128 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
State parks and forests surrounding Montebello, New York feature a variety of camping experiences within an hour's drive of New York City. Harriman State Park, just minutes from Montebello, offers several camping options including Beaver Pond Campground with tent and RV sites, and Sebago Cabin Camp for those seeking more shelter. Croton Point Park provides year-round camping with Hudson River views, while primitive hike-in sites can be found along the Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail. The region balances accessibility with natural settings, allowing campers to choose between developed campgrounds with amenities or more secluded backcountry experiences. Many sites include standard features like fire rings, picnic tables, and access to water, with some offering electric hookups and shower facilities.
Camping permits and reservations are essential during peak season, particularly at popular locations like Beaver Pond which operates from April 22 to October 9. Wildlife awareness is necessary throughout the area, as bears are active in the region. According to one camper at Beaver Pond, "Never keep food or anything with odor inside tents because bears come for the food... keep everything in your car." Weekends typically see full campgrounds, especially during summer months, while weekdays offer more availability. Weather conditions vary seasonally, with humid summers and the possibility of storms. Cell service can be spotty in more remote areas, particularly in the valleys and dense forest sections of Harriman State Park.
Many visitors highlight the balance between wilderness and accessibility in the area's campgrounds. Lakeside sites receive particularly positive reviews, with campers noting the proximity to swimming areas and fishing opportunities. One reviewer described Croton Point Park as having "very private tent sites with some dirt roads to exit out, but that's what makes it a unique experience." Noise levels vary by location, with some campers reporting that at Beaver Pond "there is a constant buzz in the air of conversation, music, laughter and shrieking toddlers." The Appalachian Trail passes through the region, providing additional hiking opportunities for campers. Wildlife sightings are common, with deer, various birds, and occasionally bears reported by campers throughout the area.
"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"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 $130 / 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 👍🏽"
"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"One rustic place with many hiking trails to choose from. Camp also provides trucking of gear weather permitting. No vehicles allowed to drive through camp. Trading Post for treats and other items."
"Lots of hiking trails. Trading post is well stocked and volunteers are always friendly and able to answer any questions"
from $5 - $200 / night
Check Availability"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"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"It's beautiful and quiet, and close to beautiful hiking trails, lakes, and other outdoor recreation opportunities."
"Website lists water hook ups at long distances but they have hose reels to help with that. Our site (15) said 75' however the 50' hose reel made it to our rv connection."
"Stonetown Circular trail is a 11 mile medium/high difficulty loop trail. This is the second of two primitive sites along the trail. The trailhead is across the street from a large parking lot."
GuideMade a reservation (site44) since I arrived as the sun had set. Office registration was open until 8. Staff was neither friendly nor unfriendly. Bathroom was dated but fine and a short walk from my site. CG was emptier being a Tuesday night in mid-October, so was plenty of space.
Great trail following the Hudson River. Beautiful fall colors.
ScoutNice campground, bathrooms are clean but dated, first come first serve for the sites.
RangerI'll start by saying this is a site-specific review (C20). I booked using Campspot and didn't select my own site but put in the criteria for my rig (30ft TT plus truck) and got a 50A back-in spot. The site was big but abnormal. Between the picnic table placement and the trees, I ended up right around 50ft from the electric and water, and the water spigot was so low I could barely put on my camco filter. With the uneven dirt roads, I had to unhitch with my truck in a gigantic puddle (lol). The site was otherwise fine aside from my gate code not working on Day 2. As for the campground as a whole, I thought it was pretty unique place by the river that offered several good amenities and activities, like downstream river tubing, an arcade, bathroom/shower facilities, a small store, little trails, and more. I would say this place borders the more primitive side.
ScoutOn Friday, September 4, 2026, I rented a trailer and brought my family to Cheesequake State Park to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary over the extended Labor Day weekend. Around 9:20 PM—well before the park's designated 10:00 PM quiet hours—we were sitting inside our canopy, playing Jenga, and listening to low background music. Two officers from the Matawan Police Department approached our campsite. They were polite and courteous, simply offering a standard reminder to wrap things up by 10:00 PM. Before they could leave, however, a third, senior officer intervened. Wanting to"show them how it's done," he made the two polite officers return and stand by to watch as he demonstrated how to aggressively harass campers. Flashlight in hand, the senior officer approached with an immediate hostile attitude, treating us like criminals as he demanded to know who rented the site. He began reiterating rules and claimed we had too many vehicles. We had three cars, one belonging to my brother-in-law's girlfriend, who was visiting with her daughter. She had paid the$10 visitor fee at the main office and was instructed by staff to obtain the gate access code from us, the primary renters, if she got locked in. No staff member ever informed her of an 8:00 PM visitor departure deadline, leading us to reasonably assume visitors were permitted until quiet hours began at 10:00 PM. The officer rudely snapped that she had been given wrong information. The senior officer then used profanity in front of three small children, aggressively telling her to ("get her shit and get the fuck out!") in that manner or use profanity, the officer went from hostile to furious. He angrily declared that these were official violations and threatened that he could be issuing us tickets instead. Desperately searching for anything and everything to throw at us, he demanded that we turn off our idling car—which was supplying power to our campsite—and instructed us to make sure the campfire was doused before shutting down for the night. He then proceeded to shine his flashlight into our private setup—including our canopy, tents, and the inside of our trailer—searching for any other possible violation while the two polite officers were forced to watch. What was supposed to be a special 10th wedding anniversary celebration with my family was completely ruined by a senior officer misusing his authority to put on an unnecessary display of intimidation. Worse than just ruining our night, he spent that evening teaching those two police officers how to be bad cops. He corrupted two officers in real time, demonstrating firsthand exactly why most people have lost faith in the police force. The next day we was ready for them. We turned off our lights and quietly by the fire while they went next door to harass an asian family that had just set up camp and had their leds lights on.
ScoutPast reviews has mentioned that the office seems to be closed often, while I found that to be true I had no reason to contact anyone. This is definitely one of the cleanest quiets site I’ve ever visited
GuideDefinitely a wide variety of sites—look at the site pictures before booking—there are two areas where it’s just an open field with bonfires and picnic tables that I’d avoid. I could see a large group going there or something but personally it doesn’t offer any privacy.
BUT if you book one of the other sites that DOES have privacy you’ll be in camping heaven. The “hike in” sites are more like “walk-in,” I was worried at first but it’s some are as little as a few yards from the road. The most annoying part was lugging the cooler back and forth, but totally worth it
GuideBooked the day before—even on the holiday weekend! Just 1.5 hours outside of NYC, site was a bit close to the neighbors (fire pit was very far back and basically in the neighbors’ campsite, but we put up a “privacy clothesline” and hung a tarp over it for a bit of extra coverage.
The staff was friendly and helpful, they said it was the busiest they’ve seen the campground all year (there were lots of large groups but everyone seemed to settle down by 9:30pm
Poison ivy was EVERYWHERE at our site so make sure to stick to the open areas and the paths. Lots of families around, we felt very safe Bathrooms were fine—it was my impression they’re usually cleaner but the high traffic of the weekend left a bit to be desired, (lots of families around=dirty diapers in the bathroom trash bin) but it’s camping! I’m not gonna argue w a flushing toilet!
TravelerThis area seems to be devoid of campgrounds except for this one. It’s basically just a large parking lot with hook ups. Completely open, which is great for Starlink. Bathrooms were slightly above average; fairly clean and places to hang clothes for your shower. Has a laundry but be sure to bring quarters. It is about 100 yards from the interstate so you’ll get a lot of noise and diesel exhaust fumes.
ScoutNo hookups. It was wooded, quiet and dark at night. I used the dump station on my way out. The first time I ever saw a poop fountain. The sewer opening sticks up above ground level. The cover swivels away, so I couldn't put it on top of my hose. And then, when I tried to rinse it, there was nowhere for it to go, because the inlet is elevated.
Camping sites near Montebello, New York operate mainly between April and October, with some locations like Croton Point Park offering year-round access. The area's elevation ranges from 200-1,400 feet, creating microclimates where valley temperatures can be 5-10 degrees cooler than ridgetops. Weekday camping typically offers more isolation and site selection, with many campgrounds reaching capacity only on summer weekends.
Swimming at designated beaches: Lake Welch at Beaver Pond Campground offers a lifeguard-monitored sandy beach during summer months. According to one visitor, "The beach is secured with lifeguards and shower and bathroom facilities are available. The camp ground is on RTE 287 just south of Newburgh" (Brian O.).
Hiking variety for all skill levels: Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail offers a challenging 15-mile route with primitive camping options. "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" (Ethan K.).
Disconnecting from technology: Sebago Cabin Camp provides a true escape from digital distractions. "Absolutely zero phone service (for T-Mobile) which was AMAZING. There's a few very cute small towns nearby with surprisingly modern restaurants and friendly people" (Sara P.).
Community activities and events: Weekend programming at several parks includes organized recreation. At Sebago, "they also have movie nights they do big bon 🔥 on Saturday very kid friendly ranger Joe is 👌 with the kids and they have 🔥 wood for purchase on site" (Hashim C.).
Varied campsite layouts: Clarence Fahnestock State Park offers diverse site configurations that enhance privacy. "All sites were so different. There was a storm the night before our arrival date, all campers were evacuated and they did a fantastic job clearing all the debris and downed trees before our arrival" (Erinn N.).
Proximity to NYC with nature escape: Several campgrounds balance accessibility with nature. At Beaver Pond Campground, campers appreciate "About 30 minutes from sleepy hollow and tarrytown NY and only an hour to central park!! Deer running everywhere and surprisingly beautiful and quaint" (Megan B.).
Platform tent sites: Raised camping platforms at multiple locations offer practical benefits. One camper noted, "The biggest positive about Beaver Pond is how spread out it was. You definitely feel like you have your own space and are not camping on top of your neighbor. Many of the camping options were on platforms which is especially nice if it recently rained" (Ethan K.).
Off-season tranquility: Visiting outside peak periods transforms the camping experience. "Ranger said that during summer weekends the grounds fill up and can be quite noisy, but mid-week during the off-season it was great. Expect to purchase firewood, although scrounging for kindling was possible" (Rebecca S.).
Campsite spacing varies by location: Croton Point Park sites have varying degrees of isolation. "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" (Anil S.).
Food storage critical for wildlife: Proper food storage is essential throughout the region. "Keep your food in the dry bag and away from the tent or benches provided or face the packs of fearless racoons at night" (Anil S.).
Access and transportation options: Some locations offer public transit connections. At The Stephen & Betsy Corman 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 (reservations on shuttle required)" (Ilya F.).
Seasonal amenities: Facilities availability changes throughout the season. "The beach is closed after Labor Day to the public, but open to people staying at the campsite. Clean and beautiful. Great hikes" (Courtney D.).
Playground access: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation offers family-friendly amenities. "Peaceful and gorgeous campsite, with plenty of space between sites. Great view of the Hudson, and playground within sight of our camper" (Thomas).
Noise considerations: Sound levels vary significantly between locations and times. At Beaver Pond, "Short distance from the NYC, very organized, clean pond, has a playground, showers, bathroom. Your phone will have signal" (Zorina N.).
First-time family camping: Some locations specifically suit newcomers. "I took my 5 year-old-son and wife, all of us first time campers. this place was great. The site was very nice, all the people friendly and area beautiful" (Kevin G.).
Budget-friendly options: Several campgrounds offer affordable rates. At Beaver Pond, "This is an off-grid camping experience. You can use your generator at certain hours. They have a beach. Their staff is friendly. I love going here" (Adaly).
Hookup availability: Utility access varies widely between campgrounds. At Mahlon Dickerson, "Very clean and quiet. Website lists water hook ups at long distances but they have hose reels to help with that. Our site (15) said 75' however the 50' hose reel made it to our rv connection" (antruze).
Dump station access: Several campgrounds offer sanitation facilities. "Easy to navigate our 38 ft. RV. Easy to dump and fill. Peaceful. Close to train to N. Y. City" (Nancymike K.).
Generator restrictions: Most campgrounds have specific generator policies. At Beaver Pond, campers note, "This is an off-grid camping experience. You can use your generator at certain hours" (Adaly).
Site leveling concerns: RV sites generally have adequate preparation. "The campsites are paved and mostly level. They are wooded and large. Water and electric hookups and a dump station. Convenient for hiking and exploring" (Jeff W.).
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Montebello, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, Montebello, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 128 campgrounds and RV parks near Montebello, NY and 4 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Montebello, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Montebello, NY is Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park with a 4.2-star rating from 41 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Montebello, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Montebello, NY.
What parks are near Montebello, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 parks near Montebello, NY that allow camping, notably Gateway National Recreation Area and Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
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