RV camping near Hastings-on-Hudson, New York provides access to the Hudson Valley's wooded highlands and riverfront areas. The region features elevations ranging from sea level along the Hudson River to over 900 feet in nearby hills, creating varied camping environments within a 30-mile radius. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, but most campgrounds with RV facilities in the area remain open from April through October with limited year-round options.
What to do
Hiking at Harriman State Park: The Beaver Pond Campground area offers numerous trails including access points to the Appalachian Trail. "A quick 15 minute drive from Beaver Pond, is Bear Mountain State Park. Here you can find some of the Appalachian Trail, with various smaller trail heads for this historic part of the region including the one to Doodle Town," notes one Beaver Pond Campground visitor.
Swimming opportunities: Several campgrounds offer swimming options during summer months. At Clarence Fahnestock State Park, "the park has a nice open beach on Canopus Lake with a concession area and bathhouse, which we found to be quite clean! They even have boat rentals - or you can bring your own boat to launch!"
Fishing spots: The region offers various fishing locations for different skill levels. "If you are into fishing, there is another lake and two ponds that our neighbor campers said were great for catching panfish - one fisherman said he had caught several bass weighing over 3 pounds!!" reports a Fahnestock State Park camper.
What campers like
Proximity to NYC: The relatively short travel time from the city makes these campgrounds popular for weekend trips. "About 30 minutes from sleepy hollow and tarrytown NY and only an hour to central park!! Deer running everywhere and surprisingly beautiful and quaint," writes a reviewer about Beaver Pond Campground.
Public transportation access: Some sites can be reached without a car. A Croton Point Park visitor mentioned, "We came in October to celebrate Halloween in sleepy hollow! This is a great campsite and reasonably priced. Was close to bear mountains state part and the train station is right there!"
Seasonal experiences: Fall camping offers unique attractions in the region. One camper at Fahnestock State Park noted, "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."
What you should know
Train noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience railway sound disruptions. A Croton Point Park reviewer warned, "Only down side is there is a train depot right outside and you can hear them shunting trains all night."
Wildlife awareness: Several parks have active wildlife populations that require proper food storage. At Croton Point Park, campers advise: "Keep your food in the dry bag and away from the tent or benches provided or face the packs of fearless racoons at night."
Reservation timing: Booking well in advance is essential, especially for summer weekends. At Tri-State RV Park, visitors appreciate that it's "open year round" with "same day reservations, friendly customer service," making it one of the few options for last-minute bookings in the region.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. At Mountain Top RV Park, "There's also a nice lounge room with games, a pool table, a tv and puzzles/board games," and they have "a small playground that would be better suited for older children."
Entertainment options: Look for campgrounds with recreational facilities beyond hiking. Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort offers "animal petting and good fishing" according to reviews, with one visitor noting their daughter "loved the horses and goats."
Site selection importance: Research specific sites before booking. At Fahnestock State Park, a reviewer emphasized: "This is one of my favorite campsites I have been to but only because after several visits we have finally found our favorite site. This place can book up during camping season in the Northeast so make sure to book early in advance."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: The region offers varied levels of RV services. At Skyline RV Camp, be aware that they recently relocated and "There no longer is a waterfront view of the NYC skyline when camping at Skyline RV. The website views are misleading."
Winter RV options: Limited facilities remain open year-round. At Black Bear RV Park, winter campers note: "They currently only accept reservations over the phone. The person I spoke to was friendly and helpful. It was more expensive than places we usually stay, and none of their amenities/buildings were open."
Site spacing considerations: RV sites vary greatly in size and proximity. A Tri-State RV Park visitor described it as "a good place to pull in for the night if you are traveling. Safe, clean, and right on the Delaware River. Groceries and Home Depot close buy if you need to restock."
