Best Campgrounds near Chester, NY
The area around Chester, New York includes access to various types of camping and campgrounds within a short drive. Harriman State Park, located southeast of Chester, offers several camping options including Beaver Pond Campground with tent and RV sites, and Sebago Cabin Camp for those seeking more shelter. Black Bear RV Park in nearby Florida, NY provides year-round camping with 74 sites for both tents and RVs. Winding Hills Park in Montgomery offers seasonal camping from May to October. The region also features specialty accommodations like the Peace and Carrots Farm Bluebird Tiny Home and Jellystone Park in Gardiner with glamping options including cabins and yurts. Campers browse The Dyrt when exploring the best sites near Chester to find the right mix of amenities and natural settings.
"Busy campground on weekends! This park has a nice open beach on Canopus Lake with a concession area and bathhouse, which we found to be quite clean," noted one visitor about Fahnestock State Park. Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, typically from April through October, though Black Bear RV Park remains open year-round. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekend camping during summer months when New York City residents seek outdoor escapes. Many campgrounds require advance booking through reservation systems. Bear activity is common throughout the region, particularly in Harriman State Park, where proper food storage is essential. Campers should be prepared for varying terrain, from level platforms at some sites to more rugged, natural settings at others. Cell service can be limited in more remote areas, particularly in the valleys between hills.
Several visitors mentioned the proximity to water as a highlight of camping in this region. Beaver Pond Campground provides access to Welch Lake with swimming and fishing opportunities. Winding Hills Park earned high ratings (4.6/5) from campers appreciating its combination of natural setting and basic amenities. Campers report mixed experiences with privacy between sites, with some noting that weekends bring higher noise levels. "Sites are large and spread out, and we felt like we had a good amount of privacy," wrote one camper about High Point State Park. Wildlife sightings are common, with deer, various birds, and occasionally bears noted in reviews. The region's location approximately an hour from New York City makes it particularly popular for weekend getaways, resulting in more crowded conditions Friday through Sunday, while midweek visitors often find more solitude.