Camping options near Highland Mills, New York range from primitive sites to full-hookup campgrounds within the Hudson Valley region at elevations between 400-1,300 feet. The area experiences warm summers with average highs of 80-85°F and cool evenings that typically drop to 55-65°F. The camping season generally runs from April through October, with some facilities extending into December.
What to do
Hiking trails: Harriman State Park offers extensive trail networks accessible directly from The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center. "You are able to do a hike around the lake. They have both cabins for rent and camping spots on platforms which are great, especially when it rains," notes a camper who appreciated the lake circuit.
Lake activities: Multiple bodies of water provide recreation within a short drive from Highland Mills. "You can rent canoes and take them out on the lake for an afternoon activity," mentions a visitor to Corman AMC Center. Another camper at Winding Hills Park describes "a large lake to kayak and fish in. NO SWIMMING. The lake is a nice size and has a trail so you walk the entire length with benches around a good portion to sit and/or fish."
Public transport access: Some camping areas can be reached without a car. At Corman AMC Center, "This campsite is accessible by public transportation. There is a shuttle run by the campsite to and from Tuxedo Park Train Station (reservations on shuttle required)." This makes weekend trips possible for New York City residents without vehicles.
What campers like
Platform tent sites: Elevated camping platforms at several parks provide practical advantages. 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 or if you are expecting rain."
Off-season tranquility: Visiting during weekdays or shoulder seasons transforms the experience. One camper at Beaver Pond noted, "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. Expect to purchase firewood, although scrounging for kindling was possible."
Community meals: Some campgrounds offer dining options beyond cook-your-own. At Corman AMC Center, a visitor highlighted "having meals cooked by the stellar chef" as a notable feature, adding "The lake is very peaceful, and home to beavers we watched from the dining hall patio."
What you should know
Bear awareness: Wildlife precautions are essential at campsites near Highland Mills. "The wildlife do roam around your campsite so be mindful of putting food and garbage away before sleeping," advises a camper at Sebago Cabin Camp. Proper food storage in vehicles or provided bear boxes is standard practice throughout the region.
Facility variations: Cabin accommodations range widely in amenities. "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," reports a Sebago visitor. Another notes to "Ignore the hotplate and just cook on a fire out other outdoor set up."
Water conditions: Quality and availability of water differs between sites. At Winding Hills Park, "The water smells a little like sulfur, so you may want to bring your own." Most established campgrounds provide water spigots throughout the grounds, but limited or no hookups for RVs.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Selecting sites near play areas benefits families with young children. "The park has a nice open beach on Canopus Lake with a concession area and bathhouse, which we found to be quite clean!" shares a visitor to Clarence Fahnestock State Park. "They even have boat rentals - or you can bring your own boat to launch!"
Site selection strategy: Researching specific site numbers improves family camping experiences. "This is one of my favorite campsites I have been to but only because after several visits we have finally found our favorite site," advises a Fahnestock camper. "Check out the sites online to get one that is private."
Evening noise levels: Sound conditions vary significantly between campground sections. At Winding Hills Park, "We found the sites closer to the Playground side/closer to the bathrooms to be more noisy. Also those sites are closer together which would be good for larger groups."
Tips from RVers
Military-only options: Active and retired military personnel have exclusive camping facilities near Highland Mills. At West Point FMWR Round Pond Recreation Area, "We've been coming here for at least 13 years. We love that its a place specifically for Vets and active Military. Everyone is amazingly respectful of each other and the caretakers take such care of the grounds."
Limited hookup availability: RV campers should verify utility connections when booking. "It's deep in the woods of the park so there is good shade which is nice on the hotter days," notes a camper at Winding Hills Park. "There are water spigots around the grounds and attached to the bathroom facilities. But no actual sites with water hookups for RVs."
Reservation systems: Each campground has unique booking procedures. For Winding Hills Park, "Reservations are needed only for major holidays during camping season; Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day... When not going on a holiday it is first come first serve spots which is good if you just need to spend one night here. Pull into whichever site you want and at some point the groundskeepers will come to collect your money."
