Primitive campsites near Thiells, New York range from walk-in tent platforms to lakeside spots within a 40-minute drive. The area sits at elevations between 500-1,200 feet in the Hudson Highlands region, creating diverse camping microclimates. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing with summer highs rarely exceeding 90°F, making late spring through early fall the prime camping season.
What to do
Hike challenging trails: At Suffern-Bear Mountain from Gate Hill Road Primitive, campers can tackle a 15-mile out-and-back trail with significant elevation gain. "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," notes one reviewer who recommends packing light due to the 2.5-mile trek from the trailhead.
Stream access camping: The Stonetown Circular trail Primitive #2 offers fresh water access directly at your campsite. "This is a nice spot to set up camp because it is right next to a flowing stream with fresh water. The site is marked by a sign on a tree that says 'The Island'," according to a camper who appreciated the level ground for multiple tents.
Family farm experience: For those seeking a unique camping alternative, Peace and Carrots Farm Bluebird Tiny Home combines outdoor experiences with farm life. "This site was a small tiny home located on an active produce farm. The host was fantastic and catered to all of our needs giving us some firewood, a tour of her farm, and some fresh produce she picked that morning," shares a visitor who enjoyed cooking over a fire near the picking fields and chicken coops.
What campers like
Extensive trail networks: Ward Pound Ridge Reservation offers over 40 miles of trails surrounding the campground. "The best part of this campsite are the endless trails in the area. I believe there are over 40 miles of trails in this area. Would definitely recommend for those who want to camp near NYC but not drive too far," writes one reviewer who appreciated the proximity to the city.
Lakeside amenities: The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center provides campers with water activities alongside quality accommodations. "This was beautiful campground with an even nicer lake. You are able to do a hike around the lake. They have both cabins for rent and camping spots on platforms which are great, especially when it rains," notes one visitor who also mentioned canoe rentals as an afternoon activity option.
Wildlife viewing: Multiple campgrounds feature wildlife encounters as part of the experience. "Plenty of parking and hiking trails! Not alot of loud notices or wild animal issues that we experienced," reports a camper at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation who appreciated the balance of accessibility and natural surroundings.
What you should know
Varying regulations: Croton Point Park enforces strict camping rules according to visitors. "The park itself, but particularly the campground, has become laden with all sorts of inexplicable and burdensome rules, endless guidelines, and restrictions only a New York State-run bureaucracy could ever make sense of," explains one camper who noted regular patrols day and night.
Bear safety requirements: Sebago Cabin Camp is located in bear country, requiring appropriate food storage. "They do have bear boxes available as this is bear country," mentions a reviewer who recommends taking advantage of this safety feature.
Limited facilities: Many primitive sites require self-sufficiency with minimal amenities. At Suffern-Bear Mountain from Gate Hill Road, campers must carry all supplies up the mountain to the site, creating both a challenge and an opportunity for solitude away from established campgrounds.
Tips for camping with families
First-time camping options: Croton Point Park offers beginner-friendly tent sites. "I took my 5 year old-son and wife, all of us first time campers. this place was great. The site was very nice, all the people friendly and area beautiful," shares a family who had a positive introduction to camping.
Kid-friendly activities: Wawayanda State Park Campground provides multiple outdoor recreation options suitable for children. "Clean, access to kayaking/beach/trails. Largely friendly staff and campers," notes a visitor who appreciated the range of activities despite some downsides to the campsite layout.
Comfort considerations: For families new to camping, choosing sites with nearby facilities matters. "The sites are much farther away from the comfort stations than most campgrounds we have been to. But there are port-a-potties very close to the sites, which is very important when you have young kids," advises a family who camped at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: RV campsites near Thiells typically offer only basic hookups. "These do not have plumbing or heat. It is a step up from cabin camping," explains a visitor to Sebago Cabin Camp who noted the rustic nature of the facilities despite having some amenities.
Site layout challenges: RV sites at several campgrounds have specific positioning limitations. "The FHU sites were back-to-back and although there were trees separating the sites, they were close together," reports a camper at Croton Point Park who found the sites adequately level but somewhat crowded.
Reservation processes: RV campers should prepare for non-standard booking systems. "The reservation process is a bit wonky. You need to call (no online reservations) and then wait for an e-mail, but the e-mail does not tell you your assigned site; you have to wait until you check in to find out your site," advises an RVer who stayed at Croton Point Park.
