Tent campsites near Wingdale, New York cluster around terrain that ranges from 500 to 1,500 feet in elevation, offering varied camping experiences across southwestern New York and western Connecticut. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F, while spring and fall temperatures fluctuate between 45-65°F. Winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that can drop below freezing, with several campgrounds remaining accessible year-round.
What to do
Hiking Bear Mountain: Access the highest point in Connecticut (2,316 feet) from the Brassie Brook Shelter - Bear Mountain area. "We started our hike at the under-mountain trailhead, located right off route 41, and climbed up the mountain. Be prepared for steep inclines, and lots of rocks," notes a camper who recommends hitting the summit for "incredible views."
Rock climbing: The world-renowned climbing area known as "the gunks" is accessible from Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground. A visitor mentions, "This is a very nice modern campground with great access to amazing hiking and climbing in the area!" For beginners, guide services are available in nearby New Paltz.
Birdwatching and wildlife observation: Croton Point Park sits on a peninsula offering wetland habitats where various bird species can be spotted. A camper states there are "plenty porta potties all around. Keep your food in the dry bag and away from the tent or benches provided or face the packs of fearless racoons at night."
What campers like
Private campsites: Windmill Hill - Connecticut White Memorial Campground offers secluded spots that campers appreciate. One reviewer described it as a "Great experience! Quiet woods atmosphere with trail's. Wonderful place to camp. Very clean."
Lean-to shelters: Multiple campsites offer lean-to structures for camping without tents. At Riga Lean-To, a visitor noted, "Riga has the lean-to as well as about 4 or 5 sites all around. There's no picnic tables at the other spots but there is one for the lean-to."
Community atmosphere: The shared facilities at Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground create a social environment. "They place wood chips all around. The setting is beautiful, it just feels more like glamping," reports one camper, while another notes the "communal fire pit and supplied wood" available to all campers.
Trail accessibility: Many tent campgrounds connect directly to hiking trails. One camper stated about Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, "This is a great place for camping...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."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Some campgrounds require in-person reservations. A camper at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation notes, "The one downside is that you need to book in person but it can be done well in advance if need be."
Varying bathroom facilities: Toilet availability ranges from flush toilets to pit toilets to none at all. At Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed, a camper reports, "There are absolutely no amenities whatsoever & barely even a signal here, but it's quiet & off the beaten path."
Fire restrictions: Fire regulations differ between sites. At Ten Mile River Shelter on the Appalachian Trail, fires are prohibited entirely, while Ward Pound Ridge provides fire pits at each site. One camper mentioned, "All of the shelters have fire pits and some have interior fireplaces."
Limited parking: Several sites have restricted parking areas. A reviewer at Hemlock Ridge MUA noted, "The parking lot only holds about 4-5 cars, 6 if you park real tight."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and facilities: Croton Point Park offers family-friendly amenities. A visitor mentioned, "Playground within sight of our camper. Site does not have Wi-Fi and street address didn't work correctly with multiple GPS apps."
Spacious sites: Ward Pound Ridge Reservation provides room for families to spread out. According to a camper, "My family and friends stayed at the Kimberly campsite 7...and I have to say, we couldn't ask for a better spot. No mosquitos or bugs. We had a fire pit, bbq grill and 2 benches that fit 3 tents."
Educational opportunities: Mountain Lakes Park has natural features for learning opportunities. One camper describes it as "a gorgeous piece of land that contains lakes, a lookout and Mt. Bailey, the highest point in Westchester County."
Distance from facilities: Some campsites require planning for bathroom access. At Ward Pound Ridge, a camper noted, "The sites are much farther away from the comfort stations than most campgrounds we have been to. But there are port-a-potties very close to the sites, which is very important when you have young kids."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most camping near Wingdale focuses on tent camping with few dedicated RV sites. Croton Point Park offers some of the only RV accommodations with "a mix of w/e (6 sites) and FHU sites plus about a dozen tent sites." A visitor noted, "All sites appeared level. The FHU sites were back-to-back and although there were trees separating the sites, they were close together."
