Harriman State Park
Harriman State Park
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
156 reviews
Excellent
89
Very good
40
Average
14
Poor
4
Terrible
9
piratesr1
Calabash, NC43 contributions
Jul 2022
Old, worn-out park. Narrow roads, signage and maps make no sense and not accurate. One side of the front gate was closed with cones and signs saying ‘ No entrance except campers, water in pond toxic’. Huh? I almost hit the gate and did take out a few cones getting through the gate. All roads in the park are single lane and none are one way. Makes for some interesting stand offs. Most sites are either tent sites or “platform” tent sites. D4 is listed as a RV site. Hard to figure out how to park my 27’ trailer. Not level and rocky. Found a 10’ x 10’ spot that was semi-level, placed my wheels on it and managed to get close to level. I’m writing this now at the park and I’m not sure how im going to get out my camper out of this campground!
Large, loud groups of homeless-looking people. They feel free to walk through your site. No hookups. There is a water spigot at the dump station that appears to be marked as potable but it’s placed so that people use it to flush their tanks. The kid at the registration bldg said NOT to drink that water, but to fill jugs at the cleaning stations scattered among the platform tent sites. Total pain.
Stay anywhere but here.
Large, loud groups of homeless-looking people. They feel free to walk through your site. No hookups. There is a water spigot at the dump station that appears to be marked as potable but it’s placed so that people use it to flush their tanks. The kid at the registration bldg said NOT to drink that water, but to fill jugs at the cleaning stations scattered among the platform tent sites. Total pain.
Stay anywhere but here.
Written July 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
psudino
Weehawken, NJ4,427 contributions
Jul 2020
We did a hike here on the AT. Even though some of the routes have challenging areas, the maintenance of the trails here is very well done. Most importantly, the markers are clearly visible and in the right spots so one cannot easily get lost.
The highlight of the trail we were on was island pond. It was a great approach and a beautiful view. I took a few pics from the trail.
Overall, a great time!
The highlight of the trail we were on was island pond. It was a great approach and a beautiful view. I took a few pics from the trail.
Overall, a great time!
Written September 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KeithJS2014
New York City, NY73 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
Worst camping experience ever. We arrived at 2:45 and had to wait until 3pm to check in which staff sat and chatted with each other. Wardens drive around in constant golf cart surveillance while campers are trying to enjoy nature.
Written August 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DanZeng
Ramsey, NJ1,038 contributions
Nov 2021 • Family
We hiked yesterday from Reeves meadow visitors centre near Sloatsburg, NY 4mile trail with our two sons (14 and 7 years old). It was absolutely beautiful,
even some adrenalin was involved when we had to climb up the rocky part. The view from the top was breathtaking, absolutely worth it. And our boys enjoyed the rock climbing while I enjoyed the river and little creeks. A++++ hike.
even some adrenalin was involved when we had to climb up the rocky part. The view from the top was breathtaking, absolutely worth it. And our boys enjoyed the rock climbing while I enjoyed the river and little creeks. A++++ hike.
Written November 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ginger D
Shelley, ID22 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
When the college kids are home for Christmas,we love to take the family here for a day of fun in the snow. This year we x-country skiied while my oldest snow shoed. The admission is very reasonable, and the trails are well groomed. Their are a few trails that have a little air to them! We love to sit in the cabin, hoping for a glimpse of wildlife. Always a lovely day at Harriman. An Idaho treasure.
Written August 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul C
New City, NY121 contributions
Sep 2019 • Family
We live in Rockland and have been coming here with the kids since they were babies. Park is so beautiful and always well maintained. Just take a scenic drive or enjoy one of the 7 lakes. For a real treat head up Perkins Memorial drive for a really scenic view.
Written March 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ridethewind95
Rosendale, NY214 contributions
Jul 2016 • Friends
There will be a bittersweet and yet down to earth honest assessment in this review. The lake beach in and of itself is actually very nice. It contains a pretty wide swimming area and lifeguard posts aplenty. I made the grave error of coming here on a Saturday in the summer. In all my life I have never seen anything like this. It was absolutely packed to the gills. There was hardly a speck of land not covered. There were even people in grassy areas behind the parking lot. Be advised, 90% of the folk who come here hail from the city. I'm calling it like I see it here. On the day that I went, there seemed not to be a single person with any sense of humanity, respect for others, politeness, or tact. Everyone runs wild, plays their music ridiculously loud, and hundreds of boomboxes going at once. There are tons and tons of screaming kids who run rampant, kick sand around, splash and kick in the water with no regard for who is around them. Even the adults' behavior was reprehensible. People are throwing each other around in the water, running, pushing, shoving, cursing, yelling, throwing things, leaving trash, cups, papers and yes, even dirty diapers everywhere. You'll come across diapers and used band-aids in the lake as well. When you enter the lake, it's so crowded at times you can't even stretch your body to take a single swimming stroke. And bring ear plugs because if you imagine one long, gigantic, continuous scream that goes on for hours, this is the place for that. There is obvious police presence and lifeguards, but I think they just concentrate on public safety as much as possible. However, in a normal situation, over half of these people can be cited for at least disturbing the peace, among other charges. This review gets an "average" because I am trying to be as fair as possible. I'm sure the lake is calmer during weekdays, and it is part of Harriman which generally is a very nice area. Make your own conclusions about the types of people I mentioned earlier, but make no mistake, if you are a decent human being looking for a quiet, relaxing day with minimal disturbances, you're better off spending the day in the middle of a prison riot.
Written July 26, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NomadGeekNudie
New York9 contributions
Sep 2014 • Friends
Harriman State Park is a good place to skinny dip and free hike. I've found a couple of lakes and trails and one magnificent vista deep in the woods where you can slide out of your clothes and enjoy nature naturally. Lake Wanosink and Pine Meadow Lake are especially suited to swimming in the nude since they are a fair hike from any parking lots. I've also found the trail between the two lakes to be a good place for naked hiking.
NOTE: Nudity is not sanctioned at this park. Women are allowed to go topless since it is in New York State. I have never been hassled by rangers but I have rarely seen any.
NOTE: Nudity is not sanctioned at this park. Women are allowed to go topless since it is in New York State. I have never been hassled by rangers but I have rarely seen any.
Written September 11, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kerrylene
Queens, NY9 contributions
Jul 2013 • Family
The drive was beautiful coming from the city to Lake Welch. Nice drive thru the palisades as always. Our family visited on July 27, 2013 and it was a beautiful day not too hot, temp was just right but a little overcast. I read reviews on yelp and most reviews were down right brutal some even described hear mariachi music and how loud the lake is. I had no expectatins and was neither disappointed or suprised at what I saw. It was crowded (parking lot 3 being the bigger area) parking lot area 1 & 2 had less people but still a decent amount of people here BBQ'ing etc.
What can you expect on a hot day in the summer a bit away from the city where there is a large body of water and open space. YEs PEOPLE, people with music and kids and they all had the same idea as you did. They are trying To get away and have a little fun in the park. If you are expecting a peaceful getaway then buy your own lake front property, stick a private sign on it. Or keep heading north to the boonies. This is not the place for you. People will play their music (all different types and loud too) people will have their kids running around and enjoying themselves as much as they can and you might find abnoxious people as well but it just is what it is. Bathrooms will be crowded and dirty at times but then again this is a puble space not a private club. If you expected to read a book, think again if you find a spcae where you can read a book good for you bless your heart and enjoy. The lake is beautiful (scenery), it's large, there are lots of people out having fun, it's not the cleanest place but it's not the dirtiest either. The water is brown (yes brown). We took a stroll around the lake and ran into lots of friendly people, I saw lots of people (workers) in garbage trucks picking up bins and cleaning the park; I even saw a few workers in the bathroom trying to pick up after people. Lots of bugs flying around but it is the great outdoors. If you go, have an open mind enjoy yourself. Lots of differnt people with different backgrounds, BBQ'ing celebrating who knows what and listening to music. Some areas louder than others. No alcohol allowed but I'm sure you'll find some, parking for cars cost $8.00. Have fun and enjoy. Would have been nice if there was a boating area to rent a boat, paddle boat etc. and go out on the water. Have fun if you choose to go.
What can you expect on a hot day in the summer a bit away from the city where there is a large body of water and open space. YEs PEOPLE, people with music and kids and they all had the same idea as you did. They are trying To get away and have a little fun in the park. If you are expecting a peaceful getaway then buy your own lake front property, stick a private sign on it. Or keep heading north to the boonies. This is not the place for you. People will play their music (all different types and loud too) people will have their kids running around and enjoying themselves as much as they can and you might find abnoxious people as well but it just is what it is. Bathrooms will be crowded and dirty at times but then again this is a puble space not a private club. If you expected to read a book, think again if you find a spcae where you can read a book good for you bless your heart and enjoy. The lake is beautiful (scenery), it's large, there are lots of people out having fun, it's not the cleanest place but it's not the dirtiest either. The water is brown (yes brown). We took a stroll around the lake and ran into lots of friendly people, I saw lots of people (workers) in garbage trucks picking up bins and cleaning the park; I even saw a few workers in the bathroom trying to pick up after people. Lots of bugs flying around but it is the great outdoors. If you go, have an open mind enjoy yourself. Lots of differnt people with different backgrounds, BBQ'ing celebrating who knows what and listening to music. Some areas louder than others. No alcohol allowed but I'm sure you'll find some, parking for cars cost $8.00. Have fun and enjoy. Would have been nice if there was a boating area to rent a boat, paddle boat etc. and go out on the water. Have fun if you choose to go.
Written July 29, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AquaNet
Westchester4 contributions
Jul 2013 • Family
We go to Harriman State Park almost every month in summer to camp out in the back country, and have found that for staying overnight, there are several options. Beaver Pond Campground and Sebago both give you traditional family group camping experiences -- and as some have noted, the grounds aren't always in perfect shape and you will be in the company of other (sometimes noisy families).
But if you want a truly natural, sleep-under-the-stars (and free) experience in Harriman, hike to one of nine stone lean-tos in the back country and see what camping's all about. We make the trek to one of these shelters every month, and it's such an easy weekend.
The Harriman lean-tos are bare-bones shelters with bulit-in fireplaces, outdoor fire rings and, in the case of West Mountain Shelter, you have a nighttime view of the New York City Skyline, and how cool is that?
Harriman State Park lean-tos are not located near water, so you'll have to prepare for that. Pick up a New York New Jersey Trail Conference map (map doubles as awesome souvenir for your wall until you hike again). For a neat trick the kids will love, download the app and trail maps for your Iphone -- they can follow along and see exactly where they are on the trail at all times. Bathrooms? It's the total "back-to-nature" experience. Make sure you pick up food at the grocery store before you arrive, because there's no such thing as an outfitter or general store within the park (maybe someday!).
For a day excursion from your shelter, try staying overnight at the Big Hill Shelter (on the Harriman Park Map, South section) and bring your bathing suits for a hike to Breakneck Pond for some great swimming off the dock.
The shelters general sleep 8 (more or less) but you can pitch on the grassy areas nearby. You don't make reservations for these lean-tos -- you just show up. Weekends can be busy, so either go mid week, or don't mind sharing your lean-to or sleeping outside. Not a bad option! Here are the nine lean-tos: http://www.myharriman.com/the-lean-tos-of-harriman-park/
If you're really serious about your camping, you might want to explore the option of membership into any number of group camps. The American Canoe Association maintains a family-oriented, 15-acre camp on the shores of Sebago (http://www.americancanoe.org/?page=Lake_Sebago), and the Thendara Mountain Club has a private compound on Lake Tiorati.
Harriman State Park is an incredible resource for almost every type of activity, and so close to New York. If you are really into the wilderness experience, try a lean-to.
But if you want a truly natural, sleep-under-the-stars (and free) experience in Harriman, hike to one of nine stone lean-tos in the back country and see what camping's all about. We make the trek to one of these shelters every month, and it's such an easy weekend.
The Harriman lean-tos are bare-bones shelters with bulit-in fireplaces, outdoor fire rings and, in the case of West Mountain Shelter, you have a nighttime view of the New York City Skyline, and how cool is that?
Harriman State Park lean-tos are not located near water, so you'll have to prepare for that. Pick up a New York New Jersey Trail Conference map (map doubles as awesome souvenir for your wall until you hike again). For a neat trick the kids will love, download the app and trail maps for your Iphone -- they can follow along and see exactly where they are on the trail at all times. Bathrooms? It's the total "back-to-nature" experience. Make sure you pick up food at the grocery store before you arrive, because there's no such thing as an outfitter or general store within the park (maybe someday!).
For a day excursion from your shelter, try staying overnight at the Big Hill Shelter (on the Harriman Park Map, South section) and bring your bathing suits for a hike to Breakneck Pond for some great swimming off the dock.
The shelters general sleep 8 (more or less) but you can pitch on the grassy areas nearby. You don't make reservations for these lean-tos -- you just show up. Weekends can be busy, so either go mid week, or don't mind sharing your lean-to or sleeping outside. Not a bad option! Here are the nine lean-tos: http://www.myharriman.com/the-lean-tos-of-harriman-park/
If you're really serious about your camping, you might want to explore the option of membership into any number of group camps. The American Canoe Association maintains a family-oriented, 15-acre camp on the shores of Sebago (http://www.americancanoe.org/?page=Lake_Sebago), and the Thendara Mountain Club has a private compound on Lake Tiorati.
Harriman State Park is an incredible resource for almost every type of activity, and so close to New York. If you are really into the wilderness experience, try a lean-to.
Written July 16, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi. I see that the Anthony Wayne Recreation Center has a fireplace located at the picnic area, is this for open fires like to cook over, stand around, that sort of thing? Do you have to make a reservation? I can't find any details regarding this nor what it looks like. Thanks.
Written September 22, 2021
By what time do you need to check in for your reserved camping site - when does the office close?
Written May 1, 2019
I haven't any idea - you might want to call the park to find out.
Written May 1, 2019
Hi OutWandering. Which are some of the less crowded lakes in Harriman State Park. planning to go there with two toddlers and parents.
Thanks!
Pooja
Written August 24, 2018
Drive over to the visitors center on Seven Lakes drive. There are many places to stop and walk around, and during Mon-Fri can be quite empty. Welch Lake is very busy.
Written August 25, 2018
There is place in the park that you can swim in the water?
Written April 22, 2018
Hi,
Is the walk/hike/drive easy to get around to see the scenic view Harriman State Park ?
We are not from USA but will be visiting NYC for 10 days and plan at least 3 days out from NYC. Is Harriman State Park worth the effort during late Nov period?
Written November 8, 2018
emilyzeng92
New York City, New York
Are there any picnic table area in the park?
Written August 26, 2017
Yes. They have picnic tables all around one side of Hessian Lake at Bear Mountain. As far as Harriman State Park. There aren't many places with picnic tables unless you go to places with large parking lots like Anthony Wayne Recreation Center.
Written September 5, 2017
Hi, I would appreciate your advice and suggestions for our upcoming visit at the end of August to visit our grandkids in NYC. We are planning a few days of getting into nature, possibly Harriman State Park/Bear Mountain. The kids ages are 2-1//2 and 5-1/2.
Looking to drive for up to 1-2 hrs from NYC and stay for a few days.
Thanks for advice and suggestions for lodging, activities, etc.
Written March 20, 2017
It is beautiful, just hit peak!
Written October 24, 2016
Are there any wildlife to be aware of? (For good or for bad).... Bears? Snakes? I plan on traveling in October.
Written September 6, 2016
Hello! I would not worry about wildlife impacting your visit. Generally, black bears and snakes want to avoid you, so if they know you're coming, they get out of the way. The only times I have sighted black bears a little further north in Catskills, they were running away from my approach. I just spent six hours on the trails at Harriman and the only animals I saw were white-tailed deer, chipmunks, and turtles. The deer do carry ticks, so that's the wildlife you really need to worry about!
Make sure you take precautions to avoid ticks and thoroughly check everyone after emerging from the forest.
Written September 21, 2016
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