Bear Mountain State Park
Fort Montgomery, NY
A Hudson Highlands park with Hessian Lake, a small zoo and Perkins Memorial Drive, which climbs to a stone tower with views over the river and the Bear Mountain Bridge. The drive is narrow and closes in winter.
Bear Mountain State Park is a state park in New York’s Hudson Valley. According to Lonely Planet, the summit at 1,303 feet (about 397 meters), reachable by car, offers views of the Manhattan skyline. Several scenic roads pass secluded lakes.
The park shares its trail network with neighboring Harriman State Park. A roughly 21-mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail runs through both parks, including the first completed section of the long-distance trail; the trail crosses the Hudson on the Bear Mountain Bridge. It gets busy on nice weekends, especially on the lawns used for picnics.
In summer you can go boating and swimming, in winter ice skating. The Bear Mountain Inn stands at the park entrance. According to Lonely Planet, entrance fees are charged daily from late June to early September and only on weekends afterwards; check fees and road closures in advance.
- Nearest town
- Fort Montgomery, NY
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 41.3108, -74.0070
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Graymoor Hiker CampsiteCampsite5 mi from Bear Mountain State ParkFree
- Fahnestock Group Campsite 1 and 2Campsite10 mi from Bear Mountain State ParkFree
- Fahnestock Group Campsite 3Campsite11 mi from Bear Mountain State ParkFree
- Fahnestock Group Campsite 4Campsite11 mi from Bear Mountain State ParkFree
- Camp Glen GrayCampsite21 mi from Bear Mountain State ParkTents
- Wawayanda Group CampgroundCampsite23 mi from Bear Mountain State ParkTentsDogs allowed
All campsites in New York · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Bear Mountain State Park?
Bear Mountain State Park is in Fort Montgomery, NY, at GPS 41.3108, -74.0070. It is about 8 mi from Mountainville.
Can you camp near Bear Mountain State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Graymoor Hiker Campsite, about 5 mi away; within 25 mi there are 26 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Bear Mountain State Park?
Bear Mountain State Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: West of the Hudson: Palisades, Bear Mountain and the Shawangunks.
What is there to see near Bear Mountain State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: United States Military Academy at West Point (6 mi), Cold Spring (8 mi), Storm King Art Center (8 mi) and State Line Lookout, Palisades (23 mi).
When is the best time to visit Bear Mountain State Park?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)