Beaver Pond Campground

- 700 Kanawauke Rd, Stony Point, NY 10980

For New York residents seeking a true wilderness escape without sacrificing accessibility to the metropolitan area, Beaver Pond Campground offers a compelling solution. Situated within the sprawling 47,000-acre Harriman State Park, this state-run facility in Stony Point, NY, provides a vital opportunity to reconnect with nature, just a short drive—approximately 25 miles—north of the George Washington Bridge. It represents a classic New York State Parks experience: affordable, amenity-rich, and surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of the Lower Hudson Valley.

Beaver Pond is designed to accommodate various types of campers, from those pitching a small tent to families utilizing a modestly-sized RV. It boasts a mix of traditional ground sites and unique raised platform sites, the latter being a popular feature for comfortable tent setup, particularly on uneven or rocky terrain. The campground's proximity to Lake Welch Recreation Area is a key highlight, providing campers with access to a swimming beach, picnicking spots, and boating opportunities.

As a state campground, Beaver Pond operates under specific, strict guidelines regarding noise, alcohol, and pets, all designed to maintain a safe and natural environment for all visitors. The camping season generally runs from spring to fall, with reservations strongly encouraged due to its high demand as a convenient and budget-friendly New York getaway. The staff strives to maintain facilities that are clean and well-kept, allowing campers to focus on enjoying the great outdoors, hiking trails, and the scenic views of the surrounding parkland.

The strategic location of Beaver Pond Campground makes it exceptionally appealing for locals across the New York metropolitan area, offering an immediate sense of escape.

The official address is 700 Kanawauke Rd, Stony Point, NY 10980, placing it deep within the eastern boundary of Harriman State Park. The community of Stony Point, in Rockland County, serves as the gateway to this section of the park.

• Easy Drive from NYC: Being located just north of the George Washington Bridge (approximately a 45-minute drive without heavy traffic) means New York City residents can easily access the park for weekend trips, maximizing time spent relaxing rather than traveling.
• Major Roadway Access: The campground is conveniently reached via major parkways in the area, including the Palisades Interstate Parkway, typically accessed through Exit 15.
• Immersed in Harriman State Park: Campers have immediate, unparalleled access to the vast trail network of Harriman, one of the largest state parks in New York. This includes connections to major hiking routes and numerous scenic overlooks.
• Nearby Attractions: The location is a short drive from other significant regional points of interest, such as Bear Mountain State Park, Rockland Lake State Park, and the historic Stony Point Battlefield State Historic Site, offering plenty of options for day trips outside the immediate campground area.

As a well-established New York State Park facility, Beaver Pond provides essential services aimed at making the camping experience comfortable and convenient, particularly for family and car-camping enthusiasts.

• Campsite Accommodations: Sites are available for both tents (some featuring 14' x 14' wooden platforms) and trailers/RVs (up to 30 ft. in length). Each site includes a picnic table and a metal fire ring with a flip-top grill.
• Comfort Stations and Showers: Full-service bathroom facilities are centrally located throughout the three main camping sections (A, Main, and W), offering flush toilets and hot showers.
• Water and Waste Facilities: The campground provides potable water fill-up stations and a sanitary dump station for registered RV/trailer campers (Note: Sites do not have individual water or electric hook-ups).
• On-Site Camp Store/Office: A central office handles check-ins, provides general information, and typically sells firewood (to prevent the spread of invasive species) and offers laundry facilities (washer and dryer).
• Lake Welch Beach Access: Registered campers have convenient access to the Lake Welch Recreation Area and its protected swimming beach during lifeguard hours.

The main features of Beaver Pond Campground highlight its natural setting and the recreational opportunities it offers to local New Yorkers.

• Proximity to Lake Welch: The adjacent Lake Welch beach area is a premier feature, offering swimming and sunbathing during the warm season, which is a major draw for families.
• Hiking and Exploration: Campers are placed in the heart of Harriman State Park, giving immediate access to hundreds of miles of well-maintained hiking trails, suitable for all skill levels.
• Variety of Sites, including Raised Platforms: The availability of unique raised platform sites ensures a dry and level sleeping surface for tent campers, regardless of ground conditions.
• Affordable State Park Rates: Compared to private campgrounds or other regional accommodations, the nightly rates at Beaver Pond are a highly attractive feature for budget-conscious local travelers.
• Family Amenities: A dedicated playground area is available for children, contributing to the family-friendly atmosphere of the main camping sections.

For reservations (highly recommended) and current operational details:

Address:

700 Kanawauke Rd, Stony Point, NY 10980, USA

Phone (Campground Office):

(845) 947-2792

Mobile Phone (as listed, typically same as landline for the office):

+1 845-947-2792

Beaver Pond Campground is an ideal and highly suitable destination for New York locals seeking an accessible, nature-based getaway. Its location within Harriman State Park provides an immediate immersion into the wooded tranquility of the Hudson Valley, offering a much-needed break from the densely populated metropolitan area. For those who enjoy hiking, swimming, or simply gathering around a campfire, the park's offerings are exceptional and plentiful.

However, local users need to manage their expectations, particularly regarding the atmosphere during peak season. Reviews frequently point to a common challenge in campgrounds close to a major city: the difficulty in enforcing quiet hours and rules about noise, alcohol, and site occupancy. Reports of loud music, late-night noise, and sites that feel too close together are a recurring theme. The official rules are very clear—alcohol and amplified music are prohibited, and quiet hours are 10 PM to 8 AM—but the enforcement can be inconsistent.

For the local camper, this means Beaver Pond is best suited for:

• Those who prioritize convenience and affordability over complete seclusion.
• Campers who are comfortable in a lively, high-energy environment, especially during weekends and holidays, or those who plan to camp during the quieter, mid-week, or shoulder seasons (spring/fall).
• Families and groups looking for abundant activities, including swimming and hiking, that can occupy a weekend without requiring extensive travel.

To ensure a positive experience, locals should consider booking a site in the more secluded "W Section," if available, and calling ahead to confirm any current policy enforcement measures. Ultimately, Beaver Pond offers the classic New York camping experience—an affordable, action-packed natural escape right outside your back door—provided you understand and prepare for the social dynamics of a highly popular and easily accessible urban-adjacent campground.

Beaver Pond Campground

700 Kanawauke Rd, Stony Point, NY 10980, USA