Tiorati Plateau Campground (Reservation Required)

- Woodbury, NY 10975

For New York residents seeking a genuine, unplugged wilderness experience without venturing hours away from the metropolitan area, Tiorati Plateau Campground presents a unique and compelling option. Located within the vast and beautiful Harriman State Park in the Hudson Valley, this site is designed for group and pioneer-style camping, offering a rustic escape that is both affordable and highly accessible. It provides a simple, back-to-nature atmosphere that serves as a refreshing contrast to the hustle of city life.

This is not a typical RV park; Tiorati Plateau is categorized as "pioneer camping," emphasizing a more rugged, minimal amenity approach to staying overnight in the park. This focus is perfect for those who prioritize the natural environment, expansive campsites, and proximity to outdoor activities, especially the park's renowned trail system. Customers who have enjoyed their stay often praise the easy access directly to the site and the generous spacing, noting that sites are "spread out so you’re not on top of your neighbors," which is a major draw for privacy in a state park setting. The fact that the sites are not pricey makes it an exceptional value proposition for local groups looking to spend a weekend in nature.

However, prospective campers should be fully prepared for the rustic nature of the facilities. The campground operates seasonally, typically from mid-April to mid-October (Columbus Day), and notably, reservations are not only required but are generally reserved for bona fide organizations such as scout troops or youth groups, rather than individual family camping. Furthermore, the amenities are minimal: reviews indicate that while the bathrooms are "pretty clean," they are basic, lacking dividers between toilets, and there is no electricity at the sites. The water from the running deep sinks, while safe, has been described as tasting "a bit funny," which is a common experience at deep-well water sources and a reminder to bring proper hydration solutions. Understanding and accepting this rugged style of camping is essential for a positive experience at Tiorati Plateau.

Tiorati Plateau Campground is one of two dedicated pioneer-style camping areas situated near Lake Tiorati within Harriman State Park, the second-largest state park in New York. The term "pioneer camping" describes a group-oriented, semi-primitive experience. It offers ten designated sites located across Seven Lakes Drive from the north side of Lake Tiorati. Each site is generously spaced, accommodating up to 12 people per site, making it an excellent base camp for hiking groups, youth organizations, and other established social clubs seeking an immersive natural setting. The campground season typically runs from the third Friday in April to Columbus Day, allowing for a long period of access to the natural beauty of the Hudson Highlands. Due to its dedicated function as a pioneer group camp, and to manage the delicate park environment, all stays require a reservation and often proof of organization status.

The campground is located in the scenic and easily accessible Harriman State Park. The provided mailing address, Woodbury, NY 10975, places it squarely in Orange County, nestled just west of Rockland County and only about 30 miles north of New York City, making it a feasible weekend trip for residents of the five boroughs, Long Island, and the wider New York Metro area.

Tiorati Plateau is located directly off the well-known Seven Lakes Drive, one of the park’s main scenic roadways. Accessibility is generally straightforward, with vehicles able to drive right up to the sites to unload equipment. However, once gear is dropped off, vehicles must typically be moved to the designated parking areas, which for Tiorati Plateau involves using the main Tiorati Beach parking lot for additional vehicles. This arrangement maintains the quiet, low-impact atmosphere of the campground itself. The camp’s location within Harriman State Park means it is immediately surrounded by over 200 miles of marked hiking trails, including sections of the Appalachian Trail and Long Path, offering unparalleled access to a wilderness environment.

Tiorati Plateau Campground focuses on providing the basics needed for a true outdoor experience, with minimal modern conveniences to keep the cost low and the natural experience high.

• Running Water: Two deep sinks provide running water for washing and cleaning, a crucial feature in a primitive setting. Campers are advised to note and prepare for the unique taste of the natural water source.

• Toilets: Two dedicated pit toilets are available for campers. While basic, they serve the purpose for a pioneer camp environment and are generally maintained to a good standard.

• Showers: Although the campground does not have dedicated on-site showers, campers may access the shower facilities at Lake Tiorati Beach. This is only available during the beach’s operating hours, which typically run from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

• Group Capacity: Each of the ten sites has a maximum capacity of 12 people, making it perfectly suited for group excursions.

• Parking: The camping permit includes parking for two vehicles per site. One vehicle may be parked near the site for convenience, while the second must utilize a designated overflow area. Additional vehicles require a nominal fee.

• Reservations: Reservations are mandatory and must be made in advance, typically for a minimum of two consecutive nights. The camping is primarily intended for bona fide organizations and requires submitting an application to the park office.

The true highlights of Tiorati Plateau are its natural setting and the exceptional access to the extensive recreational resources of Harriman State Park.

• Pioneer-Style Camping: Offering a rugged, tent-based camping experience that promotes self-sufficiency and a closer connection to the outdoors, ideal for organized groups.

• Spacious Sites: Customer reviews consistently mention the generous spacing between individual campsites, ensuring privacy and a quiet atmosphere away from neighboring groups.

• Lake Tiorati Access: Campers are in close proximity to Lake Tiorati, allowing for swimming at the guarded beach when open, as well as fishing (with a valid New York State fishing license) and non-motorized boating (with a required PIPC permit).

• Hiking Hub: The campground offers immediate access to a complex network of marked trails, including paths leading to the Appalachian Trail, Long Path, and numerous other trails that traverse the rugged mountains and lakes of Harriman State Park.

• Designated Fire Pits: Each campsite includes a designated area for a ground fire, allowing campers the quintessential experience of cooking over an open flame or gathering around a campfire, provided all safety rules are strictly followed, including cutting wood only from already downed trees.

All inquiries regarding reservations, availability, and the required Pioneer Camping Application Packet should be directed to the Lake Tiorati Office at Harriman State Park.

Address: Woodbury, NY 10975, USA (Part of Harriman State Park)

Phone: (845) 429-8257

Mobile Phone: +1 845-429-8257

Tiorati Plateau Campground is exceptionally suitable for New York locals, particularly those involved in bona fide organizations like scout troops, school clubs, or church groups, who are looking for an affordable and convenient wilderness outing. Its location within Harriman State Park means a significant reduction in travel time, allowing residents of the New York Metro area to maximize their weekend camping experience instead of spending hours on the road. The low nightly rate and the high capacity per site make it an economically smart choice for group excursions. Most importantly, the combination of rustic, pioneer-style camping and immediate access to over 200 miles of hiking trails and a massive recreational lake—Lake Tiorati—provides a quintessential upstate outdoor adventure. It is a genuine escape that allows locals to disconnect, hike the Appalachian Trail, and enjoy a campfire under the stars, all just a short distance from home. For the experienced New York camper who appreciates a rugged, natural environment and values having space between neighbors, Tiorati Plateau offers a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of the Hudson Highlands.

Tiorati Plateau Campground (Reservation Required)

Woodbury, NY 10975, USA