Yurt camping near Mamaroneck, New York offers wilderness accommodations within day-trip distance of city amenities. The area sits within the Hudson Valley's varied terrain, featuring elevations from sea level to 400 feet, creating diverse camping microclimates. Fall temperatures drop to 40-50°F at night with daytime highs in the 60-70°F range, requiring proper insulation for autumn yurt stays.
What to do
Waterfront activities on Long Island Sound: Smith Point County Park provides direct beach access with Atlantic Ocean views just steps from campsites. "A short walk from the ocean to the bay, both accessible by walking from your campsite," notes one visitor to Smith Point County Park, describing the convenient water proximity.
Hiking trails from campsites: The forested terrain around Mountain Lakes Park connects directly to recreation areas. "There are also many hikes which can be trekked straight from the campgrounds which is always a huge plus," reports a camper, highlighting the convenience of not needing to drive to trailheads.
Stargazing on the beach: At Wildwood State Park Campground, visitors can purchase special permits for nighttime beach access. "You have to buy a stargazing permit to be out on the beach after sunset, which is kind of strange but really helps prevent hooligans from taking over the beach and destroying the serenity," explains a camper at Wildwood State Park.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation earns praise for its spacious, secluded camping spots. "The campsites are paved and mostly level. They are wooded and large," shares a visitor to Mahlon Dickerson, appreciating the privacy factor rarely found in urban-adjacent campgrounds.
Clean facilities: The bathhouses at West Point FMWR Round Pond draw consistent positive comments from military families using the facility. "Bath houses are absolutely spotless. Fire pits, electric and water hook ups only," notes a camper at West Point FMWR Round Pond, emphasizing the well-maintained common areas.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Smith Point visitors regularly report deer sightings near campsites. "You get visits from the nearby deer. It is paradise," writes one camper, highlighting the unexpected wildlife encounters even in developed camping areas.
What you should know
Military-only restrictions: Several prime camping locations near Mamaroneck limit access to active or retired military personnel. "Round Pond is camping reserved for active and retired military personnel only. We drove through and the whole space is rather large," explains a visitor to Round Pond Recreation Area who discovered the limitation after arrival.
Residency requirements: Some county parks prioritize local residents for booking. "Only drawbacks: 1- You have to be a resident of Suffolk County, NY. 2- One week stay at a time. Period," cautions a Smith Point County Park visitor, warning about local restrictions.
Variable site privacy: Camp designs vary significantly between parks. "It doesn't have that much of the camping feel, though, as there's not many trees in the campsite area and the sites are so close together," reports one Camp Glen Gray visitor, noting the open layout which contrasts with more private options elsewhere.
Tips for camping with families
Platform tents for comfort: Many family campers prefer raised platforms for tent stability in wet weather. "There is also a platform where you can pitch your tent," notes a Mahlon Dickerson visitor, highlighting a feature particularly valuable for families with young children who prefer not sleeping directly on the ground.
Beach camping proximity: Choose oceanside sites for easy access without constant car trips. "Sites are great overlooking the bay. Sites are close together. But was worth it for the amenities and fantastic views," shares a Smith Point camper, noting the tradeoff between privacy and water access.
Playground facilities: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. "We were very impressed with the playground on site!" reports a family staying at Moon Valley Campground, appreciating the built-in entertainment option for younger campers.
Tips from RVers
Pull-through site availability: Wildwood State Park offers dedicated RV areas with specific site configurations. "RV pull through sites were fantastic. It was a great campground for maiden voyage in new rig. Plenty of amenities," shares a new RV owner who found the layout particularly accommodating for beginners.
Water hookup distances: Some campgrounds provide equipment to address infrastructure limitations. "Website lists water hook ups at long distances but they have hose reels to help with that. Our site said 75' however the 50' hose reel made it to our rv connection," explains a camper at Mahlon Dickerson, describing the practical solution for reaching distant utilities.
