Tent camping near Cross River, New York ranges from primitive backcountry sites to established campgrounds with amenities. The area sits within the Hudson Highlands region at elevations between 400-800 feet, creating varied camping terrain from rocky outcrops to densely wooded valleys. Summer temperatures typically reach 80°F with cooler 60°F nights, while spring and fall camping seasons offer milder temperatures but more variable weather conditions.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Several campgrounds provide direct trail connections for day hikes. At Mountain Lakes Park, visitors can access multiple trails directly from camping areas, with one camper noting, "There are many hikes which can be trekked straight from the campgrounds which is always a huge plus in my mind."
Swimming opportunities: Lake swimming is available at multiple locations during summer months. Croton Point Park offers beach access with restricted swimming areas. "There is a place to swim but only within buoys and when a life guard is present," explains one camper, though noting that "only one or two bathrooms in the whole place so be prepared to go for a walk when you have to go."
Rock scrambling adventures: For advanced hikers, primitive camping options in Harriman State Park include challenging rock scrambles with rewarding views. A camper described the Suffern-Bear Mountain from Gate Hill Road as "a high difficulty 15 mile out and back trail. At one point of the trail is a very difficult, but doable, rock scramble up the side of the mountain."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campers consistently value well-spaced camping areas. At Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, one visitor highlighted that "the shelter sites are large and private with access to hiking trails and make for a unique experience. The staff is friendly as well."
Water proximity: Access to lakes and streams enhances the camping experience. At The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center, the water feature becomes a central attraction. A camper observed, "The lake is very peaceful, and home to beavers we watched from the dining hall patio."
Scenic views: Higher elevation campsites provide panoramic vistas. At Suffern-Bear Mountain from Gate Hill Road Primitive, a visitor reported, "At the top of the scramble is a primitive camping site with amazing views. The most difficult part about camping in this location is that you will have to carry your supplies up the mountain to the site."
All-season options: Multiple campgrounds remain open year-round. One experienced camper at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation shared, "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."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Many sites require advance planning. A Ward Pound Ridge Reservation camper explained, "The one downside is that you need to book in person but it can be done well in advance if need be."
Bear safety measures: Several campgrounds provide bear boxes for food storage. At the Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground, a visitor observed, "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."
Limited facilities: Primitive camping options have minimal amenities. Mountain Lakes Park offers a rustic experience where "No facilities that I can think of, but there are a few lean-to's scattered off the looping road."
Noise considerations: Road proximity affects some campsites. A visitor to Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground noted, "Campsites are pretty close to a road. It's not particularly busy, but the speed limit is 55 so you do get some pretty decent whooshing sounds while you're trying to sleep."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer recreational facilities for children. Croton Point Park features "a decent playground for young kids" according to one visitor who added that the park also has "a model airplane air field" making it "a good park/camp for groups."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds allow children to observe local fauna. One visitor to Sebago Cabin Camp described how "my dog had an awesome time romping through the leaves and people watching," showing the family-friendly environment.
Comfort station proximity: Bathroom location becomes important with young campers. A visitor to Ward Pound Ridge Reservation observed that "The sites are much farther away from the comfort stations than most campgrounds we have been to. But there are port-a-potties very close to the sites, which is very important when you have young kids."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Few full-service RV sites exist in the immediate Cross River area. Croton Point Park offers some hookup options, with one camper noting, "A county park with a mix of w/e (6 sites) and FHU sites plus about a dozen tent sites."
Site assignment practices: Reservation systems vary by campground. A visitor to Croton Point Park explained the process: "The reservation process is a bit wonky. You need to call (no online reservations) and then wait for an e-mail, but the e-mail does not tell you your assigned site; you have to wait until you check in to find out your site."
Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts RV camping conditions. A camper at Croton Point Park advised, "There used to be a pool but from the looks of it, it hasn't been in use for many years. There are walking paths outside of the campground that are located within the park."
