Camping opportunities in the Tomkins Cove area extend along the Hudson Highlands region, which features rocky terrain with elevations ranging from 900-1200 feet at various summits. The camping season typically runs April through October for most established campgrounds, with temperatures averaging 75-85°F in summer and 35-45°F in spring and fall. Proximity to water features creates moderate humidity levels during summer camping months.
What to do
Swimming at accessible beaches: Lake Welch at Beaver Pond Campground provides a lifeguard-monitored sandy beach during summer months. "The beach is secured with lifeguards and shower and bathroom facilities are available," notes Brian O. The lake accommodates both swimming and small watercraft activities.
Hiking varied trail systems: The region offers trails suitable for different experience levels, from novice paths to challenging routes. Ward Pound Ridge Reservation features "over 40 miles of trails in this area" according to Ethan K., with options for horseback riders as well. Many trails connect directly to camping areas, allowing for convenient day hikes.
Winter camping options: Unlike most seasonal campgrounds, Croton Point Park remains open year-round, offering winter camping opportunities. Camping in colder months provides a different perspective on the Hudson Valley, with reduced crowds and unique wildlife viewing opportunities during migration seasons.
Water activities beyond swimming: Multiple lakes throughout the region support fishing and non-motorized boating. "Campers said there were great for catching panfish - one fisherman said he had caught several bass weighing over 3 pounds!" according to Shelly B. at Clarence Fahnestock State Park.
What campers like
Accessible nature without long drives: The proximity to New York City appeals to weekend travelers. "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 her stay at Beaver Pond.
Elevated platforms at select sites: The raised tent platforms at Beaver Pond Campground provide practical advantages. "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," explains Ethan K.
Mid-week camping experiences: Off-peak camping delivers a different experience from weekend stays. "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," notes Rebecca S., highlighting the value of timing for those seeking quieter camping near Tomkins Cove.
Public transportation access: Some camping sites near Tomkins Cove offer access without requiring a personal vehicle. Clarence Fahnestock State Park can be reached via "MetroNorth from NYC then took a pre-arranged taxi ($25 flat rate) to the campground," according to Jess M., making outdoor experiences accessible to those without cars.
What you should know
Military-only camping options: Some nearby camping facilities operate exclusively for service members. "Unfortunately for me, Round Pond is camping reserved for active and retired military personnel only," explains Ethan K. Similarly, Lake Frederick serves the military community, so civilian visitors should verify eligibility before planning trips to these locations.
Wildlife interactions: The Hudson Valley region supports diverse wildlife that regularly interacts with camping areas. Bears, raccoons, and deer are common visitors to campsites. "The wildlife do roam around your campsite so be mindful of putting food and garbage away before sleeping," advises Kelvin from his Beaver Pond experience.
Weekend noise levels: Proximity to metropolitan areas creates higher weekend usage. "Quiet time at night is laughable as the enjoyment of being in nature rages on into the early morning," reports one Croton Point Park visitor. Many reviewers recommend weekday stays for those seeking tranquility.
Bathroom facilities vary widely: Quality and accessibility of bathrooms differ significantly between campgrounds. At Clarence Fahnestock, a camper noted "bathrooms needed updating and people at the tent area made a comment that it took a while to get a turn at the showers," while another mentioned "the bathrooms were clean and well-kept."
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly amenities: Several camping areas feature dedicated facilities for younger visitors. "They have a beach, has a playground, showers, bathroom. Your phone will have signal," notes Zorina N. about Beaver Pond Campground, highlighting features parents consider essential for family camping.
Season pass considerations: For frequent visitors, investigating county or state passes offers financial benefits. Croton Point Park charges "$50/night without Westchester pass," according to Jonathan C., indicating potential savings for regular campers who invest in annual passes.
Campgrounds with organized activities: Jellystone Park Gardiner provides structured entertainment for families. "This campground has a lot of activities and has kids of all ages galore. I was worried my 12 year old would be too old for it but he enjoyed making friends there," shares Stephanie H., noting the range of age-appropriate options available.
Site selection for privacy: Research specific site numbers when booking to secure the best family experience. "This is one of my favorite campsites I have been to but only because after several visits we have finally found our favorite site," advises Asher K. about Clarence Fahnestock State Park, emphasizing the importance of site-specific research.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: RV campers should confirm utility connections when booking sites near Tomkins Cove. While some campgrounds offer electrical and water hookups, full-service sites are limited. The region primarily accommodates smaller to mid-sized RVs rather than large rigs.
Off-season advantages: For RV camping with fewer restrictions, consider visiting during shoulder seasons. "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," reports Rebecca S. about Beaver Pond Campground.
Generator restrictions: Many campgrounds in the region prohibit generators or restrict operating hours. This limitation affects RV campers relying on power beyond hookups. "This is an off-grid camping experience. You can use your generator at certain hours," notes Adaly about Beaver Pond, highlighting common policies in the area.
