Motorhomes and travel trailers can access several campgrounds near Scarsdale, New York via routes that avoid parkway height restrictions. Most RV sites within 60 miles maintain moderate tree coverage while offering electric service, though water connections may be winterized at higher elevations from November through March. Cell service quality varies significantly between AT&T and Verizon depending on terrain elevation and campground location.
What to do
Hiking accessible trails: At Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground, campers have direct access to the 1.5-mile Pelton Pond loop trail from several sites. "The sites are very large and I suggest site 7. It is on a hill so have a hand truck or a few people to carry stuff. Trust me it is worth it and I think it's the best tent site they have," notes Christina L. The park features additional trails connecting to Headley overlook with minimal elevation gain.
Swimming in natural settings: Lake swimming is available at several parks including Croton Point Park, where "the lake is clear and sandy (some rocks in sand on shore, but standard for imported sand), and many families seemed to have traveled up for a day trip," according to Jess M. The beach at Croton Point typically operates from Wednesday through Sunday with lifeguards during summer months.
Urban exploration by public transit: From Liberty Harbor RV Park, campers can reach Manhattan via multiple transportation options. "The light rail is a block away, and the path train is about 8. Staff is average, as this is not meant to be high end," explains Joe R. Visitors staying at the park should budget $35-50 for Lyft rides to Brooklyn neighborhoods or use the ferry service that departs from the adjacent marina.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campsites offer encounters with local fauna. "Deer running everywhere and surprisingly beautiful and quaint. Free hot showers in the bathrooms, with plenty of room to change," says Megan B. about Beaver Pond Campground. Bear activity requires proper food storage at many locations, particularly in Harriman State Park where bear-resistant containers are recommended.
Fall foliage viewing: October camping provides premium leaf-peeping opportunities combined with reduced crowds. "We make a habit of going during the end-of-summer/fall when you can watch the leaves change along the hiking trails, go apple and pumpkin picking near the campsites, and eat some scrumptious apple cinnamon doughnuts and drink pumpkin hot chocolate," writes Robyn S. about Fahnestock State Park.
Waterfront camping access: Sites with Hudson River views offer unique perspectives. "This must be one of the most breathtaking camp grounds right on the Hudson with beach and trails," according to Anil S., who adds that Croton Point has "a private beach which is opened from Wednesday to the weekend with life guards on duty!" The river views provide natural cooling during summer months.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds within 45 miles of Scarsdale require advance booking. "This park can book up during camping season in the Northeast so make sure to book early in advance," advises Asher K. Sites at popular parks typically open for reservation 9 months in advance, with holiday weekends filling within hours of availability.
Noise considerations: Train activity impacts sleep quality at some locations. At Croton Point Park, "there is a train depot right outside and you can hear them shunting trains all night," notes Andrew A. Similarly, weekend crowds create different experiences than weekday stays, with one camper reporting that weekend sites were "FULL" while weekdays had much better availability.
Bathroom facilities vary widely: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation offers "showers on the rv side of the reservation you can use. Very cheap as well," according to Christina L. However, at Fahnestock, "the campground bathhouse really needed more attention... while it had clearly been painted this past year, it was very 'buggy' - and did not appear to have been thoroughly cleaned since spring."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and activities: Several rv sites near Scarsdale, New York include play areas for children. "The park itself, but particularly the campground, has become laden with all sorts of inexplicable and burdensome rules, endless guidelines, and restrictions," cautions Paul K. about Croton Point Park, though he notes there are "swimming, hiking, kayaking, cabin rentals, and a host of other family-oriented activities just along the Hudson."
Animal encounters: Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort offers unique interactions with farm animals. "The farm has goats, a donkey, and a pony within the campground. Very cool," shares Faith D. This provides entertainment for children without requiring additional travel from the campsite.
Swimming beaches with facilities: Managed swimming areas offer safer family experiences. "They have a nice open beach on Canopus Lake with a concession area and bathhouse, which we found to be quite clean! They even have boat rentals," reports Shelly B. about Fahnestock State Park. Most lake swimming areas close after Labor Day except to registered campers.
Tips from RVers
City access strategies: RVers seeking to visit New York City should consider routing options carefully. "Getting in and out of the city is an adventure. Stay right off the highway to avoid the $30 tunnel toll. Follow RV life pro and not Waze," advises Joe R. about Liberty Harbor RV Park, which serves as the closest base for Manhattan exploration.
Water hookup logistics: At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, "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," reports antruze. Several parks offer seasonal water connections that may be disconnected during winter months.
Campsite selection tips: When looking for rv sites near Scarsdale, evaluate site placement carefully. "This is one of my favorite campsites I have been to but only because after several visits we have finally found our favorite site," explains Asher K., highlighting that "check out the sites online to get one that is private" since layout and privacy vary significantly even within the same campground.
