Camping accommodations in the Warwick, NY region range from rustic tent platforms to fully-equipped RV sites. The area's elevation varies from 400 to 1,800 feet above sea level, creating diverse camping microclimates. Many campgrounds remain open from April through October, though some offer limited winter availability with seasonal amenities.
What to do
Hiking the Appalachian Trail sections: Both High Point State Park and Stokes State Forest provide direct access to the Appalachian Trail. "I stopped at this shelter while hiking the AT in High Point SP. It was raining the entire day and the shelter provided a dry place to take a break. The shelter has the usual facilities, privy, water source (must be filtered), bear box, etc.," notes one High Point State Park visitor.
Kayaking on multiple lakes: Beaver Pond Campground offers lake access for water activities. According to a camper at Stokes State Forest, "You can also rent kayaks and SUP at the main office. Highly recommend Stokes."
Monument views: Several parks feature scenic overlooks with notable views. "You can drive to High Point monument that is 1803 feet above sea level and you get a spectacular panorama view. There are hiking trails and fresh water for kayaking," explains one reviewer.
Winter activities: Some campgrounds remain open year-round with seasonal accommodations. A visitor at Stokes State Forest mentions, "The cabins are reasonably priced and well-appointed, if a bit rustic... You need that wood stove to heat up the cabin."
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Many campgrounds offer well-separated sites for privacy. At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, "The campsites are paved and mostly level. They are wooded and large. Water and electric hookups and a dump station."
Platform camping: Several campgrounds feature raised wooden platforms for tents. "Camps are secluded from each other and most if not all have an elevated space to put tents or chairs," reports a High Point State Park visitor.
Affordable camping options: Budget-friendly sites exist throughout the region. At Beaver Pond Campground, "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. Camping for just $15."
Proximity to NYC: Many campgrounds offer wilderness experiences within reasonable driving distance of urban areas. A camper at Beaver Pond notes, "About 30 minutes from sleepy hollow and tarrytown NY and only an hour to central park!! Deer running everywhere and surprisingly beautiful and quaint."
What you should know
Bear activity: Bear encounters are common in multiple camping areas. At Kittatinny Campground, proper food storage is essential. Similarly, at Stokes State Forest, "Remember, this is bear country so proper food storage is a must. Bear lockers are not provided."
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have minimal or no phone reception. At the AMC Harriman Outdoor Center, connectivity is limited but "This campsite is accessible by public transportation. There is a shuttle run by the campsite to and from Tuxedo Park Train Station."
Varying amenities: Facilities differ significantly between campgrounds. "No running water except for pump founded outside of the bathrooms. Toilets are pump flushed. Showers are only located INSIDE High Point State Park, not throughout the campsites," notes one camper.
Water access challenges: Some campgrounds require planning for water access. At Black Bear RV Park, "Unfortunately at this site, the heated water pipe was broken so we had no water for the night."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. At Beaver Pond, "It's great to have the small kitchen when camping with the family. A must see campground," and another notes it "has a playground, showers, bathroom. Your phone will have signal."
Group camping options: For larger family gatherings, specific group sites are available. At The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center, "The group campsites are big enough for the amount of people you can have, have picnic benches, a fire ring, a composting outhouse toilet just for the site, and one of those flat charcoal 'grills'."
Easy access swimming: Several campgrounds offer family-friendly water activities. At Sebago Cabin Camp, "Near lake Welch- which is phenomenal for easy nearly- beach like camping. The cabins are 'rustic' - but there's what you need: cots, electricity, a fridge."
Educational ranger programs: Some parks provide family activities. A visitor notes, "Sebago has a ton of activities like outdoor movies and communal bonfires on weekends. I was told by ranger Joe they also do Karaoke nights too."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: RV sites with utilities vary across campgrounds. At Black Bear RV Park, "Have stayed here several times - great location and nice, full hook-up sites. Back-in and pull through sites and can accommodate large rigs."
Leveling challenges: Some campgrounds present challenges for larger vehicles. One RVer noted, "So, we got in with no reservation, which was great. It's in the same park as the high point, also great. The sites are varied, some have tent platforms, it's just off the AT, but we have a trailer and the 'trailer' sites aren't level."
Water access solutions: Several campgrounds offer creative solutions for RV water needs. At Mahlon Dickerson, "Website lists water hook ups at long distances but they have hose reels to help with that. Our site (15) said 75' however the 50' hose reel made it to our rv connection."
Seasonal limitations: Some campgrounds restrict RV services during off-season. A Black Bear RV Park visitor mentioned, "We are returning to the south after spending a couple months of fall in New England... It was more expensive than places we usually stay, and none of their amenities/buildings were open."
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