Camping sites near Glen Rock, New Jersey range from basic state park campgrounds to full-service RV resorts within 30-40 miles of town. Most campgrounds in the region sit at elevations between 300-1,200 feet, with terrain varying from relatively flat RV parks to more rugged tent camping areas in state forests and parks. Peak camping season runs April through October, with limited winter camping options primarily available at privately owned RV parks.
What to do
Explore the Appalachian Trail: Access points to the historic trail are available near Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park. "About 30 minutes from sleepy hollow and tarrytown NY and only an hour to central park!! Deer running everywhere and surprisingly beautiful and quaint," notes Megan B. The park features trails rated from easy to challenging.
Swimming and beach access: Several campgrounds offer seasonal swimming options when camping near Glen Rock. "A quick 40 minutes north of NYC, Harriman State Park has an eclectic little campground called Beaver Pond. 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," writes Steve W.
Wildlife viewing: The region offers opportunities for wildlife observation, particularly in the early morning and evening hours. While staying at Tri-State RV Park, Brittany V. mentioned, "They are also located right on a river that you can easily access by foot." Many campers report seeing deer, various bird species, and occasionally other wildlife around dawn and dusk.
What campers like
Proximity to NYC: Despite rural settings, many campgrounds provide convenient access to New York City. "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," shares Keith and Tia S. about Liberty Harbor RV Park.
Pet-friendly facilities: Most campgrounds near Glen Rock welcome pets with varying restrictions. "We brought scooters & had a great stay! Plus you can see the Statue of Liberty from there!" notes Emily L., who enjoyed Liberty Harbor RV Park's urban camping with pets.
Quiet weekday camping: For those seeking tranquility, scheduling weekday stays is recommended. "Weekends - this park is FULL! Make sure to reserve at least two weeks out. Weekdays? You should be in luck!" advises Shelly B. about Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground, where weekday visitation patterns are notably lighter.
What you should know
Seasonal closures and limitations: Many campgrounds operate seasonally. "Bathrooms for our area looks well kept outside, but, closed due to covid. Other campgrounds have just stepped up the cleaning and remained open for convenience of the campers," reported Harold C. about his stay at Black Bear RV Park.
Varying site quality: Site conditions can differ significantly within the same campground. "This is one of my favorite campsites I have been to but only because after several visits we have finally found our favorite site. This place can book up during camping season in the Northeast so make sure to book early in advance," shares Asher K.
Bathroom facilities: Cleanliness and availability of shower facilities varies by location. "The Bathrooms and dishwashing... UGH. So old and dirty!!!" noted Courtney D. about certain facilities, while others reported clean bathrooms. Several campgrounds have limited shower facilities relative to their size, potentially causing morning wait times.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort offers family amenities beyond basic camping. "Playground, hayride, animals to feed (goats, chickens, donkey and pony). There were some organized activities which was nice, not as much as a Jellystone Park," writes Janelle G., highlighting family-friendly features.
Animal encounters: Several campgrounds incorporate farm animals or wildlife viewing opportunities. "The farm has goats, a donkey, and a pony within the campground. Very cool," notes Faith D. about Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort. These interactions are especially popular with younger campers.
Beach swimming: Family-friendly swimming areas are available at select locations. One camper mentioned, "Free Hot showers in the bathrooms, with plenty of room to change. A stones throw from NYC this beautiful area combines Lake Welch and Harriman State Park." Supervised beach areas typically operate from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Tips from RVers
Early arrival recommended: At Mountain Top RV Park, site selection can be important. "If you're booking, it may be best to book on the upper levels because the lower area where we were did flood pretty bad a couple times when there was a lot of rain," advises @HomegrownRV about terrain considerations when RV camping near Glen Rock, New Jersey.
Site layout variations: Many RV parks feature different site arrangements. "The recently upgraded camp infrastructure elevated the stay, providing amenities for comfort and entertainment. The investment in new 50amp wiring, upgraded sewer systems, and newer water lines provided convenient camping experience," notes Jason G. about Mountain Top RV Park's infrastructure improvements.
Navigation challenges: Larger RVs may face access difficulties at some campgrounds. "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," suggests Joe R., highlighting important route planning considerations for RVers visiting the metropolitan area.
