RV parks around Fair Lawn, New Jersey operate in contrasting environments ranging from urban locations with skyline views to rural settings with farm animals on premises. Most campgrounds in the region are seasonal operations, closing between November and April with few exceptions. Weekly rates at many sites exceed $500, reflecting the proximity to New York City attractions.
What to Do
Statue of Liberty access: Liberty Harbor RV Park sits minutes from ferry access to iconic NYC landmarks. "Small campground. Sites very close to one another. Close to ferry for downtown and Statue of Liberty. People are very nice and accommodating. More of a stopping place to see the sites," notes Missy S.
Swimming opportunities: Beaver Pond Campground offers a sand beach with lifeguards during summer months. "The beach is secured with lifeguards and shower and bathroom facilities are available," writes Brian O. The beach remains accessible to campers after the public season ends, as Courtney D. explains: "The beach is closed after Labor Day to the public, but open to people staying at the campsite. Clean and beautiful."
Wildlife viewing: Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort maintains a small collection of farm animals within the camping area. "The farm has goats, a donkey, and a pony within the campground. Very cool," reports Faith D. Another visitor particularly appreciated "the amazingly beautiful miniature horse that wonders around its huge pin located in the middle of the campground."
What Campers Like
NYC skyline views: Liberty Harbor RV Park offers urban camping with notable views. "Having a view of Lady Liberty out your window is priceless," writes Joe R. The location provides convenient transit options as Emily L. explains: "Very plain & functional, no frills but right on the harbor & on the very edge of Jersey City, close to a ferry & the train that takes u across to New York City."
Seasonal apple picking: Clarence Fahnestock State Park provides access to regional fall activities. "If you are in to apple picking it is a short drive and it is easy to get into town to take the train to and from NYC," notes Asher K. Another camper recommends visiting "during the end-of-summer/fall when you can watch the leaves change along the hiking trails, go apple and pumpkin picking near the campsites, and eat some scrumptious apple cinnamon doughnuts."
Winter camping options: Black Bear RV Park remains operational year-round, though with reduced services. One winter traveler noted: "We are returning to the south after spending a couple months of fall in New England... it was one of the few places along our route that was open for RVs in the off season." Winter visitors should be aware that "some sites might not have working water and staff could be difficult to get in touch with after hours."
What You Should Know
Reservation challenges: Campground reservation systems near Fair Lawn can be problematic. At Tri-State RV Park, one visitor reported being "out on two sites even though I had requested a pull through 5 months prior." Another reservation issue occurred at Clarence Fahnestock: "We had a family camping trip with lots of kids of all ages, the walk in sites are not too far off the road so it was easily manageable."
Campsite quality varies: Site conditions differ significantly at the same campground. At Pleasant Acres, "In general the camping spots are not well maintained, weedy, un-level and picnic tables are weathered and warped." Similar concerns exist at Black Bear RV Park where a visitor reported "Our site 44 for just one night. I can hear distant cars from time to time but, not like highway sounds."
Bathroom facilities: Bathroom quality and availability can be unpredictable. One traveler at Mountain Top RV Park noted: "The restrooms were closed for the winter, so we didn't get to use or see those." At Pleasant Acres Farm, "There are 2 showers for women and 2 for men. Both are old and not well maintained or in our experience clean, either."
Tips for Camping with Families
Seasonal activities: Skyline RV Camp offers proximity to NYC attractions though visitors should verify the current location. "The original property location at 2 Oak St was sold and is now private property," warns John T. Their new Brooklyn location provides urban camping with different amenities than their previous waterfront site.
Playground options: Pleasant Acres Farm provides modest play facilities. "There is a small playground, a mini golf, and a large dog walk," notes one visitor. Another mentions the campground offers "plenty to occupy the kids. Playground, hayride, animals to feed (goats, chickens, donkey and pony)."
Quiet time enforcement: Campground noise policies vary in enforcement. At Beaver Pond Campground, "There is a constant buzz in the air of conversation, music, laughter and shrieking toddlers. Quiet time at night is laughable as the enjoyment of being in nature rages on into the early morning." At Pleasant Acres, "Children of the residents run free all day and past curfew in the evenings unsupervised."
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Urban RV parks typically offer less space than rural options. At Liberty Harbor, "Larger rigs will barely have a yard. And don't bet on a private picnic table. On a slow checkout day, you might get lucky enough to not wait in line for the dump station." Keith and Tia S. recommend you "Pick one of the larger end row sites to get a little extra elbow room. If it's packed, your neighbor with be within inches of your rig."
Road access challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult access roads. Tri-State RV Park offers "easy on, easy off. Lots of pull through sites" according to one reviewer. At Liberty Harbor, 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," advises Joe R.
Waste management: Garbage disposal systems differ between parks. At Pleasant Acres, "The garbage situation was the worst. Most campsites have a service, they tell you to leave it at a specific location by a certain time or they have many garbage cans throughout. This place had their garbage and recycling very far away."
