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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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."
Tips for camping with families
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."
Tips from RVers
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.
