Camping sites near Valley Cottage, New York cluster around the foothills of the Hudson Highlands, with elevations ranging from 200 to 1,300 feet. Most campgrounds operate seasonally from April through October, though some like Ward Pound Ridge Reservation remain open year-round. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during day and 55-65°F at night.
What to do
Lake swimming access: At Beaver Pond Campground, campers can walk to Welch Lake which offers a "lifeguard monitored sandy beach which is open during the summer season for swimming, fishing, and small boat craft further out." The swimming areas have full facilities including showers and bathrooms.
Hiking trails: Ward Pound Ridge Reservation contains over 40 miles of trails through varied terrain. "The property and hikes are magical. No car noise or nonsense," notes one visitor. The reservation's trail system accommodates hikers of different abilities with routes that pass through wooded areas, meadows, and along creeks.
Disc golf: Campgaw Mountain Reservation offers a disc golf course as part of its recreational facilities. "There was also plenty to do during the day, like joining the hikers on those trails, disc golf, and sitting by the water," according to one camper who visited during a holiday weekend.
Rock scrambling: For more adventurous campers, the Suffern-Bear Mountain trail from Gate Hill Road offers challenging terrain with rock scrambles. "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."
What campers like
Platform tent sites: The elevated camping platforms at The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center receive high marks from visitors. "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," explains one camper. These platforms keep tents dry during wet conditions.
Off-season tranquility: Many campers mention visiting during weekdays or off-season for a quieter experience. As one visitor to Fahnestock State Park observed, "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."
Lake views: Croton Point Park sits on a peninsula extending into the Hudson River. "This is state park, very large nested on Peninsula on the Hudson River," notes one camper. Another camper describes the setting as a "gorgeous camping ground right on the Hudson with beach and trails" with "gorgeous scenery along the river and a private beach."
Communal amenities: Several campgrounds offer unexpected conveniences. At Beaver Pond Campground, one camper particularly enjoyed "the communal sink which made it very convenient and easy to wash dishes and fill up water." Fahnestock State Park provides "dish washing sinks available with hot running water."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds in the area have specific booking procedures. For Camp Glen Gray, vehicles aren't allowed to drive through camp, but "Camp also provides trucking of gear weather permitting." Ward Pound Ridge Reservation requires in-person reservations: "There is no phone or internet reservations and has to be made in person at the office."
Wildlife awareness: Bears are active throughout the region. At Beaver Pond Campground, new arrivals receive orientation about bear activity. "Welcome to Bear Mountain" grumbles the park ranger as he sits in complete darkness! He... gives us the run down on bear activity in the area. I mean, we are in Bear Mountain, what do you expect?!?" Raccoons are also common, with one Croton Point camper warning to "Keep your food in the dry bag and away from the tent or benches provided or face the packs of fearless racoons at night."
Noise factors: Train sounds affect some campgrounds. At Croton Point Park, "there is a train depot right outside and you can hear them shunting trains all night." Another camper mentioned the site was "very loud (dance music) until after 11pm. Quiet time at 10pm."
Capacity restrictions: Popular swimming areas may limit entry on busy days. One visitor to Fahnestock State Park noted, "On July 4th, my partner and I tried to go to the beach, but were told it was at capacity at 3 different points throughout the day."
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground offers family-friendly facilities. "Beautiful State Park, Nice clean Beach and Lake, Bathroom and showers were clean. We had a family camping trip with lots of kids of all ages, the walk in sites are not too far off the road so it was easily manageable."
Halloween camping: Croton Point Park makes a good base for seasonal activities. "We came in October to celebrate Halloween in sleepy hollow! This is a great campsite and reasonably priced. Was close to bear mountains state part and the train station is right there!"
Weekend activities: Several campgrounds organize special events. At Sebago Cabin Camp, "they also have movie nights they do big bon 🔥 on Saturday very kid friendly ranger Joe is 👌 with the kids." Another camper noted, "Sebago has a huge lake and great beach area. It was perfect for lounging and swimming in during a hot summer day."
Transportation options: The region is accessible without a car. Fahnestock campers mentioned, "When you are camping with a large group of friends and don't all have access to a car, this is the perfect spot. MetroNorth takes you right into Cold Spring."
Tips from RVers
Site specifics: At West Point FMWR Round Pond Outdoor Recreation Area, RV sites include basic hookups. "No frills but beautiful. Bath houses are absolutely spotless. Fire pits, electric and water hook ups only." This military-only campground receives high marks for cleanliness and maintenance.
Hookup availability: RV sites with full hookups are limited in the region. At Croton Point Park, there's "a mix of w/e (6 sites) and FHU sites plus about a dozen tent sites." Another camper notes, "Both the tenting section and RV sites are each very clustered together, and quite crowded."
Generator restrictions: Many campgrounds prohibit generators. Beaver Pond Campground allows them only "at certain hours." The regulations at this campground specify "NO generators-allowed" as a general rule, with time-limited exceptions.
Offseason camping: RV campers report better experiences outside peak season. "This is an off-grid camping experience. You can use your generator at certain hours. They have a beach. Their staff is friendly. I love going here."
