Leo C.
Scout
ScoutWinding Hills Park
Nice but dated
Nice campground, bathrooms are clean but dated, first come first serve for the sites.
Camping near Englewood Cliffs, NJ
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Camping options within reach of Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey span from urban RV parks to more traditional forest settings. Liberty Harbor RV Park in Jersey City provides a unique urban camping experience with 90 sites just minutes from Manhattan, offering water and electric hookups for RVs. For those seeking more natural surroundings, Harriman State Park's Beaver Pond Campground lies approximately 25 miles northwest, featuring tent and RV sites with access to Lake Welch and numerous hiking trails including portions of the Appalachian Trail. Croton Point Park, situated along the Hudson River about 15 miles north, offers year-round camping with tent sites, RV spaces, and cabins in a wooded setting with river views.
Reservations are essential at most established campgrounds in the region, particularly during summer months when sites fill quickly. Many New Jersey state parks implement alcohol restrictions and pet limitations that vary by location. According to one camper at Stokes State Forest, "This is bear country so proper food storage is a must. Bear lockers are not provided. The area also has ticks and rattlesnakes." Weather conditions remain relatively mild from April through October, though summer humidity can be significant. Cell service varies considerably, with stronger signals at campgrounds closer to urban areas and spotty coverage in more remote locations. Campgrounds near highways may experience traffic noise, as noted by visitors to Cheesequake State Park who mentioned hearing the Garden State Parkway despite buffer zones.
Lakeside sites receive consistently positive reviews from campers throughout the region. At High Point State Park, visitors appreciate the "large, private lakeside sites" that offer "a good amount of privacy" despite being walk-in locations. Urban camping experiences generate mixed reactions, with Liberty Harbor RV Park described as "basically a parking lot, but the location can't be beat" with convenient access to Manhattan via ferry or train. Wildlife encounters are common at more remote campgrounds, with raccoons, deer, and various birds frequently mentioned in reviews. Campers note significant differences in amenity quality, with some locations offering clean, modern facilities while others provide more rustic experiences with pit toilets and limited water access.
Best Campgrounds near Englewood Cliffs (67)
1. Liberty Harbor RV Park
"This is all about location. The closest RV park to NYC. It's 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."
"Basicly a parking lot, but the location can't be beat. 2 ferries that run to Manhattan. Path train is a 12 minute walk away that will take you yyo manhatten."
from $145 - $180 / night
Check Availability2. Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park
"Drive-in tent campgrounds. Adequate restroom facilities sprinkled amongst tent sites. Some campsites have raised platforms. All sites have picnic tables and fire ring with flip-top grill."
"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."
from $21 - $24 / night
Check Availability3. Skyline RV Camp - Waterfront
"A little intimidating driving in to a nondescript gate at the end of a narrow street but the overall experience exceeded expectation."
from $130 / night
Check Availability4. Croton Point Park
"Tent sites are very private with some dirt roads to exit out but thats what make it unique experience! Bathrooms with shower is near by and has plenty porta potties all around."
"Was close to bear mountains state part and the train station is right there!"
from $30 - $60 / night
Check Availability5. Skyline RV Camp - Non-Waterfront
from $85 - $120 / night
Check Availability6. Collective Governors Island
from $529 - $1200 / night
Check Availability7. Sebago Cabin Camp — Harriman State Park
"It is a step up from cabin camping. They also have a beach behind it."
"This place is only an hour away from NYC with so much to do and see. These cabins are VERY rustic, four walls, a cot, and a fridge."
from $130 / night
Check Availability8. Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area
"Once you are there, you can walk right across the street to a bayside inlet and sandy shore that is not highly trafficked because no one can park there except those using the campground."
"Rangers at the entrance regulate admittance thus, providing a safe environment within the confines of the base."
from $30 - $50 / night
Check Availability9. The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center — Harriman State Park
"This was beautiful campground with an even nicer lake. You are able to do a hike around the lake."
"Beautiful lakes all over the place. The AMC camp in Harriman is fantastic too! Those are reserved and paid cabins and platforms."
10. Staten Island — Gateway National Recreation Area - CLOSED for 2025
"You have a clear view of the Narrow bridge and at night the city lights light up your surroundings light a nigh light. The camp here has 7 campsites here and it fill up really fast."
"this place is awesome when it comes to finding an affordable place to stay while in NY, this camp ground isnt your usual forest camp sites, however there are some beautiful views, and it is located in"
from $30 / night
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Drive Time
- 10 min from New York, NY
- 39 min from Kiryas Joel, NY
- 58 min from Bridgeport, CT
- 1 hr 14 min from New Haven, CT
Recent Camping Photos near Englewood Cliffs, NJ
247 Photos of 67 Englewood Cliffs Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Campgaw Mountain Reservation
Camp Gateway- Brooklyn NY - CLOSED — Gateway National Recreation Area
Staten Island — Gateway National Recreation Area - CLOSED for 2025
Croton Point Park
Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State ParkJ
Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area
Ward Pound Ridge Reservation
Wawayanda Group Shelter
Mahlon Dickerson Reservation
Cheesequake State Park CampgroundK
Tentrr Signature Site - Appalachian Trail Hilltop Hideaway - Coleman Cooking Site
Moon Valley CampgroundD
Recent Reviews near Englewood Cliffs, NJ
436 Reviews of 67 Englewood Cliffs Campgrounds
Edwin R.ScoutCheesequake State Park Campground
Park uses county cops to shut down park by 9pm.
On Friday, September 4, 2026, I rented a trailer and brought my family to Cheesequake State Park to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary over the extended Labor Day weekend. Around 9:20 PM—well before the park's designated 10:00 PM quiet hours—we were sitting inside our canopy, playing Jenga, and listening to low background music. Two officers from the Matawan Police Department approached our campsite. They were polite and courteous, simply offering a standard reminder to wrap things up by 10:00 PM. Before they could leave, however, a third, senior officer intervened. Wanting to"show them how it's done," he made the two polite officers return and stand by to watch as he demonstrated how to aggressively harass campers. Flashlight in hand, the senior officer approached with an immediate hostile attitude, treating us like criminals as he demanded to know who rented the site. He began reiterating rules and claimed we had too many vehicles. We had three cars, one belonging to my brother-in-law's girlfriend, who was visiting with her daughter. She had paid the$10 visitor fee at the main office and was instructed by staff to obtain the gate access code from us, the primary renters, if she got locked in. No staff member ever informed her of an 8:00 PM visitor departure deadline, leading us to reasonably assume visitors were permitted until quiet hours began at 10:00 PM. The officer rudely snapped that she had been given wrong information. The senior officer then used profanity in front of three small children, aggressively telling her to ("get her shit and get the fuck out!") in that manner or use profanity, the officer went from hostile to furious. He angrily declared that these were official violations and threatened that he could be issuing us tickets instead. Desperately searching for anything and everything to throw at us, he demanded that we turn off our idling car—which was supplying power to our campsite—and instructed us to make sure the campfire was doused before shutting down for the night. He then proceeded to shine his flashlight into our private setup—including our canopy, tents, and the inside of our trailer—searching for any other possible violation while the two polite officers were forced to watch. What was supposed to be a special 10th wedding anniversary celebration with my family was completely ruined by a senior officer misusing his authority to put on an unnecessary display of intimidation. Worse than just ruining our night, he spent that evening teaching those two police officers how to be bad cops. He corrupted two officers in real time, demonstrating firsthand exactly why most people have lost faith in the police force. The next day we was ready for them. We turned off our lights and quietly by the fire while they went next door to harass an asian family that had just set up camp and had their leds lights on.
- e
edgar V.ScoutBlack Bear RV Park
Super clean and quiet
Past reviews has mentioned that the office seems to be closed often, while I found that to be true I had no reason to contact anyone. This is definitely one of the cleanest quiets site I’ve ever visited
- KKelly B.
GuideClarence Fahnestock State Park Campground
Check site photos first
Definitely a wide variety of sites—look at the site pictures before booking—there are two areas where it’s just an open field with bonfires and picnic tables that I’d avoid. I could see a large group going there or something but personally it doesn’t offer any privacy.
BUT if you book one of the other sites that DOES have privacy you’ll be in camping heaven. The “hike in” sites are more like “walk-in,” I was worried at first but it’s some are as little as a few yards from the road. The most annoying part was lugging the cooler back and forth, but totally worth it
- KKelly B.Guide
Stephens State Park Campground
Great last min getaway
Booked the day before—even on the holiday weekend! Just 1.5 hours outside of NYC, site was a bit close to the neighbors (fire pit was very far back and basically in the neighbors’ campsite, but we put up a “privacy clothesline” and hung a tarp over it for a bit of extra coverage.
The staff was friendly and helpful, they said it was the busiest they’ve seen the campground all year (there were lots of large groups but everyone seemed to settle down by 9:30pm
Poison ivy was EVERYWHERE at our site so make sure to stick to the open areas and the paths. Lots of families around, we felt very safe Bathrooms were fine—it was my impression they’re usually cleaner but the high traffic of the weekend left a bit to be desired, (lots of families around=dirty diapers in the bathroom trash bin) but it’s camping! I’m not gonna argue w a flushing toilet!
- JJoyceScout
Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park
Bare bones
No hookups. It was wooded, quiet and dark at night. I used the dump station on my way out. The first time I ever saw a poop fountain. The sewer opening sticks up above ground level. The cover swivels away, so I couldn't put it on top of my hose. And then, when I tried to rinse it, there was nowhere for it to go, because the inlet is elevated.
- Sue B.
RangerWawayanda Group Shelter
Appalachian Trail Shelter/Campsite
This is an A.T. shelter and campsite. First come, first served. Privy was nice. Flat tentsites for 6 or more. Good for Hammocking also.
S G.ScoutMahlon Dickerson Reservation
Primitive
The main issue with the sites was that they were primitive -- no water. The campsites were basically just wooden platforms, with a picnic table and fire pit. There were also a lot of bugs, though this may be due to the rain. The location itself was fairly pretty and there were a number of hiking trails of not-overly-serious difficulty. The particular site we picked left is a little farther from our car than we would have liked, but for other sites you can bring your car closer.
Frank J.
TravelerSwartswood State Park Campground
The campground is open
The campground was closed in 2024 for renovations. It is now open. I did a tour of the campgrounds but did not stay there. FYI, generators are NOT allowed at all at this campground. I did not see electric or water hookups. There are three loops. Each has it pros/cons. Sites 30-33 are near the bathroom facilities, sites 34-50 are more secluded, sites 52-65 are closer to the lake.
Guide to Englewood Cliffs
Camping options near Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey range from urban settings with city views to forested areas with hiking trails. The region experiences moderate rainfall throughout camping season, with May averaging 4 inches of precipitation and July temperatures reaching 85°F. Several campgrounds enforce strict noise regulations after 10pm, with violation potentially resulting in removal without refund.
What to do
Hiking Appalachian Trail segments: At Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park, campers can access nearby trails including portions of the Appalachian Trail. According to one camper, "We stayed here on a Thursday night in September prior to taking off backpacking. The campground was clean and quiet. RV hook-ups, tent platforms, and rustic tent sites were available."
Lake activities in summer: Lake Welch at Harriman State Park provides swimming opportunities with lifeguards on duty. One visitor noted, "Sebago has a huge lake and great beach area. It was perfect for lounging and swimming in during a hot summer day." Another camper shared that at Croton Point Park, they found "a gorgeous camping ground right on the Hudson with beach and trails."
Urban exploration: Several campgrounds offer city exploration opportunities. At Liberty Harbor RV Park, one visitor mentioned, "This is a pricey park, but options are limited. 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."
What campers like
Access to Manhattan: Liberty Harbor RV Park provides quick access to Manhattan. A camper reported, "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."
Platform camping: The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center offers elevated platforms. One camper mentioned, "They have both cabins for rent and camping spots on platforms which are great, especially when it rains. You can also rent canoes and take them out on the lake for an afternoon activity."
Fall camping for Halloween: Some campers time their visits for seasonal events. A Croton Point Park visitor noted, "We came in October to celebrate Halloween in sleepy hollow! This is a great campsite and reasonably priced. Was close to bear mountains state park and the train station is right there!"
Cleanliness of facilities: Campers often mention bathroom conditions. At Camp Glen Gray, a visitor reported, "Cabins are always clean and stocked with firewood. Lots of hiking trails. Trading post is well stocked and volunteers are always friendly and able to answer any questions."
What you should know
Wildlife considerations: Bear activity requires proper food storage. A camper at Harriman State Park warned, "Welcome to Bear Mountain" grumbles the park ranger as he sits in complete darkness! 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."
Campsite spacing varies: Some campgrounds offer more privacy than others. At Beaver Pond, a camper observed, "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."
Seasonal amenities: Swimming areas typically operate with limited hours. One camper noted about Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area, "Ocean is close with lifeguards. Good fishing and pleasant people. Boat from New York City."
Train noise: Some campgrounds experience train noise. A Croton Point Park visitor mentioned, "Only down side is there is a train depot right outside and you can hear them shunting trains all night."
Tips for camping with families
Playground accessibility: Families with children should look for campgrounds with play areas. A Croton Point Park visitor mentioned, "Peaceful and gorgeous campsite, with plenty of space between sites. Great view of the Hudson, and playground within sight of our camper."
Organized activities: Some campgrounds offer structured activities for children. At Sebago Cabin Camp, a camper noted, "Sebago has a ton of activities like outdoor movies and communal bonfires on weekends. I was told by ranger Joe they also do Karaoke nights too."
Beach access for kids: Beaches with lifeguards provide safe swimming. One camper shared, "Short distance from the NYC, very organized, clean pond, has a playground, showers, bathroom. Your phone will have signal."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children often enjoy wildlife encounters. A Liberty Harbor visitor reported, "We spent 3 nights here last week. It was a little loud with city noises, but exactly what we expected being so close."
Tips from RVers
Urban RV parking limitations: Liberty Harbor RV Park offers limited space but convenient location. One RVer noted, "This is all about location. The closest RV park to NYC. It's 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."
Dump station access: RVers should note limited dump facilities. A camper mentioned, "There is a dump station, but not the easiest to use. The laundry was not working properly and ate a good $5 of our quarters."
Highway tolls: RVers should plan routes carefully to avoid expensive tolls. One RVer advised, "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."
Frequently Asked Questions
What hiking trails are available near Englewood Cliffs?
What hiking trails are available near Englewood Cliffs?
The Palisades Interstate Park offers several scenic hiking trails near Englewood Cliffs, with paths ranging from easy to moderate difficulty that showcase Hudson River views and forest terrain. Just a short drive west, Ward Pound Ridge Reservation features an extensive network of well-maintained trails that are popular with locals year-round. For those willing to venture a bit further, the Appalachian Trail passes through High Point State Park, offering challenging hikes to New Jersey's highest point with panoramic views of three states. Many trails in the region are accessible year-round, though spring and fall typically offer the most comfortable hiking conditions.
Where can I camp near Englewood Cliffs?
Where can I camp near Englewood Cliffs?
For camping options near Englewood Cliffs, Mahlon Dickerson Reservation offers wooded, spacious campsites with water and electric hookups, plus a convenient dump station. The paved, mostly level sites accommodate both tents and RVs. Another excellent option is Stokes State Forest, which features multiple campgrounds including the more primitive Steam Mill Camping Area for tents and small trailers. For those seeking a quick escape accessible by public transport, consider Sandy Hook in Gateway National Recreation Area. Most campgrounds in the region are seasonal, typically operating from April through October, with reservations recommended during summer weekends.
What are the permit requirements for camping in Englewood Cliffs?
What are the permit requirements for camping in Englewood Cliffs?
Camping permits are required for all overnight stays in the Englewood Cliffs area, and most need to be secured in advance. At Stephens State Park Campground, reservations can be made through the New Jersey State Park Service, with specific site regulations including pet restrictions in certain areas. Similarly, Wawayanda State Park Campground requires permits for both individual and group camping, with reservations available up to 11 months in advance. Most state parks in the region charge a daily camping fee plus a reservation fee, and some require an additional park entrance fee. Alcohol is prohibited in many public campgrounds, and quiet hours are typically enforced from 10 PM to 6 AM.
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