Best Campgrounds near Englewood Cliffs, NJ
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.