HOTELS | INNS AND BED & BREAKFASTS | MOTELS AND BUDGET | CAMPING
Prefer a campfire to a lobby? Sleep out under the trees that gave the legend its atmosphere. The wider Hudson Valley opens up tent sites, cabins, yurts, and RV spots across sprawling state and county parks — 14,000-acre Fahnestock with its 80 wooded campsites, the Hudson-jutting peninsula of Croton Point Park where bald eagles patrol the shoreline, the 44,000-acre near-wilderness of Harriman, and more. Just know that this densely settled part of Westchester means most sites involve a commute to Halloween events — Croton Point is the exception, close enough to skip the drive.
A word for RV travelers: this isn't an RV-friendly stretch of the state. The major parkways are restricted to passenger cars (you don't want to wedge an RV under a low-clearance bridge), and local lots and some historic properties can't accommodate larger vehicles, so plan your route ahead.
Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park, 1498 Route 301, Carmel, NY 10512. Deep in the heart of Putnam and Dutchess counties, covering a sprawling 14,086 acres, lies a vast wilderness. Just 35 miles from the haunted grounds of Sleepy Hollow, this park offers miles of winding hiking trails, eerie yet beautiful picnic areas, boating, hunting, fishing, birding, and a scenic campground where the crackling of your fire might not be the only thing you hear at night.
With 80 tent campsites, each equipped with a picnic table, charcoal grill, and fire ring, you’ll have all you need for a cozy evening—if you can ignore the feeling of unseen eyes watching from the treetops. There’s a designated area for RV camping, though beware: no hookups or dump station exist. Restroom and shower facilities are centrally located to all RV and tent sites. Pets are welcome (maximum of 2 per site), but keep them leashed, and seasonal restrictions may apply.
Croton Point Park(opens in new tab), Croton Point Avenue, Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520, 914-862-5290. This 500-acre peninsula juts into the Hudson River. With cabins, RV sites, and tent spots, you’ll be camping with spectacular views and maybe an eagle or two – both the feathered kind and the ghostly variety.
Enjoy the sandy beach, launch a boat (sailboards, canoes, kayaks, and car-top carried boats only), or fish off the rocky point. The park is also a popular spot for bird watchers, with frequent sightings of bald eagles and several species of hawks. Discounts apply for holders of Westchester County parks pass. Dogs must be leashed. Service animals welcome. Close to The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze and not far from an historic haunting!
Harriman State Park, in Rockland and Orange counties, is the second-largest park in the New York state parks system. With 31 lakes, 200 miles of hiking trails, beaches, and camping areas it’s perfect for losing yourself in nature. At over 44,000 acres, this is as close to wilderness as you can find near New York City. About 25 miles from Sleepy Hollow, across the Tappan Zee Bridge (toll). Pets: Dogs only, must be on a leash not more than 6 feet at all times. Not allowed in buildings or beach/bathing areas. Must display rabies tag. Beaver Pond Campgrounds offers tent and RV sites. Sebago Cabin Camp has cabins and cottages. Reserve through Reserve America at 1-800-456-CAMP, 1-800-456-2267.
Highland Falls RV Park & Marina, 72 Station Road Highland Falls, NY 10928, 845-839-0361. Open year-round, full hookups, restrooms, free WiFi. Two-day minimum, weekly and monthly rates available. This property is on the west bank of the Hudson River about 25 miles from Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown. The main building is the historic Highland Falls train station. The marina is separated from the RV park by CSX freight line. Expect the occasional train horn to keep you grounded in reality.
Newburgh KOA Holiday, 119 Freetown Highway, Plattekill, NY 12589. A full-service campground with pools, mini-golf, and more. The perfect place to relax after a day of ghost chasing. RV sites, cabins and tent sites. WiFi and cable TV. About 58 miles from Sleepy Hollow. Pet friendly.
Mountain Lakes Park, 201 Hawley Road, North Salem, NY 10560, 914-864-7312. A rugged landscape and five lakes make it great for hiking and spotting supernatural beings. Did we mention it is not far from the Ghost of Emily Shaw's Inn? The 1,082-acre Mountain Lakes Park is Westchester’s northernmost county park. There are rustic lean-to sites, yurts, cottage and cabin. Discounts apply for holders of Westchester County parks pass. Dogs must be leashed, no dogs in picnic areas.
Ward Pound Ridge Reservation(opens in new tab), Route 121 South (near intersection with Route 35), Cross River, NY, 10518, 914-864-7317 or 914-864-7318. With 4,300 acres of trails and a resident ghost at Boutonville Oak, it’s camping with a twist. Just 25 miles from Sleepy Hollow you'll find picnicking, year-round lean-to and tent camping, equestrian trails, hiking, fishing (trout stream), and cross-country skiing. Discounts apply for holders of Westchester County parks pass. Dogs must be leashed. Service animals welcome.
Round Pond Recreation Area, 1348 Round Pond Road, West Point, NY 10996, 315-774-9525. 35 miles from Sleepy Hollow, this US Army Services campground has 28 RV camping spaces, 20 tent sites, 4 pop-up sites, 8 mini log cabins, 2 ADA mini log cabins, 1 rental cottage, and 5 party pavilions. Please note eligibility requirements: Active Duty Military, Retired Military, Disabled Veterans, Reservists, DOD Civilians, Installation Contractors, Cadet Parents and Grandparents and those listed in AR 215-1, paragraph 7-1. ID required. Leashed pets are permitted in some areas but not all. Proof of up to date Rabies vaccine is required.