92 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"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 $21 / night
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"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 $21 - $24 / night
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"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."
"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
Check Availability"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 👍🏽"
"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
Check Availability"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
Check Availability
ScoutThis is not the place to come if what you are looking for is a nice quiet, peaceful nature retreat. The "full shade" sites really aren't, it's crowded with kids yelling and running everywhere, and honestly, you're better off camping in your backyard.
RangerThis is an A.T. shelter and campsite. First come, first served. Privy was nice. Flat tentsites for 6 or more. Good for Hammocking also.
ScoutI was in the area and needed a location to hook up. Temperature at 7:00 p.m. was 85 in July which is expected. They're able to get me in for the night. Quick and easy. Had smoke from the Canadian Wildfire which made for a good sunset
LegendExcellent campground! The forest is beautiful, the Hudson River is super close, there are great trails, and the surrounding area is beautiful. Sites are electric only, so make sure your water pump is working and fresh water tank is full. There are spigots for filling and a nice dump station. The player is excellent. I don't think tetn camping here would be great because the tent sites are closer together and there are trains that pass regularly. We couldn't hear the trains in our camper and our site was large and private with great Forest and hammock trees. The mansion tours at Vanderbilt and Mills were awesome!
ScoutThe main issue with the sites was that they were primitive -- no water. The campsites were basically just wooden platforms, with a picnic table and fire pit. There were also a lot of bugs, though this may be due to the rain. The location itself was fairly pretty and there were a number of hiking trails of not-overly-serious difficulty. The particular site we picked left is a little farther from our car than we would have liked, but for other sites you can bring your car closer.
TravelerWe arrived after 10pm so we couldn’t go into the general store to check in. But there was an envelope with our name and a description of where we had to go. Because it was so dark we couldn’t find it but the security guard was really helpful and showed us the way. We spent a really quiet night at this campground at a tent site with our rooftop tent and appreciated the clean showers and friendly staff. We would come back anytime.
GuideThe park was open but camping was not. After a little extra digging they do have a few sites, but hike in only.
GuideTall pines, the sound of the mighty housatonic river, and some car noise on the nearby 2 lane. The campground is landscaped and maintained beautifully. the highlight is the river, ever-present in sound. The primo sites are on the northern end , where most sites are right on the water, and just a small descent. Bathrooms are good, not great. Showers are push button automatic, water was warm. We have a small RV, the dump site is up the main road about a 1/2 mile in a turnout. Free for campers, on your honor. At office were college aged young men and women in very casual street clothes all very nice, and mannerly, but not very knowledgeable, and hard to believe they could handle an adverse situation. I asked for the soap to be filled in the mens room on Thursday afternoon at 4 and it was still not done at noon the next day. -it’s a 2 minute walk from the office. I asked about a hike, they told me a trail head was a mile up the road. We found a spur directly across the street. I miss real docents, with knowledge, and wearing the garb. All sites not directly on the river side have paths down to get there. Did a nice little moderate hike just across the street called Pine Knob. Nice vista, quick 760ft ascent, combines withe AT for a length, then back down total 3 miles the way we did it. Some nice restaurants in Kent. Found a good breakfast in Goshen. We’ll be going back.
TravelerArrived at night on a weekday to find two other vehicles parked in the lot, srilll was able to find a fire ring with a level area relatively easy. Very quiet, just the sounds of owls hooting at night. Very nice mixed forest, seems managed well. It is somewhat buggy. But doesn’t seem to be overly infested with ticks at least.
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.
Keep Exploring
