80 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Located approximately 50 miles northeast of New York City, South Salem offers several camping options ranging from established sites with amenities to more primitive experiences. Ward Pound Ridge Reservation provides tent camping and lean-to shelters with fire pits in a 4,300-acre park setting. Mountain Lakes Park, situated nearby, features tent camping and yurt accommodations with hiking trails directly accessible from campsites. The area predominantly supports weekend camping trips for New York City residents seeking brief outdoor escapes.
Seasonal availability varies across campgrounds in the region, with many sites open from April through October or early November. Ward Pound Ridge Reservation operates year-round, while other facilities like Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground maintain a mid-April to early December season. Reservations are often required, especially for weekends and holiday periods. Most campsites are accessible via paved or well-maintained roads, though some hiking may be needed to reach certain tent sites. One camper noted, "This is a great place for camping. The shelters are great for people who want to camp and not have to worry about unplanned weather."
Campers frequently mention the area's extensive trail systems as a primary draw, with Ward Pound Ridge Reservation offering over 40 miles of hiking trails. The developed campgrounds generally provide clean facilities, though amenities vary significantly between locations. Sites at Ward Pound Ridge are described as "large and private" with good spacing between camping areas. Water features like lakes and streams enhance many camping experiences in the region. Several visitors highlighted the accessibility from NYC as a major advantage, with Mountain Lakes Park described as "a great place to camp within driving distance from NYC." Despite their proximity to urban areas, many sites offer surprisingly peaceful settings, though some campgrounds near main roads may experience traffic noise.
"Close to the city and civilization, yet large enough to have nice trails and creeks to feel away from it all. The camping sites are very different so it’s useful to go in person and select the area."
"The shelter sites are large and private with access to hiking trails and make for a unique experience. The staff is friendly as well"
from $45 - $55 / night
Check Availability"When you are camping with a large group of friends and don't all have access to a car, this is the perfect spot."
"We were right next to the entrance for hiking trails which was convenient. The facilities are a bit of a walk, but that means it is spread out and there's plenty of room to relax and have fun."
from $21 / night
Check Availability"Mountain Lakes park is a great place to camp within driving distance from NYC. A fun option available at Mountain lakes is to rent a yurt to camp in."
"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."
"15 dolares la noche para los que viven en el Estado de New York o New York city .. si es fuera del estado son $5 dolares mas!!"
"Drive-in tent campgrounds. Adequate restroom facilities sprinkled amongst tent sites. Some campsites have raised platforms. All sites have picnic tables and fire ring with flip-top grill."
from $21 - $24 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Was close to bear mountains state part and the train station is right there!"
from $30 - $60 / night
Check Availability"We love this State Park because it's close to our home for a quick getaway. This time we tried one of the sites on the water, and I probably wouldn't choose the same site again. "
"Semi private with great view and nice walks to the water. Noise was not a problem overnight as to having problems with noises neighbors at other CT state parks."
from $17 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Love the proximity to NYC - I always look for areas that are not too far, but not too close to NY. Beautiful but small-ish tent sites."
"We are looking forward to stopping by Round Pond again in the near future."
from $25 - $40 / night
Check Availability"With a new check in area, Gardiner has really stepped up. They expanded the pool area to include another pool plus splash area and water slides."
"We got a red carpet site by the Gaga pit and near the water park (Cindy bear lane) and it was a convenient yet noisy site. Kids were at the playground 8 am or before and the noise woke us up."
"This was beautiful campground with an even nicer lake. You are able to do a hike around the lake."
"Great trails to hike for novices looking to branch out but not too large that you'll be lost forever lol highly recommend and can't do so enough 👍🏽"
ScoutThis is not the place to come if what you are looking for is a nice quiet, peaceful nature retreat. The "full shade" sites really aren't, it's crowded with kids yelling and running everywhere, and honestly, you're better off camping in your backyard.
RangerThis is an A.T. shelter and campsite. First come, first served. Privy was nice. Flat tentsites for 6 or more. Good for Hammocking also.
ScoutI was in the area and needed a location to hook up. Temperature at 7:00 p.m. was 85 in July which is expected. They're able to get me in for the night. Quick and easy. Had smoke from the Canadian Wildfire which made for a good sunset
LegendExcellent campground! The forest is beautiful, the Hudson River is super close, there are great trails, and the surrounding area is beautiful. Sites are electric only, so make sure your water pump is working and fresh water tank is full. There are spigots for filling and a nice dump station. The player is excellent. I don't think tetn camping here would be great because the tent sites are closer together and there are trains that pass regularly. We couldn't hear the trains in our camper and our site was large and private with great Forest and hammock trees. The mansion tours at Vanderbilt and Mills were awesome!
TravelerWe arrived after 10pm so we couldn’t go into the general store to check in. But there was an envelope with our name and a description of where we had to go. Because it was so dark we couldn’t find it but the security guard was really helpful and showed us the way. We spent a really quiet night at this campground at a tent site with our rooftop tent and appreciated the clean showers and friendly staff. We would come back anytime.
GuideTall pines, the sound of the mighty housatonic river, and some car noise on the nearby 2 lane. The campground is landscaped and maintained beautifully. the highlight is the river, ever-present in sound. The primo sites are on the northern end , where most sites are right on the water, and just a small descent. Bathrooms are good, not great. Showers are push button automatic, water was warm. We have a small RV, the dump site is up the main road about a 1/2 mile in a turnout. Free for campers, on your honor. At office were college aged young men and women in very casual street clothes all very nice, and mannerly, but not very knowledgeable, and hard to believe they could handle an adverse situation. I asked for the soap to be filled in the mens room on Thursday afternoon at 4 and it was still not done at noon the next day. -it’s a 2 minute walk from the office. I asked about a hike, they told me a trail head was a mile up the road. We found a spur directly across the street. I miss real docents, with knowledge, and wearing the garb. All sites not directly on the river side have paths down to get there. Did a nice little moderate hike just across the street called Pine Knob. Nice vista, quick 760ft ascent, combines withe AT for a length, then back down total 3 miles the way we did it. Some nice restaurants in Kent. Found a good breakfast in Goshen. We’ll be going back.
TravelerArrived at night on a weekday to find two other vehicles parked in the lot, srilll was able to find a fire ring with a level area relatively easy. Very quiet, just the sounds of owls hooting at night. Very nice mixed forest, seems managed well. It is somewhat buggy. But doesn’t seem to be overly infested with ticks at least.
GuideA really nice campground for tenters and dry campers. No hookups, but decent bathrooms, lukewarm showers and well kept. The Housatonic river is wide and shallow but good for soaking on a hot day and right behind pretty much every campsite. The riverside sites have a clear view, the others you walk through the woods. The only negative is Route 7, which gets busy in the mornings, and at rush hours, but quiets down at night. Not a busy highway to begin with, but a major route. A good up and down hike right across the street, 760 ft ascent in a mile or so, 3 mile loop, you see AT through hikers on the portion of the combined trail. There is a drinking water tap you can hook a hose to for filling your RV, or jugs. No dump station. We had our class B here. Sites mostly level. Come during the week for better privacy. Supposedly fly fisherman come on weekends. Cute cabins for rent in a awesome location.
GuideSpent one night here. The park is quiet. The facilities are a little outdated, although they said that newer ones had been built by the marina. I wasn’t up for the 15 minute walk, having just hiked up a mountain. My spot included electrical and water hook ups.
Most campgrounds near South Salem, New York operate from April through early November, though several sites offer year-round options. The area sits at approximately 500 feet above sea level, characterized by rolling hills and dense deciduous forests that provide shade during summer months when temperatures average 80°F. Late fall camping requires preparation for overnight temperatures that can drop below freezing, especially at higher elevation sites.
Hiking extensive trail systems: At Beaver Pond Campground, campers access numerous trails throughout Harriman State Park. "The trails in the area are friendly to hikers, bikers, and the non arthritic kneers, as most are rated moderate to challenging. Don't fret, trails that are rated easy and accessible to disabled are equally enjoyable and beautiful," notes one visitor.
Stargazing in open fields: Kettletown State Park Campground offers clear night skies about 45 minutes from South Salem. "The reason why this place is perfect for kids? It has a huge land of campsite that the kids can run around until their energy out for the night! Plus you would see awesome stars during the nighttime," shares a regular camper.
Canoeing on park lakes: Many sites feature water access for boating activities. "Mountain Lakes park is a great place to camp within driving distance from NYC. You can also rent canoes and take them out on the lake for an afternoon activity," reports a recent visitor who appreciated the peaceful setting.
Platform tent sites: The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center offers raised camping platforms that many visitors prefer. "They have both cabins for rent and camping spots on platforms which are great, especially when it rains," explains one camper. Another adds, "I camped on one of the platforms, which was very nice and did not feel crowded even with other people on neighboring platforms."
Clean facilities with amenities: Proper campground maintenance matters to visitors. "This is a great local spot that I love to go to get out of the city for a little bit. There's elevation gain, creeks, and open fields for stargazing. You have the options of a lean to here," reports one camper about Ward Pound Ridge.
Accessibility from NYC: The region serves as a convenient escape from urban areas. "About 30 minutes from sleepy hollow and tarrytown NY and only an hour to central park!! Deer running everywhere and surprisingly beautiful and quaint. Free Hot showers in the bathrooms, with plenty of room to change," notes a camper at Beaver Pond.
Reservation procedures vary: Each campground maintains different booking systems. At Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground, "We drove 20 min from our site to the beach across the 2-lane highway. 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."
Site privacy differences: Some locations offer better spacing between sites than others. "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," writes one visitor, while another cautions, "Both the tenting section and RV sites are each very clustered together, and quite crowded" at Croton Point Park.
Wildlife management: Campsites implement different approaches to local wildlife. "Keep your food in the dry bag and away from the tent or benches provided or face the packs of fearless racoons at night," warns a camper about Croton Point Park. Another camper notes, "The wildlife do roam around your campsite so be mindful of putting food and garbage away before sleeping."
Look for dedicated children's programming: Jellystone Park Gardiner specializes in family-oriented camping. "This campground has a lot of activities and has kids of all ages galore. I was worried my 12 year old would be too old for it but he enjoyed making friends there," reports a parent. Another visitor adds, "This is a very nice campground for families. Has a lot of activities and facilities for campers."
Consider swimming options: Water features enhance family camping experiences. "Nice clean Beach and Lake, Bathroom and showers were clean. We had a family camping trip with lots of kids of all ages, the walk in sites are not too far off the road so it was easily manageable," shares a family from Clarence Fahnestock.
Seek playgrounds and open spaces: Facilities for children improve the camping experience. "There is a model airplane air field and a decent playground for young kids," notes a visitor to Croton Point Park. Another camper mentions, "It has a playground, facilities and a small grill (burgers, popsicles, etc.) at the beach."
Full hookup availability: Croton Point Park offers various RV site options close to South Salem. "A county park with a mix of w/e (6 sites) and FHU sites plus about a dozen tent sites near a capped dump! The FHU sites were back-to-back and although there were trees separating the sites, they were close together."
Campground access routes: Road conditions affect larger vehicles. "Parking is close, but some of the sites are also pretty close to each other so there is less privacy. It's a good site to do a quick camping trip," observes a visitor to Ward Pound Ridge, which accommodates some RVs despite not being big-rig friendly.
Site selection importance: RVers emphasize choosing appropriate sites. "This is one of my favorite campsites I have been to but only because after several visits we have finally found our favorite site. This place can book up during camping season in the Northeast so make sure to book early in advance," advises an RV camper at Clarence Fahnestock.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hiking trails are available in South Salem, NY?
South Salem offers excellent hiking opportunities, with Ward Pound Ridge Reservation being the premier destination. This 4,300-acre park features numerous well-maintained trails of varying difficulty levels, popular with locals year-round. The reservation has trails for both casual walkers and more serious hikers, with scenic routes that are particularly beautiful in fall. Another option is Mountain Lakes Park, which offers several hiking trails around its lakes and through forested areas, providing opportunities for wildlife viewing and nature photography. Both parks maintain trail maps at their entrances, and many trails are well-marked for easy navigation.
Where can I go camping near South Salem, New York?
Several excellent camping options exist near South Salem. Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground offers traditional camping with access to Canopus Lake for swimming, fishing, and boating. The park features clean facilities and is particularly busy on weekends. For campers seeking water activities, Croton Point Park provides campsites along the Hudson River with swimming, hiking, and kayaking opportunities. RV enthusiasts can check out Totoket Valley RV Park, a small campground with full hookups and convenient access to public transportation into New York City. Each site includes grass and a picnic table, making it an excellent base for exploring the region.
What are the best seasons for camping in South Salem?
Late spring through early fall (May to October) offers the best camping conditions in the South Salem area. Summer provides warm temperatures ideal for water activities at Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park, which is especially popular during July and August. Fall is particularly magical at Wawayanda State Park Campground, where the foliage transforms into brilliant colors, creating a spectacular backdrop for camping and hiking. Spring camping can be enjoyable but expect occasional rain showers. Winter camping is available at some parks but requires proper cold-weather gear and preparation. Most campgrounds in the region are seasonal, with limited or no services available during winter months, so always check operating dates before planning your trip.
Keep Exploring
