Big Pine, North Salem, NY

Introduction / Overview

For local New Yorkers seeking a true escape into the wild without leaving the convenience of the lower Hudson Valley, "Big Pine" is an unofficial name often associated with the rugged, stunning landscapes found within the Sal J. Prezioso Mountain Lakes Park in North Salem, NY. This 1,082-acre Westchester County park is the northernmost outpost of the county park system, characterized by a challenging, beautiful terrain of native hardwood forests, imposing rock outcroppings, meandering streams, and breathtaking views, including the highest mountain in Westchester County.

The reviews from local users capture the essence of this location perfectly. One customer describes it as an "Awesome spot on beautiful lake in well tended park. Don't tell anyone!" This highlights the park's dual appeal: its pristine, natural beauty (beautiful lake, well-tended) and its reputation as a cherished local secret for tranquil outdoor enjoyment. Another review, "Terrific bow hunting spot," points to its significant role for area sportsmen, particularly those participating in Westchester County's controlled deer management programs.

Big Pine is not a traditional, commercial RV park but an immersive wilderness experience focused on lean-to and tent camping, giving local outdoor enthusiasts a primitive yet managed environment for activities like hiking, fishing, and, crucially, bow hunting. It is a vital green space that serves as a vital recreational and conservation area for the New York Metro-North region.

Location and Accessibility

The area known as Big Pine is situated within the expansive Sal J. Prezioso Mountain Lakes Park, making its address and accessibility centralized.

The park's location places it on the border of North Salem and Lewisboro, firmly in northern Westchester County. This makes it an easily accessible day trip or weekend escape for residents throughout the Hudson Valley and even the northern boroughs of New York City via the Metro-North Railroad system, though a vehicle is necessary for the final leg of the journey. The official park entrance is located at 201 Hawley Road, North Salem, NY 10560.

Key accessibility points for local users include:

Proximity to Major Routes: The location is a convenient drive from I-684 and Route 35, providing excellent access to points both north (Putnam County) and south (central Westchester).
A Scenic Escape: Despite its proximity to heavily populated areas, the park’s rugged, elevated terrain and natural forest act as a genuine barrier to urban noise, immediately immersing visitors in a quiet, secluded environment—a true rarity in the downstate New York region.
Public Transportation Access (Indirect): While not directly accessible by train, the campground area is a manageable drive from Metro-North stations like Croton Falls or Purdy’s, making it reachable for city dwellers with car access or ride-share services.

The park’s impressive elevation, which includes the highest mountain in the county, ensures that visitors are rewarded with spectacular scenic views after navigating the well-marked, yet somewhat challenging, trail system.

Services Offered

The services at Big Pine/Mountain Lakes Park are tailored toward an authentic, rustic outdoor experience, with necessary infrastructure managed by Westchester County Parks.

Year-Round Lean-to and Tent Camping: The park offers open-face Lean-tos for camping throughout the year. Each shelter site is equipped with a picnic table, an outside grill for cooking, and a designated fire ring for campfires.
Reservations and Permitting: Camping is by permit only, which must be secured in advance from the park office. This managed access helps ensure the park remains well-tended, as noted in customer reviews, and prevents overcrowding.
Portable Toilets: Basic sanitary facilities (portable toilets) are provided at the camp sites and major trailheads to maintain park cleanliness and meet basic visitor needs.
Firewood Provision: Only kiln-dried firewood is permitted to be brought into the park to protect native trees, with firewood conveniently available for purchase through the park office.
Canoe Rentals: For water enthusiasts, canoe rentals are available at Hemlock Lake on weekends during the open season (weather permitting), allowing visitors to enjoy the park’s beautiful waterways. No private watercraft are permitted.
Group Rentals: The park offers facilities for organized groups, including the rental of the spacious lodge/dining hall and a unique yurt village for larger overnight gatherings, providing options beyond the standard lean-to.
Park-Provided Activities: The facility offers guided recreational opportunities, including access to a high/low ropes challenge course, which caters to corporate and youth group teambuilding events.

Features / Highlights

The location offers an array of natural and managed features that appeal directly to the local outdoor adventurer:

Five Scenic Lakes: True to its name, the park is home to five different lakes, offering picturesque views, fishing opportunities, and the tranquil lake setting praised by visitors. During winter, these lakes are often suitable for ice skating.
Extensive Trail System: Miles of well-maintained trails traverse the rugged landscape, providing exceptional hiking, snow-shoeing, and cross-country skiing opportunities. The trails lead to the highest mountain in Westchester County, rewarding hikers with spectacular overlooks.
Adaptive Deer Management Program: The park is a key location within the Westchester County Parks Adaptive Deer Management Program, making it a critical "terrific bow hunting spot" for registered and assigned hunters, thus fulfilling a vital need for local sportsmen and conservation efforts.
Year-Round Operation: The park is open seven days a week, dawn to dusk, year-round, allowing local users the flexibility to enjoy the facilities regardless of the season. Camping is also available year-round in the sturdy lean-tos.
No County Park Pass Required: Admission to the park itself does not require a Westchester County Park Pass, simplifying access for all New York residents.
Camp Morty Campus: During the summer, a portion of the park is dedicated to Camp Morty, a residential camp for underserved children, demonstrating the park's commitment to community service and youth development.

Contact Information

Address: 201 Hawley Road, North Salem, NY 10560, USA (This is the address for Sal J. Prezioso Mountain Lakes Park, where the Big Pine-area camping is located)

Phone for Reservations: (914) 864-7312

The park office handles all camping permits, canoe rentals, and group reservation inquiries.

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

For residents of the greater New York region, the Big Pine area of Sal J. Prezioso Mountain Lakes Park represents the ultimate accessible wilderness retreat. It is perfectly positioned to serve the local user base by providing an experience that feels truly remote and rugged while being just a short drive from suburban civilization. The commitment to maintaining a "well tended park" is evident in the managed access and infrastructure, providing a high-quality outdoor experience that is increasingly hard to find in the dense downstate area.

This location is suitable for locals for several specific reasons: it fulfills the need for year-round, genuine outdoor adventure through its lean-to camping and extensive trail network. It provides crucial public land access for specialized activities, as attested by the "Terrific bow hunting spot" review, supporting local sportsmen and conservation efforts. Finally, the beautiful lake and serene, secluded atmosphere offer an immediate and necessary respite from the stresses of city and suburban life, allowing New Yorkers to reconnect with nature in an "awesome spot" they can truly call their own. The blend of managed facilities and pure wilderness makes Big Pine an essential, well-loved gem for the entire Westchester and Hudson Valley community.