Tent camping near Salisbury Mills, New York ranges from primitive wilderness sites to established campgrounds with modern amenities. The region features rolling hills and dense forests at elevations between 500-1,200 feet, creating varied terrain for different camping experiences. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F during the day and drop to 55-65°F at night, while spring and fall camping requires preparation for wider temperature fluctuations and occasional precipitation.
What to do
Hiking in Harriman State Park: Extensive trail networks offer varied terrain for all skill levels. According to one camper at The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center, "Great trails to hike for novices looking to branch out but not too large that you'll be lost forever."
Water activities on local lakes: Several campgrounds provide lake access for swimming, fishing, and boating. At the Croton Point Park, visitors note that the peninsula location on the Hudson River offers "a private beach which is opened from Wednesday to the weekend with life guards on duty."
Rock climbing at the Gunks: The Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground serves as an ideal base for climbers. One reviewer mentioned, "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."
Visit local farms and breweries: Some camping areas are located near working farms and breweries. A visitor to Peace and Carrots Farm Bluebird Tiny Home shared, "This site was a small tiny home located on an active produce farm... also on this farm was a local brewery that uses the farms crops in there beers and brews."
What campers like
Secluded walk-in tent sites: Sites away from the main roads provide more privacy and a true wilderness experience. One camper at Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground recommends, "I definitely recommend trying to get the walk-in sites (8-15) because they're just a little bit more set back and kind of wonderfully wooded all around. 8 & 9 seemed like the star sites."
Access to primitive camping areas: For those seeking a more rustic experience, Hemlock Ridge MUA provides free dispersed camping. A camper noted, "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."
On-site food options: Some campgrounds offer meal services that campers find convenient. At The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center, a reviewer highlighted, "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."
Level tent sites: Well-maintained tent platforms and pads make for comfortable sleeping. A camper at Lake Frederick Outdoor Recreation Area appreciated the "rustic power-only campsites that give you a true camping experience and upgraded but, still simple cabins which allow campers of all ages and abilities to enjoy the outdoor experience."
What you should know
Bear safety is essential: All camping areas in the region require proper food storage. One camper at The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center noted, "They do have bear boxes available as this is bear country."
Reservation systems vary by location: Some sites require advance booking while others are first-come, first-served. A camper at Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground mentioned, "We were assigned our reserved site rather than choosing it."
Campfire restrictions differ by site: Not all campgrounds allow individual fires. A visitor to the Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground explained, "No fire pits at campsites. They have eliminated fire rings at each site and opted for one, communal fire pit to encourage more social interaction."
Transportation options exist for car-free campers: Some locations offer shuttles from nearby train stations. A camper noted, "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)."
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with playground access: Children benefit from dedicated play areas. At Croton Point Park, a reviewer mentioned, "Great view of the Hudson, and playground within sight of our camper."
Look for educational ranger programs: Some parks offer nature activities for children. A Sebago Cabins visitor noted, "Ranger Joe is 👌 with the kids and they have 🔥 wood for purchase on site."
Consider sites with swimming areas: Lakes with lifeguards provide safe recreation for families. A camper at Sebago Cabins State Park shared, "Sebago has a huge lake and great beach area. It was perfect for lounging and swimming in during a hot summer day."
Check for family-friendly evening activities: Communal events can enhance the camping experience. A reviewer at Sebago Cabins noted, "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."
Tips for RVers
Limited RV options in the immediate area: Most campgrounds near Salisbury Mills focus on tent camping or cabins. A visitor to Croton Point Park shared, "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."
Consider size restrictions: Large RVs may have difficulty at many local campgrounds. According to a Croton Point camper, "Both the tenting section and RV sites are each very clustered together, and quite crowded."
Check hookup availability: Electric and water connections vary by location. One reviewer noted, "A county park with a mix of w/e (6 sites) and FHU sites plus about a dozen tent sites."
Be prepared for limited amenities: Many RV sites lack full hookups or dump stations. A camper mentioned, "I was perplexed by the signs throughout saying no trespassing/fishing prohibited. I get the no fishing part but the trespassing?"
