Camping options near Jersey City, New Jersey range from urban facilities to more secluded natural settings within an hour's drive. The coastal Atlantic influence creates humid summers with temperatures ranging from 75-95°F, while spring and fall offer milder conditions ideal for tent camping. Winter camping is limited with many sites closing from November through March due to freezing temperatures and occasional snow.
What to do
Beach access and swimming: 18 miles from Jersey City, Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area offers ocean swimming with lifeguards. "Ocean is close with lifeguards. Good fishing and pleasant people. Boat from New York City," notes one camper. The beach is open May through September with parking fees of $15-20 per vehicle.
Urban exploration: Take public transit from Liberty Harbor RV Park to explore NYC attractions. "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," writes one visitor. The PATH train costs $2.75 each way and runs 24 hours.
Hiking and nature trails: At Harriman State Park, visitors can access multiple trail systems including portions of the Appalachian Trail. A camper reports, "About 30 minutes from sleepy hollow and tarrytown NY and only an hour to central park! Deer running everywhere and surprisingly beautiful and quaint." The park features over 200 miles of hiking trails ranging from easy to challenging.
What campers like
Urban convenience: Many campers appreciate the access to Manhattan from Jersey City campsites. One reviewer at Liberty Harbor notes, "This is a pricey park, but options are limited. As in almost non existent. This is a prime location for visiting the city or heading down the shore. The light rail is a block away."
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention the well-maintained amenities at Cheesequake State Park. "The physical facilities are in good condition and are well maintained. The park is very big and is located inside an urban area," reports a visitor. The bathhouses are cleaned daily and feature hot showers.
Spacious sites: At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, visitors appreciate the generous site dimensions. "Our site is easily the nicest- all the way in the back with only one neighbor. It is so quiet here. The sites are spaced well and have a nice bonus of large fire rings set back in the woods a bit from the pad that you park on," notes one camper.
What you should know
City noise levels: Many campgrounds in the region experience urban noise. At Cheesequake, a camper shares, "We camped here once because it was easy for part of our family to get to from NYC. Sites were a little too close together... If you're truly looking to get away from it all I would go elsewhere since the parkway runs through/over the park."
Limited availability: Seasonal operation affects most campgrounds, with specific opening dates. At Nickerson Beach Park, "It's all but impossible to get an RV spot there from Memorial day to Labor day. Still, it is a clean and well run campground." Reservations should be made 2-3 months in advance for summer weekends.
Wildlife concerns: Bear activity is reported at several campgrounds. At Harriman State Park, a camper warns, "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." Food storage regulations are strictly enforced.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer child-friendly facilities. A Harriman State Park visitor notes, "Great location and quick to get to from NYC. 45 minute drive and location has a lot of amenities. The campsites are a bit close to one another but if you have a big group you can book several sites near each other and have a great time with family and friends."
Educational opportunities: Historical sites and nature programs provide learning experiences. At Sandy Hook, one camper explains, "The history housed on this base, with a hanger were full of old planes where dedicated veterans worked diligently to restore them, provided us up close inspection of multiple planes, including a mini-sized glider which we were granted personal access to get into."
Beginner-friendly options: For new campers, certain sites offer easier experiences. A visitor to Cheesequake shares, "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. The best part is all the trails. Great place for hiking."
Tips from RVers
Navigation challenges: Several routes to campsites near Jersey City involve parkway restrictions. A Liberty Harbor visitor 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."
Hookup limitations: Water and electric access varies across locations. At Mahlon Dickerson, "Website lists water hook ups at long distances but they have hose reels to help with that. Our site (15) said 75' however the 50' hose reel made it to our rv connection. Nice and easy little campground."
Site leveling: Terrain can present challenges at some locations. A camper at Liberty Harbor reports, "Sites kind of level and very close. Power and water, and convenient dump station if staying and needing to dump. The bath house was above average and heated. The laundry was helpful and was acceptable."
