Camping areas near Hawthorne, New York offer outdoor experiences within a 1-hour radius of Manhattan. The region sits at the transition zone between Hudson Highlands and coastal plain, creating diverse terrain with elevations ranging from sea level to 500 feet. Fall temperatures average 45-65°F, while summer camping season brings humidity and temperatures in the 75-85°F range.
What to do
Hiking opportunities: Clarence Fahnestock State Park offers multiple trail networks for day hiking. "There are plenty if you needed a quick stop over. Make sure to visit Headley overlook and hike the awesome trials that surround the campsites," notes one visitor who stayed at the campground.
Swimming at lake beaches: Several parks maintain swimming areas with lifeguarded beaches during summer months. At Beaver Pond Campground, "The grounds are just steps away from Welch Lake, offering a lifeguard monitored sandy beach which is open during the summer season for swimming, fishing, and small boat craft further out."
Visiting NYC attractions: Many campers use these campgrounds as base camps for Manhattan excursions. At Liberty Harbor RV Park, "There is a ferry 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."
Apple picking adventures: Fall visitors can explore seasonal activities near campgrounds. "It is easy to get into town to take the train to and from NYC. I highly recommend this place but check out the sites online to get one that is private. If you are in to apple picking it is a short drive," mentions a camper at Clarence Fahnestock State Park.
What campers like
Secluded wooded sites: Many campgrounds offer privacy despite proximity to urban areas. At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, "Sites were nicely wooded, very well spaced, fairly level with 50A service and water hookup. If you want to decompress and get out in the woods, this is a great spot."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Campgrounds provide chances to observe local fauna. "Every pull off my water - from the beginning of the day until hours later - provided me with a refreshingly cool drink. The park has a nice open beach on Canopus Lake with a concession area and bathhouse, which we found to be quite clean," comments a visitor to Clarence Fahnestock State Park.
Tent platforms at select sites: Some campgrounds feature raised platforms ideal for tent camping. At Beaver Pond Campground, "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."
Proximity to transit options: Many campers appreciate access to public transportation. At Croton Point Park, "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!"
What you should know
Bear activity awareness: Bears inhabit woodland areas around many campgrounds. A Beaver Pond Campground visitor advises, "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."
Weekday versus weekend crowds: Occupancy patterns vary significantly by day of week. "This park has a nice open beach on Canopus Lake with a concession area and bathhouse. Weekends - this park is FULL! Make sure to reserve at least two weeks out. Weekdays? You should be in luck!" reports a camper at Clarence Fahnestock State Park.
Seasonal closures and restrictions: Most campgrounds in the region operate on limited schedules. "The beach is closed after Labor Day to the public, but open to people staying at the campsite. Clean and beautiful," notes a camper at Clarence Fahnestock State Park.
NYC transit logistics: Planning for city visits requires understanding transportation options. At Liberty Harbor RV Park, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds maintain play areas for children. At Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort, "Lots of seasonals and lots of cabins, many RV sites I think all with full hookups. Plenty to occupy the kids. Playground, hayride, animals to feed (goats, chickens, donkey and pony)."
Animal interactions: Some campgrounds feature farm animals that children can observe. "The farm has goats, a donkey, and a pony within the campground. Very cool," writes a visitor to Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort.
Special seasonal events: Many campgrounds host family activities throughout the camping season. "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," shares a visitor to Clarence Fahnestock State Park.
Weekend noise levels: Family-friendly campgrounds may experience higher noise levels. At Beaver Pond Campground, "Offering the peaceful tranquility of sitting under the changing oak, sumacs, maples, and poplars, I wouldn't recommend this site for the quiet hearted. There is a constant buzz in the air of conversation, music, laughter and shrieking toddlers."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: RV campgrounds near Hawthorne, New York vary in site configuration. At Croton Point Park, "We had a loosely defined gravel pad that was level. All sites appeared level. The FHU sites were back-to-back and although there were trees separating the sites, they were close together."
Water access considerations: Water hookup availability varies by campground and site. At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, "Website lists water hook ups at long distances but they have hose reels to help with that. Our site (15) said 75' however the 50' hose reel made it to our rv connection."
Dump station logistics: RV waste disposal facilities differ between campgrounds. At Liberty Harbor RV Park, "There is a dump station, but not the easiest to use. Getting in and out of the city is an adventure."
Off-season considerations: Some RV campgrounds near Hawthorne, New York maintain limited winter operations. At Black Bear RV Park, "We have short driving days and we try stop after every couple hundred miles for one night at a time, just to sleep, shower and eat. This was our first stop and primarily chosen because it was one of the few places along our route that was open for RVs in the off season."
