Tent camping near Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey requires navigating the densely developed area of Bergen County where natural camping spaces are limited. Most viable camping options are located within a 30-45 mile radius, with terrain varying from the coastal plains along the Hudson River to the more rugged elevations of the Ramapo Mountains to the northwest. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer more moderate conditions for tent campers.
What to do
Waterfront activities at Sandy Hook: The beaches at Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area offer swimming, fishing, and coastal hiking for tent campers. "Ocean is close with lifeguards. Good fishing and pleasant people. Boat from New York City," notes camper Stanley S. The area includes a trail that runs parallel to the beach, providing scenic cycling opportunities.
Mountain hiking year-round: Ward Pound Ridge Reservation provides extensive trail networks spanning various difficulty levels. "There are over 40 miles of trails in this area. Would definitely recommend for those who want to camp near NYC but not drive too far," writes Ethan K. The park remains open through all seasons, making it suitable for cold-weather tent camping.
Wildlife observation: Croton Point Park offers opportunities to spot local wildlife including rabbits and waterfowl along the Hudson River. One camper mentioned, "On the bright side, there are lots of bunnies!" The peninsula location creates diverse habitat zones for wildlife viewing throughout the camping area.
What campers like
Relative seclusion: Despite proximity to urban centers, Ward Pound Ridge Reservation provides quiet camping experiences. "No car noise or nonsense," reports Mark & Stina J. The shelter sites are particularly valued for privacy, with one camper noting they are "large and private with access to hiking trails and make for a unique experience."
Fishing access: Multiple waterfront campgrounds provide fishing opportunities without requiring specialized equipment or licenses. At Sandy Hook, fishing is readily accessible from camping areas, and the nearby waterways support various fish species.
Unique shelter options: Many campers appreciate alternatives to standard tent setups. "The shelter sites are great for people who want to camp and not have to worry about unplanned weather," writes one visitor to Ward Pound Ridge. These structures provide a middle ground between tent camping and cabin rentals.
What you should know
Limited bathroom facilities: Some campgrounds have restricted bathroom access. At Croton Point Park, "Only one or two bathrooms in the whole place so be prepared to go for a walk when you have to go," reports Isabel L. Other sites have seasonal limitations on shower availability.
Noise considerations: Proximity to transportation corridors affects some camping areas. At Croton Point, "There is a train depot right outside and you can hear them shunting trains all night," according to Andrew A. Noise levels vary significantly between weekdays and weekends at most locations.
Campfire restrictions: Fire regulations vary across campgrounds. Battle Row Campground requires campers bring their own fire containers: "There are NO fire pits, you must bring your own. Fires are allowed but you must have a fire container or bucket for your fire off of the ground."
Reservation policies: Some campgrounds require in-person reservations. As one camper at Ward Pound Ridge notes, "The one downside is that you need to book in person but it can be done well in advance if need be."
Tips for camping with families
Playground facilities: Battle Row Campground provides playground equipment for children. "The playground is new and centrally located," reports one camper. This offers recreation options when families need breaks from hiking or during downtime at camp.
First-time camper friendly sites: Some locations specifically cater to new tent campers. At Ward Pound Ridge, one visitor shared: "Stayed three nights and had an amazing time, super cozy by the fire in our shelter and our site was minutes from some amazing trails."
Wildlife viewing for kids: Several campgrounds feature wildlife observation opportunities suitable for children. At Croton Point Park, rabbits frequently visit camping areas, creating natural wildlife encounters.
Tips from RVers
Limited full hookup options: The region has few campgrounds with complete RV amenities. At Sebago Cabin Camp, campers note the campground has electric hookups and sewer connections but may lack consistent water hookups depending on the season.
Site privacy concerns: RV sites at several campgrounds offer minimal separation. At Croton Point Park, "Both the tenting section and RV sites are each very clustered together, and quite crowded," according to Paul K. Site selection is crucial for RVers seeking more privacy.
Seasonal availability: Many RV-accessible campgrounds have limited operating seasons. Check individual park websites for current schedules as these change annually based on weather conditions and staffing.
