Camping locations within 90 minutes of Pelham, New York provide access to the region's mixed hardwood forests and rolling hills. The area sits at elevations between 20-1,300 feet, creating diverse camping experiences from river valleys to ridgeline views. Fall temperatures range from 45-65°F, making September through October ideal for avoiding the summer crowds that fill most established campgrounds on weekends.
What to do
Hiking at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation: Access over 40 miles of trails within the 4,000-acre park's varied terrain. The trail system accommodates all experience levels with clearly marked routes. "All of the sites offer adequate amenities (fire pit, room for parking) and there are bathrooms and water spouts relatively close by," notes a visitor to Clarence Fahnestock State Park.
Swimming at local beaches: Beach areas at several parks offer supervised swimming during summer months. "The beach is secured with lifeguards and shower and bathroom facilities are available," reports a camper at Beaver Pond Campground. Most beaches close after Labor Day but remain accessible to registered campers at parks like Croton Point.
Fishing in park lakes and ponds: Multiple parks offer fishing opportunities from shorelines or rental boats. "There is another lake and two ponds that our neighbor campers said were great for catching panfish - one fisherman said he had caught several bass weighing over 3 pounds," shares a camper about Fahnestock State Park.
What campers like
Platform tent sites: Elevated wooden platforms for tent setup create a comfortable experience, especially after rain. "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," notes a camper at Beaver Pond Campground.
Well-spaced sites at certain parks: Some campgrounds provide excellent separation between campsites, creating more private experiences. "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," reports one visitor.
Proximity to NYC attractions: Many campgrounds offer convenient access to New York City via public transit. "About 30 minutes from sleepy hollow and tarrytown NY and only an hour to central park!! Deer running everywhere and surprisingly beautiful and quaint," says a camper at Beaver Pond.
What you should know
Variable site quality: Campgrounds have significant differences between sites, even within the same park. "This is one of my favorite campsites I have been to but only because after several visits we have finally found our favorite site," explains a camper at Clarence Fahnestock State Park.
Wildlife encounters: Bears and other wildlife can be active in several campgrounds. "Welcome to Bear Mountain grumbles the park ranger as he sits in complete darkness! He is in his ranger hut, checking in the late evening arrivals to the campground... 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 bathroom conditions: Bathroom facilities at many parks receive varying levels of maintenance through the season. "The bathrooms were clean and well-kept (saw toilet bowl cleaner in the morning), no stalls ran out of toilet paper, and there was soap most of the time at the sinks."
Tips for camping with families
Dog friendly campgrounds near Pelham: Most area parks welcome pets with specific rules. "The campground offers several different sties, from platform tent spaces to those for 25' trailers. All sites have a standard picnic table and fire ring," notes a visitor at Croton Point Park.
Seek sites away from park entrances: Locations deeper in parks typically offer more privacy and better experiences. "Very nice. It's a good park/camp for groups. They have cabins and RV sites and now that the Tapan Zee bridge work is done most of them are now open again as the bridge workers have moved out."
Use county park reservation systems early: Many popular pet-friendly campgrounds near Pelham book up months in advance, especially for summer weekends. "This place can book up during camping season in the Northeast so make sure to book early in advance. There is great hiking and a lake you can get to and swim in right from the campsite."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Many campgrounds offer only partial hookups, with varying amenities. "This is a pricey park, but options are limited. As in almost non existent. This is a prime location for visiting the city or heading down the shore," explains a camper at Liberty Harbor RV Park.
Large rig access challenges: Navigating to some campgrounds can be difficult for larger RVs due to local roads and parkway restrictions. "Getting in and out of the city is an adventure. Stay right off the highway to avoid the $30 tunnel toll. Follow RV life pro and not Waze."
Train noise considerations: Railroad tracks near several campgrounds can create noise disruptions. "Only down side is there is a train depot right outside and you can hear them shunting trains all night," warns a camper at Croton Point Park. Sites further from park boundaries typically offer quieter experiences.
