Campsites near Alpine, New Jersey range from basic platforms to full-service areas, situated within a 30-minute drive from the George Washington Bridge. The terrain features rolling hills and wooded landscapes with elevations between 200-1,400 feet, creating varied camping conditions across the region. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing while summer camping typically experiences 75-85°F days with moderate humidity.
What to do
Hike extensive trail networks: Ward Pound Ridge Reservation offers over 40 miles of trails with varying difficulty levels. As one visitor noted, "This is a great place for camping. The shelters are great for people who want to camp and not have to worry about unplanned weather. The best part of this campsite are the endless trails in the area."
Visit NYC attractions: Liberty Harbor RV Park provides easy access to Manhattan via public transportation. "We spent 3 nights here last week. Very convenient location. My wife visited Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The sites had electric and water and were in a fenced off section of the marina parking area," reports one camper.
Swimming in natural settings: The beach at Beaver Pond Campground offers a supervised swimming area during summer months. A camper shared: "The grounds are just steps away from Welch Lake, offering a lifeguard monitored sandy beach which is open during the summer season for swimming, fishing, and small boat craft further out."
Stargazing in open fields: Multiple campgrounds feature cleared areas ideal for night sky viewing. "There's elevation gain, creeks, and open fields for stargazing. You have the options of a lean to here," explains a visitor to Ward Pound Ridge Reservation.
What campers like
Off-season solitude: Visiting during non-peak times offers a completely different experience. One camper at Clarence Fahnestock State Park reported: "Ranger said that during summer weekends the grounds fill up and can be quite noisy, but mid-week during the off-season it was great. Expect to purchase firewood, although scrounging for kindling was possible."
Meal services at certain facilities: Some locations offer prepared food options. At The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center, "One highlight was having meals cooked by the stellar chef. The lake is very peaceful, and home to beavers we watched from the dining hall patio."
Diverse accommodations: Many campgrounds feature unique sleeping options. "Sebago has a huge lake and great beach area. It was perfect for lounging and swimming in during a hot summer day. We were able to rent a cabin which was equipped with an outside grill and picnic area," noted a visitor to Sebago Cabin Camp.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Several parks offer encounters with local animals. "Our site is a trailer site, it's perfect for the trusty old pop-up, and feels nice and roomy. Although no site offers electric or water hook up, camp amenities include: a moderately stocked store, public bath houses, a laundry facility, playground for the kids and camp-sinks with access to water," described one Beaver Pond Campground visitor.
What you should know
Reservation requirements vary: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially during peak season. "You have to go in person to make a reservation and pay. The camp area is beautiful, especially in the fall. Pet friendly and kid friendly with a playground available," noted a visitor to Ward Pound Ridge Reservation.
Wildlife considerations: Bears and other animals are present in the area. A Beaver Pond Campground camper advised: "Welcome to Bear Mountain grumbles the park ranger... He offers us a highlighted map to our site, wishes us a good stay, and gives us the run down on bear activity in the area."
Noise levels fluctuate: Many campgrounds experience significant differences between weekday and weekend use. One Croton Point Park visitor remarked: "Only down side is there is a train depot right outside and you can hear them shunting trains all night."
Limited services at primitive sites: Not all campgrounds offer full amenities. "These cabins are VERY rustic, four walls, a cot, and a fridge. You still feel like you are 'roughing it' but with the convenience of a fridge. Absolutely zero phone service (for T-Mobile) which was AMAZING," reported a visitor to Sebago Cabins.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with playgrounds: Several locations provide dedicated children's play areas. At Croton Point Park, one visitor enjoyed a "Peaceful and gorgeous campsite, with plenty of space between sites. Great view of the Hudson, and playground within sight of our camper."
Consider campgrounds with educational opportunities: Some parks offer nature programs. "The Trailside Nature Museum is also fun for the kids," noted a visitor to Ward Pound Ridge Reservation.
Choose accessible sites for young campers: Some campgrounds offer family-friendly layouts. "Short distance from the NYC, very organized, clean pond, has a playground, showers, bathroom. Your phone will have signal," reported a family visiting Beaver Pond Campground.
Book lean-to shelters for weather protection: These structures provide extra security for family camping. "Beautiful campsites! Lots of lean-to sites with fireplaces in them...Our favorite site is #25. Up a hill, totally private and has a lean-to," recommended a Ward Pound Ridge Reservation visitor.
Tips from RVers
Urban camping considerations: Camp Glen Gray offers RV accommodation with unique limitations. "No vehicles allowed to drive through camp. Trading Post for treats and other items. Many camp sites open to rent. Cabins - Leanto - Tent Sites."
RV size restrictions apply: Most campgrounds have limits on vehicle length. At Liberty Harbor RV Park, "Sites kind of level and very close. Power and water, and convenient dump station if staying and needing to dump. The bath house was above average and heated. The laundry was helpful and was acceptable."
Plan for limited RV services: Full hookups are rare in the area. "Pick one of the larger end row sites to get a little extra elbow room. If it's packed, your neighbor with be within inches of your rig. Pluses, minutes walk to the Statue of Liberty, liberty Science center," advised an RVer at Liberty Harbor RV Park.
Consider transportation alternatives: Public transit can be easier than driving large vehicles. "Getting in and out of the city is an adventure. Stay right off the highway to avoid the $30 tunnel toll. Follow RV life pro and not Waze," recommended an experienced RVer at Liberty Harbor.
