Better tent camping near NYC?

“OK, I’ve searched through the threads and dug around online and am not sure how to find what I’m looking for. I haven’t camped since I was a kid and now want to take my 5-year old for her first trip. I’m in New York City, so I’d like to find someplace somewhat close. We’re car camping, but I’d still like to find someplace with a little seclusion and privacy to have something of a wilderness experience. A short walk from the car to the site would be ok, but I don’t want this to be a trek because it’s her first time. Mostly, I want to be surrounded by trees, not sandwiched between other tents and (gasp!) RVs.

Of course, while it would be a lower priority, I would say that if we weren’t too far from some form of swimming, well, she’d probably be thrilled. So the best of both worlds is, I guess, what I’m hoping to find. But nature is more important than civilization. It’s our first step, so for now I just want my daughter to have a good time, get with nature a little bit, and hopefully it will lead to a love of camping that can take us who knows where.

I heard about Harriman from the guy at the local sporting goods store, but after reading the reviews, it seems more like a parking lot with a few trees. It also sounded like it would be a bit loud and, well, crowded. I heard that Fahnestock is maybe a bit better, but I’m not sure which areas would be more ideal. Some of the campgrounds look to be pretty close to each other from the map on the website. Maybe there is a place in the catskills someone can recommend? I’m driving from New York City, as I said, so too many hours in the car might not be such a big hit with the kid. Anyway, I’m having trouble figuring out where to go.

To find the perfect gem I thought some recommendations might be in order. Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks in advance for all the help!

Camp on Campers!”

“I have never car camped in a camp ground in or near Harriman or Bear Mt. So I have no idea. But as far as Harriman looking like a parking lot? hmmm not sure what map your looking at. I think that would be a good start off point for you and your daughter. But then again NJ has some nice state parks with day hikes. .

look for trail heads.”

“There is the Devil's Tomb campground and North-South campground in the Catskill's (as well as many others) I've only used them as a base camp for hiking so I've not been there in the daytime but there is a lake at both and I believe swimming at North-South. Probably not the seclusion while camping you are looking for but like minded people and not loud. I believe a 5 year old would love it. AND, trails leave right from Devil's Tomb.”

“Thanks to you both for your kind replies.

The description of the Harriman campground being a "parking lot" was from a friend that camped with his 4-year-old there. He said that their tent was sandwiched between RVs and there wasn't a lot of isolation (or grass, for that matter; it'd long since been tromped into hard packed dirt). I'm sure there are plenty of great trails near Harriman. But for our first trip, we're probably not going to hike far. My daughter is just 5 and this is to get her interested in more extensive camping/hiking in the future. It’s good for kids to have exposure to nature, and we live in NYC. Central Park isn’t quite the same thing. An ideal campsite would be surrounded by things one might find in nature, like trees or grass.

Devil's Tomb and North-South I'll definitely look into. Can anyone recommend particular sites at either of those? Has anyone had experience with Fahnestock campsites? I'm super excited about journeys with my kids, and can't thank you both enough for your input.”

“oooohhh you meant the campground...DUH...sorry...

I think one of them is right on the water. I remeber looking at the campground for a place to kayak in and stay one night.”