Camping options within an hour of North Bergen, New Jersey range from basic urban RV parks to more nature-focused state park campgrounds. The metropolitan region sits at an elevation of around 10 feet above sea level with the surrounding area ranging up to 500 feet in nearby hills. Sites tend to be pricier than more remote camping locations, reflecting the premium on space in this densely populated region.
What to do
Trail exploration at Harriman State Park: Accessible about 35 miles northwest of North Bergen, Beaver Pond Campground offers multiple hiking trails for various skill levels. "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. about Beaver Pond Campground.
Beach activities near Jersey City: Sandy Hook provides beach access with swimming areas patrolled by lifeguards during summer months. "Sandy Hook has all the necessities you need, bathroom, shower, and the occasional food truck. There is even a trail that runs parallel to the beach making it a scenic ride," explains Maggie A. about Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area.
Urban exploration from camp: From Liberty Harbor RV Park, campers can easily reach Manhattan attractions. "This is a pricey park, but options are limited. The light rail is a block away, and the path train is about 8. Getting in and out of the city is an adventure. Stay right off the highway to avoid the $30 tunnel toll," advises Joe R.
What campers like
Proximity to ferry service: Liberty Harbor RV Park offers unmatched convenience to water transportation. "Very plain & functional, no frills but right on the harbor & on the very edge of Jersey City, close to a ferry & the train that takes u across to New York City. Shopping & restraunts are right next door," shares Emily L. about Liberty Harbor RV Park.
Platform tent sites: Some campgrounds offer raised platforms that keep tents dry during wet weather. "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," explains Ethan K.
Privacy at county parks: The best places to camp near North Bergen, New Jersey for seclusion include county-run facilities. "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," writes Paulene-Amanda M. about Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
What you should know
Bears are present in some areas: When camping at more natural sites in the region, wildlife awareness matters. "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," reports Steve W.
Transportation noise: Many campgrounds in the region experience some level of noise pollution. "The area itself was under a ton of construction when we drove in, which meant for difficult to navigate roads and we barely squeezed by larger trucks who were also in the roadways," explains Ericka T.
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds in the region operate on limited schedules. "This is state park, very large nested on Peninsula on the Hudson River," notes Ioan P. about Croton Point Park, which has different facilities available depending on the time of year.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer recreational facilities specifically for children. "There is a model airplane air field and a decent playground for young kids," notes Andrew A. about Croton Point Park.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Kids often enjoy spotting local animals. "Scenery is also a little drab. On the bright side, there are lots of bunnies!" shares Isabel L.
Beginner-friendly sites: First-time campers should consider sites with more amenities. "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," recommends Maggie A. about Cheesequake State Park Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At Liberty Harbor, position matters for comfort. "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," advises Keith and Tia S.
Navigation challenges: Urban RV camping requires careful planning. "This is not meant to be high end. Sites kind of level and very close. Power and water, and convenient dump station if staying and needing to dump," notes Joe R.
Electrical hookups: Most RV sites in the region offer limited services. "Very easy to navigate our 38 ft. RV. Easy to dump and fill. Peaceful. Close to train to N. Y. City," explains Nancymike K. about Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
