Liberty Harbor RV Park provides the closest camping access to New York City, situated in Jersey City just 8 blocks from PATH train access. The park operates year-round with 90 sites that can accommodate large motorhomes. For RV travelers seeking access to Manhattan without city driving challenges, several campgrounds within 60 miles of Edgewater offer varying amenities, prices, and accessibility. These rv parks near Edgewater, New Jersey create bases for urban exploration while providing necessary camping services.
What to do
Visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island: Liberty Harbor RV Park puts you within walking distance of ferry access to these iconic landmarks. "Short drive to Liberty Park where we got out and walked at night to admire the city skyline and Statue of Liberty at night," notes one camper at Liberty Harbor RV Park.
Hike accessible trails: Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park offers multiple difficulty levels of hiking paths. A camper reports, "Offering the peaceful tranquility of sitting under the changing oak, sumacs, maples, and poplars... trails in the area are friendly to hikers, bikers, and the non arthritic kneers, as most are rated moderate to challenging."
Swimming in state park lakes: Beaver Pond Campground provides beach access with lifeguards during summer months. "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," states one reviewer.
What campers like
Affordable off-season alternatives: Camping options with lower rates exist during non-peak times. At Beaver Pond Campground, one reviewer noted, "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."
Public transportation access: The ability to leave vehicles parked while accessing NYC attracts many campers. "Two blocks away from NJ Path train into Manhattan or take the ferry to Wall Street!" highlights a reviewer from Liberty Harbor RV Park.
Military facility options: Service members have access to lower-cost alternatives with fewer crowds. A camper at NWS Earle RV Park reports, "It's only an hour from Manhattan & 20 more minutes from the shore. If you're planning a visit to either this campground is cheap, clean & quiet."
What you should know
Water access challenges: At some campgrounds, hookup distances require planning. A camper at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation reports, "Website lists water hook ups at long distances but they have hose reels to help with that. Our site (15) said 75' however the 50' hose reel made it to our rv connection."
Seasonal facility changes: Many parks reduce services after Labor Day. At Clarence Fahnestock State Park, "The beach is closed after Labor Day to the public, but open to people staying at the campsite. Clean and beautiful."
Wildlife encounters: Bear activity requires proper food storage throughout the region. One Beaver Pond camper advises, "The wildlife do roam around your campsite so be mindful of putting food and garbage away before sleeping."
Tips for camping with families
Platform tent options: Some campgrounds offer raised platforms for more comfortable tent camping. A camper at Beaver Pond shares, "Many of the camping options were on platforms which is especially nice if it recently rained or if you are expecting rain during your stay."
Animal interactions: Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort offers farm animal experiences on-site. "The farm has goats, a donkey, and a pony within the campground. Very cool," reports one visitor. Another mentions, "There were some organized activities which was nice... Plenty to occupy the kids. Playground, hayride, animals to feed."
Bathroom facilities vary widely: Parents should research shower and toilet conditions. At one campground, a reviewer cautions, "There was only 1 bathroom with small shower for all guests, however they are in the process of adding 5 more."
Tips from RVers
Dump station timing: Plan service stops strategically to avoid lines. An RVer at Black Bear RV Park advises, "Campsite 44 for just one night. I can hear distant cars from time to time but, not like highway sounds. Bathrooms for our area looks well kept outside, but, closed due to covid."
Site selection for larger rigs: Evaluate campground maps carefully for access and amenities. At Mahlon Dickerson, an RVer notes, "Easy to navigate our 38 ft. RV. Easy to dump and fill. Peaceful."
Seasonal site limitations: Winter camping reduces amenities but increases availability. One RVer reports, "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."
