Cabin accommodations near North Castle range from rustic to modern facilities. The terrain is primarily rolling hills and hardwood forests at elevations between 300-500 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically reach mid-80s°F with humidity, while spring and fall offer more moderate conditions with temperatures in the 60s-70s°F. Winter camping requires additional preparation as temperatures can drop below freezing.
What to do
Hiking nearby: Several state parks offer trail systems suitable for day hikes. At Croton Point Park, you can access "short hiking trails in the area that are located within the park" and enjoy "a playground within sight of our camper," as one visitor noted. The park also features "a model airplane air field and a decent playground for young kids."
Seasonal swimming: West Point FMWR Round Pond Outdoor Recreation Area provides swimming areas with added safety features. A camper mentioned "the new docks around the swimming area create a safer swimming experience for even the most inexperienced swimmers, allowing them safe and obvious perimeters." Always check with park officials about swimming conditions before entering the water.
Halloween celebrations: Croton Point Park offers a unique opportunity for fall visitors. One camper shared, "We came in October to celebrate Halloween in sleepy hollow! This is a great campsite and reasonably priced. Was close to bear mountains state part and the train station is right there!" Consider booking early for this popular seasonal event.
What campers like
Spaciousness: Many campers appreciate the well-defined sites at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation. A visitor observed, "The campsites are paved and mostly level. They are wooded and large. Water and electric hookups and a dump station." Another mentioned, "Even if the place is packed there is PLENTY of room."
Convenient platforms: For tent campers concerned about ground conditions, Mahlon Dickerson Reservation provides a useful feature. One camper noted, "At the campgrounds there is a platform where you can pitch your tent," while another explained, "They have these 12x12 platforms to put your tent on. This was pretty cool especially since some of the sites are all gravel with surrounding dirt."
Accessibility: The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center provides transportation options for those without vehicles. As one visitor mentioned, "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)."
What you should know
Strict regulations: Some parks have extensive rules. At Croton Point Park, a visitor cautioned about "endless guidelines, and restrictions only a New York State-run bureaucracy could ever make sense of" and noted "regular patrols being made day and night, by both the Park Rangers and what appears to be general park staff members."
Varied bathroom quality: Facilities differ significantly between parks. At Wildwood State Park Campground, a camper reported, "Bathrooms and showers were not really clean, which was surprising because most people used their personal bathroom/shower in their RV." Conversely, at Kettletown State Park, visitors noted "Clean but a bit dated" facilities.
Varied noise levels: Some campgrounds experience noise issues. A Croton Point Park visitor mentioned, "There is a train depot right outside and you can hear them shunting trains all night." Another camper at the same park stated, "The site was very loud (dance music) until after 11pm. Quiet time at 10pm."
Tips for camping with families
Activities for kids: Jellystone Park Gardiner offers extensive recreational options. A visitor shared, "This campground has a lot of activities and has kids of all ages galore. I was worried my 12 year old would be too old for it but he enjoyed making friends there." Another mentioned, "Nice pool that is shallow so you can relax and let the little ones go in the water park section alone."
Wildlife awareness: Teach children about local wildlife encounters. At Croton Point Park, a camper observed, "On the bright side, there are lots of bunnies!" while another advised, "Keep your food in the dry bag and away from the tent or benches provided or face the packs of fearless racoons at night."
First-time camping: Sebago Cabin Camp offers an approachable environment for beginners. A camper shared their experience: "Our 2nd ever camping trip with our RV and it really was amazing. Our first trip to another campground was disastrous due to hurricanes and leaks, and this trip made everything so much better."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Consider specific site characteristics. At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, a camper advised, "I suggest site 7. It is on a hill so have a hand truck or a few people to carry stuff. Trust me it is worth it and I think it's the best tent site they have."
Water connections: Check for water hookup details before arrival. At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, a camper noted, "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."
Navigation: Plan your route carefully for larger vehicles. One camper mentioned, "Easy to navigate our 38 ft. RV. Easy to dump and fill." However, not all campgrounds accommodate large rigs, so always confirm size restrictions when booking.
