Tent camping opportunities near Garnerville, New York span across the Ramapo Mountains, an area characterized by rocky outcrops, dense forests, and elevations reaching 1,100 feet. Most campgrounds in the region operate between April and October, with summer high temperatures averaging 85°F and nighttime lows around 60°F. The surrounding area encompasses over 47,000 acres of protected parkland across multiple state parks and recreation areas.
What to do
Hiking extensive trail networks: Croton Point Park offers diverse hiking experiences along the Hudson River Peninsula. One visitor noted, "This is state park, very large nested on Peninsula on the Hudson River," making it ideal for day hikes from your campsite.
Swimming in natural lakes: At The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center, campers enjoy water activities on a peaceful lake. A reviewer mentioned, "You are able to do a hike around the lake. They have both cabins for rent and camping spots on platforms which are great, especially when it rains. You can also rent canoes and take them out on the lake for an afternoon activity."
Stargazing in open fields: Ward Pound Ridge Reservation provides excellent night sky viewing opportunities from its open meadows. According to a camper, "There's elevation gain, creeks, and open fields for stargazing. You have the options of a lean to here," offering both shelter and clear views of constellations.
What campers like
Platform tent sites for weather protection: Sebago Cabin Camp offers raised platforms that keep tent campers dry during wet conditions. A camper mentioned, "The cabins are 'rustic' - but there's what you need: cots, electricity, a fridge. Ignore the hotplate and just cook on a fire out other outdoor set up."
Access to multiple recreation areas: Camping near Garnerville provides convenient access to various recreation zones. A visitor to Wawayanda State Park noted, "Pros: Clean, access to kayaking/beach/trails. Largely friendly staff and campers," highlighting the variety of activities available from a single campsite.
Remote primitive sites: For experienced tent campers seeking solitude, Suffern-Bear Mountain from Gate Hill Road Primitive offers secluded spots requiring effort to reach. According to a reviewer, "Suffern-Bear Mountain from Gate Hill Road is 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 you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds near Garnerville require advance bookings, with some having unique processes. At Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, "The one downside is that you need to book in person but it can be done well in advance if need be."
Limited cell service: Expect minimal connectivity at most sites. A camper at Peace and Carrots Farm Bluebird Tiny Home shared, "This site was a small tiny home located on an active produce farm. The host was fantastic and catered to all of our needs giving us some firewood, a tour of her farm, and some fresh produce she picked that morning."
Varying campsite privacy: Site separation differs significantly between locations. At Croton Point Park, a camper reported, "Both the tenting section and RV sites are each very clustered together, and quite crowded, with regular patrols being made day and night," while at Ward Pound Ridge, "The camping sites are very different so it's useful to go in person and select the area."
Wildlife considerations: Food storage is essential as raccoons and bears inhabit the area. One camper at Croton Point Park advised, "Keep your food in the dry bag and away from the tent or benches provided or face the packs of fearless racoons at night."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Croton Point Park offers child-friendly amenities near campsites. A camper noted, "Peaceful and gorgeous campsite, with plenty of space between sites. Great view of the Hudson, and playground within sight of our camper."
First-time camper friendly sites: Some locations specifically cater to camping novices. A visitor to Croton Point Park shared, "I took my 5 year-old-son and wife, all of us first time campers. this place was great. The site was very nice, all the people friendly and area beautiful."
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer nature programs for children. At Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, "The Trailside Nature Museum is also fun for the kids," providing educational activities alongside camping experiences.
Tips for RVers
Limited hookup options: Most RV sites near Garnerville offer basic services rather than full hookups. At Croton Point Park, a camper observed, "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."
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby transportation. An RVer at Croton Point Park mentioned, "Only down side is there is a train depot right outside and you can hear them shunting trains all night," suggesting sites further from the perimeter may be preferable.
Size restrictions: Most campgrounds in the Garnerville area cannot accommodate large rigs. Smaller trailers and Class B or C motorhomes have more options, while larger rigs may need to consider commercial campgrounds further away.
