125 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds near Thiells, New York range from developed facilities to primitive backcountry sites across Harriman State Park and surrounding areas. Beaver Pond Campground, located approximately 7 miles west of Thiells in Harriman State Park, serves as a central camping hub offering tent platforms, RV sites, and traditional camping areas. The region includes several other options like Sebago Cabin Camp with cabin accommodations, Croton Point Park with year-round availability, and West Point FMWR facilities that provide glamping experiences alongside traditional camping.
Access to most campgrounds remains seasonal, with many facilities operating from April through October or early December. Harriman State Park maintains specific rules against alcohol consumption while nearby West Point recreation areas permit it. "Campers should be mindful of putting food and garbage away before sleeping as wildlife roam around campsites," notes one visitor to Beaver Pond. Platforms at several campgrounds provide elevated tent surfaces beneficial during wet conditions. Most developed campgrounds feature amenities like showers, flush toilets, and picnic tables, though primitive backcountry sites along hiking trails require self-sufficiency. Reservation requirements vary by location, with weekends filling quickly during summer months.
The range of campsites near Thiells differs significantly between developed and backcountry sites in the region. Beaver Pond receives mixed reviews regarding privacy, with some campers noting sites can feel "crammed in" while others praise certain sections for their seclusion. A reviewer mentioned, "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." Backcountry options along the Appalachian Trail offer more solitude but require hiking in with supplies. Proximity to recreational waters represents a consistent highlight, with Lake Welch and Lake Tiorati providing swimming and boating opportunities, making these among the most appealing campgrounds near Thiells for water-focused trips. Wildlife encounters, particularly black bears, represent a common consideration throughout the area, requiring proper food storage at all campground options.
"15 dolares la noche para los que viven en el Estado de New York o New York city .. si es fuera del estado son $5 dolares mas!!"
"Drive-in tent campgrounds. Adequate restroom facilities sprinkled amongst tent sites. Some campsites have raised platforms. All sites have picnic tables and fire ring with flip-top grill."
from $21 - $24 / night
Check Availability"Tent sites are very private with some dirt roads to exit out but thats what make it unique experience! Bathrooms with shower is near by and has plenty porta potties all around."
"Was close to bear mountains state part and the train station is right there!"
from $30 - $60 / night
Check Availability"When you are camping with a large group of friends and don't all have access to a car, this is the perfect spot."
"We were right next to the entrance for hiking trails which was convenient. The facilities are a bit of a walk, but that means it is spread out and there's plenty of room to relax and have fun."
from $21 / night
Check Availability"This was beautiful campground with an even nicer lake. You are able to do a hike around the lake."
"Great trails to hike for novices looking to branch out but not too large that you'll be lost forever lol highly recommend and can't do so enough 👍🏽"
"It is a step up from cabin camping. They also have a beach behind it."
"This place is only an hour away from NYC with so much to do and see. These cabins are VERY rustic, four walls, a cot, and a fridge."
from $130 / night
Check Availability"Love the proximity to NYC - I always look for areas that are not too far, but not too close to NY. Beautiful but small-ish tent sites."
"We are looking forward to stopping by Round Pond again in the near future."
from $25 - $40 / night
Check Availability"Suffern-Bear Mountain from Gate Hill Road is a high difficulty 15 mile out and back trail. At one point of the trail is a very difficult, but doable, rock scramble up the side of the mountain."
"Yes, this is a military-only campground but, that doesn't take away from how incredible it is and that is properly advertised.
This place is incredible. "
from $20 - $150 / night
Check Availability"Close to the city and civilization, yet large enough to have nice trails and creeks to feel away from it all. The camping sites are very different so it’s useful to go in person and select the area."
"The shelter sites are large and private with access to hiking trails and make for a unique experience. The staff is friendly as well"
from $45 - $55 / night
Check Availability"One rustic place with many hiking trails to choose from. Camp also provides trucking of gear weather permitting. No vehicles allowed to drive through camp. Trading Post for treats and other items."
"Lots of hiking trails. Trading post is well stocked and volunteers are always friendly and able to answer any questions"
from $5 - $200 / night
Check Availability
GuideMade a reservation (site44) since I arrived as the sun had set. Office registration was open until 8. Staff was neither friendly nor unfriendly. Bathroom was dated but fine and a short walk from my site. CG was emptier being a Tuesday night in mid-October, so was plenty of space.
Great trail following the Hudson River. Beautiful fall colors.
ScoutNice campground, bathrooms are clean but dated, first come first serve for the sites.
RangerI'll start by saying this is a site-specific review (C20). I booked using Campspot and didn't select my own site but put in the criteria for my rig (30ft TT plus truck) and got a 50A back-in spot. The site was big but abnormal. Between the picnic table placement and the trees, I ended up right around 50ft from the electric and water, and the water spigot was so low I could barely put on my camco filter. With the uneven dirt roads, I had to unhitch with my truck in a gigantic puddle (lol). The site was otherwise fine aside from my gate code not working on Day 2. As for the campground as a whole, I thought it was pretty unique place by the river that offered several good amenities and activities, like downstream river tubing, an arcade, bathroom/shower facilities, a small store, little trails, and more. I would say this place borders the more primitive side.
ScoutPast reviews has mentioned that the office seems to be closed often, while I found that to be true I had no reason to contact anyone. This is definitely one of the cleanest quiets site I’ve ever visited
GuideDefinitely a wide variety of sites—look at the site pictures before booking—there are two areas where it’s just an open field with bonfires and picnic tables that I’d avoid. I could see a large group going there or something but personally it doesn’t offer any privacy.
BUT if you book one of the other sites that DOES have privacy you’ll be in camping heaven. The “hike in” sites are more like “walk-in,” I was worried at first but it’s some are as little as a few yards from the road. The most annoying part was lugging the cooler back and forth, but totally worth it
GuideBooked the day before—even on the holiday weekend! Just 1.5 hours outside of NYC, site was a bit close to the neighbors (fire pit was very far back and basically in the neighbors’ campsite, but we put up a “privacy clothesline” and hung a tarp over it for a bit of extra coverage.
The staff was friendly and helpful, they said it was the busiest they’ve seen the campground all year (there were lots of large groups but everyone seemed to settle down by 9:30pm
Poison ivy was EVERYWHERE at our site so make sure to stick to the open areas and the paths. Lots of families around, we felt very safe Bathrooms were fine—it was my impression they’re usually cleaner but the high traffic of the weekend left a bit to be desired, (lots of families around=dirty diapers in the bathroom trash bin) but it’s camping! I’m not gonna argue w a flushing toilet!
TravelerThis area seems to be devoid of campgrounds except for this one. It’s basically just a large parking lot with hook ups. Completely open, which is great for Starlink. Bathrooms were slightly above average; fairly clean and places to hang clothes for your shower. Has a laundry but be sure to bring quarters. It is about 100 yards from the interstate so you’ll get a lot of noise and diesel exhaust fumes.
ScoutNo hookups. It was wooded, quiet and dark at night. I used the dump station on my way out. The first time I ever saw a poop fountain. The sewer opening sticks up above ground level. The cover swivels away, so I couldn't put it on top of my hose. And then, when I tried to rinse it, there was nowhere for it to go, because the inlet is elevated.
ScoutWe reserved for a day. Very bad service. The river is super dirty and they did not even clean the trash cans. Besides, the fire ring has no grill cooking grate, so if you don’t bring your own NO GRILLING. Ryan was the person in front that took care of us, he was rude, my kids felt weird because he was not welcoming at all. Also, we try to ask for a partial refund since we did not felt comfortable since the beginning, and they said NO. We have experience camping, but this one was simply THE WORST. We lost the money but we won’t put our kids in a difficult situation. Thanks.
Camping options near Thiells, New York span both Rockland and Westchester counties, with elevation ranging from 500 to 1,300 feet throughout the region. Most sites operate from April through October, though select locations like Croton Point Park remain open year-round. Weekend reservations typically require booking 3-6 months in advance during peak summer season due to proximity to New York City.
Swimming at Welch Lake: During summer months, Beaver Pond Campground offers access to nearby Welch Lake where lifeguards monitor a sandy beach. "Great location and quick to get to from NYC. 45 minute drive and location has a lot of amenities... Hike trails are all over the place and the lake is nearby," notes Kelvin in a review.
Historic hiking: The area around Ward Pound Ridge Reservation contains over 40 miles of trails through varying terrain. One camper explains, "There is elevation gain, creeks, and open fields for stargazing. You have the options of a lean to here." Revolutionary War-era sites dot the landscape throughout the region.
Rock scrambling: For experienced hikers, Suffern-Bear Mountain from Gate Hill Road Primitive offers challenging terrain leading to primitive campsites. "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," reports Ethan K.
Platform camping: Many sites at The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center feature elevated tent platforms. "I camped on one of the platforms, which was very nice and did not feel crowded even with other people on neighboring platforms," reports Ilya F. Platforms keep tents dry during wet weather.
Seasonal quietness: Mid-week and off-season camping provides more solitude. At Fahnestock State Park, one reviewer noted: "We stayed here on a Thursday night in September prior to taking off backpacking. The campground was clean and quiet... 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."
Proximity to NYC: Most campsites in the region sit within 30-60 minutes of the city limits. "About 30 minutes from sleepy hollow and tarrytown NY and only an hour to central park!! Deer running everywhere and surprisingly beautiful and quaint," writes Megan B. about Beaver Pond Campground.
Bear activity: Wildlife management is a priority throughout the region. "The wildlife do roam around your campsite so be mindful of putting food and garbage away before sleeping," advises Kelvin about Beaver Pond Campground. Several parks require use of provided bear boxes.
Accessibility options: Croton Point Park provides a mix of camping accommodations with varying accessibility. "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," explains Andrew A.
Variable site privacy: Campsite layout varies significantly between parks and within individual campgrounds. "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," writes Susana M. about Ward Pound Ridge Reservation.
Kid-friendly amenities: Several locations feature dedicated family facilities. At Croton Point Park, "It's a good park/camp for groups. They have cabins and RV sites... There is a model airplane air field and a decent playground for young kids."
Educational options: Camp Glen Gray offers structured experiences for children. "Great Camp!!! One rustic place with many hiking trails to choose from. Camp also provides trucking of gear weather permitting... Trading Post for treats and other items," notes Jose N.
Swimming safety: Designated swimming areas with lifeguards operate at multiple locations. "The new docks around the swimming area create a safer swimming experience for even the most inexperienced swimmers, allowing them safe and obvious perimeters," explains one reviewer about Lake Frederick.
Limited hookup options: Full-hookup RV sites remain scarce in the immediate Thiells area. One exception is Sebago Cabin Camp which offers electric options, though no water hookups. A reviewer notes: "Sebago has a huge lake and great beach area. It was perfect for lounging and swimming in during a hot summer day."
Size restrictions: Most campgrounds in the region have limited space for larger rigs. "This camp is run by AMC (The Appalachian Mountain Club), you don't have to be a member to use the facility but you get better rates... No RV and campers allowed," explains Thomas M. about one Harriman State Park location.
Generator policies: Noise regulations affect generator use throughout the area. At Beaver Pond, generators are prohibited entirely, while some other locations allow limited daytime operation. "You can use your generator at certain hours," notes one camper about a nearby park.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Thiells, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, Thiells, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 125 campgrounds and RV parks near Thiells, NY and 4 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Thiells, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Thiells, NY is Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park with a 4.2-star rating from 41 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Thiells, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Thiells, NY.
What parks are near Thiells, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 parks near Thiells, NY that allow camping, notably Gateway National Recreation Area and Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
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