Adjacent to the Palisades region of New York and New Jersey, glamping options near Scarsdale offer rustic comfort within an hour's drive of the city. The area sits at elevations between 200-1,300 feet, creating varied terrain for outdoor recreation. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, making seasonal availability an important consideration for visitors seeking luxury camping experiences.
What to do
Trail exploration: At Camp Glen Gray, numerous hiking trails provide opportunities for day hikes directly from campsites. "Cabins are always clean and stocked with firewood. Lots of hiking trails," notes Christopher M., highlighting the ready-to-use amenities that minimize preparation time for outdoor activities.
Fishing: Access multiple lakes within a 30-minute drive from most glamping sites. The region's watersheds support both warm and cold water species. One camper at Mountain Lakes Park described the property as "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."
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings offer the best wildlife spotting opportunities, with deer and various bird species common throughout the area. Campers should maintain proper food storage due to local wildlife. "When we were there it was right after a rain storm and everything was a bit muddy and slippery. We will definitely be planning a trip back to Mountain Lakes when the weather gets nicer though!" notes one visitor about seasonal conditions.
What campers like
Proximity to NYC: Many glamping sites offer quick escapes within 60-90 minutes of Manhattan. "Love the proximity to NYC - I always look for areas that are not too far, but not too close to NY," explains Becky G. about her stay at West Point FMWR Round Pond Outdoor Recreation Area, noting the balance between accessibility and natural immersion.
Pet-friendly options: Several glamping sites welcome pets with specific restrictions. At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, one camper reported, "My fiancé, dog, and I have been going here for over 2 years and we love it. The campground is small but also secluded. We always hike to the lake here, it's a very easy hike and also very peaceful."
Tent platforms: Some sites feature raised wooden platforms that keep tents dry during wet weather. "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," notes Christina L., who found these features particularly useful during her solo birthday trip to Mahlon Dickerson.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Many glamping locations have spotty cell coverage due to terrain. "Just a note to other campers with T-Moblie, 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 off the main road," advises a camper from Round Pond.
Reservation requirements: Demand is high for glamping sites within 90 minutes of Scarsdale, particularly for yurts and cabins. Most require booking 3-6 months in advance for summer weekends.
Military-only facilities: Some nearby glamping options maintain restrictions on public access. "Lake Frederick Outdoor Recreation Area is a military-only campground but, that doesn't take away from how incredible it is and that is properly advertised," notes Heather M., explaining the policy that "keeps standards high, the campground clean and well maintained."
Tips for camping with families
Structured activities: Look for campgrounds with organized programming for children. At Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort, one visitor noted "Good family fun though! Plenty to occupy the kids. Playground, hayride, animals to feed (goats, chickens, donkey and pony). There were some organized activities which was nice."
Animal encounters: Several glamping sites feature small farm animals that appeal to younger campers. "The farm has goats, a donkey, and a pony within the campground. Very cool," reports Faith D. about Pleasant Acres Farm, providing engagement opportunities beyond typical outdoor recreation.
Swimming access: Many locations offer swimming options during summer months, though not all have lifeguards on duty. Water quality varies by location and recent rainfall. At Moon Valley Campground, the proximity to hiking trails combined with comfort makes it "an awesome spot for those who want to camp in luxury, with their awesome dome structures."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Full hookup sites are limited at glamping locations near Scarsdale. "Very clean and quiet. 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," notes a visitor to Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
Leveling requirements: Many sites in the region require significant leveling due to terrain. Pack leveling blocks and know your rig's capabilities before booking. "The campsites are paved and mostly level. They are wooded and large. Water and electric hookups and a dump station," reports Jeff W. about his experience at Mahlon Dickerson.
Access roads: Several glamping locations have narrow access roads that may challenge larger rigs. Check campground websites for specific vehicle length restrictions before booking.
