Tent campsites near Irvington, New York range from primitive backcountry sites to structured reservation campgrounds within a 40-mile radius. The Hudson Valley's mixed hardwood forests create varied camping environments with elevations from near sea level along the Hudson River to over 1,300 feet at some ridge sites. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-85°F with overnight lows around 60-65°F, while spring and fall camping often requires preparation for temperature swings of 30+ degrees between day and night.
What to do
Lakeside recreation: At Croton Point Park, campers can enjoy swimming in designated areas with lifeguards. One visitor noted that "Clean park with a place to swim but only within buoys and when a life guard is present." The park includes an airfield for model airplanes and offers family-friendly playground areas.
Seasonal activities: Winter camping opens opportunities for special events. As one camper shared about visiting Mountain Lakes 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!" The park's proximity to attractions makes it ideal for holiday-themed camping trips.
Water sports: Several campgrounds provide canoe and kayak rentals for water exploration. A camper at the Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center mentioned "You can also rent canoes and take them out on the lake for an afternoon activity." Most lake access is seasonal, with full services typically available from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many tent campers value the separation between camping areas. At Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, "The sites are much farther away from the comfort stations than most campgrounds we have been to." Another camper noted "The shelter sites are large and private with access to hiking trails and make for a unique experience."
Wildlife viewing: Campgrounds throughout the region offer opportunities to observe local animals. At The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center, one visitor mentioned "The lake is very peaceful, and home to beavers we watched from the dining hall patio." Others report frequent rabbit sightings at Croton Point Park.
Year-round availability: Unlike many Northeast camping destinations, several sites near Irvington remain open through winter. A camper at Ward Pound Ridge shared: "They have great sights and are open all year round. Ive stayed in hammocks, tents, leantos, and even did a good share of car camping."
What you should know
Reservation systems vary: Each camping area follows different booking procedures. For Ward Pound Ridge, "There is no phone or internet reservations and has to be made in person at the office. I would recommend call earlier and come in few minutes earlier to 9 am when the office opens to find the best spots."
Transport considerations: Many tent camping sites require walking from parking areas. At Sebago Cabin Camp, "The cabins are 'rustic' - but there's what you need: cots, electricity, a fridge. Ignore the hotplate and just cook on a fire out other outdoor set up." Understanding facility limitations helps with proper trip planning.
Noise factors: Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby infrastructure. A Croton Point Park camper reported: "Only down side is there is a train depot right outside and you can hear them shunting trains all night." Another noted the site was "very loud (dance music) until after 11pm. Quiet time at 10pm."
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly options: Some locations specifically cater to first-time campers with children. A visitor to Croton Point Park shared: "I took my 5 year-old-son and wife, all of us first time campers. this place was great. The site was very nice, all the people friendly and area beautiful." Look for sites with easy parking access and bathroom facilities when camping with young children.
Educational opportunities: Several parks offer nature programming for children. Ward Pound Ridge features a Trailside Nature Museum that's "fun for the kids" according to visitor reports. Many campsites organize weekend activities like outdoor movies and communal bonfires.
Wildlife precautions: Food storage protocols are essential, particularly with children. One camper at Campgaw Mountain Reservation warned: "Keep your food in the dry bag and away from the tent or benches provided or face the packs of fearless racoons at night." Teaching children proper food handling reduces wildlife encounters.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV hookups: Most tent campsites near Irvington have minimal RV accommodations. At Croton Point Park, one RVer noted: "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 and electric access: RV sites with hookups often fill quickly during peak season. A Croton Point camper shared: "They have cabins and RV sites and now that the Tapan Zee bridge work is done most of them are now open again as the bridge workers have moved out." Call at least 3-4 weeks ahead for summer weekend reservations.
Site navigation challenges: Many campgrounds in the region weren't designed with larger modern RVs in mind. One visitor mentioned "The reservation process is a bit wonky. You need to call (no online reservations) and then wait for an e-mail, but the e-mail does not tell you your assigned site; you have to wait until you check in to find out your site." RVs over 30 feet may find limited suitable options.
