Campsites near Ridgefield Park, New Jersey offer convenient access for New York metropolitan area residents seeking outdoor escapes without lengthy travel. The region sits at the junction of the Atlantic coastal plain and Piedmont plateau, creating varied terrain options from riverside flats to rolling woodland hills. Winter camping availability is limited at most locations, with only a few sites like Mahlon Dickerson Reservation maintaining year-round operations.
What to do
Explore Manhattan via ferry: Liberty Harbor RV Park provides unique access to NYC attractions. "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," notes Shawn B. This location lets campers combine urban exploration with camping convenience.
Swimming at sandy beaches: Beaver Pond Campground offers access to Welch Lake with lifeguarded swimming areas during summer months. "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," explains Steve W. The lake provides a refreshing option for hot summer days.
History tours and exhibits: Visit nearby historic sites like Ellis Island. "My wife visited Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island," shares Kevin A. from Liberty Harbor RV Park. The area's Revolutionary War history can be explored through marked trails at Bear Mountain State Park, just a short drive from several camping options.
What campers like
Escape from city noise: The transition from urban to natural settings happens quickly around Ridgefield Park. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation provides this contrast effectively. "Very clean and quiet. Website lists water hook ups at long distances but they have hose reels to help with that," explains a camper named antruze. Sites are designed to maximize privacy while maintaining conveniences.
Wildlife encounters: Many campgrounds feature regular wildlife sightings. "Deer running everywhere and surprisingly beautiful and quaint," notes Megan B. about Harriman State Park. Bear activity is also common in the region, with Steve W. sharing how park rangers at Beaver Pond greet visitors with "Welcome to Bear Mountain" while providing information on local bear activity.
Platform camping: Several parks offer raised platforms for tent camping. "The biggest positive about Beaver Pond 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," describes Ethan K. These platforms keep tents dry during wet conditions.
What you should know
Bear safety protocols: Bears are active throughout the region. At Croton Point Park, "Keep your food in the dry bag and away from the tent or benches provided or face the packs of fearless racoons at night," advises Anil S. Many campgrounds require proper food storage in vehicles or designated containers.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially for weekend stays. Reservation processes vary by location. For Croton Point Park, "The reservation process is a bit wonky. You need to call (no online reservations) and then wait for an e-mail, but the e-mail does not tell you your assigned site; you have to wait until you check in," explains Lee D.
Train noise potential: Several camping options have nearby rail lines. "Only down side is there is a train depot right outside and you can hear them shunting trains all night," notes Andrew A. about Croton Point Park. Consider site location relative to train tracks when making reservations if noise sensitivity is a concern.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Camp Glen Gray provides family-friendly amenities and activities. "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," shares Christopher M. The trading post offers treats and supplies for children.
Kid-friendly ranger programs: Many parks offer structured activities for children. "Sebago has a ton of activities like outdoor movies and communal bonfires on weekends. I was told by ranger Joe they also do Karaoke nights too," reports Sara P. These programs help keep younger campers engaged throughout their stay.
Car-free camping options: Some locations restrict vehicle access for safety. At Glen Gray, a visitor notes, "Camp also provides trucking of gear weather permitting. No vehicles allowed to drive through camp." This creates a safer environment for children to roam within campground boundaries.
Tips from RVers
Site sizing and proximity concerns: At Liberty Harbor RV Park, space constraints are significant. "Sites kind of level and very close. Power and water, and convenient dump station if staying and needing to dump," explains Joe R. Larger RVs should consider these limitations when planning stays.
Tunnel toll avoidance: When navigating to Liberty Harbor RV Park, "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," recommends Joe R. This route planning can save significant costs for RVers visiting the New York City area.
Pad construction and leveling: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation offers well-maintained sites. "The campsites are paved and mostly level," Jeff W. explains. "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," adds Greg S. These features make setup easier for RV campers.
