Tent camping opportunities near Hawthorne, New York span across both Westchester County and neighboring counties within a 30-40 minute drive. The region features varying elevations from approximately 200 feet near the Hudson River to over 1,100 feet at some of the higher points in Harriman State Park. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F with higher humidity, while spring and fall offer cooler camping conditions with temperatures between 45-75°F.
What to do
Hiking extensive trail systems: Ward Pound Ridge Reservation provides over 40 miles of marked trails through diverse terrain. A camper noted, "This is a great place for camping. 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" (Ward Pound Ridge Reservation).
Swimming in natural settings: During summer months, several campgrounds offer swimming areas. At Croton Point Park, campers can enjoy "a private beach which is opened from Wednesday to the weekend with life guards on duty." The beach area is contained within buoys for safety.
Stargazing in open fields: Mountain Lakes Park features several open areas ideal for night sky viewing. According to one visitor, the park contains "lakes, a lookout and Mt. Bailey, the highest point in Westchester County" providing excellent vantage points away from city light pollution.
Paddling and water activities: At The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center, "You can also rent canoes and take them out on the lake for an afternoon activity." The calm waters provide a peaceful paddling environment suitable for beginners.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Mountain Lakes Park, the camping areas are well-spaced compared to more crowded facilities. The park features "a dirt road loops through the property with trails off and through it" with "a few lean-to's scattered off the looping road," creating natural separation between campsites.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Sebago Cabin Camp and surrounding areas offer opportunities to observe local wildlife. One camper at Harriman Outdoor Center mentioned the lake is "very peaceful, and home to beavers we watched from the dining hall patio." At Croton Point Park, a visitor noted "there are lots of bunnies" throughout the park.
Access to water features: Many tent campsites near Hawthorne offer creek or lake access. A visitor to Suffern-Bear Mountain from Gate Hill Road Primitive noted the challenging but rewarding nature of the site: "At the top of the scramble is a primitive camping site with amazing views. The most difficult part about camping in this location is that you will have to carry your supplies up the mountain to the site."
Year-round camping options: Several locations offer four-season camping. Battle Row Campground remains open year-round, allowing for winter camping experiences. A visitor noted it offers "plenty of privacy" with sites that are "set back off a common area."
What you should know
Reservation systems vary: Some locations require in-person booking or phone calls. At Campgaw Mountain Reservation, permits are required, and the reservation process differs from online systems used elsewhere.
Site selection considerations: Campground layouts affect experience. One visitor noted of Campgaw, "The sites themselves are fairly close to the road and there are super popular hiking trails that run right through all the camps. If you like being woken up by folks walking their dog at 7 AM, this is the spot for you."
Primitive site preparation: For backcountry camping, proper preparation is essential. At Stonetown Circular Trail's primitive site, a hiker advised "packing light" and noted the site "is about 4 miles into the hike" with "a great fire pit to heat up water and cook food."
Rules and regulations enforcement: Some parks have strict enforcement. At Croton Point Park, campers experienced "regular patrols being made day and night, by both the Park Rangers and what appears to be general park staff members, all looking to see if you or your family might be doing something that they might consider outside of the guidelines."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. At Croton Point Park, a visitor mentioned "a decent playground for young kids," while Battle Row Campground features "a playground for the kids" that is "centrally located" within the campground.
Swimming safety: For families with children, supervised swimming areas provide safer options. Sebago features "a huge lake and great beach area" that was described as "perfect for lounging and swimming in during a hot summer day."
Educational opportunities: The West Point FMWR Lake Frederick Outdoor Recreation Area features interpretive elements. The upgraded docks "create a safer swimming experience for even the most inexperienced swimmers, allowing them safe and obvious perimeters."
First-time camping locations: For families new to camping, certain sites offer a more accessible experience. At Ward Pound Ridge, a visitor who "stayed three nights" mentioned having "an amazing time, super cozy by the fire in our shelter and our site was minutes from some amazing trails."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV-specific amenities: Most campgrounds near Hawthorne offer few RV-specific features. At Croton Point Park, the "RV sites were back-to-back and although there were trees separating the sites, they were close together."
Site surface conditions: RV campers should note varying site conditions. One Croton Point visitor explained they had "a loosely defined gravel pad that was level. All sites appeared level."
Noise considerations: Ambient noise affects some campsites. At Croton Point Park, a visitor mentioned the site "was very loud (dance music) until after 11pm. Quiet time at 10pm."
Security procedures: Some campgrounds have specific security measures. At Croton Point Park, "When we checked in, we had to write down our credit card number on a slip of paper before we were given a key that opened the gate to the campground."
