- Hempstead Lake State Park
The best camping in Hempstead Lake State Park, NY
Discover the allure of Hempstead Lake State Park's outdoor activities.
The best camping near Hempstead Lake State Park, NY
Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Hempstead Lake State Park adventure.
Camper favorites near Hempstead Lake State Park
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M
Matt
2 weeks ago
20 ft campervan
With pets
Such a unique location. Amazing view of Manhattan and surprisingly quiet considering it is NYC. Showers and bathrooms were clean.
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Morgan
November 2025
25 ft Class C
With pets
Great place to park if you're going to the city! Hookups and shower available! If you have a larger rig, use a Garmin to get there. Google will take you down roads with low clearance.
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Chelsea
November 2025
Tent
Phoenix Landing is the optimal camping spot for my partner and I (and cat). Though it was just the two of us, we had no issues with the camp site and felt very safe in the area. We decided to camp out there while enjoying Halloween festivities along the Hudson. The forest/stream, on the property is beautiful and there are many trails to explore. We brought our cat who loves walking outdoors on a harness & leash - we stayed very vigilant with her, but thankfully the most we encountered was a buck during our trip (1st week of Nov.).
Mike's directions are very thorough and clear - DEFINITELY read his instructions for finding the property at first. He also provides a lot of supplies if needed, especially firewood for a small cost. Communication with him was also very pleasant and easy. We enjoyed our stay so much that we extended it by 1 more day 😊. Overall, we look forward to staying at Phoenix Landing again in the near future.
NOTE: Needing a 4x4/ AWD vehicle is absolutely necessary to climb the property if choosing not to walk. We arrived in absolute pouring rain and thankfully our Land Cruiser had no issue. The climb / descent is definitely very fun, but if you have no experience with off-roading, it may be a bit difficult. Take it slow. Cheers!
Thank you again Mike, and hope to stay again. 😸😸😸
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Clinton
October 2025
18 ft Class B
Great place! Beautiful spot. There are a couple of spots available, one next to the house and one further down the road on a small pull-off. We stayed by the house and it was great.
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Leigh
October 2025
20 ft campervan
With pets
Great communication, friendly hosts. Perfect fire pit. Easy to get to, right off highway pretty much. We used it as an overnight stop. You can hear the h8ghwa6 sounds but it's muffled and we couldn't hear feom inside our van. Field very open, so if in high summer would be warm but perfect for a fall overnight. Would use again.
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Signe
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Comfy camper by the bay in Rockaway
We absolutely loved staying at Siri's camper in Far Rockaway... the location was right on the ocean, while still feeling private and protected from the outside city bustle.... Truly a little haven in the big city. The weather was a little chilly but Siri was incredibly sweet and left us electric, heated blankets.
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Anna
October 2025
With kids
Incredible experience with kids. What Yana and husband created on their property is a must to experience if you have kids. Just book it and make sure to ask for whatever you need, because it's all ala carte. Humble, lower tier glamping, but makes up in atmosphere and amenities for kids and interaction with the animals. 10/10 would stay again.
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Lillian
October 2025
Tent
With pets
We had a perfect time at the orchard! Molly was the best host. She greeted us when we arrived and was always available. She also gave us firewood and water. The farm is beautiful and the camping spot is sequestered away from the main farm activities—it’s great. Would come back again anytime.
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Peter
October 2025
Tent
Group trip
Beautiful spot, secluded and very well equipped. Only would recommend more signage and lighting at the driveway entrance, it was a bit difficult to find at night. Other than that fully recommend.
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Scott
October 2025
Tent
Molly was very responsive and a pleasant host. Due to a miscommunication we were not at the orchard site so I can’t comment on that, we were at a big open field site. There was plenty of room and Molly provided wood and water and stumps to sit on by the fire. We were very happy about the orchard popup there in the morning to get cider and apple donuts! Very fun stop on pur bike packing trip through Westchester.
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kate
October 2025
With pets
Really lovely house boat - it’s at the end of the marina with a wonderful view A rarity in NYC!
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Peter
October 2025
18 ft campervan
Molly was terrific and the setting on the farm was great. Serene, private, beautiful. A little car noise, but quieted down at bedtime.
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Kate
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Forest Treasure Island
Beautiful woodsy property—we had such a peaceful stay!
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Thomas
October 2025
Tent
Group trip
Our group of Boy Scouts loved tent camping at the farm. The setting was beautiful and quiet. Molly the host was super accommodating and made sure that we had everything we needed for a great stay. Amazing memories were made by all!
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Jessica
October 2025
Tent
This place is awesome! And so beautiful!! Molly was amazing. She always responded. Very helpful. I would definitely go back!!
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Gabe
October 2025
19 ft Class B
My second stay here, really love it as the only urban camping I’ve ever seen on HipCamp. Very safe, surprisingly quiet at night. Love the hot showers and Wi-Fi.
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Tetyana
October 2025
Tent
With kids
I was pleasantly surprised. We had such a heartfelt conversation with owners , and I shared my child’s health challenges. Our family is living in remission. I had no idea that this magical place regularly donates to children battling cancer. What I didn’t realize until later was that this place quietly supports children fighting cancer (donate their % of earnings ) and
they welcome people with cancer free of charge. I was deeply moved when I learned that till cry
The place itself is absolutely enchanting. We originally planned to stay for one night, but we were gifted two extra nights, we immediately accepted with gratitude as I were free next two days . My child forgot about pain and fear, completely absorbed in the many wonderful activities for kids, especially the time spent with the friendly small farm animals cats dogs and well mannered Jan’s children.
There should be more places like this in the world. We will definitely return — not just for rest, but as a form of therapy, since we live close by . Thank you guys.
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Gabe
October 2025
19 ft campervan
This place is pretty remarkable, because I’m sure you’ve never considered camping in New York City. The positives: easy to get to without a lot of City driving, plenty of space, electrical hook ups, safe section of town, bathrooms with toilets and showers, shockingly quiet at night. The Wi-Fi was fast and steady and it was good enough for me to have zoom meetings. The negatives: most of the sites aren’t actually numbered so you just sort of pick one but everyone who arrives looks very confused, the parking lot surroundings aren’t very beautiful and there’s a lot of weird stuff being stored in the parking lot from the gym next-door, and the bathrooms aren’t great. But, come on, it’s New York City. You’re not staying at the Ritz and this definitely is not the Ritz. This is absolutely the least expensive way to stay in New York while sleeping in your own bed. The subway is about four blocks away and it takes about 25 minutes to get to Manhattan. I absolutely loved it and will definitely be back.
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Karen
October 2025
20 ft campervan
We weren’t at Sundial Farm much since we were in town for an art show, but it was such a lovely place to come back to each evening. The setting is beautiful and peaceful, and it was wonderful to have a fire every night. We really appreciated the provided water and firewood, such thoughtful touches. A comfortable, convenient, and relaxing stay!
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Seok Won
October 2025
With kids
What a magical experience! Goats, chickens, geese, ducks, amazing Rica the dog, playground for toddlers (5-7 years). Jan and Diane were accommodating and attentive to our requests. Be prepared to come with your camping equipments including cookware and utensils. Sleeping bags were provided. A supermarket is 2 minutes away so you can get anything you might have forgotten anyway.
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The best camping in Hempstead Lake State Park, NY guide
Overview
About
Embark on an adventure at Hempstead Lake State Park, where the great outdoors beckons with a plethora of activities. Engage in tennis, pickleball, and basketball, or explore the scenic trails on horseback, bike, or foot. Cast a line in the freshwater lakes, teeming with fish, or paddle quietly in a kayak. For a unique celebration, the historic carousel offers a whimsical backdrop for any event.
When to go
The best times to visit Hempstead Lake State Park are during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its peak. Summer offers longer days for exploration, though it can be quite warm. Winters are quieter and serene, ideal for those seeking a peaceful retreat.
Know before you go
- Check the weather before your visit to ensure a comfortable experience amid the park's diverse activities.
- Accessibility is a priority, with features like accessible fishing and playgrounds to welcome all visitors.
- Remember to bring proof of rabies inoculation for your pets, as they are welcome in designated areas.
- Plan your visit around the park's hours, open from sunrise to sunset, to maximize your adventure time.
- For a seamless entry, consider purchasing the Empire Pass for unlimited day-use access to most state-operated locations.
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