Questions about Bear Mtn. Area in NY

[cmack98]

Hello,

Just yesterday I had to take a ride up to the Bear Mtn. area, right off the Palisades Pkwy.  It was my first time up that way and I couldn't believe how beautiful the scenery.  

I was actually on my way to drop someone off at an outpatient program, so I didn't have any time to go and explore the state parks up there (I decided to spend the free hour I had to go and find Orange County Choppers, which turned into an 2.5 hour trek).

Anyway, the NY State park website is all but useless.  I have not been able to scour the web for any information on the camping facilities available there, or the surrounding areas.  I came across Harriman State Park which might be close to the area, but I have not be able to find out if they had any hookups, or if it was primitive camping only, or what...

So I thought I would pop on here to see if anyone on here might have any suggestions or ideas about camping around this area?  

I am coming from Philly area, so its like a 2.5-3 hour drive.  Don't really wanna drive much farther than that...

Thanks!

[jsmorse13]

Beaver Pond (State Park campground) is kind of a rinky dink spot, but it's cheap.  See if this phone number helps 845-947-2792.  I found it in the Trailer Life Directory.  Harriman is absolutely beautiful.  I live about 15 minutes northwest of there.  There is much more than OC Choppers here.  If you shop, there is Woodbury Commons Outlets.  West Point Military Academy is just over the mountain by the river.  If you like hiking, part of Harriman is the Adirondack Trail or about 20 miles north is Minnewaska State Park.  There is a fire road around Mohonk Mountain or if you climb, there are unbelievable cliffs there. You would also be in wine and apple country.  In October in Warwick (near me) they have Applefest. Thousands of people flock here for an all day street fair.  There are about 10-15 orchards and wineries in this area.  If you want more 'comfortable' camping, there is a KOA near Newburgh, or Black Bear Campground in Florida, NY (near me).  I hope that this helped.

[Beer Belly]

Short drive to Bear Mountain.......Train nearby will take you into NYC if you'd like.
http://www.westchestergov.com/parks/ParksLocations02/CrotonPointPark.htm

[Beer Belly]

http://www.newburghkoa.com/
http://www.lazyriverny.com/
http://www.rvparkreviews.com/

[bassknuckles]

"Just yesterday I had to take a ride up to the Bear Mtn. area, right off the Palisades Pkwy. It was my first time up that way and I couldn't believe how beautiful the scenery. "

very nice area just note you can't take a trailer on the Palisades Parkway and drive slow especially in the NJ area alot of police.

[LimeJeeeep]

when i was a kid ,my friends and i would hop on the #40 bus from the bronx,nyc to the #6 train .then to the port authority bus terminal get on bus to suffern ,ny .enter the park and hike to lake tiorati and pine meadow lake ....ahh that was cool

[cmack98]

Thanks everyone for your input...

Totally appreciate it!

(now will someone get my boss to give me a day off, so I can actually GO camping???)

[dee106]

bear mountain is a nice place, to visit, day trips,  but I won't camp there! and I'm a ny'er!  there has been known problems in there park. loud music, garbage left behind, bath house are hit and miss. weekdays are better then weekends.

it's a shame because it is a pretty spot! just gets over run!

autum time is the best time to go up there.