Ward Pound Ridge is one of our top three campgrounds. We have gone back many times. We’ve stayed in tent sites, lean-tos in the campground, and a dispersed lean-to site. We have also done trips with other families there.
We’ve done several one-night trips since it’s an easy drive from Queens. The hiking trails are well maintained and include scenic river walks with covered bridges. Firewood is available for purchase at the office.
They have fishing on site but they do not have a swimmable lake. If they did they would be pretty close to perfect.
We stayed there when it got very cold at night. The next morning we took a trip into town for an additional blanket and socks for everyone!
https://parks.westchestergov.com/ward-pound-ridge-reservation
📍 Location: Route 35 and 121 South, Cross River, NY 10576
🚗 Distance from Queens: 49 miles — about 1 hour depending on traffic
⛺ Campsites
- Tent sites and lean-tos available
- Each site includes a fire pit and picnic table
🚻 Amenities
- Bathrooms: Flush toilets (no showers)
- Cell service: Spotty
🎯 Activities
- Several well-maintained, scenic hiking trails onsite
- Fishing available on site
💲 Cost & Reservations
- $45/night for tent sites
- $55/night for lean-tos
- Reservation system: Old school—paper reservations and checks only
- Book ahead: Definitely! It’s popular, especially on summer weekends
👍 Pros
- Large campsites with your own fire pit and picnic table
- Inexpensive
- Well-maintained Westchester County Park
👎 Cons
- Bathhouses are clean but older
- No Showers
- Pack-in, pack-out park—bring your trash home!
