Leo C.
Scout
ScoutWinding Hills Park
Nice but dated
Nice campground, bathrooms are clean but dated, first come first serve for the sites.
Tent Camping near Nyack, NY
1 campground with availability this weekend
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Tent camping options near Nyack, New York include several established campgrounds within Harriman State Park, including the Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center and Sebago Cabin Camp, which offer dedicated tent sites. The area also features primitive tent camping along the Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail, where hikers can access backcountry sites from Gate Hill Road. Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, located approximately 15 miles east of Nyack, provides additional tent camping opportunities with walk-in access.
Most primitive tent sites in the region require campers to pack in all necessary supplies, as amenities are minimal. Fire regulations vary by location, with some areas like Harriman State Park requiring permits for backcountry fires. According to one visitor, "Sites are walk-in and carts are available to haul gear" at certain locations. Bear activity is common throughout the region, particularly in Harriman State Park, making proper food storage essential for tent campers. Many locations provide bear boxes at designated sites, though some primitive areas require campers to bring bear canisters or use proper hanging techniques.
Tent campers frequently use the area as a base for exploring extensive trail networks, including the Appalachian Trail which passes through Harriman State Park. The terrain at most tent sites consists of forest floor with varying degrees of levelness. A recent review noted that "the nicest, most level tent site you'll ever find" can be found at certain locations, though this varies significantly between established and primitive sites. Seasonal considerations include higher humidity and insect activity during summer months, particularly near water sources. Most backcountry tent sites offer significant privacy compared to established campgrounds, with primitive areas along the Stonetown Circular Trail providing "a nice spot to set up camp because it is right next to a flowing stream with fresh water."
Best Tent Campgrounds near Nyack (25)
1. Croton Point Park
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $30 - $60 / night
2. The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center — Harriman State Park
"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."
3. Ward Pound Ridge Reservation
"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."
"There’s elevation gain, creeks, and open fields for stargazing. You have the options of a lean to here."
Check Availabilityfrom $45 - $55 / night
4. Suffern-Bear Mountain from Gate Hill Road Primitive
"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."
5. Campgaw Mountain Reservation
6. West Point FMWR Lake Frederick Outdoor Recreation Area
"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. "Check Availabilityfrom $20 - $150 / night
7. Mountain Lakes Park
"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."
8. Stonetown Circular trail Primitive #2
"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."
9. Stonetown Circular trail Primitive #1
"Stonetown Circular trail is a 11 mile medium/high difficulty loop trail. This is the first of two primitive sites along the trail. The trailhead is across the street from a large parking lot."
10. Wawayanda State Park Campground
"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."
Drive Time
- 27 min from Kiryas Joel, NY
- 29 min from New York, NY
- 45 min from Bridgeport, CT
- 1 hr 2 min from New Haven, CT
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Nyack, NY
47 Photos of 25 Nyack Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
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Tent Camping Reviews near Nyack, NY
544 Reviews of 25 Nyack Campgrounds
Thomas B.
RangerNeversink River Resort
Cool Riverside Campground
I'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.
Edwin R.ScoutCheesequake State Park Campground
Park uses county cops to shut down park by 9pm.
On 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.
- KKelly B.
GuideClarence Fahnestock State Park Campground
Check site photos first
Definitely 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
- KKelly B.Guide
Stephens State Park Campground
Great last min getaway
Booked 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!
- KKevin F.
TravelerTri-State RV Park
A place to stay in an area lacking campgrounds.
This 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.
- JJoyceScout
Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park
Bare bones
No 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.
Deiludi P.ScoutKittatinny Campground
AWFUL
We reserved for a day. Very bad service. The river is super dirty and they did not even clean the trash cans. Besides, the fire ring has no grill cooking grate, so if you don’t bring your own NO GRILLING. Ryan was the person in front that took care of us, he was rude, my kids felt weird because he was not welcoming at all. Also, we try to ask for a partial refund since we did not felt comfortable since the beginning, and they said NO. We have experience camping, but this one was simply THE WORST. We lost the money but we won’t put our kids in a difficult situation. Thanks.
Lauren Q.ScoutJellystone Park™ Gardiner
Overall good stay
We stay at a lot of Jellystone parks so have become accustomed to the park layouts and activities. This one was well maintained with clean facilities. Some things like the mini golf and fire pits needed maintenance. The pools were nice but get very busy later in the day. The sites up on the hills are nice but beware, it’s a hill! There is little to no WiFi or cell service or it gets easily bogged down, so be ready for that. Food was basic but good. Some activities like bingo were a bit chaotic and there were a lot of ground hornets around the jumping pillows. Would totally go again.
Guide to Nyack
The Nyack, New York area sits at the widest point of the Hudson River, approximately 300 feet above sea level with several nearby state parks covering more than 70,000 acres of woodland. Camping options range from primitive backcountry sites requiring substantial hikes to family-friendly cabin facilities with amenities like electricity and refrigerators. Water access points throughout the region provide opportunities for swimming and paddling during summer months when temperatures average 75-85°F.
What to do
Water activities at Croton Point Park: The park features a designated swimming area with buoys and lifeguards present during summer months. One visitor noted that "there is a train depot right outside and you can hear them shunting trains all night," so noise-sensitive campers should bring earplugs for sleeping.
Rock scrambling at Stonetown Circular: This challenging 11-mile loop trail offers primitive camping about 2 miles from the trailhead. According to a reviewer, "This is a great spot to set up camp because it has a wide area and an amazing view. You will find the site right next to the American Flag at the top of the mountain."
Seasonal events near Croton Point Park: The area offers special activities during fall months. One camper mentioned, "We came in October to celebrate Halloween in sleepy hollow! This is a great campsite and reasonably priced. Was close to bear mountains state park and the train station is right there!"
What campers like
Communal activities at Sebago Cabin Camp: Weekend programming includes organized social events. A visitor reported that "Sebago has a ton of activities like outdoor movies and communal bonfires on weekends. I was told by ranger Joe they also do Karaoke nights too."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Various campgrounds offer chances to spot local animals. At Croton Point Park, a camper mentioned that "Clean park with a place to swim but only within buoys and when a life guard is present... On the bright side, there are lots of bunnies!"
Year-round accessibility at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation: This campground remains open through all seasons. A regular visitor noted, "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."
What you should know
Reservation procedures vary by location: Each campground has different booking systems. For Ward Pound Ridge, "The one downside is that you need to book in person but it can be done well in advance if need be."
Wildlife considerations: Local fauna requires proper precautions. At Croton Point Park, campers should "Keep your food in the dry bag and away from the tent or benches provided or face the packs of fearless racoons at night."
Primitive camping conditions at Stonetown Circular trail Primitive #2: Located about 4 miles into the hike, "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'."
Campground regulations: Some locations have strict rules. At Croton Point Park, one camper noted the "endless guidelines, and restrictions only a New York State-run bureaucracy could ever make sense of" with "regular patrols being made day and night."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access at multiple locations: Several campgrounds offer recreation areas for children. One visitor to Croton Point Park mentioned "playground within sight of our camper" which allows parents to supervise while relaxing at their site.
Kid-friendly programming at The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center: Staff organize activities specifically for younger campers. A reviewer noted that "ranger Joe is 👌 with the kids" at nearby facilities.
First-time camper friendly locations: Some tent campsites near Nyack, New York are particularly good for beginners. A new camper at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation shared: "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."
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience nighttime sound issues. A camper at Croton Point Park advised that "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."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most primitive tent camping areas near Nyack lack RV amenities. Croton Point Park offers some services but has restrictions: "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 selection advice at Mountain Lakes Park: For those with smaller rigs, choosing the right spot matters. The park features "a dirt road loops through the property with trails off and through it" allowing access to various camping areas.
Crowding considerations: Certain times may be less busy. One RVer at Campgaw Mountain Reservation observed, "We went on a holiday weekend, and we were the only campsite that was occupied, so that is absolutely a plus."
Frequently Asked Questions
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campsite near Nyack, NY?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Nyack, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Nyack, NY is Croton Point Park with a 3.7-star rating from 10 reviews.
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What is the best site to find tent camping near Nyack, NY?
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