Beaver Pond Campground at Harriman State Park accommodates tent and RV campers with pets throughout its heavily wooded sites. Dogs must remain leashed at all times when outside vehicles or tents, with designated pet waste disposal stations located near restroom facilities. Several sites in the W section offer greater seclusion for campers with active or vocal dogs, though all sites maintain standard quiet hours policies. Platform tent sites provide elevation from potentially damp ground, beneficial for keeping pets dry during wet conditions. Nearby Sebago Cabin Camp also permits pets in select cabin accommodations with advance reservations. The campground remains very dog friendly with most campsites featuring picnic tables and fire rings with grills suitable for evening relaxation with pets.
Multiple hiking trails accessible directly from the campground welcome leashed dogs, connecting to Harriman State Park's extensive trail network. Lake areas include designated spots where dogs can access water, though they must remain on-leash even during swimming. West Point FMWR Lake Frederick Outdoor Recreation Area receives consistently high ratings for its pet-friendly policies, particularly during weekday visits when the grounds are less crowded. Bear lockers at camping sites provide secure food storage, preventing wildlife encounters that could disturb pets. Weekdays at Beaver Pond tend to be quieter with fewer families, creating a more peaceful environment for noise-sensitive dogs. The campground remains busiest during summer weekends and holidays when noise levels increase significantly. Pet owners should bring tick prevention as deer ticks are prevalent in the area, especially during warmer months.
$17 - $20 / night
"15 dolares la noche para los que viven en el Estado de New York o New York city .. si es fuera del estado son $5 dolares mas!!"
"The staff person at Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park is so sweet!"
$17 / night
"With Covid/social distancing requirements, many sites are closed so it’s extra quiet and spread out. I stayed at site 6 with my seven year-old daughter from Tue-Thur."
"When you are camping with a large group of friends and don't all have access to a car, this is the perfect spot."
$74 - $130 / night
"This place is only an hour away from NYC with so much to do and see. These cabins are VERY rustic, four walls, a cot, and a fridge."
"It is a step up from cabin camping. They also have a beach behind it."
$25 - $40 / night
"Love the proximity to NYC - I always look for areas that are not too far, but not too close to NY. Beautiful but small-ish tent sites."
"We are looking forward to stopping by Round Pond again in the near future."
$30 - $60 / night
"Tent sites are very private with some dirt roads to exit out but thats what make it unique experience! Bathrooms with shower is near by and has plenty porta potties all around."
"Was close to bear mountains state part and the train station is right there!"
$82 - $95 / night
"Have stayed here several times - great location and nice, full hook-up sites. Back-in and pull through sites and can accommodate large rigs. A little expensive but everything is included."
"We got a red carpet site by the Gaga pit and near the water park (Cindy bear lane) and it was a convenient yet noisy site. Kids were at the playground 8 am or before and the noise woke us up."
"With a new check in area, Gardiner has really stepped up. They expanded the pool area to include another pool plus splash area and water slides."
$20 - $150 / night
"Yes, this is a military-only campground but, that doesn't take away from how incredible it is and that is properly advertised.
This place is incredible. "
$25 - $30 / night
"We have stayed here multiple times since it’s so close to home. Reservations are needed only for major holidays during camping season; Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day."
"The trails to walk on are perfect to get out of the campsite for a few hours. There are no spots with sewer hookup but they have a dumping area."
"Small dog park, communal spaces, and a camp store all made the place feel like a little village. They even have a wine store- cab sav was good. WiFi I work remotely and WiFi is always an issue."
"The staff was nice and they were dog friendly!"
ScoutThe campsite was great. Big and going after Labor Day means there was tons of space. Well priced. We did have neighbors that had a trailer and used their generator early in the morning and late at night. Beside that it was fantastic. We had planned on driving to hiking but there was so much to do around the camp site we just walked around and did the hiking near by. The dog park is wonderful. Our dog loved it.
RangerVery plain & functional, no frills but right on the harbor & on the very edge of Jersey City, close to a ferry & the train that takes u across to New York City. Shopping & restraunts are right next door. We brought scooters & had a great stay! Plus you can see the Statue of Liberty from there!
GuideLots of room in many sites for my 24 ft RV and 30 ft trailer. Big meadow in middle with new full playground set.
Dry camping but water available and a sewer dump. Gotta haul your own trash.
Two ponds to play in and a fenced dog park.
Some nice hiking in the park.
GuideSuch a clean and well maintained campground. Staff were so nice and friendly. Only one shower area that was a bit of a trek from our site, a bike would have been nice to get around. We had to move our tent as we had set it back too far and was not on the site pad and park ranger Brian who was very lovely came and asked us to move it and we had a nice chat. Lovely big dog park. There are some nice little walks and small hikes on the ground with a lake that you can rent kayaks or canoes. Close to Woodstock which is a cute town. Our site was a little exposed but the sites either side of us were closed for restoration thankfully. There are some more secluded and set back sites too though.
ScoutRecently, we camped here for a week. We don’t ever post negative reviews like this. The last day, we experienced a violent attack by a very large and aggressive Pit Bull. The Pit Bull did not have a collar or a leash and was accidently let out of the RV to roam free and unsupervised. It immediately ran to our site(4 sites away) and attacked our dog that was tied at the time. The incident was unprovoked. While trying to save our dog, my wife and I were also attacked. The wounds were serious enough to require emergency transport to a hospital for treatment including stitches. All we could think of was what might have happened if our granddaughter had been playing with our dog.
To put it mildly, their existing pet policy is grossly lacking. They never checked what breed of dog or ask to see documentation of shots when we were registering. Yogi Bear Jellystone Park needs to better manage their pet policy to address aggressive dog breeds and ensure the safety of campers. We camped there for seven days and saw multiple sites have more than one large dog, which in many places we’ve camped at would have been banned due to breed type or size. We have RV’ed extensively across the US and have never seen such careless enforcement of a pet policy regarding aggressive dog breeds. Seriously, think about avoiding this park if you have pets or small children.
TravelerGood for skinny dipping and other fun things! Most acidic lake in New York but completely safe.
GuideThis campground is nestled in the Catskills, New York, with easy access to New Jersey and Connecticut. With large campsites and most surrounded by trees, you will find just the right mix of privacy and community depending upon what you are looking for. Although the showers aren't top notch, they do have them and a great recycling center for all of your garbage. If hiking is what you enjoy, they have nearly 4 miles of trails within the campground and surrounding areas that circle two nearby ponds and their day use area. If you are looking for something offsite, don't miss the Giant Ledge hike, a 30 min drive and about a 3 mile out and back hike to Giant Ledge for amazing views overlooking the entire area. Head out to watch the sunrise one morning with awesome views looking east. When you need a break from cooking, don't miss the nearby Phoenicia Diner for some great breakfast and coffee! All of the Park Rangers are very helpful and will provide recommendations and maps, just ask!
TravelerSome things you should be aware of before booking: The office, playground, dog park, pool, laundry are located at the top of the hill. Camping spots are downhill, a good distance from the office and amenities. Trash is located off site in a pullout on the road you drive in on. There are 2 showers for women and 2 for men. Both are old and not well maintained or in our experience clean, either. In general the camping spots are not well maintained, weedy, un-level and picnic tables are weathered and warped. This resort campground is composed of mainly residents, the rules (we observed) apply to the overnight campers, not the residents. Children of the residents run free all day and past curfew in the evenings unsupervised. The setting is quiet, the views from the upper level are lovely. With some updating of bath facilities, cleaning and leveling of campsites, uniform enforcement of rules, Pleasant Acres could become a resort destination.
ScoutThere is only a small place for tents. Mostly people go there with campers. Not your typical campground. Very easy to hop on transit to get to New York City. People were friendly.
Harriman State Park camping options extend beyond the central area, with several additional campgrounds throughout the 47,000-acre forest situated in the Ramapo Mountains. The park lies at elevations ranging from 500 to 1,300 feet, creating microclimates that affect camping conditions throughout the seasons. Weekday reservations often remain available even during peak summer months when weekend slots fill months in advance.
Hiking directly from campsites: At Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground, campers can access trails without driving. "There is great hiking and a lake you can get to and swim in right from the campsite. If you are in to apple picking it is a short drive and it is easy to get into town to take the train to and from NYC," reports Asher K.
Paddling opportunities: Lake Sebago at Sebago Cabin Camp — Harriman State Park offers water recreation options throughout summer. "Sebago has a huge lake and great beach area. It was perfect for lounging and swimming in during a hot summer day," explains Ethan K. The nearby area provides multiple water access points for kayaks and canoes.
Historic sites exploration: Multiple Revolutionary War-era sites dot the region within short drives of Harriman. Trails lead to stone foundations and historical markers. "It terminates at Iona Island Bird Sanctuary, a lovely long grassed marshland. The trails in the area are friendly to hikers, bikers, and the non arthritic kneers, as most are rated moderate to challenging," notes Steve W. about trails accessible from area campgrounds.
Affordability compared to hotels: Camping rates remain substantially lower than hotel costs in the region, particularly for those looking to visit New York City. "About 30 minutes from sleepy hollow and tarrytown NY and only an hour to central park!! Deer running everywhere and surprisingly beautiful and quaint," shares Megan B. about Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park.
Seasonal considerations: Mid-September through October offers excellent camping weather and changing foliage. "We make a habit of going during the end-of-summer/fall when you can watch the leaves change along the hiking trails, go apple and pumpkin picking near the campsites, and eat some scrumptious apple cinnamon doughnuts and drink pumpkin hot chocolate," says Robyn S. about fall camping in the region.
Camp layout variations: Sites designed for different camping styles accommodate various needs. "This camp ground is laid back away from the busy activity of the big city. If you want to get away and relax you can come here to walk, swim and camp," explains Brian O. about the atmosphere at Beaver Pond, highlighting the contrast with urban environments.
Bear management practices: Bear activity requires proper food storage throughout the Harriman region. "'Welcome to Bear Mountain' grumbles the park ranger as he sits in complete darkness! He is in his ranger hut, checking in the late evening arrivals to the campground," recounts Steve W. about the check-in experience, emphasizing the regular reminders about bear awareness.
Seasonal facility limitations: Some campgrounds close certain amenities after Labor Day. "The beach is closed after Labor Day to the public, but open to people staying at the campsite. Clean and beautiful. Great hikes. Bathrooms and dishwashing... UGH. So old and dirty!!!" notes Courtney D. about Winding Hills Park.
Off-season advantages: Visiting during shoulder seasons provides quieter experiences. "Ranger said that during summer weekends the grounds fill up and can be quite noisy, but mid-week during the off-season it was great. Expect to purchase firewood, although scrounging for kindling was possible," advises Rebecca S., highlighting the different atmosphere outside peak periods.
Kid-specific amenities: Several dog friendly campgrounds near Harriman offer designated children's programming. "This campground is great for kids. It has a event just about every weekend with kid activity," mentions Jennifer I. about Jellystone Park Gardiner, which features structured activities during summer months.
Space considerations: Look for sites with adequate room between neighbors when traveling with children. "The biggest positive about Beaver Pond is how spread out it was. You definitely feel like you have your own space and are not camping on top of your neighbor," explains Ethan K., highlighting a key factor for family comfort.
Access to water features: Swimming options vary significantly between campgrounds, with some offering lifeguarded beaches. "Nice pool that is shallow so you can relax and let the little ones go in the water park section alone or they also have a 3 ft pool also," describes Amanda S. about water amenities for children at certain locations.
Limited full-hookup options: Most campgrounds in the region offer only electric hookups or partial connections. "A lil too close to the city.... But surprisingly quiet and for the most part the guests were decent, the staff was awesome, very helpful, the sites were a little on the small side and stacked a lil closer than I like," reports Jason about New York City North-Newburgh KOA.
Dump station availability: Not all campgrounds provide dump stations, requiring planning for longer stays. "No spots with sewer hookup but they have a dumping area," notes Valen K. about facilities at Winding Hills Park, an important consideration for extended camping.
Site selection strategy: Research specific site numbers when booking RV sites as sizes vary. "If staying here and concerned about branches I'd suggest one of the pull through sites. Specifically 138, 146 and 145 have a nice concrete patio and nicer firepit if you want to spend a little more," advises April L., providing specific site recommendations for larger rigs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Harriman, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Harriman, NY is New York City North/Newburgh KOA with a 4.2-star rating from 40 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Harriman, NY?
TheDyrt.com has all 101 dog-friendly camping locations near Harriman, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
