rent canoes and take them out on the lake for an afternoon activity."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Beavers and rabbits are frequently spotted at campgrounds in the region. A camper at The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center shared, "The lake is very peaceful, and home to beavers we watched from the dining hall patio," while another noted Croton Point Park has "lots of bunnies!"
What you should know
Reservation systems vary: Many campgrounds require in-person booking rather than online reservations. 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," while a visitor to Wawayanda State Park advised, "No phone service at campsite, but could get phone service by the kayak hut or the main entrance."
Site terrain conditions: Many tent sites in this region feature sloped ground requiring careful tent placement. A camper at Wawayanda State Park observed, "Site #3 is on a hill which doesn't make for a comfortable night of sleep," while another mentioned, "Not very much completely level terrain but nothing you can't sleep on."
Noise considerations: Train noise affects some campgrounds in the area. At Croton Point Park, a visitor warned, "Only down side is there is a train depot right outside and you can hear them shunting trains all night," while another mentioned, "The site was very loud (dance music) until after 11pm. Quiet time at 10pm."
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly options: First-time campers should consider locations with less primitive amenities. A camper at Croton Point Park shared their experience: "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."
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature playground equipment for children. A reviewer mentioned that at Croton Point Park there is "a decent playground for young kids," while another noted that at the same location they found a "playground within sight of our camper."
Food storage precautions: Sebago Cabin Camp and other area campgrounds require careful food management. One camper warned, "Keep your food in the dry bag and away from the tent or benches provided or face the packs of fearless racoons at night."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: RV sites with full hookups are scarce in this region. At Croton Point Park, a visitor described, "A county park with a mix of w/e (6 sites) and FHU sites plus about a dozen tent sites." Another noted, "The FHU sites were back-to-back and although there were trees separating the sites, they were close together."
Site layout considerations: RV pads vary significantly across campgrounds. A camper at Croton Point described, "We had a loosely defined gravel pad that was level. All sites appeared level," suggesting that while not formally developed, the sites accommodate leveling needs.
Utility performance issues: Water pressure and electrical capacity can be inconsistent. At Croton Point Park, one RVer noted, "There was a sign warning that the toilets were slow flushing, but I think this may have been fixed because the flush was so powerful that the water splashed over the top of the seat!"
