Warwick camping options range from tent sites to full-service RV parks with diverse terrain from wooded settings to mountain views. Located in Orange County at elevations between 300-800 feet, the area experiences warm summers and cold winters with colorful fall foliage. Camping facilities near Warwick typically close for winter between October and April, though some remain open year-round.
What to do
Explore lake activities: At Harriman State Park's Beaver Pond Campground, visitors can access Welch Lake which offers swimming with lifeguards during summer months. "The beach is secured with lifeguards and shower and bathroom facilities are available," notes Brian O. Another camper adds, "We didn't visit Welch Lake beach but for a quick walk to the area for a few pictures; it's past season at this point."
Hike historic trails: Beaver Pond Campground offers access to portions of the Appalachian Trail and Revolutionary War-era paths. "A quick 15 minute drive from Beaver Pond, is Bear Mountain State Park. Here you can find some of the Appalachian Trail, with various smaller trail heads for this historic (Revolutionary Times 1770s) part of the region including the one to Doodle Town," shares Steve W.
Visit farm animals: Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort combines camping with animal encounters. "The farm has goats, a donkey, and a pony within the campground. Very cool," explains Faith D. Another camper mentions, "Important to not miss: the amazingly beautiful miniature horse that wonders around its huge pin located in the middle of the campground."
What campers like
Spacious, wooded sites: Many campgrounds offer tree cover and adequate site spacing. At Mountain Top RV Park, Jason G. reports, "The water and electric sites and tent sites were tucked away in a more wooded environment." Another camper at Beaver Pond appreciated that "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."
Platform camping options: Some campgrounds feature raised platforms for tents, beneficial during wet weather. "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," notes Ethan K. about Beaver Pond Campground.
Proximity to NYC: Despite natural settings, most Warwick area campgrounds provide relatively easy access to New York City. "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 Harriman State Park.
What you should know
Wildlife encounters: Bear awareness is essential when camping in this region. "Welcome to Bear Mountain" grumbles the park ranger as he sits in complete darkness! He is in his ranger hut, checking in the late evening arrivals to the campground... and gives us the run down on bear activity in the area," reports Steve W. from Beaver Pond.
Seasonal availability: Skyway Camping Resort operates from May 1 to October 14, typical of the region's camping season. Most campgrounds close during winter months with Black Bear RV Park being one of the few year-round options.
Noise levels: Campground noise varies significantly by location and timing. "There is a constant buzz in the air of conversation, music, laughter and shrieking toddlers. Quiet time at night is laughable as the enjoyment of being in nature rages on into the early morning," describes Steve W. about Beaver Pond during busy periods. However, another camper notes, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Look for educational activities: Thousand Trails Rondout Valley offers nature-based learning opportunities. "The creek that runs by the campground is gorgeous, and my kids had fun finding Crayfish," writes Kasey M. This campground also provides family-friendly recreation: "Lots of activities a pool access, food court and basketball courts."
Check playground options: Consider campgrounds with good play equipment. At Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort, Janelle G. notes, "Good family fun though! Plenty to occupy the kids. Playground, hayride, animals to feed (goats, chickens, donkey and pony)." Some campgrounds offer more extensive play areas than others.
Plan for swimming access: Several campgrounds provide swimming facilities. One visitor to Beaver Pond mentions, "The campground offers several different sites, from platform tent spaces to those for 25' trailers. All sites have a standard picnic table and fire ring." Many families appreciate the "updated pool, playground, game room" available at Mountain Top RV Park.
Tips from RVers
Highway noise considerations: Tri-State RV Park offers convenient access but comes with traffic noise. "Located just off the highway so lots of vehicle noise 24/7. Sites are on a gravel lot," explains Michael H. Another RVer confirms, "While the staff is very friendly and polite you are basically in a old parking lot right below the freeway. Very easy to get on & off the highway but loud highway noise almost all night."
Winter camping options: Limited RV parks remain open during colder months. Black Bear RV Park in Florida, NY operates year-round with some winter-specific considerations. One winter camper at Tri-State RV Park shared: "Open during the winter. Easy on, easy off. Lots of pull through sites. Next to grocery store. CLEAN bathrooms, showers, laundry. Super nice owners."
Site selection strategies: For RV camping at Pleasant Acres, Bill B. advises: "When you leave you have to drive the wrong way in the campground because of the low hanging trees the correct direction." At Mountain Top RV Park, a camper recommends, "If you're booking, it may be best to book on the upper levels because the lower area where we were did flood pretty bad a couple times when there was a lot of rain."
