Cedar Pond Campground, Tuxedo, NY

Introduction / Overview: A Dedicated Space for Group Wilderness Training

For New York residents—especially those involved with youth groups, scout troops, and church organizations—the Cedar Pond Campground in Southfields, NY, offers a uniquely rugged and essential outdoor experience. Situated within the immense natural sanctuary of Harriman State Park, Cedar Pond is not a typical public campsite. It is designated by the Palisades Interstate Park Commission as a Pioneer Camping Area, exclusively reserved for bona-fide organizations by advance reservation. This makes it an invaluable resource for groups seeking a focused, primitive, and character-building wilderness retreat close to the greater New York metropolitan area.

Cedar Pond allows groups to immerse themselves in nature, fostering teamwork, resilience, and appreciation for the outdoors. The atmosphere is deliberately rustic, emphasizing traditional camping skills and community building. As one local review emphasizes, this focus on group integrity and safety is paramount: "This is a good place. It is for group camping only and as it involves lots of children (church groups, scout troops,) the people in charge are on a lookout for new people entering the place. You must register your vehicle at the circle!" This facility plays a vital role in the developmental programming of many NYC and regional youth organizations, providing a necessary disconnect from city life.

The camping season typically runs from the third Friday in April to Columbus Day, allowing groups a lengthy window to plan their retreats and take advantage of the beautiful, varied seasons in the lower Hudson Valley.

Location and Accessibility

Cedar Pond Campground is ideally located for New York groups, offering a profound escape without excessive travel time. The facility is officially located at Cedar Pond, Southfields, NY 10975, USA, on the southwestern shore of Lake Tiorati, directly off Seven Lakes Drive within Harriman State Park.

Harriman State Park is a massive state park spanning over 46,000 acres in Rockland and Orange counties, making it highly accessible from the five boroughs, Long Island, and surrounding upstate regions. This proximity is a major advantage for local organizations managing logistical challenges with group transportation.

Accessibility is strictly controlled to maintain the exclusive, secure nature of the facility. The gates to the area must be kept locked at all times, ensuring privacy and safety for the participating youth organizations. All vehicles, which are limited to cars and passenger vans (buses and commercial vehicles are not permitted without special permits), must be registered upon entry. The camp’s location near Lake Tiorati also places groups close to additional seasonal park facilities like the Lake Tiorati Beach, where campers can sometimes access showers during beach operating hours (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day).

Services Offered

Cedar Pond operates as a pioneer camping area, meaning services are minimal and focused on supporting a primitive camping experience, with an emphasis on self-sufficiency and group management.

Reservations and Permits: Campsites are available by reservation only, exclusively for "bona-fide organizations" such as scout troops, churches, and youth associations. Full payment and proof of organization status (e.g., letterhead or business card) must be submitted with the application.
Campsite Capacity: Cedar Pond features three designated campsites, each accommodating a maximum of 30 people, making it highly suitable for large group activities.
Water and Sanitation: Sites offer access to running water (non-potable, should be treated for drinking, or groups should bring their own) and feature two simple pit toilets per area. There are no flush toilets or on-site showers.
Parking: Each reserved site includes parking for two vehicles within the permit fee. An additional vehicle fee is charged for extra vehicles during peak season, which must also be registered upon arrival.
Access Control: The facility is secured with locked gates. Groups must make arrangements with the Tiorati Office to pick up the key if arriving after a certain time, reinforcing the controlled and private nature of the campground.

Features / Highlights

The primary highlight of Cedar Pond is its authentic rustic environment and its superb location within Harriman State Park.

Primitive Tent Camping: The area is ideal for groups seeking a true 'pitch your tent' experience. Unlike RV parks, this pioneer style of camping encourages traditional outdoor skills.
Lake Tiorati Access: Situated directly on the southwestern shore of Lake Tiorati, groups have unique access to the water. Campers staying at Cedar Pond are specifically permitted to launch their boats directly from their site, offering opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing (NYS fishing license required).
Hiking and Exploration: Being in Harriman State Park provides immediate access to thousands of acres of wilderness, including a vast network of trails for group hikes and nature studies.
Safety and Wildlife Awareness: The experience inherently teaches essential outdoor safety, including wildlife precautions. Reviews highlight the strict food storage rule: "Food must be kept (in vehicle) after dinner to avoid visitors (bears, racoons, etc)," promoting responsible camping behavior.
Group Focus: The exclusion of individual public camping and the emphasis on bona-fide organizations mean that groups have a dedicated, focused environment free from the distractions of general public traffic, fostering stronger bonds and more effective programming.

Contact Information

Reservations and inquiries for the Cedar Pond Pioneer Camping Area are managed by the Palisades Interstate Park Commission, typically through the Harriman State Park offices.

Campground Name: Cedar Pond Campground (Pioneer Camping Area)

Address: Cedar Pond, Southfields, NY 10975, USA

Primary Reservation/Information Phone: (845) 947-2444 or +1 845-947-2444 (Note: This number is the main contact provided for the facility. For reservations, groups often need to submit a written application to the Tiorati Office. It is recommended to call to confirm the most current reservation process.)

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

Cedar Pond Campground in Southfields, NY, is perfectly suited for New York locals—specifically, for the thousands of young people participating in regional scout troops, school clubs, and church youth ministries. Its value lies in its designation as a private group camping facility within a premier State Park, which is a rare and precious resource near the country's largest metropolitan area.

This location is a practical necessity for local group leaders. It minimizes travel time and costs while maximizing the quality of the outdoor education and character development experience. The rustic, pioneer-style setting forces groups to work together, manage resources, and follow strict safety protocols, directly translating to invaluable life skills. The controlled, reservation-only environment ensures that groups can conduct their programming—whether it’s merit badge work for a scout troop or a spiritual retreat for a youth ministry—in a secure and focused setting. For New Yorkers committed to the growth and development of their young people through the power of wilderness immersion, Cedar Pond is the essential, close-to-home destination for building the kind of leadership and self-reliance that lasts a lifetime.