3 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Tent campsites in Harriman State Park and surrounding areas near Sloatsburg, New York offer primitive camping options with varying levels of accessibility. The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center provides tent platforms in a well-maintained setting, while primitive tent sites can be found along the Suffern-Bear Mountain and Stonetown Circular trails for those seeking a more backcountry experience. Some sites like "The Island" are situated next to flowing streams, providing fresh water access for hikers setting up camp.
Most primitive tent sites require a hike to reach, with some positioned atop challenging rock scrambles. Stonetown Circular trail features two primitive tent sites along its 11-mile loop, both requiring moderate to difficult hiking to access. Many backcountry tent campers recommend packing light due to the difficult terrain. "Be ready for a difficult uphill rock scramble," noted one camper about the Stonetown sites. Limited amenities are standard at these primitive locations, with most lacking restroom facilities, running water, or designated fire rings. Bear activity is common in the region, and some designated sites provide bear boxes for food storage.
The tent camping experience in this region rewards those willing to hike for solitude. Areas like the primitive site at the top of the Suffern-Bear Mountain trail offer expansive views as compensation for the difficult access. A visitor mentioned that "at the top of the scramble is a primitive camping site with amazing views." While Harriman State Park sees significant day hiker traffic, particularly on weekends, backcountry tent sites remain relatively uncrowded. Most primitive tent areas have suitable flat spots for setting up multiple tents, though terrain varies considerably. Fall brings particularly favorable camping conditions with reduced humidity and fewer insects at these higher-elevation tent sites.
"Campfires are restricted to certain areas and you have to share. They do have bear boxes available as this is bear country. Very well run campground and cabins. Great Lake to swim."
"I camped on one of the platforms, which was very nice and did not feel crowded even with other people on neighboring platforms. One highlight was having meals cooked by the stellar chef."
"Tent sites are very private with some dirt roads to exit out but thats what make it unique experience! Bathrooms with shower is near by and has plenty porta potties all around."
"Peaceful and gorgeous campsite, with plenty of space between sites. Great view of the Hudson, and playground within sight of our camper."
from $30 - $60 / night
"Fantastic loop hike near some amazing hidden lakes. One downside is there were obviously people who had visited and didn't understand what LEAVE NO TRACE means. We'll bring a trashbag next time."
"It is off the beaten path without any running water or showers within walking distance."
"Stonetown Circular trail is a 11 mile medium/high difficulty loop trail. This is the second of two primitive sites along the trail. The trailhead is across the street from a large parking lot."
"Stonetown Circular trail is a 11 mile medium/high difficulty loop trail. This is the first of two primitive sites along the trail. The trailhead is across the street from a large parking lot."
"Suffern-Bear Mountain from Gate Hill Road is a high difficulty 15 mile out and back trail. At one point of the trail is a very difficult, but doable, rock scramble up the side of the mountain."
"This was a great campsite nestled in the foothills of Northern NJ on the NY border. Small, clean with great views and great location for hiking , cruising etc."
"The campground is also near the Appalachian trail while still only about an hour from Manhattan! Check them out and leave a review with your adventures during your stay!"
from $50 - $275 / night
"Yes, this is a military-only campground but, that doesn't take away from how incredible it is and that is properly advertised.
This place is incredible. "
from $20 - $150 / night
"In September my Girlfriend (who has never been camping) and I made the trip to New York."
from $90 / night
GuideMade a reservation (site44) since I arrived as the sun had set. Office registration was open until 8. Staff was neither friendly nor unfriendly. Bathroom was dated but fine and a short walk from my site. CG was emptier being a Tuesday night in mid-October, so was plenty of space.
Great trail following the Hudson River. Beautiful fall colors.
ScoutNice campground, bathrooms are clean but dated, first come first serve for the sites.
RangerI'll start by saying this is a site-specific review (C20). I booked using Campspot and didn't select my own site but put in the criteria for my rig (30ft TT plus truck) and got a 50A back-in spot. The site was big but abnormal. Between the picnic table placement and the trees, I ended up right around 50ft from the electric and water, and the water spigot was so low I could barely put on my camco filter. With the uneven dirt roads, I had to unhitch with my truck in a gigantic puddle (lol). The site was otherwise fine aside from my gate code not working on Day 2. As for the campground as a whole, I thought it was pretty unique place by the river that offered several good amenities and activities, like downstream river tubing, an arcade, bathroom/shower facilities, a small store, little trails, and more. I would say this place borders the more primitive side.
ScoutOn Friday, September 4, 2026, I rented a trailer and brought my family to Cheesequake State Park to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary over the extended Labor Day weekend. Around 9:20 PM—well before the park's designated 10:00 PM quiet hours—we were sitting inside our canopy, playing Jenga, and listening to low background music. Two officers from the Matawan Police Department approached our campsite. They were polite and courteous, simply offering a standard reminder to wrap things up by 10:00 PM. Before they could leave, however, a third, senior officer intervened. Wanting to"show them how it's done," he made the two polite officers return and stand by to watch as he demonstrated how to aggressively harass campers. Flashlight in hand, the senior officer approached with an immediate hostile attitude, treating us like criminals as he demanded to know who rented the site. He began reiterating rules and claimed we had too many vehicles. We had three cars, one belonging to my brother-in-law's girlfriend, who was visiting with her daughter. She had paid the$10 visitor fee at the main office and was instructed by staff to obtain the gate access code from us, the primary renters, if she got locked in. No staff member ever informed her of an 8:00 PM visitor departure deadline, leading us to reasonably assume visitors were permitted until quiet hours began at 10:00 PM. The officer rudely snapped that she had been given wrong information. The senior officer then used profanity in front of three small children, aggressively telling her to ("get her shit and get the fuck out!") in that manner or use profanity, the officer went from hostile to furious. He angrily declared that these were official violations and threatened that he could be issuing us tickets instead. Desperately searching for anything and everything to throw at us, he demanded that we turn off our idling car—which was supplying power to our campsite—and instructed us to make sure the campfire was doused before shutting down for the night. He then proceeded to shine his flashlight into our private setup—including our canopy, tents, and the inside of our trailer—searching for any other possible violation while the two polite officers were forced to watch. What was supposed to be a special 10th wedding anniversary celebration with my family was completely ruined by a senior officer misusing his authority to put on an unnecessary display of intimidation. Worse than just ruining our night, he spent that evening teaching those two police officers how to be bad cops. He corrupted two officers in real time, demonstrating firsthand exactly why most people have lost faith in the police force. The next day we was ready for them. We turned off our lights and quietly by the fire while they went next door to harass an asian family that had just set up camp and had their leds lights on.
GuideDefinitely a wide variety of sites—look at the site pictures before booking—there are two areas where it’s just an open field with bonfires and picnic tables that I’d avoid. I could see a large group going there or something but personally it doesn’t offer any privacy.
BUT if you book one of the other sites that DOES have privacy you’ll be in camping heaven. The “hike in” sites are more like “walk-in,” I was worried at first but it’s some are as little as a few yards from the road. The most annoying part was lugging the cooler back and forth, but totally worth it
GuideBooked the day before—even on the holiday weekend! Just 1.5 hours outside of NYC, site was a bit close to the neighbors (fire pit was very far back and basically in the neighbors’ campsite, but we put up a “privacy clothesline” and hung a tarp over it for a bit of extra coverage.
The staff was friendly and helpful, they said it was the busiest they’ve seen the campground all year (there were lots of large groups but everyone seemed to settle down by 9:30pm
Poison ivy was EVERYWHERE at our site so make sure to stick to the open areas and the paths. Lots of families around, we felt very safe Bathrooms were fine—it was my impression they’re usually cleaner but the high traffic of the weekend left a bit to be desired, (lots of families around=dirty diapers in the bathroom trash bin) but it’s camping! I’m not gonna argue w a flushing toilet!
TravelerThis area seems to be devoid of campgrounds except for this one. It’s basically just a large parking lot with hook ups. Completely open, which is great for Starlink. Bathrooms were slightly above average; fairly clean and places to hang clothes for your shower. Has a laundry but be sure to bring quarters. It is about 100 yards from the interstate so you’ll get a lot of noise and diesel exhaust fumes.
RangerWe camped here in our pop up for our Anniversary in November. We were impressed with the cleanliness and available amenities for the time of year we were camping in! Close proximity to DWG and PA AND NJ attractions.
TravelerAnother great experience. Sites were large. Staff was friendly with many different things for kids to do. Great base camp for local hikes.
Cabin camping near Sloatsburg, New York offers options ranging from rustic structures to more comfortable accommodations, all within the forested highlands of the Ramapo Mountains. Located at elevations between 500-1,200 feet, this region experiences cooler temperatures than nearby urban areas, with summer highs typically 5-7 degrees lower than New York City. Fall camping season extends longer than many expect, with comfortable daytime temperatures often continuing through late October.
Paddling on Sebago Lake: At Sebago Cabin Camp in Harriman State Park, campers can enjoy swimming and paddling on the large lake. "Sebago has a huge lake and great beach area. It was perfect for lounging and swimming in during a hot summer day," notes camper Ethan K. The lake serves as a central feature for many cabin camping activities.
Outdoor movie nights: Weekend evenings often feature special events at certain campgrounds. "Sebago cabins... they also have movie nights they do big bon 🔥 on Saturday very kid friendly," shares Hashim C. about the Sebago Cabin Camp.
Explore nearby towns: The cabin camping areas provide access to surrounding communities with dining options. "There's a few very cute small towns nearby with surprisingly modern restaurants and friendly people," according to Sara P. who stayed at the cabins in Harriman State Park.
Lake activities: The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center offers water-based recreation. "You can also rent canoes and take them out on the lake for an afternoon activity," writes Ethan K. The lake at this center has additional wildlife viewing opportunities, as one camper notes: "The lake is very peaceful, and home to beavers we watched from the dining hall patio."
Rustic cabin amenities: Cabins at Sebago provide basic comforts without excessive luxury. "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," explains Sara P., highlighting the balance between outdoor experience and basic convenience.
Public transportation access: Unlike many camping destinations, some cabin areas can be reached without a car. The AMC Harriman Outdoor Center offers scheduled transportation: "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)," shares Ilya F.
Well-maintained cabin platforms: The Croton Point Park cabin and camping area receives regular upkeep. "Clean park with a place to swim but only within buoys and when a life guard is present," reports Isabel L. The established boundaries help maintain safety standards.
Meal services at select locations: Some cabin camping areas offer dining options beyond self-catering. "One highlight was having meals cooked by the stellar chef," mentions Ilya F. about the AMC Harriman Outdoor Center, adding value for those who prefer not to cook while cabin camping near Sloatsburg.
Bear safety precautions: Bears are active throughout the cabin camping region. At some locations, "They do have bear boxes available as this is bear country," explains Thomas M. about the AMC facilities. Always store food properly when tent camping in Sloatsburg area cabins.
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies greatly between campgrounds. "Absolutely zero phone service (for T-Mobile) which was AMAZING," mentions Sara P. about Sebago Cabin Camp, suggesting campers should plan communications accordingly.
Varying cabin standards: Cabin facilities differ significantly between locations. "Campfires are restricted to certain areas and you have to share," notes Thomas M. about the AMC location, highlighting the need to research specific rules before booking.
Weekend crowds: The proximity to urban areas affects visitor numbers. "Close enough to the city, far enough to enjoy the nature. Expect crowds," warns Esther L. about Sebago, suggesting weekday stays for those seeking solitude.
Ranger-led activities: Some locations offer programming specifically for younger campers. "Ranger Joe is 👌 with the kids," mentions Hashim C. about the family-friendly atmosphere at Sebago Cabin Camp.
Cabin versus platform decision: Families should consider accommodation types based on weather expectations. The platforms at AMC Harriman "are great, especially when it rains," according to Ethan K., offering more protection than standard tent camping in the Sloatsburg area.
Swimming restrictions: Parents should note that swimming areas often have specific rules. At Croton Point Park, swimming is permitted "only within buoys and when a life guard is present," according to Isabel L., which can limit spontaneous water activities.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The cabin camping experience includes chances to observe local animals. "The lake is very peaceful, and home to beavers we watched from the dining hall patio," reports Ilya F. about the AMC location, providing educational opportunities for children.
Alternative to RV camping: Cabin rentals provide an option for RVers seeking a different experience. "They have rustic cabins. These do not have plumbing or heat. It is a step up from cabin camping," explains Adaly about West Point FMWR Lake Frederick Outdoor Recreation Area, offering a middle ground between tent and RV accommodations.
Bathroom access considerations: Unlike RVs with onboard facilities, cabin campers should research restroom availability. "Only one or two bathrooms in the whole place so be prepared to go for a walk when you have to go," cautions Isabel L. about Croton Point Park facilities.
Seasonal variations: Weather patterns affect the cabin camping experience throughout the year. "The lake is very peaceful, and home to beavers we watched from the dining hall patio," shares Ilya F., suggesting spring and early summer as optimal times for wildlife observation during Sloatsburg area tent camping adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Sloatsburg, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Sloatsburg, NY is The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center — Harriman State Park with a 5-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Sloatsburg, NY?
TheDyrt.com has all 37 tent camping locations near Sloatsburg, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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