Camping options within an hour's drive from Hartsdale, New York provide access to the forested highlands of the Hudson Valley region, where elevations range from 400 to 1,300 feet above sea level. The camping season typically runs from mid-April through October, though several locations offer year-round access. Winter camping requires additional preparation as nighttime temperatures regularly drop below freezing from December through February.
What to do
Swimming access: Sebago Cabin Camp offers a large lake with beach area for swimming during summer months. A camper noted, "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."
Hiking options: Several short to moderate trails connect directly from Mountain Lakes Park campsites. According to one visitor, "Mountain Lakes park is a great place to camp within driving distance from NYC... There are also many hikes which can be trekked straight from the campgrounds which is always a huge plus in my mind."
Platform camping: The camping platforms at Beaver Pond Campground provide a flat, elevated surface for tents. One camper explained, "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. Many of the camping options were on platforms which is especially nice if it recently rained."
Off-season camping: For those seeking quieter experiences, Clarence Fahnestock State Park offers less crowded weekday camping outside peak summer months. A camper shared: "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."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, sites are positioned to provide more isolation than typical public campgrounds. One camper reported, "Close to the city and civilization, yet large enough to have nice trails and creeks to feel away from it all. The camping sites are very different so it's useful to go in person and select the area."
Family-friendly facilities: Camp Glen Gray provides clean cabins with essential supplies included. A visitor mentioned, "Cabins are always clean and stocked with firewood. Lots of hiking trails. Trading post is well stocked and volunteers are always friendly and able to answer any questions."
Shelter options: Ward Pound Ridge offers lean-to shelters that provide protection from unexpected weather. As one camper stated, "The shelters are great for people who want to camp and not have to worry about unplanned weather. 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."
Budget-friendly camping: Harriman State Park offers affordable camping options. One camper noted, "This is an off-grid camping experience. You can use your generator at certain hours. They have a beach. Their staff is friendly. I love going here. Camping for just $15."
What you should know
Train noise: Proximity to rail lines affects some campgrounds. At Croton Point Park, one visitor reported, "Only down side is there is a train depot right outside and you can hear them shunting trains all night."
Wildlife encounters: Bears are present in the region, particularly at Harriman State Park. A camper warned, "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... He offers us a highlighted map to our site, wishes us a good stay, and gives us the run down on bear activity in the area."
Limited amenities: Most campgrounds in the region provide basic facilities only. At Mountain Lakes Park, a camper observed, "No facilities that I can think of, but there are a few lean-to's scattered off the looping road."
Booking requirements: For Ward Pound Ridge, a camper explained, "There is no phone or internet reservations and has to be made in person at the office. I would recommend call earlier and come in few minutes earlier to 9 am when the office opens to find the best spots."
Tips for camping with families
Easy access beach: Beaver Pond Campground offers family-friendly swimming. A parent shared, "Short distance from the NYC, very organized, clean pond, has a playground, showers, bathroom. Your phone will have signal."
Cabin options: For families not wanting to tent camp, Sebago Cabin Camp provides rustic structures. A visitor explained, "Sebago cabins the way to get away and relax enjoy the lake... most cabins have 2 rooms with 4 cots but some are larger inside has a full fridge and double hot plate outside a fire pit and grill with table."
Organized activities: Some parks offer structured recreation for children. At Sebago, a camper noted, "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."
Playground access: Croton Point Park includes play areas visible from campsites. A family reported, "Peaceful and gorgeous campsite, with plenty of space between sites. Great view of the Hudson, and playground within sight of our camper."
Tips from RVers
Limited full-hookup options: Most campgrounds near Hartsdale offer only partial hookups. At Liberty Harbor RV Park, a camper noted, "Sites kind of level and very close. Power and water, and convenient dump station if staying and needing to dump. The bath house was above average and heated."
Space constraints: RV sites at Croton Point Park can be limited. One visitor observed, "They have a mix of w/e (6 sites) and FHU sites plus about a dozen tent sites... The FHU sites were back-to-back and although there were trees separating the sites, they were close together."
Campsite approach: Access to some campgrounds can be challenging for large rigs. A camper at Liberty Harbor warned, "Getting in and out of the city is an adventure. Stay right off the highway to avoid the $30 tunnel toll. Follow RV life pro and not Waze."
Reservation challenges: Some parks have complicated reservation systems. At Croton Point Park, a camper reported, "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."
