Camping options near Old Tappan, New Jersey span from wooded state parks to urban RV sites with Manhattan skyline views. The region sits at the northern edge of Bergen County, with elevations ranging from 30 to 450 feet above sea level and average summer temperatures around 75-85°F. Fall camping season extends into late October with moderate temperatures and colorful foliage displays.
What to do
Visit the Statue of Liberty: Campers at Liberty Harbor RV Park have convenient access to major attractions. "My wife visited Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The sites had electric and water and were in a fenced off section of the marina parking area," shares Kevin A. The ferry is just minutes from the campground.
Explore city skylines: Skyline RV Camp - Waterfront offers unique urban views. "The view of the skyline across the water is spectacular and there's a metro station within a 10-minute walk. The area feels safe and is pedestrian friendly, even at night," notes Amy P. The Brooklyn location provides a different perspective of the city than Jersey City options.
Hike Appalachian Trail sections: Near Beaver Pond Campground, you can access historic hiking trails. "You can find some of the Appalachian Trail, with various smaller trail heads for this historic (Revolutionary Times 1770s) part of the region including the one to Doodle Town," writes Steve W. Trails range from easy to challenging, with both accessible and more difficult options.
What campers like
Affordable camping: Some campers appreciate the budget-friendly options. "This is an off-grid camping experience. You can use your generator at certain hours. They have a beach. Their staff is friendly. I love going here," says Adaly about Beaver Pond Campground. Sites start at just $15 per night.
Farm animals: Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort offers unique agricultural experiences. "The farm has goats, a donkey, and a pony within the campground. Very cool," notes Faith D. Children especially enjoy the animal interactions.
Quick access to NYC transit: Transport options matter to many campers. "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," explains Shawn B. about Liberty Harbor RV Park.
What you should know
Site quality varies significantly: Campsites differ greatly between locations. "The site was supposed to have electric and water hookup. Electric worked but the water did not. Most of the sites were empty, so I investigated and found that none of the water hookups in the 5 sites around us worked," reports a reviewer at Woodland Trails RV and Campground.
Off-season limitations: Winter camping options are restricted. "Unfortunately at this site, the heated water pipe was broken so we had no water for the night," notes Gabbie Y. at Black Bear RV Park. Many parks close entirely from November through March.
Highway noise: Some campgrounds have noise issues. "Located just off the highway so lots of vehicle noise 24/7. Sites are on a gravel lot," Michael H. explains about Tri-State RV Park. Consider site placement when reserving.
Tips for camping with families
Look for playgrounds: Kid-friendly amenities vary widely. "Short distance from the NYC, very organized, clean pond, has a playground, showers, bathroom. Your phone will have signal," shares Zorina N. about Beaver Pond Campground.
Consider seasonal activities: Fall camping offers special opportunities. "We make a habit of going during the end-of-summer/fall when you can watch the leaves change along the hiking trails, go apple and pumpkin picking near the campsites," recommends Robyn S. at Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground.
Check safety features: Urban camping requires different safety considerations. "It's essentially a spacious parking lot with electrical pedestals but the view of the skyline across the water is spectacular. The area feels safe and is pedestrian friendly, even at night," reports Amy P. about Skyline RV Camp.
Tips from RVers
Overnight transit spots: Some RV parks function well for brief stays. "Perfect for the commuting RVers just looking for somewhere safe to sleep for the night," notes Brittany V. about Tri-State RV Park, which offers full hookups with easy highway access.
Site selection matters: Research specific sites before booking. "I would suggest requesting the highest number site available for best direct views," advises Amy P. at Skyline RV Camp. Many campgrounds have significantly different amenities and views depending on site number.
Access challenges: Urban RV camping requires navigation planning. "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. about Liberty Harbor. Consider vehicle size when planning routes.
