Camping areas near Jersey City sit within the metropolitan region where New Jersey's urban landscape transitions into more rural settings. RV camping facilities around Jersey City range from basic parking lot-style setups to more developed campgrounds within an hour's drive. Summer temperatures average 80-85°F with high humidity, while spring and fall bring more moderate conditions with occasional rain.
What to do
Visit Manhattan via public transit: Liberty Harbor RV Park provides convenient access to Manhattan via multiple transportation options. According to Keith and Tia S., "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. Pluses, minutes walk to the Statue of Liberty, Liberty Science center. Two blocks away from NJ Path train into Manhattan or take the ferry to Wall Street!"
Explore Jersey City's waterfront: Several RV parks offer easy access to Jersey City's expanding waterfront district with restaurants and bars. As Karen S. notes, "Jersey city has a lot of restaurants and bars walking distance. Wonderful state park, liberty park, a bike ride away."
Enjoy nearby state parks: Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park offers hiking trails and swimming opportunities approximately 30 miles from Jersey City. "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," notes Steve W.
What campers like
Convenient location for city access: Many campers value Liberty Harbor RV Park's proximity to New York City despite its utilitarian setup. According to Joe R., "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, and the path train is about 8."
Outdoor recreation nearby: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation offers a quiet forest setting with hiking trails. As Paulene-Amanda M. explains, "My fiancé, dog, and I have been going here for over 2 years and we love it. The campground is small but also secluded. We always hike to the lake here, it's a very easy hike and also very peaceful."
Skyline views: Some RV sites offer direct views of the Manhattan skyline. Shawn B. reports, "I would give this place a 5-star review based on how convenient everything was. There is a ferry 100-yards away that takes you to Wall Street M-F. There is a great market about 1/4 of a mile away, and the path that can take you to WTC or 33rd Street area is only a mile away."
What you should know
Facility limitations: Many campgrounds near Jersey City have limited facilities. According to Ericka T., "So... the 'campground' is nothing special. Literally a parking lot with water & electric hookups. 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."
Seasonal options: Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort operates seasonally and offers a farm setting. "Lots of seasonals and lots of cabins, many RV sites I think all with full hookups. A bit pricey. And also no garbage anywhere near the RV sites! Rv sites were mostly pretty flat, spacious and in a wooded area which we loved. Visited in October so leaves were falling and it was perfect weather," reports Janelle G.
Limited tent camping: Tent camping options are scarce in immediate proximity to Jersey City. Karla S. notes about Liberty Harbor RV Park, "There is only a small place for tents. Mostly people go there with campers. Not your typical campground. Very easy to hop on transit to get to New York City. People were friendly."
Tips for camping with families
Access to educational attractions: Black Bear RV Park provides a base for family excursions to educational sites. Dave S. reports, "Have stayed here several times - great location and nice, full hook-up sites. Back-in and pull through sites and can accommodate large rigs."
Swimming options: Look for campgrounds with swimming facilities during summer months. Kelvin notes about Beaver Pond Campground, "Great location and quick to get to from NYC. 45 minute drive and location has a lot of amenities. Full bathrooms and slop sinks throughout the campsite. 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."
Farm animal interactions: Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort offers animal encounters for children. According to Faith D., "The farm has goats, a donkey, and a pony within the campground. Very cool. Weekend was busy as usual but during the week it seems to be seasonal that stay."
Tips from RVers
Navigation challenges: Getting RVs into Jersey City requires careful route planning. Joe R. 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: Skyline RV Camp offers limited RV accommodations. Recent changes have affected the camp's location and views. According to JOHN T., "Be advised that Skyline RV Camp has moved to: 50 Noble St, Brooklyn, NY 11222. The original property location at 2 Oak St was sold and is now private property. There no longer is a waterfront view of the NYC skyline when camping at Skyline RV."
Spacing considerations: When RV camping near Jersey City, expect tight quarters. Kevin A. notes, "We spent 3 nights here last week. I was in NYC for business and we took our RV. Very convenient location. The sites had electric and water and were in a fenced off section of the marina parking area. It was a little loud with city noises, but exactly what we expected being so close."
