Croton Point Park Campground

- Croton Point Ave, Croton-On-Hudson, NY 10520

For New York residents looking to escape the concrete jungle without truly leaving the metropolitan orbit, the Croton Point Park Campground offers an unparalleled combination of natural beauty and logistical convenience. Situated on a magnificent 508-acre peninsula extending into the eastern shore of the Hudson River in Croton-On-Hudson, this Westchester County park is much more than just a place to park an RV or pitch a tent. It is a genuine oasis of green space, history, and waterfront recreation, serving as the perfect base camp for both a serene outdoor retreat and an easy day trip into Manhattan.

Croton Point Park’s campground provides a practical and affordable option for local campers. While the facilities are described as being functional and dated, they are diligently maintained, offering the essential services that self-sufficient travelers need. The park's main appeal is its extraordinary location, featuring water on three sides and a landscape rich with ecological and historical significance, including the site of some of New York State’s oldest wine cellars and a now-reclaimed bird sanctuary.

Whether your goal is to explore the charming towns of the Hudson Valley, connect with the natural world, or take a direct, stress-free Metro-North train ride into New York City, Croton Point Park Campground is a unique and high-value proposition for the savvy local traveler.

Croton Point Park Campground is located at Croton Point Ave, Croton-On-Hudson, NY 10520, USA. Its geographical placement on a sprawling peninsula offers spectacular views of the Hudson River, providing a constant connection to one of New York's defining natural features. The park itself encompasses over 500 acres, ensuring a sense of spaciousness and immersion in nature despite its close proximity to urban centers.

Crucially for New York metropolitan area residents, the accessibility of this campground is unmatched. The Croton-Harmon Metro-North train station (Hudson Line) is only about a mile and a half away from the campground entrance. This proximity allows for easy and frequent express train service directly to Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan, with a ride time of approximately one hour. This unique feature means you can enjoy a morning hike along the river, take an afternoon trip for dinner and a Broadway show in the city, and return to your campsite that evening—all without the stress of driving or parking in New York City.

A note of caution for RV and trailer owners: while the location is excellent, users strongly advise planning your driving route carefully to avoid low overpasses and to prepare for the local roads leading into the park, which have been noted for significant wear and tear. Using an RV-specific GPS application is highly recommended to ensure a smooth arrival. Despite these minor logistical challenges, the campground's immediate accessibility to the MTA makes it an unparalleled regional staging point.

Croton Point Park Campground provides essential services designed to accommodate various camping styles, from rustic tenting to fully-equipped RV stays:

• Campsite Types: Offers a variety of sites including spaces for RVs (trailers and motorhomes), dedicated tent sites, and rustic cabin rentals. Full-service and deluxe cabins are available, providing options for non-campers as well.

• RV Hookups: Many RV sites are equipped with full hookups, including electric (up to 50 amp service available on some sites), clean water, and sewer connections. Campers are advised to note their rig length when booking, as some sites and sewer taps require extra hose length.

• Comfort Stations: Features bathhouses with restrooms and showers, which are cleaned daily. While the structures are older and the shower water heating is solar-dependent (often resulting in cold water), they provide necessary sanitation facilities.

• Security: The campground offers a measure of security with a gated entry system requiring a pass card, providing peace of mind for guests.

• Pet-Friendly Policy: Dogs are welcome in the park and campground, provided they are kept on a leash. Pets are restricted from the beach, buildings, and cabin areas.

• Seasonal Operations: RV campsites are typically open from early March through December, though the park grounds themselves are open year-round. Tent and cabin rentals generally become available mid-May.

The true value of Croton Point Park Campground lies in the extensive recreational and historical features of the surrounding park:

• Direct Train Access to NYC: The standout feature is its proximity to the Metro-North station, offering New Yorkers and regional visitors an efficient, traffic-free way to visit Manhattan from a scenic campsite. It is one of the closest full-service camping options to New York City.

• Extensive Park Lands: The 508-acre peninsula features miles of walking trails, including paths on a capped and retired landfill that has been transformed into a beautiful bird sanctuary. The park is designated an Important Bird Area (IBA) and is a well-known spot for Bald Eagle sightings in the winter.

• Waterfront Activities: Campers have access to the park’s public beach and four miles of Hudson River shoreline, perfect for walking, relaxing, fishing (with local restrictions), and enjoying the sweeping river views.

• Croton Point Nature Center: The on-site Nature Center features exhibits on local flora, fauna, and Native American history, providing educational and engaging activities for families.

• Historical Significance: The park is rich in history, from its Native American origins (it is named after the sachem Kenoten) to the remnants of its past as a vineyard, featuring historic wine cellars that are thought to be the oldest in New York State.

For reservations, current rates, or specific information regarding campsite availability, contact the park office directly, as reservations are highly recommended, particularly for peak season and weekends:

Address: Croton Point Ave, Croton-On-Hudson, NY 10520, USA

Phone: (914) 862-5290 (Information and Camping Reservations)

Mobile Phone: +1 914-862-5290

Note: For Nature Center inquiries, call (914) 862-5297.

Croton Point Park Campground is perfectly tailored for New York area residents, especially those in the Tri-State area and Westchester County. Its suitability lies in its unique dual identity: a scenic, traditional campground deeply rooted in the history and ecology of the Hudson Valley, and an essential hub for urban accessibility. Locals can leverage the convenient, one-hour express train to Manhattan, allowing for quick visits to the city for work or leisure without the expense or hassle of city hotels. This makes it an ideal spot for residents who wish to host out-of-town guests in their RVs or simply enjoy a quiet, affordable staycation that still feels world-class due to the river views and historical depth.

The park’s recreational offerings—the bird sanctuary, the beach, and the nature center—provide a vital connection to nature that is often missing in closer suburban locales. Despite the known issues with access roads and older bathhouses, local patrons consistently return, drawn by the kindness of fellow campers, the security of the gated entry, and the simple fact that there is no better-located, full-service campground offering a true escape that is so close to the heart of New York City. Croton Point Park is a treasured Westchester County asset, providing an authentic, affordable, and incredibly convenient outdoor experience for all New Yorkers.

Croton Point Park Campground

Croton Point Ave, Croton-On-Hudson, NY 10520, USA