Harriman, New York sits at the foothills of the Ramapo Mountains with elevations ranging from 500 to 1,300 feet, creating diverse camping terrains across the region. The area experiences mild summers with average highs in the 80s and cool, crisp fall nights that often drop into the 40s. Most campsites in the region feature densely wooded settings with rocky, sometimes uneven terrain requiring careful tent placement.
What to do
Waterfront recreation: At Thousand Trails Rondout Valley, campers can enjoy activities along the creek that runs through the property. "The creek that runs by the campground is gorgeous, and my kids had fun finding Crayfish," shares Kasey M., highlighting the natural water features available for exploration.
Historical hiking: The Appalachian Trail sections near Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground connect to trails with Revolutionary War history. One visitor noted, "Here you can find some of the Appalachian Trail, with various smaller trail heads for this historic (Revolutionary Times 1770s) part of the region including the one to Doodle Town."
Animal encounters: Several campgrounds offer opportunities to interact with farm animals. At Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort, "The farm has goats, a donkey, and a pony within the campground. Very cool," according to Faith D., making it a hit with younger campers who enjoy animal interactions.
What campers like
Seasonal beauty: Fall camping is particularly popular at Beaver Pond Campground due to the changing foliage. "The trails in the area are friendly to hikers, bikers, and the non-arthritic kneers... They offer stunning views of the changing foliage, quick glances at the Hudson River and the rolling hills of the area," explains one reviewer.
Platform sites: Many campers appreciate the raised tent platforms at Beaver Pond, with one reviewer stating, "Many of the camping options were on platforms which is especially nice if it recently rained or if you are expecting rain during your stay."
Swimming access: Skyway Camping Resort receives high marks for its pool facilities. "Nice well maintained park, full hookups with cable and wifi... Nice pool, this is a good family campground for kids," reports Jackie M., highlighting the swimming options available on hot summer days.
What you should know
Cell service: Unlike the spotty AT&T coverage mentioned in the existing description, reviewers report that at Beaver Pond Campground, "Your phone will have signal" according to Zorina N., making it easier to stay connected than at other area campgrounds.
Winter closures: Most Harriman area campgrounds operate seasonally, with clear opening and closing dates. Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground runs "April 15 to December 4," while Skyway Camping Resort operates from "May 1 to Oct 14."
Bathroom conditions: Facilities vary widely across campgrounds. At Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort, one camper noted, "There are 2 showers for women and 2 for men. Both are old and not well maintained or in our experience clean, either," which contrasts with reports at other campgrounds.
Tips for camping with families
Off-peak advantages: Weekday camping offers quieter experiences at Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground. "We stayed here on a Thursday night in September prior to taking off backpacking. The campground was clean and quiet," shares Rebecca S., highlighting the benefits of visiting mid-week.
Activity schedules: Several campgrounds offer organized activities for children. Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort provides "plenty of planned activities to keep you occupied," according to James V., making it easier to entertain younger campers.
Wildlife awareness: Bear activity requires proper food storage. At Beaver Pond Campground, rangers emphasize this upon arrival, with one camper reporting, "The wildlife do roam around your campsite so be mindful of putting food and garbage away before sleeping."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Mountain Top RV Park, higher elevation sites offer advantages during wet weather. One RVer advises, "If you're booking, it may be best to book on the upper levels because the lower area where we were did flood pretty bad a couple times when there was a lot of rain."
Overnight convenience: For those passing through the Harriman region, Tri-State RV Park serves as a functional stopover. "Open during the winter. Easy on, easy off. Lots of pull through sites. Next to grocery store. CLEAN bathrooms, showers, laundry. Super nice owners. Perfect for an overnight stop," writes BENdejo, highlighting its year-round availability.
Levelness factors: RV campgrounds near Harriman vary in site grading. At Mountain Top RV Park, visitors report "level sites with full hookups," while at other facilities, campers note that sites can be "un-level and picnic tables are weathered and warped," requiring stabilizers and leveling blocks.
