Harriman State Park offers camping opportunities within a one-hour drive from New York City at elevations reaching 1,300 feet. The park spans 46,613 acres and contains 31 lakes and reservoirs where temperatures can drop 5-10 degrees cooler than surrounding urban areas, creating comfortable summer camping conditions even when cities experience heat waves. Trail systems throughout the park connect multiple camping areas suitable for pets.
What to do
Swimming at Canopus Lake: Fahnestock State Park provides a beautiful beach area with sand shores at Canopus Lake, accessible during summer months. "Great location and quick to get to from NYC. 45 minute drive and location has a lot of amenities. Full bathrooms and slop sinks throughout the campsite... Hike trails are all over the place and the lake is nearby," reports Kelvin at Beaver Pond Campground.
Hike the Stonetown Circular Trail: This challenging 11-mile loop offers primitive camping options for hikers with dogs. "This site is about 2 miles into the hike. This is a great spot to set up camp because it has a wide area and an amazing view. You will find the site right next to the American Flag at the top of the mountain," writes Ethan K. about Stonetown Circular Trail Primitive #1.
Visit West Point area: Military families camping with pets can explore West Point and surrounding attractions. "We've been coming here for at least 13 years. We love that its a place specifically for Vets and active Military... It has become a home away from home for us and a chance to connect with other Vets," shares a reviewer about Round Pond Recreation Area.
What campers like
Platform tent sites: Elevated camping platforms keep gear and pets dry during wet weather. "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 or if you are expecting rain during your stay," notes Ethan K.
Lakeside camping: Several pet-friendly campgrounds offer direct lake access. "Sebago has a huge lake and great beach area. It 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," explains Ethan K. about Sebago Cabin Camp.
Off-season tranquility: Late spring and early fall provide quieter experiences for campers with pets. "We stayed here on a Thursday night in September prior to taking off backpacking. The campground was clean and quiet. RV hook-ups, tent platforms, and rustic tent sites were available... Ranger said that during summer weekends the grounds fill up and can be quite noisy, but mid-week during the off-season it was great," shares Rebecca S.
What you should know
Wildlife precautions: Bears are active throughout the region requiring proper food storage. "A quick 40 minutes north of NYC, Harriman State Park has an eclectic little campground called Beaver Pond. The grounds are just steps away from Welch Lake... He's nice, but you can tell he's given this welcome speech too many times to get overly excited about it. He offers us a highlighted map to our site, wishes us a good stay, and gives us the run down on bear activity in the area," warns Steve W.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience higher noise levels on weekends and during peak season. "Offering the peaceful tranquility of sitting under the changing oak, sumacs, maples, and poplars, I wouldn't recommend this site for the quiet hearted. There is a constant buzz in the air of conversation, music, laughter and shrieking toddlers. Quiet time at night is laughable as the enjoyment of being in nature rages on into the early morning," notes a reviewer about weekend camping.
Cell service limitations: Communication can be challenging in certain areas. "Absolutely zero phone service (for T-Mobile) which was AMAZING. There's a few very cute small towns nearby with surprisingly modern restaurants and friendly people. In the same state park (Harriman) is several other lakes for swimming, hiking, and paddle boating," reports Sara P. at Croton Point Park.
Tips for camping with families
Choose spacious sites: Look for pet-friendly campsites with room for families to spread out. "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. Trash dumpster is an easy walk and the dump station has a flush hose point," notes a reviewer at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
Plan mid-week visits: Weekdays offer a more relaxed experience for families with pets. "Great place for kids. Short distance from the NYC, very organized, clean pond, has a playground, showers, bathroom. Your phone will have signal," shares Zorina N. about her experience at Beaver Pond Campground.
Consider rustic cabins: Sebago Cabin Camp offers a middle ground between tent camping and full amenities. "These cabins are VERY rustic, four walls, a cot, and a fridge. You still feel like you are 'roughing it' but with the convenience of a fridge. There's a few very cute small towns nearby with surprisingly modern restaurants and friendly people," explains Sara P.
Tips from RVers
Water and electric hookups: Several campgrounds offer partial hookups for RVs with pets. "Have stayed here several times - great location and nice, full hook-up sites. Back-in and pull through sites and can accommodate large rigs. A little expensive but everything is included," shares Dave S. about Black Bear RV Park.
Dump station access: Plan accordingly for waste disposal when traveling with pets. "Located in the Skylands of New Jersey, Mahlon Dickerson Campgound is a perfect place to spend a few nights or a couple of weeks. The campsites are paved and mostly level. They are wooded and large. Water and electric hookups and a dump station," notes Jeff W.
Site selection for pet comfort: Research specific sites before booking for optimal pet comfort. "This county park has large, wooded campsites with electric and water. It's beautiful and quiet, and close to beautiful hiking trails, lakes, and other outdoor recreation opportunities. And yet it's only about a 15 minute drive to a large mall with movies, shopping, and restaurants," reports Jeff W.
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