Rock Tavern, New York sits within the Hudson Valley region with elevations ranging from 400 to 1,300 feet. The area features a mix of hardwood forest and open meadows, with tent campsites experiencing average summer highs around 85°F and winter lows below freezing. Most primitive camping options close during winter months when snow accumulation makes access difficult.
What to do
Paddling on Sebago Lake: Sebago Cabin Camp in Harriman State Park allows campers to rent canoes for use on their large lake. "This was perfect for lounging and swimming in during a hot summer day. We were able to rent a cabin which was equipped with an outside grill and picnic area," notes a visitor to Sebago Cabins.
Rock climbing access: Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground serves as a central hub for climbers. A camper explains, "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." The campground attracts international visitors specifically for climbing access.
Hiking with elevation changes: The terrain around Suffern-Bear Mountain Primitive offers challenging trails with significant elevation gain. "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," notes a hiker who camped at the site.
What campers like
Military-only facilities: West Point FMWR Lake Frederick Outdoor Recreation Area maintains higher standards for military personnel and families. According to one reviewer, "Being military-only keeps standards high, the campground clean and well maintained. The new docks around the swimming area create a safer swimming experience for even the most inexperienced swimmers, allowing them safe and obvious perimeters."
Farm-based experiences: Peace and Carrots Farm offers a unique camping experience alongside working agricultural operations. "This site was a small tiny home located on an active produce farm. The host was fantastic and catered to all of our needs giving us some firewood, a tour of her farm, and some fresh produce she picked that morning," writes one visitor who introduced a first-time camper to outdoor living.
Communal amenities: The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center provides platform tent sites with access to dining services. A camper reports, "One highlight was having meals cooked by the stellar chef. The lake is very peaceful, and home to beavers we watched from the dining hall patio. This campsite is accessible by public transportation."
What you should know
Different comfort levels: Tent campsites near Rock Tavern range from primitive to developed. At Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed, "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."
Wildlife considerations: Multiple campgrounds report active bear populations. At Sebago Cabins, campers should "keep your food in the dry bag and away from the tent or benches provided or face the packs of fearless raccoons at night."
Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds require advance booking. At West Point FMWR Lake Frederick, one visitor mentioned, "You won't want for anything at Lake Frederick and it will be a great way to unplug, kick back and enjoy God's Creation!"
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly programs: Sebago Cabin Camp runs structured activities for families with children. As one camper noted, "They also have movie nights they do big bon 🔥 on Saturday very kid friendly ranger Joe is 👌 with the kids."
Swimming access: Croton Point Park provides supervised swimming options with lifeguards on duty. "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!"
Playground proximity: Camping areas with play structures allow parents to keep watch from their sites. One Croton Point visitor mentioned, "Peaceful and gorgeous campsite, with plenty of space between sites. Great view of the Hudson, and playground within sight of our camper."
Tips for RVers
Limited hookup availability: Most tent campsites near Rock Tavern aren't suited for large RVs. While Croton Point Park does accommodate RVs, one visitor noted the layout can be challenging: "The FHU sites were back-to-back and although there were trees separating the sites, they were close together."
Road access considerations: Access to many camping areas requires navigating narrow, winding roads. At Wawayanda State Park, a visitor observed, "Campgrounds are a narrow patch of grass by the roadway. Site #3 is on a hill which doesn't make for a comfortable night of sleep."
Off-grid preparation: Even established campgrounds may have limited utilities. A camper at Croton Point Park noted, "Site does not have Wi-Fi and street address didn't work correctly with multiple GPS apps. (Used Park address.)"