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Campgrounds near North Salem, New York range from state parks to county reservations, offering various accommodation types within an hour's drive of the area. Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground provides tent and RV sites with electric hookups and showers, while Ward Pound Ridge Reservation features more primitive camping with tent sites and lean-tos. Several facilities in the region accommodate both tent and RV camping, with some like Croton Point Park and Kettletown State Park also offering cabin options. Mountain Lakes Park provides a more rustic experience with tent sites and yurts but limited amenities, making it suitable for campers seeking a more immersive natural setting.
Reservations are essential for most campgrounds in the area, particularly during summer months when sites fill quickly. Many campgrounds operate seasonally, with Clarence Fahnestock open from April to December and Beaver Pond Campground at Harriman State Park available from April to October. "Weekends - this park is FULL! Make sure to reserve at least two weeks out. Weekdays? You should be in luck!" noted one camper about Fahnestock State Park. Weather conditions vary significantly by season, with comfortable temperatures from late spring through early fall, while winter camping is limited to a few year-round facilities like Ward Pound Ridge Reservation and Croton Point Park. Cell phone reception can be spotty throughout the region, particularly in more remote camping areas.
Campers consistently mention the proximity to hiking trails and water features as highlights of the camping experience. Harriman State Park's Beaver Pond Campground provides access to Welch Lake with swimming and fishing opportunities, while Croton Point Park offers Hudson River views and beach access. A visitor to Croton Point Park described it as "a gorgeous camping ground right on the Hudson with beach and trails." Wildlife encounters are common, with several reviews mentioning raccoons and bears, particularly at Harriman State Park where proper food storage is essential. Campground density varies significantly, with some sites offering privacy and seclusion while others, particularly those closest to New York City, tend to be more crowded with less separation between campsites, especially during summer weekends and holidays.
"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"Close to the city and civilization, yet large enough to have nice trails and creeks to feel away from it all. The camping sites are very different so it’s useful to go in person and select the area."
"The shelter sites are large and private with access to hiking trails and make for a unique experience. The staff is friendly as well"
from $45 - $55 / night
Check Availability"Mountain Lakes park is a great place to camp within driving distance from NYC. A fun option available at Mountain lakes is to rent a yurt to camp in."
"A gorgeous piece of land that 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."
"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"We love this State Park because it's close to our home for a quick getaway. This time we tried one of the sites on the water, and I probably wouldn't choose the same site again. "
"Semi private with great view and nice walks to the water. Noise was not a problem overnight as to having problems with noises neighbors at other CT state parks."
from $17 - $50 / night
Check Availability"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"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"With a new check in area, Gardiner has really stepped up. They expanded the pool area to include another pool plus splash area and water slides."
"We got a red carpet site by the Gaga pit and near the water park (Cindy bear lane) and it was a convenient yet noisy site. Kids were at the playground 8 am or before and the noise woke us up."
"One of my favorite so far , went with family , to comply w covid and social distancing, the camp only rent your site and no one on your left or right or across ! Amazing !"
"My family has been camping at Lake Waramaug for over 20 years. I can say most of what’s been said is true or partially so but whether it’s bad or good depends on your point of view."
from $17 - $50 / night
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ScoutThis is not the place to come if what you are looking for is a nice quiet, peaceful nature retreat. The "full shade" sites really aren't, it's crowded with kids yelling and running everywhere, and honestly, you're better off camping in your backyard.
RangerThis is an A.T. shelter and campsite. First come, first served. Privy was nice. Flat tentsites for 6 or more. Good for Hammocking also.
ScoutI was in the area and needed a location to hook up. Temperature at 7:00 p.m. was 85 in July which is expected. They're able to get me in for the night. Quick and easy. Had smoke from the Canadian Wildfire which made for a good sunset
LegendExcellent campground! The forest is beautiful, the Hudson River is super close, there are great trails, and the surrounding area is beautiful. Sites are electric only, so make sure your water pump is working and fresh water tank is full. There are spigots for filling and a nice dump station. The player is excellent. I don't think tetn camping here would be great because the tent sites are closer together and there are trains that pass regularly. We couldn't hear the trains in our camper and our site was large and private with great Forest and hammock trees. The mansion tours at Vanderbilt and Mills were awesome!
TravelerWe arrived after 10pm so we couldn’t go into the general store to check in. But there was an envelope with our name and a description of where we had to go. Because it was so dark we couldn’t find it but the security guard was really helpful and showed us the way. We spent a really quiet night at this campground at a tent site with our rooftop tent and appreciated the clean showers and friendly staff. We would come back anytime.
GuideTall pines, the sound of the mighty housatonic river, and some car noise on the nearby 2 lane. The campground is landscaped and maintained beautifully. the highlight is the river, ever-present in sound. The primo sites are on the northern end , where most sites are right on the water, and just a small descent. Bathrooms are good, not great. Showers are push button automatic, water was warm. We have a small RV, the dump site is up the main road about a 1/2 mile in a turnout. Free for campers, on your honor. At office were college aged young men and women in very casual street clothes all very nice, and mannerly, but not very knowledgeable, and hard to believe they could handle an adverse situation. I asked for the soap to be filled in the mens room on Thursday afternoon at 4 and it was still not done at noon the next day. -it’s a 2 minute walk from the office. I asked about a hike, they told me a trail head was a mile up the road. We found a spur directly across the street. I miss real docents, with knowledge, and wearing the garb. All sites not directly on the river side have paths down to get there. Did a nice little moderate hike just across the street called Pine Knob. Nice vista, quick 760ft ascent, combines withe AT for a length, then back down total 3 miles the way we did it. Some nice restaurants in Kent. Found a good breakfast in Goshen. We’ll be going back.
TravelerArrived 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. Very quiet, just the sounds of owls hooting at night. Very nice mixed forest, seems managed well. It is somewhat buggy. But doesn’t seem to be overly infested with ticks at least.
GuideA really nice campground for tenters and dry campers. No hookups, but decent bathrooms, lukewarm showers and well kept. The Housatonic river is wide and shallow but good for soaking on a hot day and right behind pretty much every campsite. The riverside sites have a clear view, the others you walk through the woods. The only negative is Route 7, which gets busy in the mornings, and at rush hours, but quiets down at night. Not a busy highway to begin with, but a major route. A good up and down hike right across the street, 760 ft ascent in a mile or so, 3 mile loop, you see AT through hikers on the portion of the combined trail. There is a drinking water tap you can hook a hose to for filling your RV, or jugs. No dump station. We had our class B here. Sites mostly level. Come during the week for better privacy. Supposedly fly fisherman come on weekends. Cute cabins for rent in a awesome location.
GuideSpent one night here. The park is quiet. The facilities are a little outdated, although they said that newer ones had been built by the marina. I wasn’t up for the 15 minute walk, having just hiked up a mountain. My spot included electrical and water hook ups.
The mountainous terrain surrounding North Salem, New York creates a diverse camping environment with elevations ranging from 400 to 1,200 feet. Most camping options within a 30-mile radius sit near water features, including the Hudson River, Canopus Lake, and several smaller ponds and reservoirs. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F with frequent afternoon thunderstorms, while fall brings cooler 40-65°F temperatures and spectacular foliage.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple campsites near North Salem offer access to quality fishing waters. At Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park, campers can fish at Welch Lake, where the locations are "just steps away from Welch Lake, offering a lifeguard monitored sandy beach which is open during the summer season for swimming, fishing, and small boat craft further out." For more secluded fishing, Mountain Lakes Park provides several small lakes and ponds that one visitor noted were "home to several lakes which can be used for various recreational purposes."
Hiking options: Some of the best places to camp near North Salem feature trails directly accessible from campsites. At Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, you'll find "over 40 miles of trails in this area" with varied terrain. One reviewer mentioned that "all of the shelters have fire pits and some have interior fireplaces," making them perfect base camps for hikers. At Kettletown State Park, trails range from "flat & hilly" and connect directly to camping areas.
Water activities: Swimming and paddling options exist at many nearby campgrounds. Lake Waramaug State Park features a lake that's "great for kayaking, paddle boarding, canoes and for fishing. Bring your own gear but kayak and canoe rentals are available." At Croton Point Park, campers enjoy "a private beach which is opened from Wednesday to the weekend with life guards on duty" along the Hudson River.
Privacy levels: Campsite separation varies significantly across locations near North Salem. At Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground, "almost all of the sites offered privacy.... Even when the campground was full." Visitors appreciate that "all sites were so different" with "super unique layouts." At Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, campers value that "the shelter sites are large and private with access to hiking trails."
Natural surroundings: Many campers highlight the diverse environments at different campgrounds. Mountain Lakes Park includes "lakes, a lookout and Mt. Bailey, the highest point in Westchester County." One visitor to Croton Point Park appreciated the "breathtaking camp grounds (family friendly) right on the Hudson" with "tent sites very private with some dirt roads to exit out."
Accessibility from NYC: For those coming from the city, several campgrounds offer convenient access. Beaver Pond Campground at Harriman State Park is "about 30 minutes from sleepy hollow and tarrytown NY and only an hour to central park!!" while West Point FMWR Round Pond Outdoor Recreation Area is valued for "proximity to NYC - I always look for areas that are not too far, but not too close to NY."
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds in the area require advance planning. At Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, "you need to book in person but it can be done well in advance if need be." Fahnestock State Park gets especially busy: "Weekends - this park is FULL! Make sure to reserve at least two weeks out. Weekdays? You should be in luck!"
Bathroom conditions: Facilities vary dramatically between locations. At Croton Point Park, the "bath/shower house" is "clean but a bit dated." Meanwhile, at Fahnestock, some visitors noted "bathrooms and dishwashing... UGH. So old and dirty!!!" while others found them "clean and well-kept."
Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for animal visitors at several campgrounds. At Jellystone Park™ Gardiner, campers should "watch out for raccoons and skunk, they love to find food. :) be sure put foods in the car!" Similarly, at Beaver Pond Campground, you "may find a few visitors, not necessarily on two legs, but always a delight."
Cell service limitations: Many campgrounds have poor connectivity. Lake Waramaug State Park has "basically non-existent" cell service, though some find this a benefit as "being forced to put away the devices is heaven in my mind." At Round Pond Recreation Area, "we did not have any service on the campsite, however just a hop in the car or a quick walk down the mountain for 5G service near the entrance."
Kid-friendly activities: Several campgrounds near North Salem offer special amenities for children. Jellystone Park Gardiner is "great for kids or diverse groups that all want to do different things. It's very family themed and fun for everyone." The campground includes "a event just about every weekend with kid activity" and features "a bounce pillow" and "lasertag which they enjoy."
Swimming areas for different ages: Beach and swimming facilities vary in child-friendliness. At Beaver Pond Campground, there's a "lifeguard monitored sandy beach" while Lake Waramaug's "swim area is marginal- best for little ones" as it's "extremely small, extremely shallow, and some sand to dig in."
Space considerations: For family camping, site size matters. At Lake Waramaug State Park, "sites are HUGE" which provides ample room for multiple tents and activities. Similarly, Croton Point Park offers "plenty of space between sites" while Ward Pound Ridge has "great sights and are open all year round."
Hookup availability: RV campers have limited full-hookup options near North Salem. Beaver Pond Campground offers sites "from platform tent spaces to those for 25' trailers" with electric hookups, but "no site offers electric or water hook up" directly. Croton Point Park provides "a mix of w/e (6 sites) and FHU sites" for RVers seeking more amenities.
Site leveling: Pay attention to site grading when booking. At Croton Point Park, sites feature "a loosely defined gravel pad that was level. All sites appeared level." However, other campgrounds may have more challenging terrain, as one camper at Lake Waramaug noted "every campsite has deep drainage ditches, likely roots, and stumps as well."
Seasonal considerations: RV camping opportunities are limited in winter. Most campgrounds like Kettletown State Park operate only from "May 26 to September 4" while others like Clarence Fahnestock remain open "from April 15 to December 4." For year-round RV access, Croton Point Park and Ward Pound Ridge Reservation are among the few options available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Big Pine Campground located in North Salem, NY?
While there isn't a specific Big Pine Campground in North Salem, NY, the closest camping options include Ward Pound Ridge Reservation in nearby Pound Ridge. This reservation is well-known among locals for its trail system and group gathering areas. For those willing to travel a bit further, Mountain Lakes Park offers drive-in and walk-in camping experiences in the North Salem region. Both locations provide access to the natural beauty of Westchester County while being a reasonable distance from North Salem.
What camping options are available in North Salem, New York?
The North Salem area offers several camping options within a reasonable driving distance. Croton Point Park provides tent camping along the Hudson River with breathtaking views, family-friendly amenities, and private tent sites. For a more rustic experience, Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground in nearby Carmel offers camping with access to Canopus Lake for swimming, fishing, and boat rentals. For those seeking a unique experience, glamping and tiny home stays like those at Peace and Carrots Farm are becoming increasingly popular in the region. Most campgrounds in the area provide basic amenities like restrooms, showers, and picnic areas.
How far is North Salem camping from Bethel Woods Center for the Arts?
North Salem is approximately 70-80 miles from Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, making it about a 1.5-2 hour drive. When attending events at Bethel Woods, campers might consider Wawayanda State Park Campground which is located roughly halfway between North Salem and Bethel Woods. Another option closer to Bethel Woods is Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park, which offers affordable camping with rates around $15-20 per night depending on residency status. Both provide good staging points for visiting the arts center.
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