Seasonal camping options near Haverstraw, New York range from full-service RV parks to primitive state park sites. Most campgrounds in this region operate from April through October, with fewer options available during winter months. The Hudson Valley climate brings warm summers with occasional thunderstorms and moderately cold winters that limit camping opportunities.
What to do
Swimming opportunities: Beaver Pond Campground at Harriman State Park offers a sandy beach at nearby Welch Lake where "the beach is secured with lifeguards and shower and bathroom facilities are available," according to Brian O. The beach provides swimming and fishing options during summer months.
Urban exploration: Liberty Harbor RV Park in Jersey City provides excellent access to New York City attractions. "The ferry is 100-yards away that takes you to Wall Street M-F. There is a great market about 1/4 of a mile away, and the path that can take you to WTC or 33rd Street area is only a mile away," notes Shawn B.
Hiking trails: Clarence Fahnestock State Park connects to multiple trail systems including sections of the Appalachian Trail. "We had a family camping trip with lots of kids of all ages, the walk in sites are not too far off the road so it was easily manageable," shares Stacey R.
What campers like
Proximity to NYC: Many campers value the ability to access urban attractions while enjoying nature. At Beaver Pond Campground, Elliot G. mentions "It's great to be among the trees away from the hustle and bustle of the city in what I consider a majestic chapel that will always welcome and embrace your presence."
Affordable options: State parks provide lower-cost alternatives to private campgrounds. At Beaver Pond Campground, one reviewer noted "Camping for just $15" and appreciated the "off-grid camping experience" with "friendly" staff.
Clean facilities: Thousand Trails Rondout Valley receives praise for its maintenance. "The grounds are well-kept and the bathrooms are clean. The campground itself is pretty quiet, although there is some noise by the playground," writes Inez W.
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds close during winter months, though some remain open with limited services. At Black Bear RV Park, a winter visitor reported: "None of their amenities/buildings were open. Unfortunately at this site, the heated water pipe was broken so we had no water for the night."
Wildlife encounters: Bears are present throughout the region, particularly in Harriman State Park. One camper recounts: "'Welcome to Bear Mountain' grumbles the park ranger as he sits in complete darkness! 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."
Price variations: Campsite costs vary significantly based on location and amenities. Sites closer to NYC command premium prices, with Liberty Harbor charging over $100 nightly. "The $120 price per night was ridiculous. But being that they have no competitors in the area (and they know it), RVers wanting a quick escape to see NYC can get it here," explains Ericka T.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. At Thousand Trails Rondout Valley, one visitor noted it "is a large family campground with tons of stuff to do, I was pleasantly surprised by how quiet it was."
Swimming safety: Welch Lake at Harriman State Park provides supervised swimming during summer. Kelvin reports: "The wildlife do roam around your campsite so be mindful of putting food and garbage away before sleeping. Hike trails are all over the place and the lake is nearby."
Platform tent sites: Tri-State RV Park offers various site configurations suitable for families. "They are also located right on a river that you can easily access by foot. They have a decent laundry facility and full hook ups. No frills at the site but perfect for the commuting RVers just looking for somewhere safe to sleep for the night," shares Brittany V.
Tips from RVers
Transit options: From Liberty Harbor RV Park, public transportation provides easy Manhattan access. "Stay right off the highway to avoid the $30 tunnel toll. Follow RV life pro and not Waze," advises Joe R., who also noted that "sites kind of level and very close. Power and water, and convenient dump station if staying and needing to dump."
Site selection strategies: Campgrounds often have varying site quality and access. At Mountain Top RV Park, one camper suggested: "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."
Winter operation limitations: Many RV parks near Haverstraw, New York reduce services during colder months. "Expect to pay pretty good to be gear, but from here you can pretty much easily get anywhere in NYC. Service is great and friendly. Checking in was easy, and they accommodated our needs," reports John G. about Liberty Harbor.
