RV camping near Bound Brook, New Jersey offers convenient access to New York City while providing overnight accommodations away from urban congestion. The region sits at the edge of the Raritan Valley, with elevations ranging from 42-200 feet above sea level and a humid subtropical climate. Several RV parks experience significant seasonal occupancy changes, with occupancy rates dropping by 30-40% during winter months compared to peak summer season.
What to do
Visit NYC attractions: Liberty Harbor RV Park offers direct access to Manhattan via nearby public transportation. "There is a ferry 100-yards away that takes you to Wall Street M-F. There is a great market about 1/4 of a mile away, and the path that can take you to WTC or 33rd Street area is only a mile away," notes one visitor.
Beach access: Military Park NJ National Guard Training Center provides beach proximity for water activities. "Free beach just a few moments' walk down the road. Close to shore towns & many restaurants," reports a camper. Sites near water typically book 3-4 weeks in advance during summer.
Outdoor recreation: Local parks within 20 minutes of RV sites provide hiking options without traveling far. "We spent 3 nights here last week. I was in NYC for business and we took our RV. Very convenient location. My wife visited Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island," shares one Liberty Harbor camper.
What campers like
Quick access to Manhattan: Village Scene Park offers relatively affordable metropolitan proximity. "Located 30 miles or so northwest from 'The City of Brotherly Love,' VSP is a hodge-podge of different living accommodations... VSP's location is great for those wanting to access some of the bigger, better things in Philly proper, without having to actually stay in the city."
Security considerations: Multiple parks in the region provide gated camping with added security features. "You will certainly appreciate that clear out here, and away from the city, you'll certainly feel safe leaving your RV to go into the city and explore," notes one Village Scene Park visitor.
Spacious sites: Thousand Trails Timothy Lake South gets praise for site sizing. "Sites are long but narrow. Best water pressure I have seen on the east coast, unregulated it's over 80 psi," reports a recent visitor. Many parks offer site selection based on arrival time rather than pre-assigned spaces.
What you should know
Limited amenities at some locations: Several parks function primarily as parking areas with hookups rather than traditional campgrounds. "This is basically a parking lot with a dump station. Not much else. Pick one of the larger end row sites to get a little extra elbow room," advises a camper about Liberty Harbor.
Cell service challenges: Connectivity varies significantly by park and carrier. "Cell service is awful for AT&T and our T-Mobile gateway. Had to move to a new site to get away from the trees to get starlink connectivity," mentions a Timothy Lake South visitor. Verizon typically provides the most consistent coverage across most campgrounds.
Reservation requirements: Peak season requires advance planning, sometimes months ahead. "We stayed in site #1 with our 21' travel trailer. In our opinion this is the best site because you have an unobstructed view of Stockton Lake & the horizon over the ocean. Big rig spots are further back (around site 6-9 or so). 9 sites total & they are often booked, so need to do so in advance."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some parks offer playground facilities for children to enjoy. "My kids explored the playground and found it sufficient," notes a Timothy Lake South visitor. Most family-friendly parks include at least basic play equipment.
Seasonal activities: Swimming pools operate primarily from Memorial Day through Labor Day at participating facilities. "Standard amenities, like pool, hot tub, laundry, outdoor games a community fire pit etc.. Small store as well. 5 minutes to town," shares a camper at Timothy Lake South.
Low-cost alternatives: Indian Rock RV Resort provides budget-friendly options for family theme park visits. "We stayed two nights at this park because we wanted to spend a day at Six flags. Check in process was painless and the woman at the front desk was super nice and helpful. We would camp here again to go to six flags because it was easy to drive back a few minutes after a long day at the park."
Tips from RVers
Utility connections: Pay attention to hookup placement at specific sites. "A longer camper will be parked over the sewage connection," notes a visitor at NWS Earle. Power pedestal locations vary significantly between parks, sometimes requiring extended power cords.
Navigation challenges: Several campgrounds have tight entrances or complex access roads. "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," advises an RVer at Liberty Harbor.
Site selection strategy: First-come, first-served parks require different planning than reservation-based facilities. "This is a first-come, first-serve park in the Thousand Trails system so we had to drive around looking for a spot. The check-in process alerted us to the sites that had issues such as no water or cable."
