Tent camping near Monsey, New York offers varied terrain ranging from elevated mountain sites at 1,000+ feet in Harriman State Park to lowland camping along the Hudson River valley. The region sits within the Ramapo Mountains, part of the Appalachian chain, with camping elevations varying from 200 to 1,300 feet. Winter temperatures can drop below 20°F at higher elevations, while summer nights typically range from 55-70°F with higher humidity near water sources.
What to do
Paddle on Sebago Lake: Sebago Cabin Camp in Harriman State Park features a large lake with canoe rentals available. "This was beautiful campground with an even nicer lake. You are able to do a hike around the lake... You can also rent canoes and take them out on the lake for an afternoon activity," notes Ethan K.
Rock scramble adventure: The Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail provides challenging terrain leading to primitive campsites. According to Ethan K., "At one point of the trail is a very difficult, but doable, rock scramble up the side of the mountain. At the top of the scramble is a primitive camping site with amazing views."
Stargazing in open fields: Ward Pound Ridge Reservation combines wooded campsites with open areas ideal for night sky viewing. Seth K. mentions, "There's elevation gain, creeks, and open fields for stargazing. You have the options of a lean to here."
What campers like
Direct water access: Stonetown Circular trail's primitive sites are positioned strategically near water sources. As Ethan K. notes about site #2, "This is a nice spot to set up camp because it is right next to a flowing stream with fresh water. The site is marked by a sign on a tree that says 'The Island'."
Privacy between sites: At The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center, tent platform sites offer good separation. Ilya F. reports, "I camped on one of the platforms, which was very nice and did not feel crowded even with other people on neighboring platforms."
Year-round availability: Unlike seasonal options, Ward Pound Ridge Reservation accommodates winter camping enthusiasts. Paul R. confirms, "They have great sights and are open all year round. I've stayed in hammocks, tents, leantos, and even did a good share of car camping."
Shelter options for weather concerns: Several campgrounds near Monsey provide shelters or cabin alternatives to traditional tent camping. Jeremy S. states about Ward Pound Ridge, "The shelter sites are large and private with access to hiking trails and make for a unique experience."
What you should know
Restricted alcohol policies: Many public campgrounds in the region prohibit alcohol. Croton Point Park enforces various restrictions, as Paul K. explains: "The campground has become laden with all sorts of inexplicable and burdensome rules, endless guidelines, and restrictions only a New York State-run bureaucracy could ever make sense of."
Transportation options: Some tent camping sites near Monsey offer public transit access. Ilya F. notes about AMC Harriman Outdoor Center: "This campsite is accessible by public transportation. There is a shuttle run by the campsite to and from Tuxedo Park Train Station."
Noise considerations: Train noise affects some camping areas. Andrew A. warns about Croton Point Park: "Only down side is there is a train depot right outside and you can hear them shunting trains all night."
Wildlife preparedness: Wildlife encounters are common at certain sites. Anil S. advises Croton Point campers to "Keep your food in the dry bag and away from the tent or benches provided or face the packs of fearless racoons at night."
Tips for camping with families
Look for swimming options: Sebago Cabin Camp provides a beach area suitable for children. Katharine T. recommends, "Near lake Welch- which is phenomenal for easy nearly-beach like camping... Don't expect to swim on site- go to Lake Welch near by!"
Consider playground proximity: Croton Point Park offers camping with playground access. Thomas C. reports, "It's a good park/camp for groups... There is a model airplane air field and a decent playground for young kids."
Check site spacing: Some campsites provide more buffer between groups. When tent camping at Monsey area sites, Susana M. notes about Ward Pound Ridge, "The camping sites are very different so it's useful to go in person and select the area. Parking is close, but some of the sites are also pretty close to each other so there is less privacy."
Evaluate bathroom accessibility: Facilities vary widely between campgrounds. Jonathan C. explains about Croton Point: "Tent site is after the RV site, so use their LX before you get to site if you can. Dumpster and water near sites."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Full hookups are scarce in the Monsey tent camping region. Lee D. observed at Croton Point Park, "A county park with a mix of w/e (6 sites) and FHU sites plus about a dozen tent sites near a capped dump!"
Site configuration challenges: RV sites at some campgrounds have awkward layouts. According to Lee D., "The FHU sites were back-to-back and although there were trees separating the sites, they were close together."
Reservation processes vary: Different reservation systems exist across campgrounds. Lee D. notes, "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."
