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."
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