Camping spots near Suffern, New York offer access throughout the Ramapo Mountains and nearby New Jersey highlands. The area sits at elevations between 500-1,300 feet with moderate seasonal changes that make April through October the primary camping season. Many campgrounds close from November through March due to freezing temperatures and snowfall.
What to do
Beach swimming: Lake Welch at Beaver Pond Campground offers a sandy beach with lifeguards on duty during summer months. According to Kelvin, "Hike trails are all over the place and the lake is nearby. Definitely coming back again and making this place a regular visit for my family and friends."
Woodland hikes: Stonetown Circular trail Primitive #1 provides challenging terrain for experienced hikers. "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," notes Ethan K.
Lake activities: The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center allows canoe rentals for exploring the lake. Ilya F. explains, "The lake is very peaceful, and home to beavers we watched from the dining hall patio. This campsite is accessible by public transportation."
Disc golf: Campgaw Mountain Reservation maintains courses for disc golf enthusiasts. Jake R. observes, "There was also plenty to do during the day, like joining the hikers on those trails, disc golf, and sitting by the water."
What campers like
Platform tent sites: At Beaver Pond, Ethan K. appreciates how "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. I also particularly enjoyed the communal sink which made it very convenient and easy to wash dishes and fill up water."
Privacy between campsites: Beaver Pond Campground offers well-separated 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," writes Ethan K.
Rustic cabin amenities: Sebago Cabin Camp provides basic cabin features. Sara P. describes them: "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."
Weekend activities: Sebago organizes community events. Sara notes, "Sebago has a ton of activities like outdoor movies and communal bonfires on weekends. I was told by ranger Joe they also do Karaoke nights too."
What you should know
Bear safety protocols: Multiple campgrounds enforce bear management rules. Steve W. at Beaver Pond reports, "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."
Seasonal closures: Most campgrounds operate April through October. Rebecca S. notes about Beaver Pond: "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."
Campfire restrictions: Wawayanda State Park has designated fire areas only. The park provides "fires-allowed" status but campers must use established fire rings and follow posted restrictions during dry periods.
Limited phone service: Cell reception varies widely. M P. comments about Wawayanda: "No phone service at campsite, but could get phone service by the kayak hut or the main entrance."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Croton Point Park offers family-friendly amenities. Thomas notes, "Peaceful and gorgeous campsite, with plenty of space between sites. Great view of the Hudson, and playground within sight of our camper."
Affordable options: Some camping areas offer budget-friendly rates. Adaly shares about Beaver Pond: "This is an off-grid camping experience. You can use your generator at certain hours. They have a beach. Their staff is friendly. I love going here."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Camp Glen Gray provides natural experiences. Christopher M. states, "Cabins are always clean and stocked with firewood. Lots of hiking trails. Trading post is well stocked and volunteers are always friendly and able to answer any questions."
Public transportation access: Some campgrounds can be reached without a car. Ilya F. notes about Corman AMC Harriman: "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)."
Tips from RVers
Site levelness: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation provides prepared surfaces. One reviewer notes, "The campsites are paved and mostly level. They are wooded and large. Water and electric hookups and a dump station."
Hookup availability: Electricity options vary by campground. Nancymike K. says about Mahlon Dickerson: "Easy to navigate our 38 ft. RV. Easy to dump and fill. Peaceful. Close to train to N. Y. City."
Water hose distances: Some sites require extra hose length. As "antruze" shares, "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."
Generator regulations: RVers should check specific campground rules. Adaly notes about Beaver Pond: "This is an off-grid camping experience. You can use your generator at certain hours."
