Harriman State Park, New York

Campsite name: Harriman State Park, New York

Camping type: Frontcountry and Backcountry camping are available

Campsite opening hours: The park is open year-round from dawn to dusk. Lake Tiorati and Lake Welch have specific opening hours for the beaches depending on the time of year.

A vehicle entry fee is only collected at the following locations between Memorial Day Weekend and Labor Day Weekend. Lake Tiorati - daily, Lake Welch - daily, Lake Kanawauke, weekends and holidays only and Silvermine, weekends and holidays only.

Booking Link: 

For Beaver Pond Camping - https://newyorkstateparks.reserveamerica.com/camping/beaverpondcampsite/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NY&parkId=392

For Sebago Cabin Camp - https://newyorkstateparks.reserveamerica.com/camping/sebago-cabins/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NY&parkId=326

Tentrr furnished canvas wall tents are not available at Harriman State Park. These tents are fully equipped and set up for your arrival. There are three Tentrr sites at Silver Mine Lake and 11 sites at Sebago Lake. For information on how to book these specific tents visit the Tentrr website.

Fees: From $135 per night for Tentrr camping

Beaver Pond - $15 - $22 per night + $4 surcharge for non residents + $7.25 reservation fee

Sebago Cabin Camp rental - $266 - $456 per week or full-service cottage rental - $667 to $736 per week.

There is no charge to stay in one of the historic backcountry shelters as these are first come first served. However, they are located in the backcountry so you will need to bring everything you need with you for the night.

Facilities: Harriman State Park is located in Rockland and Orange counties. It is the second largest park in the parks system. With 31 lakes, 200 miles of hiking trails, two beaches and two group camping areas. With over 47,000 acres of land to explore this is a great place to adventure. Amenities include biking, fishing, hiking, and swimming at Tiorato and Welch beaches. During the winter months, there are ice fishing and ice skating opportunities.

There are a dozen group camps throughout the Harriman State Park. These were built to provide poor urban people with hot meals and outdoor experiences. The group camps are nestled in the woods next to many lakes. They consist of their own dining galls, recreation buildings, and waterfront families. Nature centers provide environmental education programs. The camps are operated by many different organizations including outdoor recreation clubs to not for profit organizations helping disabled and homeless children. For further information about group camps visit the link here. 

Dogs are allowed at the Harriman State Park. However, they are on a leash at all times and it must not be longer than 6 feet long. They are not allowed in buildings or at the beach. A rabies tag must be displayed at all times.

Camping Month: April through to October typically.

Gear: Depending if you are staying overnight in a tent, historic shelter or in a Tentrr site you will need to pack different gear.

 
Food: All of the food required for your stay will need to be bought with you. There are no stores inside of the park however it is not far from the nearest supermarket.

Lookout Spot: The best time to visit is during the summer and fall seasons. The famous foliage of fall makes it one of the most beautiful times to see the changing colors.

Activities: Fishing is a popular activity at Harriman State Park. A New York State fishing license is required for anyone over the age of 16. Licenses are sold at most sporting goods shops or town halls. Fishing from the shore is permitted half an hour before sunrise and half an hour after sunset. Common species of fish are brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, largemouth trout, sunfish, white and yellow perch, catfish and walleye. For the full fishing regulations click here.

For information about the variety of hikes available in Harriman State Park download the hiking guide here. It contains ten different hikes of varying levels of difficulty.

Harriman State Park is a bird conservation area. Iona Island is one of the most extensive wetlands in the Hudson River. The ecologically important area that provides a precious habitat for marsh nesting birds, waterfowl, warblers, shorebirds, eagles, amphibians, reptiles and fish spawning. Over 165 bird species have been observed in this region making it a great destination for bird watchers.

Highlight: If you are looking for a rustic and adventurous place to sleep, why not try out a backcountry trail shelter? These shelters are available on a first come, first-served basis. If the shelter is fully occupied, tent camping is allowed within 300 feet of the shelter. There are no permits or fees required. There is no reliable source of water so any water collected needs to be treated and filtered prior to consumption. All hikers must park in the designated hikers parking lot. For specific information about each shelter check out the guide here.  

Tips: 

Harriman State Park is black bear habitat, which means that consideration needs to be taken to prevent bear encounters. Never leave food, coolers or backpacks unattended or accessible especially when sleeping. Do not sleep in the same area that you cook or store food in. Never feed a bear. Do not store strongly scented items, just a good toothpaste or deodorant in tents either. If approached by a black bear, make noise and back away slowly. Do not run away from a bear.

If you are looking for a scenic drive then enter Harriman State Park through the Seven Lakes Drive in Sloatsburg. The beautiful drive passes seven lakes. The windy road passes through views of wildlife, landscapes and lakes. This is a popular route with cyclists.

The beaches are Lake Tiorati and Lake Welch offer cool breezes, swimming, fishing, hiking, boating and picnicking. During the winter months however they are open for ice fishing and snowmobiling. Alcohol is not permitted at these lakes. Lake Welch is the largest lake in Harriman State Park.

Swimming is only permitted in Lake Tiorati or Lake Welch. All other lakes, ponds or reservoirs are not suitable for swimming as there are no lifeguards and aggressive wildlife such as snapping turtles reside in these bodies of water.