72 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds in the Fort Lee area of New Jersey provide a mix of urban and natural camping experiences within close proximity to New York City. Liberty Harbor RV Park in Jersey City stands as one of the closest camping options to Manhattan, featuring both RV sites and a small area for tents with views of the Statue of Liberty. Across the Hudson River, Collective Governors Island offers cabin and glamping accommodations accessible by ferry, while Harriman State Park's Beaver Pond Campground and Sebago Cabin Camp provide more traditional forest camping experiences approximately 25 miles northwest of Fort Lee.
Access to camping facilities varies significantly throughout the region, with most developed campgrounds requiring reservations, especially during peak summer months when availability becomes limited. Several campgrounds in the area remain open seasonally, with Cheesequake State Park operating from April through October and others like Croton Point Park maintaining year-round access. One camper noted, "If you're looking for a place to crash and hit up the city or Liberty Island, this place is great," highlighting the primary appeal of urban-adjacent camping options despite their limitations. Roads to most campgrounds are paved and accessible for standard vehicles, though larger RVs may face challenges navigating the dense urban environment surrounding facilities like Liberty Harbor.
The camping experience near Fort Lee ranges from basic parking lot setups to more traditional forested sites. Reviews consistently highlight location as the primary benefit of mixed-use campgrounds in the area. As one visitor described 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." Urban campgrounds typically feature limited amenities but provide convenient access to public transportation for city exploration. In contrast, developed campgrounds in Harriman State Park offer more natural settings with forest cover, hiking trails, and lake access. Campers should note that noise from urban environments, including air traffic, affects many sites in the region, with Staten Island's Gateway National Recreation Area receiving comments about both "beautiful views" and significant ambient noise from the city and nearby airports.
"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 Availability"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 $17 - $20 / night
Check Availability"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 Availabilityfrom $85 - $120 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $529 - $1200 / night
Check Availability"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 Availability"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
Check Availability"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 Availability"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 $74 - $130 / night
Check Availability"One rustic place with many hiking trails to choose from. Camp also provides trucking of gear weather permitting. No vehicles allowed to drive through camp. Trading Post for treats and other items."
"Lots of hiking trails. Trading post is well stocked and volunteers are always friendly and able to answer any questions"
from $5 - $200 / night
Check Availability
GuideBasic clean older campground. No hookups. Water dump flush toilets and showers available. Very limited on campsites allowing dogs. Nice setting but traffic noise can be heard. Calms down later in evening. Generators ok and our quieter than road noise. Lots of mosquitos and bugs so bring your spray!
TravelerCampground: fairly secluded, forested, breezy with some wildlife. Small camp store. Ingress/Egress: Tight approach with multiple switchbacks and steep grades - if you’re coming in a towable rig over 36’ you might want to take a solo look first. Sites are oddly arranged and there aren’t any FHU sites. Cell: Verizon in spot C9 had 1-bar; we used Starlink for connectivity. Laundry: 3 washers & 3 dryers: $2.50 each. Dump Station: was close by (across the street) but we didn’t need it for our 3 day stay. Bathhouse: across the street, clean and we used it almost exclusively. Noise: Quiet with some small arms fire, but barely noticeable from our site. Site C9: can be viewed from Google street view site is north of the lake in the horseshoe road- some cabins are viewable as well. Site is gravel with composite picnic table, post metal grill and truck rim fire ring. Water pressure- fluctuated 30psi-50psi: hunted constantly. Cabins: available and in good order. They appear to be older, but still functional- mini log cabins $65/night (primitive-no bathroom)
ScoutVery nice family oriented, places the beach, which is great except for the birds watch out they come at you. They have a dog park basketball courts playground swimming just about everything.
GuideThis was by far the worst campground we have ever stayed at. First of all, the campground is basically just a large open field where everyone is on display. There is absolutely no privacy. If that's not enough and you want even more attention, choose a site near the playground, where you'll have a constant audience. The bathrooms were also extremely dirty and poorly maintained, which only added to the overall disappointing experience. The biggest issue, however, is the complete lack of quiet hours enforcement. Until at least 1:00 AM, there were screaming children, loud groups of intoxicated adults, and nonstop noise. It felt more like a chaotic party zone than a campground. There seemed to be no rules, no supervision, and no consideration for people who actually came to relax. The sites farther back in the woods offer a little more privacy, but don't expect peace and quiet there either. This campground may be fine if your goal is to drink and party outdoors, but if you're looking for a relaxing camping experience, I would strongly recommend staying elsewhere. The only positive part of our stay was seeing a few baby deer wandering through the campground. They were adorable and ended up being the highlight of our trip.
ScoutNice site. Neighbor not to close. Bring extra water hose. The connection is not very close.
RangerWe enjoyed our first winter camping trip in our travel trailer at Stokes State Forest! The Shotwell area has trailer/tent sites as well.as enclosed mini cabins (think lean-to but with 4 walls). The bathroom is heated and kept clean. Lots of trails to explore, including the Appalachian Trail nearby! Great experience, we'll be back!
ScoutI love this location. Close to public transportation, great staff, and site security.
TravelerGoing back for Memorial Day weekend my 3rd time going and always had a great time nice place ,clean Bathroom & Shower with hot water 👍🏽convenient location easy access to campground and lake
GuideWe stayed at a tent platform site in Shotwell camping area. The platforms could use a little maintenance as there were a few tie down hooks that were missing or corroded. The campsites are close around this loop that includes lean-tos, but not so close that you are bothered by your neighbors normal sounds. The bathroom is close and clean. There is a bear box at each campsite which gave peace of mind. Firewood is available for sale at the park office. The staff there is very welcoming. Great Jersey getaway with gorgeous hiking trails.
Camping near Fort Lee, New Jersey ranges from basic urban sites to wooded grounds in neighboring state parks. Located at the eastern edge of New Jersey along the Hudson River, Fort Lee sits at an elevation of 289 feet and experiences humid continental climate with four distinct seasons. Winter camping requires extra preparation as temperatures can drop below freezing from December through February.
Swimming in Lake Welch: Located about 25 miles from Fort Lee in Harriman State Park, Sebago Cabin Camp offers access to nearby Lake Welch. One visitor recommends, "Near lake Welch- which is phenomenal for easy nearly- beach like camping. Ignore the hotplate and just cook on a fire out other outdoor set up. Don't expect to swim on site- go to Lake Welch near by!"
Urban exploration: In Staten Island, about 13 miles from Fort Lee, the Gateway National Recreation Area provides unique exploration opportunities. A camper notes, "There are abandoned buildings here and you can do urban exploring. There are rangers taking you on a trek and exploring the abandoned building."
Hiking trails: Cheesequake State Park, approximately 30 miles south of Fort Lee, features several trails. As one hiker describes, "This park is on the list of 50 top NJ Hikes, and it has a few great trails. The trails range from easy to moderate with quite a few lookout locations. The elevation of the trails is not too strenuous."
Platform tent sites: At Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park, campers appreciate the elevated sites. "The biggest positive about Beaver Pond Campground is how spread out it was. You definitely feel like you have your own space and are not camping on top of your neighbor. Many of the camping options were on platforms which is especially nice if it recently rained."
Communal amenities: Beaver Pond offers thoughtful shared facilities. One camper appreciated "the communal sink which made it very convenient and easy to wash dishes and fill up water."
Ferry access to NYC: Sandy Hook in Gateway National Recreation Area provides boat transportation to Manhattan. A visitor states, "Rangers at the entrance regulate admittance thus, providing a safe environment within the confines of the base. With views from the campsite looking out to the sea, the skyline of NYC on the left & NJ on the right, it was awe inspiring."
Bears in Harriman State Park: Wildlife encounters are common at Beaver Pond Campground. One camper recounts, "'Welcome to Bear Mountain' grumbles the park ranger as he sits in complete darkness! He is in his ranger hut, checking in the late evening arrivals to the campground... 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."
Noise levels vary greatly: Croton Point Park, about 25 miles north of Fort Lee, can get noisy. A camper warns, "The site was very loud (dance music) until after 11pm. Quiet time at 10pm. Great site for a party, try to stay away from this end of the site or choose a site away from other bookings if you'd like quiet."
Transportation challenges: For Skyline RV Park in Brooklyn, navigation can be tricky. A recent visitor points out, "The campground was pretty hard to find. We almost gave up before we found someone local who could point us to the right place. One of the reasons is that their sign is half gone, small, and very hard to read."
Playground access: Camp Glen Gray offers family-friendly amenities. A regular visitor shares, "Camp Glen Gray is our favorite family campsite. 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."
Beginner-friendly options: Cheesequake State Park works well for first-time campers. As one reviewer explains, "This is a great site for those who are not avid campers. It's close to town if you forget something and it has all the facilities you may need, bathroom, shower, etc."
Wildlife viewing: Kids often enjoy the animal sightings at Croton Point Park. A visitor mentions, "Peaceful and gorgeous campsite, with plenty of space between sites. Great view of the Hudson, and playground within sight of our camper."
Parking logistics: Liberty Harbor RV Park in Jersey City requires careful navigation. An RVer advises, "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."
Site selection strategy: At Liberty Harbor, position matters. "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," suggests one experienced camper.
Utility access: While water and electric hookups are available at Liberty Harbor, dump station access can be challenging. A camper notes, "On a slow checkout day, you might get lucky enough to not wait in line for the dump station."
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any free camping options near Fort Lee?
Free camping options near Fort Lee are extremely limited. Most public lands in the area require camping fees. Stokes State Forest offers some of the most affordable camping in the region, though not free. The Steam Mill Camping Area within Stokes is the most primitive section with basic sites suitable for tents or small trailers. For those seeking the lowest cost options, consider Ward Pound Ridge Reservation which offers basic facilities at more reasonable rates than many private campgrounds in the area.
What lakes offer camping opportunities near Fort Lee?
Several lake-based camping options exist within driving distance of Fort Lee. Round Valley State Park Campground features a crystal-clear reservoir in a semi-mountainous, forested setting, perfect for swimming and water activities. High Point State Park Campground offers beautiful lakeside campsites with hiking and biking trails accessible right from your site. Additionally, Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold provides camping near a 17-acre lake with hiking trails and well-maintained facilities.
Where are the best campgrounds near Fort Lee?
Several excellent campgrounds can be found within driving distance of Fort Lee. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation in the Skylands region offers spacious, wooded sites with water and electric hookups, paved pads, and convenient access to hiking trails. Another great option is Stephens State Park Campground, a lovely setting with well-maintained sites, though it may not accommodate larger RVs and has pet restrictions in some areas. Both provide a peaceful woodland experience within reasonable driving distance from Fort Lee.
What forested areas allow camping near Fort Lee?
The region surrounding Fort Lee offers several forested camping areas. Great Divide Campground near Newton provides a scenic woodland experience with sites surrounded by forest and featuring a small lake and pond. Wawayanda State Park Campground offers a more rustic forest camping experience with sites nestled among trees. For those seeking a mix of forest and water, Panther Lake Camping Resort provides wooded sites, though it's primarily an RV-focused facility.
Keep Exploring
