Camping opportunities near Shrub Oak, New York extend beyond developed campgrounds to include tent platforms, lean-tos, and primitive sites within state parks. The region sits at elevations between 400-1,200 feet with moderate summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping season from June through September. Weekday camping typically offers more solitude and availability than weekend dates, especially at sites within an hour's drive of New York City.
What to do
Hiking network access: At The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center, trails connect directly to the campground. One camper noted, "This camp is run by AMC (The Appalachian Mountain Club)... Great Lake to swim. They offer a meal plan (Option for breakfast, lunch, dinner) that you can get at their dinning hall and I HIGHLY recommend that option."
Rock scrambling adventures: The Suffern-Bear Mountain trail provides challenging terrain for experienced hikers. "At one point of the trail is a very difficult, but doable, rock scramble up the side of the mountain. At the top of the scramble is a primitive camping site with amazing views," describes a camper who tackled this 15-mile route.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds feature lake access with varying amenities. Jellystone Park Gardiner offers more structured water activities with "Nice pool that is shallow so you can relax and let the little ones go in the water park section alone or they have a 3 ft pool also," according to one visitor.
What campers like
Platform tents for weather protection: Several campgrounds in the region feature raised platforms for setting up tents. A visitor to Beaver Pond Campground noted, "The biggest positive about Beaver Pond is how spread out it was. You definitely feel like you have your own space and are not camping on top of your neighbor. Many of the camping options were on platforms which is especially nice if it recently rained."
Seclusion and privacy: Some of the best places to camp near Shrub Oak provide secluded sites. At Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, "The shelter sites are large and private with access to hiking trails and make for a unique experience," according to one camper who gave the site five stars.
Seasonal wildlife viewing: Local parks offer opportunities to observe wildlife throughout the year. One visitor to The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center mentioned, "The lake is very peaceful, and home to beavers we watched from the dining hall patio."
What you should know
Train accessibility: Several campgrounds near Shrub Oak can be reached via public transportation. A camper at Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground shared, "When you are camping with a large group of friends and don't all have access to a car, this is the perfect spot. MetroNorth takes you right into Cold Spring, a charming, quaint town with antique shops and beautiful views of the Hudson. From there, it is a short drive to the campgrounds."
Limited cell service: Mobile reception varies significantly between locations. At Sebago Cabin Camp, a visitor reported, "Absolutely zero phone service (for T-Mobile) which was AMAZING."
Park-specific rules: Different parks maintain distinct regulations. At Croton Point Park, a camper observed, "The campground has become laden with all sorts of inexplicable and burdensome rules, endless guidelines, and restrictions only a New York State-run bureaucracy could ever make sense of."
Tips for camping with families
Activity scheduling: For families seeking structured recreation, consider timing. At Sebago Cabin Camp, "There's a ton of activities like outdoor movies and communal bonfires on weekends. I was told by ranger Joe they also do Karaoke nights too."
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. At West Point FMWR Round Pond Recreation Area, a military family mentioned, "We were very impressed with the playground on site!" while another visitor appreciated that Mountain Lakes Park has "a playground within sight of our camper."
Noise considerations: When camping with children who need consistent sleep, site selection matters. At Croton Point Park, one visitor warned, "We stayed in site 9. The higher number sites were closer to the RV site and the water. The site was very loud (dance music) until after 11pm. Quiet time at 10pm."
Tips from RVers
Utility hookups: RV campers should note that Croton Point Park offers a mix of partial and full-hookup sites. One RVer detailed, "A county park with a mix of w/e (6 sites) and FHU sites... All sites appeared level. The FHU sites were back-to-back and although there were trees separating the sites, they were close together."
Seasonal bathroom access: Facilities may vary by season at campgrounds like Clarence Fahnestock State Park. "The beach is closed after Labor Day to the public, but open to people staying at the campsite. Clean and beautiful. Great hikes. Bathrooms and dishwashing... UGH. So old and dirty!!!"
Fire regulations: Some campgrounds have specific fire rules. At The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center, campers note that "Campfires are restricted to certain areas and you have to share."
