4 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Tent campers near Montgomery, New York have access to several established campgrounds within an hour's drive, with Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground and Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed being the most convenient options. The Shawangunk Gateway Campground offers both drive-up and walk-in tent sites situated near world-class hiking and rock climbing areas in the Shawangunk Mountains, approximately 25 miles from Montgomery. Hemlock Ridge MUA provides a primitive tent camping experience with no amenities for those seeking a more secluded setting.
At Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed, campers should follow standard Leave No Trace principles as this is a true primitive tent camping area. The small parking lot accommodates only 4-5 vehicles, and camping is permitted 150 feet from the trail. No amenities exist at this location—no water, no toilets, and no trash service. In contrast, the Shawangunk Gateway Campground provides more facilities with flat tent pads, picnic tables at each site, communal fire pits (no individual fire rings), and access to bathrooms with pay showers. Bear boxes are available at campsites, as this is active bear country. Reservations are recommended for both locations, particularly during peak climbing season.
Walk-in tent sites at Shawangunk Gateway Campground (sites 8-15) offer a more secluded experience than the drive-up options, with sites 8 and 9 situated slightly higher with better spacing. The tent pads are notably level and easy to set up on, making them comfortable for multi-night stays. Areas farther from the road provide a quieter experience, though some road noise can still be heard from the nearby 55 mph highway. The campground serves as an excellent base for exploring the extensive trail networks in Minnewaska State Park Preserve and Mohonk Preserve. A review mentioned, "This isn't a fancy campsite and has no amenities. There is a small parking lot and a trail that runs through 80 acres of forest. Camping is allowed anywhere 150ft from the trail. Normal LNT rules apply."
"I definitely recommend trying to get the walk-in (meaning you can't drive to them) sites (8-15) because they're just a little bit more set back and kind of wonderfully wooded all around. 8 & 9 seemed"
"This is a very nice modern campground with great access to amazing hiking and climbing in the area! About half the sites are walk-in and half the sites are drive-up."
"In September my Girlfriend (who has never been camping) and I made the trip to New York."
from $90 / night
"There are absolutely no amenities whatsoever & barely even a signal here, but it’s quiet & off the beaten path. The parking lot only holds about 4-5 cars, 6 if you park real tight."
"Arrived 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."
"Yes, this is a military-only campground but, that doesn't take away from how incredible it is and that is properly advertised.
This place is incredible. "
from $20 - $150 / night
"Campfires are restricted to certain areas and you have to share. They do have bear boxes available as this is bear country. Very well run campground and cabins. Great Lake to swim."
"I camped on one of the platforms, which was very nice and did not feel crowded even with other people on neighboring platforms. One highlight was having meals cooked by the stellar chef."
from $90 / night
"Fantastic loop hike near some amazing hidden lakes. One downside is there were obviously people who had visited and didn't understand what LEAVE NO TRACE means. We'll bring a trashbag next time."
"It is off the beaten path without any running water or showers within walking distance."
"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."
"Peaceful and gorgeous campsite, with plenty of space between sites. Great view of the Hudson, and playground within sight of our camper."
from $30 - $60 / night
"This was a great campsite nestled in the foothills of Northern NJ on the NY border. Small, clean with great views and great location for hiking , cruising etc."
"The campground is also near the Appalachian trail while still only about an hour from Manhattan! Check them out and leave a review with your adventures during your stay!"
from $50 - $275 / night
"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."
ScoutOctober leaves starting to fall makes for a very quiet, peaceful midweek evening in one of the two dispersed car camping sites. Exactly what I was hoping for - private and empty and lovely. Easy to find - two dispersed car sites are to the left at the fork in the road before the trailhead.
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.
ScoutI stayed here in March 2026 for a night before going snowboarding at Belleayre Mountain. It was in the middle of a snowstorm on a Tuesday night, so I had the whole place to myself, which was nice.
ScoutNice campground, bathrooms are clean but dated, first come first serve for the sites.
Travelerbeautiful quiet space, great home base for the Catskills and small towns around here. note there's only a few spots. road conditions were fine.
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.
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
GuideWe went the 2nd week of October and seems like we had just missed the foliage peak but it was still beautiful.
Everyone minded their business and most sites were 2-4 people, showers were clean and warm but the kind where you gotta push the button every 30 seconds. Toilets were clean and running smoothly (we were in the southernmost loop, closest to the camp office)
No cellphone reception but we could get satellite signal to text our loved ones that we were alive and well!
We loved the hiking and especially kayaking on the pond
GuideWe were in campsite 20 with lots of room. The first night we were there we were near very loud groups which was difficult to sleep through. The next night everyone cleared out and we had a peaceful crowd. Bathrooms are nice, the park has great hiking trails and a nice day use area! There is also an area where we can rent canoes. I would definitely return, just wish there was a little more crowd control.
Tent campsites near Montgomery, New York sit within the Hudson Valley region at elevations ranging from 500 to 1,200 feet, creating varied camping experiences between river valleys and mountainous terrain. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer highs typically reaching 80-85°F and winter lows dropping below freezing, making May through October the primary camping season. Most dispersed sites require campers to pack out all trash and carry in water supplies.
Rock climbing access: The Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground serves as a base camp for climbers visiting the internationally renowned Gunks climbing area. "Love this campground! Have been here several times and have never had a complaint. Located really close to the Gunks for climbing and also some great hikes around the area," notes Jackie B.
Swimming in acidic lakes: Lake Minnewaska in the Shawangunk Mountains offers a unique swimming experience. "Good for skinny dipping and other fun things! Most acidic lake in New York but completely safe," explains Luke A. in his review of the Sam Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground — Minnewaska State Park Preserve.
Farm and brewery visits: Some camping options include access to working farms with on-site breweries. A visitor to Peace and Carrots Farm describes the experience: "On the last night the brewery hosted an Oktoberfest party bringing in tons of locals from town, bands, and vendors. The host of the farm was gracious enough to let a good portion of the attendees pitch some tents in the farm fields and camp nearby us."
Level tent platforms: Campers appreciate the well-maintained tent pads at the Shawangunk Gateway Campground. One reviewer noted, "Big flat tent bases to set up on" among the pros of staying there, making for comfortable multi-night stays without the discomfort of roots or rocks.
Communal amenities: The social aspects of camping facilities receive positive reviews. "Communal fire pit and supplied wood. Covered communal pavilion with picnic tables, big sinks for washing dishes, and lighting (which shuts off at 9:47PM)," writes Mollie R., highlighting the thoughtful design of shared spaces.
Primitive camping solitude: For those seeking seclusion, Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed offers true backcountry camping. "If you like dispersed camping, like me- this place is good. There are absolutely no amenities whatsoever & barely even a signal here, but it's quiet & off the beaten path," writes Dawn M., noting the limited parking that accommodates only "4-5 cars, 6 if you park real tight."
Bear safety requirements: Active bear populations necessitate proper food storage. At The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center, "They do have bear boxes available as this is bear country," according to one reviewer who notes this is a "Very well run campground and cabins."
Reservation policies: Many campgrounds in the area assign sites rather than allowing selection. "We were assigned our reserved site rather than choosing it," mentions a Shawangunk Gateway Campground reviewer, which can limit flexibility for groups hoping to camp together.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby properties or roads. A camper at Croton Point Park reports: "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."
Playground access: Croton Point Park features family-friendly facilities with play areas visible from campsites. "Peaceful and gorgeous campsite, with plenty of space between sites. Great view of the Hudson, and playground within sight of our camper," notes Thomas, making it convenient for parents to monitor children.
Swimming safety: When camping with children, consider locations with lifeguarded swimming areas. "Short 5 minute drive to nearby supermarket to pick up food or firewood. I would highly recommend it. 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!" shares Anil S.
Wildlife encounters: Families should prepare for wildlife interactions at camping areas near Montgomery. One camper warns: "Keep your food in the dry bag and away from the tent or benches provided or face the packs of fearless racoons at night." This practical advice helps prevent unwanted nighttime visitors that might frighten children.
Hookup availability: Sebago Cabin Camp in Harriman State Park offers limited RV facilities. "They have rustic cabins. These do not have plumbing or heat. It is a step up from cabin camping. They also have a beach behind it," explains one reviewer, noting that traditional RV camping is limited in favor of cabin accommodations.
Site definition: RVers should note that many campgrounds near Montgomery have loosely defined parking areas. One camper at Croton Point Park described: "We had a loosely defined gravel pad that was level. All sites appeared level. The FHU sites were back-to-back and although there were trees separating the sites, they were close together."
Reservation processes: The reservation system for RV sites can be complicated at some facilities. "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; you have to wait until you check in to find out your site," reports an RVer about the process at Croton Point Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Montgomery, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Montgomery, NY is Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 9 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Montgomery, NY?
TheDyrt.com has all 54 tent camping locations near Montgomery, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
