Campsites near White Plains, New York offer diverse terrain across Westchester County and neighboring areas, with elevations ranging from sea level along the Hudson River to 642 feet at Mount Bailey in Mountain Lakes Park. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer camping temperatures typically ranging from 65-85°F, while fall brings cooler nights around 45-60°F. Many parks remain accessible during winter months when temperatures can drop below freezing.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Blydenburgh County Park features a 7-mile loop trail around its lake with good fishing spots. "Lots of horses and dogs on the trail. 30 or so sites around a central public restroom. Everyone was nice and we had a great time," notes a camper at Blydenburgh County Park.
Paddling and swimming: Several campgrounds offer water access for recreation. "The lake is very peaceful, and home to beavers we watched from the dining hall patio," shares a visitor to The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center. Many campgrounds have designated swimming areas with seasonal lifeguards.
Winter camping: Several campgrounds maintain year-round operations, with Ward Pound Ridge Reservation particularly suited for winter stays. "Ive been coming here for years. They have great sights and are open all year round. Ive stayed in hammocks, tents, leantos, and even did a good share of car camping," comments a regular visitor.
What campers like
Platform camping: Some campgrounds offer raised platforms for tent setup, providing extra comfort during wet conditions. At Beaver Pond Campground, "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."
Lean-to shelters: These structures provide a solid camping option for those wanting more protection than a tent. "The shelters are great for people who want to camp and not have to worry about unplanned weather. The best part of this campsite are the endless trails in the area... I believe there are over 40 miles of trails in this area," according to a visitor at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation.
Off-season tranquility: For campers seeking solitude, visiting during weekdays or shoulder seasons offers a different experience. At Clarence Fahnestock State Park, one camper noted, "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."
What you should know
Wildlife awareness: Several campgrounds report regular wildlife activity. "Keep your food in the dry bag and away from the tent or benches provided or face the packs of fearless racoons at night," advises a camper at Croton Point Park.
Noise considerations: Urban proximity means some campgrounds experience ambient noise. At Croton Point Park, one visitor noted: "The site was very loud (dance music) until after 11pm. Quiet time at 10pm. Great site for a party, try to stay away from this end of the site or choose a site away from other bookings if you'd like quiet."
Reservation processes: Methods for securing sites vary across campgrounds. For Mountain Lakes Park, advanced planning is essential during peak seasons. Some parks require in-person bookings, while others use online reservation systems that can fill quickly for summer weekends and holiday periods.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. At Battle Row Campground, "The playground is new and centrally located. They also have a horseshoe pit. There are lots of RVs but not close to tent sites."
Family-friendly trails: Hiking options suitable for various ages exist throughout the region. Sebago Cabin Camp offers structured activities: "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."
Site selection for groups: When camping with multiple families, consider campgrounds that accommodate group arrangements. "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," reports a visitor to Clarence Fahnestock State Park.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: RV sites with utilities are limited in the White Plains area. At Sebago Cabin Camp in Harriman State Park, "They have rustic cabins. These do not have plumbing or heat. It is a step up from cabin camping." Most RV campgrounds offer water and electric hookups, but full hookup sites with sewer connections are less common.
Site spacing: RV sites at many campgrounds are clustered together with limited privacy. "The sites can be a bit tight, at times and you may find a few visitors, not necessarily on two legs, but always a delight," notes a camper at Beaver Pond Campground about the wildlife and spacing considerations.
Generator restrictions: Many campgrounds near White Plains have specific regulations regarding generator use. At Croton Point Park, generators are not permitted, requiring RVers to rely on battery power or campground electrical hookups, which are limited to certain sites with 30-amp service.
