Camping near Katonah, NY

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    Campgrounds near Katonah, New York primarily cluster around state parks and county reservations, offering varied camping experiences within striking distance of New York City. Ward Pound Ridge Reservation provides shelter camping with access to over 40 miles of hiking trails, while Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground accommodates both tent and RV campers from April through December. Most camping areas in this region feature a mix of traditional tent sites, lean-to shelters, and in some locations, cabins or yurts, making the area suitable for different camping preferences.

    Reservations are essential at most campgrounds, with many requiring in-person booking. "Ward Pound Ridge has great sites and is open all year round. You need to book in person but it can be done well in advance if need be," explained one visitor. Sites at popular destinations like Croton Point Park can fill quickly during summer weekends. The camping season for most developed sites generally runs from April through October, though Ward Pound Ridge remains open year-round. Winter camping requires additional preparation due to potentially cold temperatures and fewer available amenities. Most campgrounds provide basic facilities such as toilets and picnic tables, with some offering showers and hookups for RVs.

    Campers consistently highlight the natural surroundings and trail access as major draws to the region. The mixed-use campgrounds typically feature fire rings or pits, with firewood available at some locations. Several visitors note the contrast between the wilderness feel and proximity to urban areas. As one camper observed, "Mountain Lakes park is a great place to camp within driving distance from NYC. There are also many hikes which can be trekked straight from the campgrounds." Some camping areas like Croton Point Park offer additional recreational opportunities, including swimming beaches with lifeguards during summer months. While sites vary in privacy, many campgrounds provide enough separation between sites to create a sense of solitude despite being relatively close to civilization.

    Best Campgrounds near Katonah (92)

      1. Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground

      4.2(33)16mi from Katonah66 sitesRVs, Tents

      "When you are camping with a large group of friends and don't all have access to a car, this is the perfect spot."

      "We were right next to the entrance for hiking trails which was convenient. The facilities are a bit of a walk, but that means it is spread out and there's plenty of room to relax and have fun."

      from $17 / night

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      2. Ward Pound Ridge Reservation

      4.5(10)4mi from KatonahTents

      "Close to the city and civilization, yet large enough to have nice trails and creeks to feel away from it all. The camping sites are very different so it’s useful to go in person and select the area."

      "The shelter sites are large and private with access to hiking trails and make for a unique experience. The staff is friendly as well"

      from $45 - $55 / night

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      3. New York City North/Newburgh KOA

      4.2(40)20mi from Katonah129 sitesRVs, Tents

      "15 dolares la noche para los que viven en el Estado de New York o New York city .. si es fuera del estado son $5 dolares mas!!"

      "Drive-in tent campgrounds. Adequate restroom facilities sprinkled amongst tent sites. Some campsites have raised platforms. All sites have picnic tables and fire ring with flip-top grill."

      from $17 - $20 / night

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      4. Croton Point Park

      3.7(10)12mi from KatonahRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "Tent sites are very private with some dirt roads to exit out but thats what make it unique experience! Bathrooms with shower is near by and has plenty porta potties all around."

      "Was close to bear mountains state part and the train station is right there!"

      from $30 - $60 / night

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      5. Mountain Lakes Park

      5.0(3)7mi from KatonahTents, Glamping

      "Mountain Lakes park is a great place to camp within driving distance from NYC. A fun option available at Mountain lakes is to rent a yurt to camp in."

      "A gorgeous piece of land that contains lakes, a lookout and Mt. Bailey, the highest point in Westchester County. A dirt road loops through the property with trails off and through it."

      6. West Point FMWR Round Pond Outdoor Recreation Area

      4.0(6)20mi from KatonahRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Love the proximity to NYC - I always look for areas that are not too far, but not too close to NY. Beautiful but small-ish tent sites."

      "We are looking forward to stopping by Round Pond again in the near future."

      from $25 - $40 / night

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      7. The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center — Harriman State Park

      5.0(6)21mi from KatonahTents, Cabins

      "This was beautiful campground with an even nicer lake. You are able to do a hike around the lake."

      "Great trails to hike for novices looking to branch out but not too large that you'll be lost forever lol highly recommend and can't do so enough 👍🏽"

      8. Camp W Herrlich

      5.0(1)15mi from Katonah

      9. Kettletown State Park Campground

      4.3(12)27mi from Katonah53 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "We love this State Park because it's close to our home for a quick getaway.  This time we tried one of the sites on the water, and I probably wouldn't choose the same site again. "

      "Semi private with great view and nice walks to the water. Noise was not a problem overnight as to having problems with noises neighbors at other CT state parks."

      from $17 - $50 / night

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      10. Sebago Cabin Camp — Harriman State Park

      4.7(6)24mi from Katonah40 sitesTents, Cabins

      "It is a step up from cabin camping. They also have a beach behind it."

      "This place is only an hour away from NYC with so much to do and see. These cabins are VERY rustic, four walls, a cot, and a fridge."

      from $74 - $130 / night

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    Recent Reviews near Katonah, NY

    475 Reviews of 92 Katonah Campgrounds


    • M
      Jun. 4, 2026

      New York City North/Newburgh KOA

      worst campground

      This was by far the worst campground we have ever stayed at. First of all, the campground is basically just a large open field where everyone is on display. There is absolutely no privacy. If that's not enough and you want even more attention, choose a site near the playground, where you'll have a constant audience. The bathrooms were also extremely dirty and poorly maintained, which only added to the overall disappointing experience. The biggest issue, however, is the complete lack of quiet hours enforcement. Until at least 1:00 AM, there were screaming children, loud groups of intoxicated adults, and nonstop noise. It felt more like a chaotic party zone than a campground. There seemed to be no rules, no supervision, and no consideration for people who actually came to relax. The sites farther back in the woods offer a little more privacy, but don't expect peace and quiet there either. This campground may be fine if your goal is to drink and party outdoors, but if you're looking for a relaxing camping experience, I would strongly recommend staying elsewhere. The only positive part of our stay was seeing a few baby deer wandering through the campground. They were adorable and ended up being the highlight of our trip.

    • M
      Jun. 1, 2026

      Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground

      Quiet place with great location

      Good, quiet place to spend the night, but there are a few things to keep in mind. This is primarily a climbers’ campground, so by around 9 PM most people are already asleep and the lights are off. If you’re looking for a peaceful and quiet night, that’s definitely a plus. Sites 8–15 were our favorite because they are away from vehicle traffic. Site #8 is probably the best of them. Site #15 is only about a 2-minute walk from the parking area at a brisk pace, but that’s without carrying gear. If you have a lot of equipment or heavy bags, these sites may not be the most convenient choice. The showers cost $0.25 per minute, and don’t be surprised if you end up sharing the changing area with another person. Overall, this is a simple, quiet place to sleep and rest for the night rather than a destination campground with lots of amenities

    • Rachel L.The Dyrt PRO User
      Mar. 17, 2026

      Liberty Harbor RV Park

      Liberty Harbor RV Park

      I love this location. Close to public transportation, great staff, and site security.

    • RThe Dyrt PRO User
      Mar. 12, 2026

      New York City North/Newburgh KOA

      Great place for a relaxing weekend

      Going back for Memorial Day weekend my 3rd time going and always had a great time nice place ,clean Bathroom & Shower with hot water 👍🏽convenient location easy access to campground and lake

    • M
      Nov. 20, 2025

      Ward Pound Ridge Reservation

      Secluded sites

      Beautiful campsites! Lots of lean to sites with fireplaces in them. You have to go in person to make a reservation and pay. The camp area is beautiful, especially in the fall. Pet friendly and kid friendly with a playground available. Our favorite site is #25. Up a hill, totally private and has a lean-to.

    • AThe Dyrt PRO User
      Nov. 2, 2025

      Skyline RV Camp - Waterfront

      Waterfront Skyline Views, Clean Bathrooms

      A little intimidating driving in to a nondescript gate at the end of a narrow street but the overall experience exceeded expectation. It’s essentially a spacious parking lot with electrical pedestals but the view of the skyline across the water is spectacular and there’s a metro station within a 10-minute walk. The area feels safe and is pedestrian friendly, even at night (we were there Halloween night and we took our kids out trick-or-treating just outside the gate). During the day, I saw another RV patron walking to do their laundry just outside the complex on the next street over (I didn’t ask where exactly). On-site bathrooms were warm and clean. There were portable showers available but beware the broken shower head holders and lack of shelving/hooks for towels & clothing. This was a minor issue considering the convenience of RV accommodations so easily accessible within the NYC region, would definitely recommend. I couldn’t find a map prior to my booking but would suggest requesting the highest number site available for best direct views.

    • RThe Dyrt PRO User
      Oct. 25, 2025

      Gunx Camping on a Horse Farm

      No Amenities but Great Location for the Gunks

      This campground is just mowed spots on a hillside in Kerhonkson. There are no facilities aside from some port-o-sans that the owners didn't recommend using. But the location is great for accessing the Shawamhunks. Given the lack of affordable RV campgrounds (and even the few expensive ones) in the area, this stands out.

    • Sue B.The Dyrt PRO User
      Oct. 23, 2025

      Black Rock State Park Campground

      Nah

      If you want to feel like you are camping in the middle of a lawless low income housing project, this is the place for you. We camped next to a woman with 2 pit bulls, which was surprising, given the "no dogs allowed" rule, and were surrounded by people partying despite the "no alcohol" rule. Teens congregate in the bathroom so they could charge their devices but did not appreciate you being there to use the bathroom they clearly took over, and even though it's 2025, I still prefer no boyfriends hanging out in the women's bathroom. Call me whatever. Used to camp here years ago, clearly it has gone downhill. Park Ranger? What's that?

    • Sue B.The Dyrt PRO User
      Oct. 23, 2025

      Ten Mile River Shelter — Appalachian National Scenic Trail

      Not a public campground!

      Ten Mile River Shelter and campsite is not a public campground. Sure, anyone can camp there, but it is designated for folks hiking the A.T., whether thru-hikers, section hikers, or whatever. While there are no rules about who can camp there, during thru-hiking season, consideration should be made for folks who rely on places like this during a long distance hike. It is at least a mile if not a mile and a half from approved parking (on the side of the road off the A.T.) to camp, either from the A.T. or a combo of the A.T. and a blue blaze trail, the Homestead Trail (which is easier, imo). There are also no fires allowed on the CT A.T.


    Guide to Katonah

    The Hudson Valley region surrounding Katonah, New York provides several established campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. Ward Pound Ridge Reservation in nearby Pound Ridge features year-round camping with lean-to shelters and tent sites, while Clarence Fahnestock State Park offers both tent and RV camping from April through December. Several mixed-use campgrounds in the area accommodate multiple camping styles, including Mountain Lakes Park with its yurt options and Croton Point Park where tent, RV, and cabin camping are available along the Hudson River shoreline.

    Most campgrounds in the Katonah area require advance reservations, though reservation systems vary by location. Ward Pound Ridge requires in-person booking at their office. "Ward Pound Ridge is very well known to the locals as a great place for sled-riding in winter and a place for big group gatherings. The many different trails are frequented by the locals as well," noted one visitor. Seasonal considerations affect camping experiences, with some campgrounds like Beaver Pond in Harriman State Park operating only from April to October. The area experiences typical Northeast seasonal variations with cold winters that limit camping options and warm summers that attract more visitors. Many campgrounds maintain shower facilities and toilets, though amenities vary by location.

    Campers consistently highlight the extensive trail networks as a primary attraction at area campgrounds. Ward Pound Ridge Reservation receives particular praise for its 40+ miles of hiking trails accessible directly from campsites. One camper mentioned that "the shelter sites are large and private with access to hiking trails and make for a unique experience." Water activities represent another popular feature, particularly at Croton Point Park where visitors enjoy beach access along the Hudson River. While some campgrounds offer more secluded experiences with well-spaced sites, others like Croton Point can become crowded and noisy, especially on weekends. Reviews frequently mention wildlife sightings, particularly deer, rabbits, and raccoons. Proximity to New York City (approximately 45 miles south) makes these campgrounds popular weekend destinations for urban residents seeking outdoor experiences.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What camping is available near Katonah, NY?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Katonah, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 92 campgrounds and RV parks near Katonah, NY and 3 free dispersed camping spots.

    Which is the most popular campground near Katonah, NY?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Katonah, NY is Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 33 reviews.

    Where can I find free dispersed camping near Katonah, NY?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Katonah, NY.

    What parks are near Katonah, NY?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 parks near Katonah, NY that allow camping, notably Hop Brook Lake and Northfield Brook Lake.