125 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds near Tomkins Cove range from developed tent and RV campsites to primitive backcountry sites, concentrated primarily in Harriman State Park. Beaver Pond Campground serves as the main developed camping area in the region, with facilities for both tent and RV campers, including some sites with platforms. The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center provides cabin accommodations for those seeking more comfort. Within a 30-minute drive, additional options include West Point FMWR facilities like Round Pond Recreation Area and Lake Frederick, which offer cabins, tent sites, and some glamping opportunities. These mixed-use campgrounds typically feature standard amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and access to hiking trails.
Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping opportunities in the Hudson Valley region. Most campgrounds operate from April through October, with Croton Point Park being one of the few year-round options. Harriman State Park offers primitive backcountry camping along hiking trails including the Appalachian Trail, but requires hikers to carry supplies up steep terrain in some areas. "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. At the top of the scramble is a primitive camping site with amazing views," notes one visitor who recommends packing light if planning to camp at these backcountry sites.
The region's camping varies dramatically between developed campgrounds and backcountry sites. Established campgrounds like Beaver Pond often become crowded during peak season, with several reviewers noting the lack of privacy between sites despite the beautiful setting. "Know when to go," advises one regular visitor who recommends avoiding holiday weekends and peak summer periods when "it will be noisy, there will be generators, there will be loud music." Wildlife encounters are common throughout the area, with multiple reviews mentioning bear activity—visitors are consistently reminded to secure food properly. The proximity to New York City (approximately 45 minutes away) makes these campgrounds near Tomkins Cove particularly popular with weekend visitors seeking nature escapes, resulting in a sometimes social atmosphere rather than complete solitude, especially at developed sites.
"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"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"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"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 👍🏽"
"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"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"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"With a new check in area, Gardiner has really stepped up. They expanded the pool area to include another pool plus splash area and water slides."
"We got a red carpet site by the Gaga pit and near the water park (Cindy bear lane) and it was a convenient yet noisy site. Kids were at the playground 8 am or before and the noise woke us up."
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
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.
ScoutWe stay at a lot of Jellystone parks so have become accustomed to the park layouts and activities. This one was well maintained with clean facilities. Some things like the mini golf and fire pits needed maintenance. The pools were nice but get very busy later in the day. The sites up on the hills are nice but beware, it’s a hill! There is little to no WiFi or cell service or it gets easily bogged down, so be ready for that. Food was basic but good. Some activities like bingo were a bit chaotic and there were a lot of ground hornets around the jumping pillows. Would totally go again.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Tomkins Cove, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, Tomkins Cove, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 125 campgrounds and RV parks near Tomkins Cove, NY and 4 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Tomkins Cove, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Tomkins Cove, 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 Tomkins Cove, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Tomkins Cove, NY.
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