Harriman State Park Boating
When the trails are overcrowded and the beaches are full, there is no better place to be than out on the water. Harrimans lakes and ponds do allow boaters on the water with a permit and although Ive never been, Im super stoked to check it out one day.
Heres a brief overlook of the rules, regulations, and things to know before boating at Harriman:
- Boats are allowed out on the lakes from April 1-November 30
- Visitors must obtain a $30 permit for their season pass/boating permit
- Boating is only allowed between 5am and 10pm
- Island Pond requires you to have a fishing permit as well
- There is no alcohol allowed on the lake and you may not get out of your boat and swim
Beaver Pond Campgrounds Harriman State Park
Beaver Pond is just 25 miles north of the George Washington Bridge and offers 126 campsites, some with a raised platform, for up to two tents and six persons per site. Select sites can accommodate a trailer or RV up to 30 ft. long. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring with flip-top grill, and there are shared full-service bathrooms centrally located.
Why you should go: Located in Harriman State Park and adjacent to Lake Welch, the campground offers convenient access to swimming beaches, hiking trails, and neighboring state park facilities. Boating, fishing and hiking are amenities available to campers here.
What you should know: There are no electrical hookups for trailers at this campground. Alcohol is not permitted at Beaver Pond Campgrounds. There are showers.
Details: 700 Kanawaukee Road, Stony Point, 845-947-2792, reserveamerica.com/explore/beaver-pond-state-park
Pine Meadow Lake Trail + Pine Meadow Lake
This crystal clear blue-green lake is a popular spot in the Southern section of Harriman State Park that is frequented by many daytrippers and overnight guests. The trail is easy to access and there is plenty of parking available, so try to plan your visit during off-peak hours or mid-week if possible to avoid overcrowding.
I highly suggest doing a long or shorter loop around Pine Meadow Lake which will also take you past a waterfall and along a brook. Only enjoy the water from a distance and do not swim or plan to camp! Sadly, many guests ignore the rules that are here to protect this park, so remember to do your part and as always, carry out what you carry in.
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Lake Taghkanic State Park Ancram
Campsites, waterfront cottages, and a beach attract families to Lake Taghkanic State Park, next to Lake Taghkanic in the rolling hills of Columbia County. The park has tent and trailer campsites and cabin and cottage lodging facilities. Large trucks, RVs and campers can enter from the Route 82 entrance.
Why you should go: The park also features a swimming beach, picnic areas, boat launch sites, rowboat, paddleboat, and kayak rentals, playgrounds, sports playing fields, a rentable pavilion, as well as a recreation hall and showers. In addition, the park has hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, hunting, cross-country ski, and snowmobile trails.
What you should know: You can rent boats, paddle boats, and kayaks at a boat shop. There is a playground, snack/souvenir shop, and campground store. A picnic pavilion close to the lake can be rented. Call before you go to find out hours of operation.
Details: 1528 Route 82, Ancram, 518-851-3631, Lake.Taghkanic@parks.ny.gov.
Harriman State Park Camping
One of my favorite things about Harriman are the campsites. Having grown up in the surrounding area, we frequently day hiked in the park and camped overnight in our tent when my brother and I were old enough to carry our gear on our backs.
As an adult, I realize just how lucky I am to have nine historic, hand-built backcountry shelters under an hour away from my urban home. I highly recommend spending a night in Harriman at one of the shelters and if you can get one all to yourself on a beautiful day youll certainly be the better for it.
Here are a few things to know before you go camping at Harriman State Park:
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Getting There And Parking
Q. Whats the Tuxedo-Harriman shuttle bus?
A. The Tuxedo-Harriman shuttle bus is a weekend-only shuttle service that can be used for:
- getting from the Metro-North train station in Tuxedo to many, many of the trailheads
- creating one-way routes back to your car, so youre not forever backtracking or looking for loop hikes
- doing overnight hikes, and getting a ride back to the train station and towns by lunchtime the following day.
Q. How can I use the shuttle bus? Where can I catch it?
A. The shuttle bus leaves the Tuxedo train station at 10:50 on Saturday and Sunday, and does a scheduled route through the park. You may get off, or on, the bus, almost anywhere along the route. Common pick-up areas are Reeves Meadow Visitor Center, the road in front of the Sebago boat launch, Silvermine picnic area, and Elk Pen.
Q. Is there overnight parking in Harriman if Im camping in one of the lean-tos, or stealth camping ?
Overnight parking is permitted in Harriman State Park where a P represent official parking areas. There is no roadside parking in areas not marked with a P. This map shows convenient and legal overnight parking on Route 106, for a hike either north or south on the Ramapo-Dunderberg trail to Bald Rocks or Tom Jones shelters. Map by NYNJTC.
Yes. Overnight parking is permitted in any parking area designated on our downloadable PDF map. These parking areas may also be seen as a P or P on the maps from the New York New Jersey Trail Conference .
Harriman State Park Swimming
Swimming is only allowed at Lake Tiorati and Lake Welch in Harriman State Park. All other lakes, ponds, and reservoirs are off-limits for safety reasons such as aggressive wildlife like snapping turtles and no lifeguards on duty to assist someone in danger.
Like many popular outdoor destinations, other websites or visitors will suggest otherwise but the parks rangers and visitor centers clearly enforce these rules for everyones safe enjoyment of this wild place.
Have you spent time exploring Harriman State Park? What are your favorite things to do there? What questions do you still have? Leave a comment below!
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Welcome To Tentrr At New York’s Harriman State Park
Located in Rockland and Orange counties, Harriman State Park is the second-largest park in the New York State park system. With 31 lakes and reservoirs, as well as two public camping areas, a couple beaches and over 200 miles of hiking trails, there’s always something to do in Harriman State Park. Even the miles of streams and scenic roads offer something to do for campers who want to get out and look around, and there’s also lots of wildlife and unique vantage points and vistas all across the park.
When you’re camping in Harriman State Park, you probably won’t be able to miss Lakes Welch, Sebago, Tiorati and Silvermine, as well as the Anthony Wayne Recreation Area and the campgrounds and cabins at Beaver Pond and Sebago. Various group camps also dot the area, providing camping opportunities as well as a hot meal to underprivileged urbanites. And at the nature center, campers and outdoor enthusiasts can learn about environmental protection and further develop their love of nature and the natural sciences.
What Makes It Great
In that hour youre transported from city skylines to mountains, from the Hudson River to big swathes of lakes begging to be canoed in, Harriman State Park will help you forget the stress of the city in a big way.
Set up a tent, and then head out to hike or run the Appalachian Trail. Mountain bike on some of the designated trails, or hop on your road bike and head into Bear Mountain for an epic climb up Perkins Memorial Drive. Into water sports? You can use the boat launch and even rent a boat, or go swimming in some of the lifeguard-protected areas.
There are all the amenities of homeshowers, decent restrooms, and even a laundry stationand just a few minutes outside of the park is the small town of Tuxedo, which boasts quite a few funky eateries and coffee shops, if youre not up for roasting weenies on a fire.
The park is fairly rustic, thoughdont expect an ultra-modern restroom or a funky new playground for the kids, this place is all-natural. Perhaps thats why it remains so under-utilized by city-dwellers, but the lack of modern attractions is more than made up for in the massive amounts of unspoiled nature. The trails arent manicured towpaths ready for a casual stroll in sandals, these are burly, tough trails and worth the adventure.
Camping on weekdays is the best move if youre craving quiet and solitude, since its relatively peaceful there even in the summer.
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Group Camping In Harriman State Park
There are two group camping sites at Harriman: Beaver Pond and the Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center. Both of these sites are by reservation only and are intended for larger car camping groups.
Beaver Pond Group Campsite
Located on Lake Welch Recreation Area, Beaver Pond Campground includes tent and trailer sites that are great for larger groups. Dogs are not allowed and alcohol is strictly prohibited. Cooler/car searches will take place if you are suspected of having alcohol on hand.
Beaver Pond has a reputation for being a louder and rowdier area, so it isnt the first choice for many dedicated hikers and backpackers. However, if you are looking for a fun, party atmosphere by the lake with friends, this is for you.
Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center
Reserve a cabin or bunkhouse in Harriman at the Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center. Perfect for very large groups like family reunions, corporate events, youth groups, and more. Amenities include meal service, easy trailhead access, bathhouses, meeting spaces, and more.
They also offer tent sites and platforms as well as backcountry campsites run by the Appalachian Mountain Club.
Who Is Going To Love It
The park sounds jam-packed, but really, its such a huge spot that there are very few densely populated areas, making it great for a quiet weekend getaway. With 31 lakes and over 230 miles of trails in the 75 square mile park, there is something for those who want to get into the water or stay on land!
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Watkins Glen Finger Lakes
1009 North Franklin Street, Watkins Glen, NY 14891
Known for its spectacular waterfalls, lush forest, and steep gorges, Watkins Glen State Park is the perfect base to immerse yourself in nature while touring the surrounding Finger Lakes region. The waterfall trail, which includes walkways and bridges built out of local stones, features 19 waterfalls within a couple miles. A number of trails run along the upper rims of the gorge. The park also features a seasonal Olympic-size pool and a childrens pool, a big playground, interpretive programs, and plenty of roadways for biking.
Staying at the forested campground allows you to hike earlier or later in the day and avoid day-tripping crowds. Over 200 RV sites are spread out along several loops. For the most part they are spacious and provide ample privacy among the tall trees. A limited number of sites can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet. A few sites offer electric hookups these sell out quickly. Campsites have a picnic table and fire ring, and access to restrooms, showers, and potable water.
Harriman State Park Basics
Harriman State Park is the second-largest state park in New York with 200 miles of hiking trails, 3 beaches, 9 historic lean-tos, 2 group camping areas, and 32 lakes and reservoirs. The 47,000+ acres of Harriman State Park borders Bear Mountain State Park with connecting trails and camping areas that link the two historic areas together and make them feel like one big park.
Located in the lower southeast corner of New York state just an hour away from the city and minutes from the border of New Jersey, Harriman is a popular outdoor destination for many in the city and the suburbs. Be warned, it gets crowded on nice days and warm weekends!
While youre here, take note of the white-blazed trails which mark a section of the Appalachian Trail. Whats really cool about Harriman is that the AT leads thru-hikers over the Bear Mountain Bridge and eventually leads them across the northern part of Harriman State Park.
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How To Get A Boating Permit At Harriman State Park
- Visit one of the ranger stations at Lake Welch or Lake Tioriati
- The permit costs $30 and is good for the entire season
- Boaters who want to get a permit for a locked lake such as, Tiorati, Welch, Stahahe and Island Pond must purchase a key for $15 to unlock the padlock at the boat launch
- After purchasing, the permit will be in sticker form and must be attached to your boat
You can also rent paddle and rowboats at Bear Mountain State Park. They are first-come, first-serve and can be rented 11am 5pm every day. There are a few limitations, like you may not swim or exit the boat and all boaters must wear a life jacket at all times.
Best Time To Visit Harriman State Park
The best times to visit Harriman State Park are during the summer and fall seasons. While the park is open year-round for winter lovers too, during the summer all trails, campsites, and lake areas are open and completely safe to enjoy.
Of course, the Northeasts famous foliage makes fall one of the most exciting times to be at Harriman. Not only is the weather perfectly crisp and cool but the beautiful colors of the season can be seen from every vista point and down below.
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How To Get To Harriman State Park
This area north of New York City is jam-packed with highways and well-traveled roads, so there are plenty of routes you can take to get to Harriman State Park. There are even a number of roads that wind their way through the park. So, driving is truly the most convenient way to get there, especially if you are planning on an overnighter.
Hither Hills State Park
164 Old Montauk Highway, Montauk, NY 11954
For an unforgettable Atlantic Ocean beach camping experience, head to the very tip of Long Island. That name will make sense as you drive over 100 miles east from Manhattan, a trip that can take anywhere from 2.5 to 5 hours depending on traffic. The journey is worth the effort once you arrive at the park on a narrow peninsula, surrounded by sand dunes and woodlands, calm bay waters, and pristine ocean shoreline. You could spend your entire stay traversing the park and the last few miles of the island to Montauk Lighthouse.
Hither Hills campground is located right on the beach, with more than 150 grassy sites that can accommodate RVs. All sites are dry camping, and about a dozen can fit RVs up to 40 feet. Bathrooms, showers, a dump station, and a convenience store are available. Theres plenty to keep campers active herebiking, hiking, swimming, kayaking, and surfing, plus recreation and interpretive programs. Savor the sunsets and starry skies, and understand why families have been returning year after year to this beloved New York state park.
New York state park campgrounds that accommodate RV camping
Allegany State Park Quaker Area
Allegany State Park Red House Area
Bear Mountain State Park
Beaver Pond Campgrounds Harriman State Park
Betty and Wilbur Davis State Park
Bowman Lake State Park
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Sebago Cabin Camp Harriman State Park
If shelter camping suits your family, Lake Sebago Cabin Camp in Harriman State Park on the lake has rustic cabins and full service cottages. Visitors can also rent boats and enjoy the beach, biking, hiking and organized sports. The park has recreation programs.
Why you should go: The campground has a Saturday bonfire, picnics, playground and tennis. It is close to Bear Mountain State Park and Lake Welch.
What you should know: No pets, smoking, alcohol or subletting is allowed and the cabins can sleep six people. They have two cots per bedroom. The camping permit allows one car per cabin. A kennel for dogs and cats is seven miles away. The swimming/boat rentals from the fourth Saturday in June through August are available, staff permitting. One person in the cabin must be 21 years of age.
Details: Seven Lakes Drive, Harriman State Park, 845-429-2039 parks.ny.gov/parks/campsebago/details.aspx.
Taking Public Transportation To Harriman State Park
- Take the Shortline Bus from Port Authority to any of the stops at Suffern, Viola Road, Jones Point, Tompkins Cove and Harriman Inn to enter the west side of the park
- NJ Transit Port Jervis train line takes you to the west side of the park and drops you off at any of the following train stations that are walking distance to trailheads: Sloatsburg, Suffern, Tuxedo and Harriman
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Harriman State Park Overview
Harriman State Park is located within a 16,000-acre wildlife refuge in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. It has 7 camping/lodging options including a bunkhouses, dormitories and yurts. A group site for up to 50 people is also available.
The Park has served as a cattle range and private retreat, but today offers visitors over 22 miles of mixed use trails , world-class fly fishing on the Henrys Fork, kayaking, picnicking and wildlife viewing. Winter activities include Nordict skiing, snowshoeing and fat biking.