Cedar Pond Campground

For New Yorkers dreaming of a true escape into the wilderness without venturing too far from home, Cedar Pond Campground in Southfields, NY, offers a unique and authentic experience. Nestled within the vast and beautiful Harriman State Park, this isn't your typical individual family campsite. Instead, Cedar Pond Campground is specifically designed for group camping, making it an ideal destination for organized outings like scout troops, church groups, youth associations, and other bona fide organizations looking to immerse themselves in nature.

As one satisfied camper noted, "Great camping spot. Plenty of room for our scout troop." Another insightful review highlighted its group-focused nature: "This is a good place. It is for group camping only and as it involves lots of children (church groups, scout troops,) the people in charge are on a lookout for new people entering the place. You must register your vehicle at the circle! Food must be kept (in vehicle) after dinner to avoid visitors (bears, racoons, etc). I recommend the place. Call the number if you cannot navigate the confusing website." These sentiments underscore Cedar Pond Campground's specialized offering: a dedicated space for groups to connect with the outdoors, learn essential camping skills, and forge lasting memories in a natural setting, complete with important guidelines for safety and environmental stewardship. It's an opportunity for New York groups to truly disconnect and engage with the wilderness.

Cedar Pond Campground is located at Cedar Pond, Southfields, NY 10975, USA. This places it directly within the sprawling and picturesque Harriman State Park, a jewel of the New York State Parks system. Harriman State Park, one of the largest state parks in New York, spans over 47,500 acres and boasts numerous lakes, reservoirs, hiking trails, and abundant wildlife. For groups coming from New York City and the wider tri-state area, this location is exceptionally convenient.

Accessibility to Cedar Pond Campground is primarily by car or passenger van. While it offers a feeling of being far removed from urban life, the drive from New York City is typically manageable, allowing groups to quickly transition from cityscapes to serene natural beauty. The camp's specific location on the southwestern shore of Lake Tiorati further enhances its appeal, providing direct access to water-based activities and scenic views. It's important to note, as per park regulations, that buses are generally not permitted for access to these pioneer camping facilities, emphasizing the need for groups to coordinate transportation via cars or passenger vans (seating 15 people or less). The entrance to the campground requires vehicle registration at the circle, highlighting the park's emphasis on security and organized entry for bona fide groups. This ensures a controlled and safe environment for all campers.

Cedar Pond Campground, as a pioneer group camping area within Harriman State Park, offers a rustic yet functional set of services designed to facilitate an authentic outdoor experience for groups. It is important to set expectations for these types of sites, as they differ from modern campgrounds with extensive amenities.

• Group-Only Campsites: Cedar Pond features three designated group campsites, each capable of accommodating up to 30 people. These sites are exclusively available by reservation for bona fide organizations such as scout troops, church groups, and youth associations.
• Running Water & Pit Toilets: While there are no flush toilets or on-site showers directly at the campsites, running water is available, and two pit toilets are provided for convenience. Shower facilities are available at Lake Tiorati Beach during beach operating hours.
• Designated Fire Rings: Each campsite includes a designated ground fire ring, allowing groups to enjoy traditional campfires. Campers are permitted to collect firewood only from already downed trees; chainsaws are not allowed.
• Vehicle Parking: Parking for two vehicles per site is included with the permit. Additional vehicles may incur a fee and must be parked in designated overflow areas. It's crucial to register all vehicles upon entry.
• Bear-Resistant Food Storage Guidelines: Given the location within a bear habitat, strict guidelines are provided for food storage. Campers are required to store all food and scented items in vehicles, especially overnight, to deter wildlife.
• Boat Launch Access: Campers at Cedar Pond may have the opportunity to launch their boats directly from the site, provided they have a valid PIPC camper boat permit, which must be purchased in advance or during check-in.

Cedar Pond Campground offers several compelling features that make it an excellent choice for New York-based groups seeking an immersive outdoor adventure:

• True Wilderness Immersion: Being located deep within Harriman State Park, the campground provides an authentic wilderness experience. Groups can fully disconnect from urban distractions and engage with nature, offering a vital opportunity for outdoor education and appreciation.
• Ideal for Youth Development: The group-only nature of the campground, combined with its rustic setting, makes it perfect for fostering teamwork, self-reliance, and leadership skills among young participants in scout troops or youth programs. It's a place where children can learn practical outdoor skills.
• Lake Access and Activities: Situated on the southwestern shore of Lake Tiorati, the campground offers immediate access to fishing (with a NYS fishing license), canoeing, and other lake-based recreational activities, enhancing the camping experience.
• Abundant Hiking Opportunities: Harriman State Park boasts hundreds of miles of hiking trails. Groups can explore diverse terrain, engage in challenging hikes, and discover the natural beauty of the region right from their campsite.
• Affordable Group Camping: Pioneer camping sites like Cedar Pond offer a cost-effective solution for large groups looking to spend extended time in nature. The per-site-per-night fee ($37.50 for Cedar Pond) is very reasonable for the capacity it offers.
• Bear Habitat Awareness: The presence of bear habitat encourages responsible camping practices, teaching participants valuable lessons in wildlife coexistence and proper food management in the outdoors. This adds an educational and safety-conscious dimension to the experience.

As a state park facility primarily serving organized groups, Cedar Pond Campground does not typically offer commercial-style "promotions" or "special offers" in the way a private business might. Its pricing is standardized and generally quite affordable for the group capacity it provides.

However, interested groups in New York should be aware of the following:

• Fixed Group Rates: The pricing for pioneer campsites like Cedar Pond is set by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. At the time of this writing, the rate for Cedar Pond is $37.50 per site per night, which is a highly competitive rate for accommodating up to 30 people.
• Seasonal Availability: Pioneer camping at Cedar Pond is available by reservation only during the designated camping season, which typically runs from the third Friday in April to Columbus Day. Planning well in advance is key to securing desired dates.
• Reservation System: Reservations are essential and are handled through the New York State Parks reservation system (often via ReserveAmerica). This ensures fair access for all bona fide organizations.

Groups are encouraged to visit the official New York State Parks website or contact the park directly for the most current information on pricing, availability, and any specific group-related guidelines.

To make reservations or inquire further about Cedar Pond Campground, New York groups can use the following contact information:

Address: Cedar Pond, Southfields, NY 10975, USA

Phone: (845) 947-2444 (This number is associated with the general area, and it's best to verify if it's the direct line for Cedar Pond reservations or the broader Harriman State Park office. The general information line for Harriman State Park is often listed as (845) 429-8257.)

Mobile Phone: +1 845-947-2444

For specific reservation inquiries and to navigate the booking process, it is highly recommended to visit the official New York State Parks website for Harriman State Park or use the ReserveAmerica platform, which handles reservations for state park campgrounds. One reviewer also advised: "Call the number if you cannot navigate the confusing website," indicating that direct phone contact can be helpful for assistance with the reservation system.

For New York-based organizations and groups, Cedar Pond Campground offers an unparalleled opportunity for an enriching and authentic outdoor experience without the need for extensive travel. Its strategic location within Harriman State Park means that pristine wilderness, freshwater lakes, and extensive hiking trails are all within easy reach of the metropolitan area. This accessibility is a major advantage for local scout troops, church youth groups, and other community associations seeking impactful outdoor programming.

Cedar Pond's focus on group camping fosters a unique environment for camaraderie, skill-building, and a deeper appreciation for nature. The rustic amenities encourage self-sufficiency and cooperation, while the beautiful natural setting provides a much-needed respite from urban life. With clear guidelines for safety and environmental responsibility, it's a place where groups can learn, grow, and create lasting memories in a safe and structured setting. For New Yorkers looking to provide their group with a genuine, impactful, and relatively close-to-home wilderness adventure, Cedar Pond Campground stands as an ideal choice.

Cedar Pond Campground

Cedar Pond, Southfields, NY 10975, USA