Fort Salonga sits along the north shore of Long Island, with elevations ranging from sea level to about 200 feet. This coastal location creates milder temperatures than inland areas, with average summer highs of 82°F and winter lows around 27°F. Tent camping near Fort Salonga provides access to both wooded inland sites and coastal environments within a reasonable driving distance.
What to do
Swimming in Lake Sebago: Located in Harriman State Park, Sebago Cabin Camp offers swimming in a large lake with beach facilities. "Sebago has a huge lake and great beach area. It was perfect for lounging and swimming in during a hot summer day," notes one camper. The lake is particularly refreshing during summer months when temperatures peak.
Hiking on marked trails: At Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, campers can access over 40 miles of trails directly from campsites. "The best part of this campsite are the endless trails in the area. I believe there are over 40 miles of trails in this area," says a visitor. The trail system includes options for all skill levels, with trail maps available at the park office.
Beach camping exploration: For coastal camping, visit Watch Hill Fire Island Campground where backcountry beach options exist beyond the main sites. "You can get a permit to backcountry camp instead of reserving a designated campground spot. Just walk down to the beach after check-in and walk east until you see a pole with a tent symbol on it," explains a camper who enjoyed the solitude of this option.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many tent campers near Fort Salonga appreciate well-spaced sites. At Mountain Lakes Park, visitors note the balanced distance between sites. A visitor describes it as "a gorgeous piece of land that contains lakes, a lookout and Mt. Bailey, the highest point in Westchester County."
Year-round availability: Several campgrounds around Fort Salonga remain open throughout winter. Croton Point Park operates year-round, though with fewer amenities in winter. One visitor noted its accessibility: "This is state park, very large nested on Peninsula on the Hudson River."
Unique camping structures: Beyond standard tent sites, the region offers alternative accommodations. At Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, lean-to shelters provide an option between tent and cabin camping. "The shelters are great for people who want to camp and not have to worry about unplanned weather," says one visitor who appreciated this feature during uncertain conditions.
What you should know
Insect preparation is essential: Coastal campgrounds often have significant mosquito populations. At Watch Hill Fire Island Campground, campers emphasize proper preparation: "Def bring a shelter or a canopy with a mosquito net!!! We spent a lot of time inside our tent, needless to say. We tried spending more time up at the beach to get some relief, but the horseflies were out of control!!"
Fire restrictions vary significantly: Policies range from complete fire bans to designated containers only. At Battle Row Campground, "There are NO fire pits, you must bring your own. Fires are allowed but you must have a fire container or bucket for your fire off of the ground."
Transportation logistics: Some campgrounds require additional effort to reach sites. At Sandy Hook in Gateway National Recreation Area, "The campground is rustic with no showers or electricity. Tenting only, with all gear needing to be carried to the site. No vehicles allowed at the campsite."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. Croton Point Park provides a playground visible from campsites: "Peaceful and gorgeous campsite, with plenty of space between sites. Great view of the Hudson, and playground within sight of our camper."
Organized activities: Some parks run regular programming for younger campers. At Sebago Cabins, "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."
Wildlife education opportunities: The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center offers wildlife viewing close to campsites. "The lake is very peaceful, and home to beavers we watched from the dining hall patio," notes one camper who visited with family.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Most tent camping areas near Fort Salonga offer minimal facilities for RVs. Battle Row Campground provides both tent and RV sites but with some limitations: "There are lots of RVs but not close to tent sites. There were lots of showers but only 1 was unlocked (free and with hot water)."
Varied site surfaces: RV campers should note surface conditions vary widely. At Croton Point Park, "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."
Size restrictions apply: Most campgrounds near Fort Salonga cannot accommodate large rigs. Smaller Class B and C vehicles find more options, particularly at Croton Point Park and Battle Row Campground where dedicated RV areas exist but with specific size limitations.
