Balsam Site

The Balsam Site is a distinguished camping area located within the expansive Sal J. Prezioso Mountain Lakes Park in North Salem, New York. Managed by Westchester County Parks, this site offers a unique opportunity for residents and visitors to experience the "Adirondacks of Westchester." As the northernmost county park, Mountain Lakes encompasses over 1,000 acres of rugged terrain, characterized by native hardwood forests, crystalline lakes, and towering rock outcroppings. The Balsam Site specifically is known for its serene, wooded setting that provides an authentic backcountry feel while remaining professionally managed and accessible to the local community.

For those living in the New York metropolitan area, the Balsam Site serves as a vital resource for high-quality outdoor recreation. It is designed to cater to traditional campers who appreciate a rustic experience. Unlike modern commercial campgrounds that often prioritize high-density RV parking, the Balsam Site emphasizes a connection with nature. Here, the canopy of ash, beech, and hemlock trees provides deep shade and a sense of seclusion, making it an ideal spot for those looking to escape the summer heat. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or a family looking for a local weekend adventure, the Balsam Site at Mountain Lakes Park offers a professional and factual gateway to the best of Westchester’s natural heritage.

The Balsam Site is located within the Sal J. Prezioso Mountain Lakes Park at Balsam, North Salem, NY 10560. From a New Yorker's perspective, the location is exceptionally convenient, situated only about 50 miles north of Manhattan. This makes it a feasible destination for a quick weekend retreat without the long hours of driving required to reach more distant wilderness areas. The park itself is located approximately seven miles from the nearest Metro-North train station, providing a potential link for those utilizing regional transit, though a vehicle is recommended for transporting camping gear directly to the park gates.

Access to the park is found off Hawley Road. Once inside, the park features a network of unpaved roads and trails that lead to the various camping clusters. The park is designed to be accessible to a wide range of visitors, featuring wheelchair-accessible parking lots and entrances at major facility hubs like the dining hall and park office. While the camping sites themselves, including the Balsam Site, retain a rugged and natural character, the main infrastructure of the park is well-maintained to ensure that all visitors can safely navigate the beautiful landscape. On-site parking is available, and the park’s layout allows for relatively easy unloading of gear before heading into the wooded camping areas.

• Year-round rustic camping in open-face lean-to shelters designed to provide cover while maintaining an outdoor connection.
• Dedicated park office and staff available to assist with camping permits and general inquiries.
• Maintenance of over 10 miles of marked hiking trails that wind through the park’s diverse terrain.
• Provision of on-site parking for campers and day-use visitors.
• Access to communal portable toilets and central restroom facilities within the park.
• Canoe rentals available seasonally on weekends at Hemlock Lake, inclusive of life jackets and oars.
• Firewood sales through the park office to help residents comply with local regulations regarding heat-treated wood.
• Availability of the spacious Mountain Lakes Dining Hall for organized group events and social gatherings.

• Proximity to Bailey Mountain, the highest point in Westchester County, offering breathtaking views from the summit.
• Each lean-to site is equipped with an outside grill for cooking and a designated fire ring for evening campfires.
• A scenic environment featuring five distinct lakes, providing ample opportunities for fishing and photography.
• Abundant wildlife viewing, with the chance to see white-tailed deer, red foxes, and various native bird species.
• Cooler micro-climate due to high elevation and dense forest cover, providing a natural escape from humid temperatures.
• Large picnic tables provided at each site for communal meals and outdoor activities.
• A peaceful "quiet hours" policy from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. to ensure a restful experience for all guests.
• Access to the "Lookout," a spectacular vista encompassing the northeast corner of Westchester County and Lake Waccabuc.

To arrange a stay at the Balsam Site or to verify current seasonal availability, visitors must contact the park office directly. Reservations are required and are typically issued to adults age 21 and older. You can reach the facility using the following contact information:

Address: Balsam, North Salem, NY 10560, USA

Phone: (914) 864-7312

Park Office Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (Reservations generally accepted Sundays, Mondays, or Thursdays).

The Balsam Site is worth choosing because it provides a genuine "wilderness" experience without the logistical hurdles of traveling to the Adirondacks or Catskills. For many New Yorkers, time is a precious commodity, and having a 1,000-acre forest at your doorstep in North Salem is an incredible asset. This site is specifically worth choosing for those who prefer lean-to camping. The open-face shelters offer a nostalgic feel that brings you closer to the environment than a standard tent, allowing you to wake up to the sight of the morning mist over the hardwood forest. The privacy at Mountain Lakes is also a significant factor; with only eleven campsites spread across such a large acreage, you are guaranteed a level of quiet that is rarely found in more crowded state parks.

Additionally, the diversity of activities makes the Balsam Site a versatile home base for adventure. You can spend your morning hiking to the county's highest point, your afternoon paddling a canoe on a still pond, and your evening cooking over an open fire. Because the park is used for both youth programs and family camping, it maintains a safe, community-oriented atmosphere that is particularly good for families with children. By choosing the Balsam Site, you are supporting the conservation of one of Westchester’s most unique landscapes while enjoying a high-quality, professional camping experience that highlights the natural beauty of the New York region.

Would you like me to find out the current nightly camping fees for Westchester County residents or check the availability of lean-tos for a specific upcoming weekend?