Tent camping near Eastchester, New York offers varied experiences within 25-40 miles of town. The region features elevations ranging from sea level to 1,300 feet at Mount Bailey in Westchester County. Summer temperatures typically average 75-85°F during peak camping season, while spring and fall camping requires preparation for overnight temperatures that can drop into the 40s.
What to do
Hiking on diverse trails: Ward Pound Ridge Reservation maintains over 40 miles of marked trails catering to various skill levels. "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. They have many sites and a tone of hiking trails," notes camper Paul R.
Winter camping opportunities: Some Eastchester-area campgrounds remain open year-round for cold-weather camping experiences. "This is a great place for camping. The shelters are great for people who want to camp and not have to worry about unplanned weather," reports Ethan K. about Ward Pound Ridge Reservation.
Water activities: Mountain Lakes Park offers multiple lakes for recreation. "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," mentions Ben H. Swimming is regulated at most locations, with Croton Point Park restricting swimming to designated buoy areas with lifeguards present.
What campers like
Secluded tent sites: Croton Point Park offers tent camping separate from RV areas on a Hudson River peninsula. "Nice site and a 30-40 minute drive from Western Queens. Tent site is after the RV site, so use their LX before you get to site if you can. Dumpster and water near sites," explains Jonathan C.
Rustic cabin options: Several locations offer basic cabins for those wanting shelter without full amenities. At Sebago Cabin Camp in Harriman State Park, campers find basic accommodations. "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. Absolutely zero phone service (for T-Mobile) which was AMAZING," reports Sara P.
Family-friendly activities: Many campgrounds organize scheduled activities. "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," notes a visitor to Sebago Cabin Camp. Battle Row Campground features a newer playground centrally located within the camping area.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds require advance booking, with varying systems. Ward Pound Ridge Reservation has a unique reservation process: "The one downside is that you need to book in person but it can be done well in advance if need be," explains Paul R.
Varying shower and bathroom facilities: Facilities range from well-maintained to minimal. At Battle Row Campground, "There are lots of showers but only 1 was unlocked (free and with hot water). The bathroom was very clean and well stocked," reports katrina M.
Noise considerations: Location impacts noise levels at campsites. Jonathan C. notes at Croton Point Park: "The site was very loud (dance music) until after 11pm. Quiet time at 10pm. Great site for a party, try to stay away from this end of the site or choose a site away from other bookings if you'd like quiet." At Battle Row, campers may experience traffic noise from a nearby expressway.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated children's play areas. At Battle Row Campground, "The park is clean, the bathrooms are well maintained and there is a playground for the kids," notes Michael M.
Kid-friendly programming: The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center offers structured activities for children. "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. They offer cabins and campsites," explains Thomas M.
Wildlife encounters: Wildlife sightings add excitement but require proper food storage. One camper warns about Croton Point Park: "Keep your food in the dry bag and away from the tent or benches provided or face the packs of fearless racoons at night." Battle Row Campground has numerous feral cats that sometimes approach campers for food.
Tips for RVers
Limited full-hookup options: Most campgrounds near Eastchester offer partial or no hookups for RVs. Croton Point Park provides the most complete services: "We had a loosely defined gravel pad that was level. All sites appeared level. The FHU sites were back-to-back and although there were trees separating the sites, they were close together," notes Lee D.
Site selection considerations: RV campers should research specific campground layouts. At Croton Point Park, "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."
