The camping spots near Tarrytown, New York sit within the Hudson Highlands region where elevations range from river level to over 1,300 feet. Winter temperatures typically fall to the low 20s while summer highs average in the mid-80s. Most campgrounds operate from April through October, though several locations like Ward Pound Ridge Reservation remain open year-round with reduced services during winter months.
What to do
Seasonal swimming options: Beaver Pond Campground provides a monitored beach at Lake Welch with lifeguards on duty during summer months. "The camp ground is laid back away from the busy activity of the big city. If you want to get away and relax you can come here to walk, swim and camp. The beach is secured with lifeguards and shower and bathroom facilities are available," notes Brian O. at Beaver Pond Campground.
Wildlife observation: Croton Point Park offers excellent opportunities for viewing local wildlife including numerous bird species. "Short 5 minute drive to nearby supermarket to pick up food or firewood. I would highly recommend it. Oh...and did i say, gorgeous scenery along the river and a private beach which is opened from Wednesday to the weekend with life guards on duty!" shares Anil S.
Rock scrambling: For more adventurous campers, the primitive sites along the Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail provide challenging hiking with rewarding views. "At one point of the trail is a very difficult, but doable, rock scramble up the side of the mountain. At the top of the scramble is a primitive camping site with amazing views," explains Ethan K. The site is approximately 2.5 miles from the trailhead requiring backpackers to carry all supplies.
What campers like
Elevated tent platforms: Many campers at Beaver Pond Campground appreciate the raised wooden platforms for tent setup. "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. 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," writes Ethan K.
Seasonal timing benefits: Visiting during off-peak times transforms the camping experience at Fahnestock State Park. "We stayed here on a Thursday night in September prior to taking off backpacking. The campground was clean and quiet. RV hook-ups, tent platforms, and rustic tent sites were available. 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," observes Rebecca S.
Walk-in sites: Ward Pound Ridge Reservation offers secluded walk-in camping options with shelter structures. "The camping sites are very different so it's useful to go in person and select the area. Parking is close, but some of the sites are also pretty close to each other so there is less privacy," notes Susana M. The campground features both traditional tent sites and lean-to shelters spread across the property.
What you should know
Wildlife precautions: Bear activity requires specific food storage practices in several area campgrounds. At Croton Point Park, Anil S. advises, "Keep your food in the dry bag and away from the tent or benches provided or face the packs of fearless racoons at night. Fire is allowed and has no issues of mosquitoes."
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience significant noise, especially on weekends. Jonathan C. reports about Croton Point Park: "The site was very loud (dance music) until after 11pm. Quiet time at 10pm. Great site for a party, try to stay away from this end of the site or choose a site away from other bookings if you'd like quiet. $50/night without Westchester pass."
Reservation challenges: Several campgrounds require in-person booking rather than online systems. For Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, Paul R. notes, "They have many sites and a ton of hiking trails. All of the shelters have fire pits and some have interior fireplaces. The one downside is that you need to book in person but it can be done well in advance if need be."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Families appreciate campgrounds with dedicated play areas. At West Point FMWR Round Pond, one camper shares, "Peaceful and gorgeous campsite, with plenty of space between sites. Great view of the Hudson, and playground within sight of our camper."
Technology considerations: Cell service varies dramatically between campgrounds. At Round Pond Recreation Area, Jacey H. advises, "Just a note to other campers with T-Mobile, we did not have any service on the campsite, however just a hop in the car or a quick walk down the mountain for 5G service near the entrance off the main road."
Transportation options: For families without vehicles, some campgrounds offer specialized transportation. The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center provides shuttle service to public transit: "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)," notes Ilya F.
Tips from RVers
Urban access options: RVers seeking proximity to NYC can use Liberty Harbor RV Park as a base. "Very convenient location. My wife visited Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The sites had electric and water and were in a fenced off section of the marina parking area. It was a little loud with city noises, but exactly what we expected being so close," shares Kevin A.
Size considerations: Several area campgrounds have tight sites or limited access for larger rigs. Keith and Tia S. recommend at Liberty Harbor RV Park: "Pick one of the larger end row sites to get a little extra elbow room. If it's packed, your neighbor will be within inches of your rig."
Roadway challenges: Construction and narrow roads can create access issues. One RVer at Liberty Harbor notes, "The area itself was under a ton of construction when we drove in, which meant for difficult to navigate roads and we barely squeezed by larger trucks who were also in the roadways."
