Hemlock North, North Salem, NY

Introduction / Overview

For local New Yorkers seeking an accessible yet authentically rugged outdoor escape, the Hemlock North area—part of the larger Sal J. Prezioso Mountain Lakes Park—in North Salem, NY, offers a premier solution. Tucked away in the northeastern corner of Westchester County, this destination provides a vital link between the densely populated metropolitan area and the expansive beauty of Upstate New York’s wilderness, functioning as a true ‘Adirondacks-like’ retreat within the Lower Hudson Valley. Hemlock North refers to a specific section, often known as Camp Hemlock, which features a tranquil landscape dominated by a beautiful tree canopy, secluded trails, and peaceful water features, including a pond often praised for its abundant fishing opportunities.

Sal J. Prezioso Mountain Lakes Park, a vast, 1,000-plus-acre preserve, is a cherished resource managed by Westchester County Parks. It is defined by its rugged landscape, native hardwood forests, imposing rock outcroppings, and five scenic lakes and ponds. The Hemlock North area is particularly known for its connection to Hemlock Lake and its namesake trails, providing visitors with a quiet, immersive camping and day-use experience. Unlike commercial campgrounds that focus on amenities like pools and full hookups, the focus here is on primitive camping and natural recreation. This dedication to conservation and the outdoors makes it a perfect destination for local families, hikers, anglers, and anyone desiring a genuine break from city life without traveling deep into the Catskills or Adirondacks.

The park's high elevation—it contains Bailey Mountain, the highest point in Westchester County at 982 feet—contributes to a unique microclimate and supports evergreen trees, including Hemlock, which gives the camping area its name. This environmental feature enhances the sense of seclusion and immersion, lending a distinctly Appalachian or Upstate feel to a location only a short drive from major suburban and urban centers. The consistent positive feedback from customers, noting the "very nice place," peaceful trails, and stocked ponds, confirms its status as a top-tier natural haven for residents of the New York metropolitan area. This focus on natural features and primitive accommodation sets the Hemlock North experience apart in the local camping landscape.

Location and Accessibility

The Hemlock North camping area is situated within Sal J. Prezioso Mountain Lakes Park, located at 201 Hawley Road, North Salem, NY 10560. North Salem itself is known for maintaining its rural charm, open spaces, and equestrian heritage, despite being an integral part of Westchester County.

Accessibility is one of the park’s biggest assets for New York locals. It is conveniently positioned near major state roads and is highly manageable for day trips or weekend stays from a wide radius. For those driving from New York City or surrounding boroughs, the drive into the park takes you through scenic backroads of the Lower Hudson Valley, making the journey feel like a true departure from urbanity. The location, on the border of North Salem and Lewisboro, ensures a deep connection to nature while still maintaining relatively easy access to I-684 and local amenities.

While the address is 201 Hawley Road for the main park entrance, the specific Hemlock North / Camp Hemlock area is typically the second camp ground past Camp Morty within the park’s boundaries, offering a sense of deeper seclusion. The park is open seven days a week, year-round, from dawn to dusk. Despite its isolated feel, the park's proximity to larger Westchester towns means that emergency services and essential supplies are never more than a short drive away. This perfect balance of convenience and ruggedness is what makes this park particularly suitable for New York residents with limited vacation time who need a quick, high-quality outdoor recharge.

Services Offered

Camping at the Hemlock North area is deliberately primitive, focusing on the essentials needed for a true outdoor experience. This ensures the integrity of the surrounding ecosystem is maintained while providing necessary comforts.

Lean-to Camping: Offers year-round camping primarily in open-face lean-to shelters. These shelters provide basic protection from the elements, emphasizing a rustic experience.
Designated Site Amenities: Each camping shelter or designated tent site is equipped with an outside grill for cooking, a designated fire ring for campfires (only kiln-dried firewood allowed, sometimes available for purchase at the park office), and a picnic table.
Restroom Facilities: Portable toilets are available daily at the campsites and major trailheads to maintain sanitation and water quality.
Camping Permits and Reservations: A formal permit is required for camping and reservations must be made in advance by calling the park office. The permit holder must be 21 years of age or older.
Canoe Rentals: Rentals are available on Hemlock Lake during designated seasons (typically weekends, weather permitting) for a small hourly fee. Life jackets and oars are provided.
Organized Group Permits: Special use permits can be acquired for smaller organized groups, such as scout troops or outdoor programming organizations, for activities and teambuilding.

Features / Highlights

The primary highlights of the Hemlock North area and the encompassing Mountain Lakes Park are centered on its environmental and recreational attributes, perfect for the active New York outdoor enthusiast.

Year-Round Primitive Camping: A highly sought-after feature in the Lower Hudson Valley, allowing dedicated New York campers to enjoy the trails and solitude across all four seasons.
Hemlock Lake and Ponds: Hemlock Lake is a feature of the area, and the various ponds in the park, including the one noted in reviews, offer excellent opportunities for fishing and non-motorized boating.
Extensive Trail System: The park boasts many miles of trails, including the popular Hemlock Lake Trail, suitable for hiking, nature exploration, and accessing the highest point in the county for scenic views.
Unique Natural Ecosystem: The high elevation creates a unique habitat for various evergreens and native hardwood forests, giving the area a distinctly wilderness feel.
Stunning Scenic Overlook: The "Lookout" area provides a breathtaking panoramic vista of Lake Waccabuc and the surrounding northeastern Westchester County landscape.
No RV Camping: The deliberate exclusion of RVs helps maintain the primitive, quiet, and secluded atmosphere that dedicated tent campers and lean-to users seek.

Contact Information

For all inquiries regarding camping permits, reservations, current trail conditions, or canoe rentals at the Hemlock North area within Sal J. Prezioso Mountain Lakes Park, local New York residents should contact the park office directly.

Address: Hemlock North (Located within Sal J. Prezioso Mountain Lakes Park, main address: 201 Hawley Road), North Salem, NY 10560, USA

Phone (Park Office and Reservations): (914) 864-7312

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Hemlock North and the larger Mountain Lakes Park are supremely suitable for New York residents, especially those in the metropolitan and southern regions of the state. The park addresses the local need for accessible, authentic, and affordable wilderness experiences without the extensive travel time required for destinations like the Catskills or Adirondacks.

For busy professionals and families, the ability to transition from urban life to a year-round, secluded lean-to camp experience in under two hours of driving is invaluable. This convenience, combined with the low cost of county park camping, positions it as an exceptional value proposition. The focus on primitive camping—no RVs, basic amenities—attracts genuine outdoor enthusiasts who appreciate the high-quality, maintained natural features, including the robust trail system, the peaceful tree canopy, and the well-stocked fishing ponds.

Furthermore, as a Westchester County Park, its operational standards are high, ensuring safety and cleanliness—factors that are critically important to local residents. The availability of activities like canoe rentals on Hemlock Lake and a wide variety of hiking and snowshoeing paths means the park remains a dynamic and engaging destination regardless of the season. By offering a true taste of New York State’s wilderness heritage in a convenient location, Hemlock North stands out as an essential local resource for physical, mental, and spiritual recharging.