Tent camping near Mamaroneck, New York offers access to varied elevations from sea level coastal sites to hills reaching 1,300 feet in nearby parks. Most campsites within 30-60 minutes of Mamaroneck experience moderate summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and relatively cool nights even in July and August. Winter camping is available at several locations with temperatures typically ranging from 20-40°F during December through February.
What to do
Hiking directly from campsites: At Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, campers have access to over 40 miles of trails without needing to drive elsewhere. According to one visitor, "There are elevation gain, creeks, and open fields for stargazing. You have the options of a lean to here."
Water activities: Croton Point Park offers Hudson River swimming with designated areas. "There is a model airplane air field and a decent playground for young kids," notes one reviewer. Swimming is permitted only within buoyed areas when lifeguards are present, usually Wednesday through weekend during summer months.
Overnight backpacking: For more advanced campers, Suffern-Bear Mountain from Gate Hill Road Primitive provides free backcountry sites accessed via strenuous hiking. "Suffern-Bear Mountain from Gate Hill Road is a high difficulty 15 mile out and back trail. At one point of the trail is a very difficult, but doable, rock scramble up the side of the mountain."
What campers like
Secluded tent-specific areas: Battle Row Campground offers tent sites set away from common areas. As one camper notes, "Each site is set back off a common area so there is plenty of privacy. It's great if your local easy in and out."
Natural waterfront access: Many campers appreciate Croton Point Park's direct access to the Hudson River. A reviewer explained, "Short 5 minute drive to nearby supermarket to pick up food or firewood. Oh...and did i say, gorgeous scenery along the river and a private beach which is opened from Wednesday to the weekend with life guards on duty!"
Year-round availability: Most campgrounds in the Mamaroneck area remain open through winter months, though with reduced services. One camper at Mountain Lakes Park mentioned, "A fun option available at Mountain lakes is to rent a yurt to camp in. The area, as the name implies, is home to several lakes which can be used for various recreational purposes."
What you should know
Reservation systems vary significantly: Many parks require in-person reservations rather than online booking. For Mountain Lakes Park, a visitor noted the park 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."
Fire regulations: Fire rules differ between parks. At Campgaw Mountain Reservation, "The sites themselves are fairly close to the road and there are super popular hiking trails that run right through all the camps." Most sites require contained fire pits, while some primitive sites prohibit fires entirely.
Noise considerations: Proximity to urban areas means some parks experience both daytime crowds and evening quiet. At Croton Point Park, "The site was very loud (dance music) until after 11pm. Quiet time at 10pm. Great site for a party, try to stay away from this end of the site or choose a site away from other bookings if you'd like quiet."
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife encounters: Prepare children for wildlife interactions, especially at Croton Point Park. "Keep your food in the dry bag and away from the tent or benches provided or face the packs of fearless racoons at night," warns one camper. Properly storing food prevents unwanted nighttime visitors.
Bathroom proximity: When camping with young children, consider bathroom locations. Battle Row Campground offers "shower and restroom facilities, the showers were amazing and also so clean!" Sites closest to facilities work best for families with small children needing frequent bathroom access.
Activity planning: Sebago Cabin Camp offers structured activities for children. A camper reports, "Sebago has a huge lake and great beach area. It was perfect for lounging and swimming in during a hot summer day." The park also provides "outdoor movies and communal bonfires on weekends."
Tips from RVers
Hookup limitations: Most campgrounds near Mamaroneck offer limited RV hookup options. At Croton Point Park, there are "a mix of w/e (6 sites) and FHU sites plus about a dozen tent sites." RV sites are typically back-to-back with minimal separation between neighboring units.
Site surface conditions: RV pads vary considerably, with most offering gravel or packed dirt surfaces. According to one RVer at Croton Point, "We had a loosely defined gravel pad that was level. All sites appeared level." Many parks have length restrictions limiting RVs to under 30 feet.
Winter RV camping: For winter camping, prepare for reduced services. Most campgrounds shut off water hookups from November through March, though electrical service often remains available. Bathroom facilities typically operate with limited hours during winter months.
