RV camping options around Closter, New Jersey provide access to the Hudson Valley region within 25-50 miles of Manhattan. The area sits at the northeastern edge of New Jersey's Piedmont region, characterized by rolling hills and small mountains averaging 400-500 feet in elevation. Most campgrounds operate seasonally from April through October, with limited winter camping availability.
What to do
Hiking trails nearby: Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park offers access to numerous hiking trails including parts of the Appalachian Trail. One camper notes, "A stones throw from NYC this beautiful area combines Lake Welch and Harriman State Park. This camp ground is laid back away from the busy activity of the big city."
Water activities: Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground features a lake with swimming opportunities throughout the summer. "Beautiful State Park, Nice clean Beach and Lake, Bathroom and showers were clean," reports one visitor. After Labor Day, "the beach is closed to the public, but open to people staying at the campsite."
Visit NYC attractions: From Liberty Harbor RV Park, campers can easily access Manhattan. "The light rail is a block away, and the path train is about 8. Having a view of Lady Liberty out your window is priceless," mentions one reviewer. Another adds, "There is a ferry 100-yards away that takes you to Wall Street M-F."
What campers like
Camping platform options: Some sites at Beaver Pond offer raised camping platforms, which campers find valuable. "The biggest positive about Beaver Pond is how spread out it was. You definitely feel like you have your own space and are not camping on top of your neighbor. Many of the camping options were on platforms which is especially nice if it recently rained."
Farm animals: Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort offers a unique camping experience with animals on-site. A camper shares, "The farm has goats, a donkey, and a pony within the campground. Very cool." Another adds, "Important to not miss: the amazingly beautiful miniature horse that wonders around its huge pin located in the middle of the campground."
Privacy of sites: Campsites at Fahnestock State Park offer varying levels of seclusion. "This is one of my favorite campsites I have been to but only because after several visits we have finally found our favorite site. This place can book up during camping season in the Northeast so make sure to book early in advance."
What you should know
Parking lot-style camping: Several RV parks near Closter are essentially parking lots with hookups. At Tri-State RV Park, "Located just off the highway so lots of vehicle noise 24/7. Sites are on a gravel lot. Restrooms are clean. Not much else to say about this CG, is just a parking lot with hookups."
Limited tent camping: Most campgrounds prioritize RVs over tents. One visitor to Liberty Harbor RV Park notes, "There is only a small place for tents. Mostly people go there with campers. Not your typical campground."
Wildlife considerations: When camping in Harriman State Park, secure food properly. "The wildlife do roam around your campsite so be mindful of putting food and garbage away before sleeping." Some campgrounds have specific wildlife management practices in place.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Black Bear RV Park provides full hookups for families traveling with RVs. While recreation facilities may be limited during off-season, families can explore nearby swimming options. During peak season, be aware that some parks like Fahnestock enforce capacity limits: "On July 4th, we tried to go to the beach, but were told it was at capacity at 3 different points throughout the day."
Playground access: Pleasant Acres Farm offers activities for children. "Playground, hayride, animals to feed (goats, chickens, donkey and pony). There were some organized activities which was nice, not as much as a Jellystone Park."
Off-season advantages: Families might find more space during weekdays or shoulder season. At Beaver Pond, "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."
Tips from RVers
Navigating to campgrounds: When traveling to NWS Earle RV Park, be aware of access procedures for military facilities. "Small campground W/ 8 spaces in the main area and 7 in an adjacent area. All spaces are level concrete With fill hookups and attached concrete patio. Power is at the far back & sewage is in the middle (left to right)."
Site selection: At Mountain Top RV Park, consider site location carefully. "If you're booking, it may be best to book on the upper levels because the lower area where we were did flood pretty bad a couple times when there was a lot of rain."
Winter availability: Some RV campgrounds near Closter remain open year-round. Black Bear RV Park accommodates winter camping: "We are returning to the south after spending a couple months of fall in New England... This was our first stop and primarily chosen because it was one of the few places along our route that was open for RVs in the off season."
