Mountain Lakes Park offers distinctive glamping options in Cross River, located within Westchester County at an elevation of 800 feet above sea level. The park features several recreational lakes for fishing, swimming and paddling during warmer months. Water recreation activities are accessible from April through November at most glamping sites in the region, with some facilities closing during winter months.
What to do
Hiking from campsites: Many camping areas provide direct trail access without requiring additional travel. At Mountain Lakes Park, one visitor 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."
Water activities: Swimming areas vary in size and depth across locations. Lake Waramaug State Park Campground provides water recreation with limitations. According to a reviewer, "The swimming area is an absolute joke, unless you are 18 months old, and then its probably perfect. (Extremely small, extremely shallow, and some sand to dig in.)"
Military-only recreation: Some nearby facilities are restricted to military personnel. Regarding Round Pond Recreation Area, a visitor explained, "Unfortunately for me, Round Pond is camping reserved for active and retired military personnel only. We drove through and the whole space is rather large. There are several signs everywhere making it clear that it is only for military."
What campers like
Varied accommodations: Glamping near Cross River includes multiple lodging styles from basic to more luxurious. Jellystone Park Gardiner offers several options according to a camper: "This is a very nice campground for families. Has a lot of activities and facilities for campers. It is a bit more open and campsite can be a bit close to each other. But the place was very clean a friendly."
Family-friendly amenities: Many sites feature organized activities for children. At Jellystone Park, a visitor mentioned, "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."
Quiet weekday visits: Several campgrounds offer more solitude during weekdays. At Bear Creek Campground, a camper observed, "Very nice campground. Has electric, water and cable TV connections. Clean bathrooms and nice store. It is part of the Lake Compounce Amusement Park. CG is pretty empty during the week and gets busy during the weekend."
What you should know
Campsite spacing: Many campgrounds feature sites in close proximity. At Wildwood State Park Campground, a visitor remarked, "It doesn't have that much of the camping feel, though, as there's not many trees in the campsite area and the sites are so close together. You will get very intimate with your neighbors."
Bathroom facilities: Quality varies significantly between locations. One camper at Jellystone Park warned, "They need to add more bathrooms. They rarely cleaned the bathroom in all the 6 days that I stayed. The showers didn't have enough water pressure, 2 out of 6 had only hot water, some had no paper, hairs everywhere."
Campground rules: Some locations enforce specific restrictions. Lake Waramaug has particular regulations, with one camper noting, "You cannot tie ANYTHING to trees, so no hammock tied to trees. Bathrooms were clean, only 2 showers at the camp so you gotta wait your turn."
Tips for camping with families
Weather considerations: Mountain lakes can become less appealing during poor conditions. A visitor to Mountain Lakes Park shared, "When we were there it was right after a rain storm and everything was a bit muddy and slippery. We will definitely be planning a trip back to Mountain Lakes when the weather gets nicer though!"
Activity-focused selection: Different glamping options cater to varied interests. Thousand Trails Rondout Valley provides multiple options according to a reviewer: "This campground is great. Lots of activities a pool access, food court and basketball courts."
Noise levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy throughout the day and night. At Lake Waramaug, a visitor commented, "The campground is a ghost town during the week. Monday apparently is trash day in the area for all the homes around the lake. They start collecting very early and the sound really carries over the lake."
Tips from RVers
Military facilities: Service members have access to exclusive camping options. Regarding West Point FMWR Round Pond, one military family said, "We've been coming here for at least 13 years. We love that its a place specifically for Vets and active Military. Everyone is amazingly respectful of each other and the caretakers take such care of the grounds."
RV hookup considerations: Not all sites provide full utilities. Bear Creek Campground offers partial services, with one camper noting, "None of the sites have sewer, but there is a dump station on the way out. The staff were very friendly and they had some activities like bingo and corn hole the weekend we were there."
Campground amenities: Some locations provide unexpected conveniences. Bear Creek Campground impressed visitors with its facilities, with one noting, "Easy entry, long pull thrus. Restrooms are clean and spacious. Showers are great. Whoever planned this campground is/was a camper."
