RV campsites near Sterling Forest offer electric and water hookups with accessible amenities throughout the year. The terrain ranges from 900 to 1,400 feet in elevation with mostly wooded sites across the Ramapo Mountains. Seasonal availability varies significantly, with some parks like Black Bear RV Park remaining open year-round while others close between November and April.
What to do
Lake activities at Harriman State Park: Beaver Pond Campground provides easy access to Welch Lake with a lifeguard-monitored beach for swimming during summer months. "A stones throw from NYC this beautiful area combines Lake Welch and Harriman State Park. This camp ground is laid back away from the busy activity of the big city," notes Brian O.
Historic trails exploration: Beaver Pond Campground connects to Bear Mountain State Park, offering access to the Appalachian Trail and historic Revolutionary-era paths. "A quick 15 minute drive from Beaver Pond, is Bear Mountain State Park. Here you can find some of the Appalachian Trail, with various smaller trail heads for this historic (Revolutionary Times 1770s) part of the region including the one to Doodle Town," explains Steve W.
Wildlife viewing: The forested campgrounds provide opportunities for wildlife observation, particularly deer. "The wildlife do roam around your campsite so be mindful of putting food and garbage away before sleeping," advises Kelvin at Beaver Pond Campground.
What campers like
Platform campsites: Harriman State Park offers unique raised platform tent sites. "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," shares Ethan K.
Spacious, private sites: The layout at several campgrounds provides good separation between sites. "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," notes Ethan K.
Farm animal interactions: Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort offers unique animal encounters. "The farm has goats, a donkey, and a pony within the campground. Very cool," reports Faith D. Another camper mentions, "Important to not miss: the amazingly beautiful miniature horse that wonders around its huge pin located in the middle of the campground."
What you should know
Road noise varies by location: Some campgrounds experience significant highway noise. At Tri-State RV Park, "Located just off the highway so lots of vehicle noise 24/7. Sites are on a gravel lot," according to Michael H. Another camper notes, "While the staff is very friendly and polite you are basically in a old parking lot right below the freeway."
Campground terrain: The region features varying terrain, with some parks on mountainous sites requiring careful navigation. "Our site was level, good placement of electric water & sewer connects," one camper mentioned about a local park.
Off-season availability: Several campgrounds remain open year-round while others close seasonally. "Open during the winter. Easy on, easy off. Lots of pull through sites... Perfect for an overnight stop," reports BENdejo at Tri-State RV Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several parks offer playground amenities for children. Mountain Top RV Park has "a small playground that would be better suited for older children, and there's also a nice lounge room with games, a pool table, a tv and puzzles/board games," according to @HomegrownRV.
Swimming options: Pool facilities are available at some campgrounds. "They have a playground, hayride, animals to feed (goats, chickens, donkey and pony). There were some organized activities which was nice," notes Janelle G. at Pleasant Acres Farm.
Animal encounters: Children particularly enjoy the farm animals at Pleasant Acres Farm. "My daughter loved the horses and goats," shares Erin S., making this an excellent option for families with animal-loving kids.
Tips from RVers
Big rig considerations: Black Bear RV Park accommodates larger RVs with pull-through sites. "Back-in and pull through sites and can accommodate large rigs. A little expensive but everything is included," notes Dave S.
Garbage disposal: Some campgrounds have centralized trash collection that requires planning. At Pleasant Acres Farm, "The garbage situation was the worst... had their garbage and recycling very far away and without a golf cart or a car, you're stuck," explains Janelle G.
Seasonal amenities: Facilities like laundry, bathhouses, and dump stations may close seasonally. "All the buildings are closed due to Covid, so no laundry & no bathroom," reported one camper at Black Bear RV Park. Before booking, verify which amenities are open during your planned visit.
