Leo C.
Scout
ScoutWinding Hills Park
Nice but dated
Nice campground, bathrooms are clean but dated, first come first serve for the sites.
Camping near Ridgefield Park, NJ
78 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Camping options within 30 miles of Ridgefield Park, New Jersey range from urban RV parks to forested state park campgrounds. Liberty Harbor RV Park in Jersey City provides the closest camping to New York City, offering full hookup sites just minutes from Manhattan. Further west, state parks like Harriman State Park and Mahlon Dickerson Reservation feature more traditional camping experiences with tent sites, cabins, and RV accommodations set in wooded surroundings. Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with peak availability from April through October.
Road access varies significantly between urban and rural camping areas. Developed campgrounds like Beaver Pond in Harriman State Park offer paved roads suitable for most vehicles, while more remote sites may require careful navigation. "Located in the Skylands of New Jersey, Mahlon Dickerson Campgound is a perfect place to spend a few nights or a couple of weeks. The campsites are paved and mostly level," notes one visitor. Weather conditions typically allow for comfortable camping from late spring through early fall, with summer humidity and occasional thunderstorms being the primary considerations. Many campgrounds require reservations, particularly on weekends and holidays when sites fill quickly due to proximity to the New York metropolitan area.
Campers consistently highlight the surprising natural beauty found so close to urban centers. Several visitors mentioned the contrast between the bustling city and peaceful forest settings just a short drive away. Waterfront sites at locations like Spruce Run Recreation Area and Round Valley State Park receive particularly high ratings for their scenic views and recreational opportunities. A recent review noted, "Round Valley is certainly a must see for any type of outdoors person, or someone who appreciates relaxation in a gorgeous landscape." Noise levels vary considerably, with campgrounds closer to highways experiencing more ambient sound. Most state park campgrounds enforce quiet hours and have restrictions on alcohol consumption. Amenities range from primitive sites with pit toilets to developed campgrounds with shower facilities, playgrounds, and camp stores.
Best Campgrounds near Ridgefield Park (78)
1. Liberty Harbor RV Park
"This is all about location. The closest RV park to NYC. It's basically a parking lot with a dump station. Not much else. Pick one of the larger end row sites to get a little extra elbow room."
"Basicly a parking lot, but the location can't be beat. 2 ferries that run to Manhattan. Path train is a 12 minute walk away that will take you yyo manhatten."
from $145 - $180 / night
Check Availability2. Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park
"Drive-in tent campgrounds. Adequate restroom facilities sprinkled amongst tent sites. Some campsites have raised platforms. All sites have picnic tables and fire ring with flip-top grill."
"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."
from $21 - $24 / night
Check Availability3. Skyline RV Camp - Waterfront
"A little intimidating driving in to a nondescript gate at the end of a narrow street but the overall experience exceeded expectation."
from $130 / night
Check Availability4. Skyline RV Camp - Non-Waterfront
from $85 - $120 / night
Check Availability5. Collective Governors Island
from $529 - $1200 / night
Check Availability6. Staten Island — Gateway National Recreation Area - CLOSED for 2025
"You have a clear view of the Narrow bridge and at night the city lights light up your surroundings light a nigh light. The camp here has 7 campsites here and it fill up really fast."
"this place is awesome when it comes to finding an affordable place to stay while in NY, this camp ground isnt your usual forest camp sites, however there are some beautiful views, and it is located in"
from $30 / night
Check Availability7. Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area
"Once you are there, you can walk right across the street to a bayside inlet and sandy shore that is not highly trafficked because no one can park there except those using the campground."
"Rangers at the entrance regulate admittance thus, providing a safe environment within the confines of the base."
from $30 - $50 / night
Check Availability8. Croton Point Park
"Tent sites are very private with some dirt roads to exit out but thats what make it unique experience! Bathrooms with shower is near by and has plenty porta potties all around."
"Was close to bear mountains state part and the train station is right there!"
from $30 - $60 / night
Check Availability9. Camp Glen Gray
"One rustic place with many hiking trails to choose from. Camp also provides trucking of gear weather permitting. No vehicles allowed to drive through camp. Trading Post for treats and other items."
"Lots of hiking trails. Trading post is well stocked and volunteers are always friendly and able to answer any questions"
from $5 - $200 / night
Check Availability10. Sebago Cabin Camp — Harriman State Park
"It is a step up from cabin camping. They also have a beach behind it."
"This place is only an hour away from NYC with so much to do and see. These cabins are VERY rustic, four walls, a cot, and a fridge."
from $130 / night
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Drive Time
- 13 min from New York, NY
- 38 min from Kiryas Joel, NY
- 1 hr 1 min from Trenton, NJ
- 1 hr 1 min from Bridgeport, CT
Recent Camping Photos near Ridgefield Park, NJ
311 Photos of 78 Ridgefield Park Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Campgaw Mountain Reservation
Staten Island — Gateway National Recreation Area - CLOSED for 2025
Camp Gateway- Brooklyn NY - CLOSED — Gateway National Recreation Area
Croton Point Park
Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park
Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Areas
Mahlon Dickerson Reservation
Cheesequake State Park CampgroundK
Wawayanda Group Shelter
Tentrr Signature Site - Appalachian Trail Hilltop Hideaway - Coleman Cooking Site
Moon Valley CampgroundD
Pleasant Valley LavenderE
Recent Reviews near Ridgefield Park, NJ
569 Reviews of 78 Ridgefield Park Campgrounds
Edwin R.ScoutCheesequake State Park Campground
Park uses county cops to shut down park by 9pm.
On Friday, September 4, 2026, I rented a trailer and brought my family to Cheesequake State Park to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary over the extended Labor Day weekend. Around 9:20 PM—well before the park's designated 10:00 PM quiet hours—we were sitting inside our canopy, playing Jenga, and listening to low background music. Two officers from the Matawan Police Department approached our campsite. They were polite and courteous, simply offering a standard reminder to wrap things up by 10:00 PM. Before they could leave, however, a third, senior officer intervened. Wanting to"show them how it's done," he made the two polite officers return and stand by to watch as he demonstrated how to aggressively harass campers. Flashlight in hand, the senior officer approached with an immediate hostile attitude, treating us like criminals as he demanded to know who rented the site. He began reiterating rules and claimed we had too many vehicles. We had three cars, one belonging to my brother-in-law's girlfriend, who was visiting with her daughter. She had paid the$10 visitor fee at the main office and was instructed by staff to obtain the gate access code from us, the primary renters, if she got locked in. No staff member ever informed her of an 8:00 PM visitor departure deadline, leading us to reasonably assume visitors were permitted until quiet hours began at 10:00 PM. The officer rudely snapped that she had been given wrong information. The senior officer then used profanity in front of three small children, aggressively telling her to ("get her shit and get the fuck out!") in that manner or use profanity, the officer went from hostile to furious. He angrily declared that these were official violations and threatened that he could be issuing us tickets instead. Desperately searching for anything and everything to throw at us, he demanded that we turn off our idling car—which was supplying power to our campsite—and instructed us to make sure the campfire was doused before shutting down for the night. He then proceeded to shine his flashlight into our private setup—including our canopy, tents, and the inside of our trailer—searching for any other possible violation while the two polite officers were forced to watch. What was supposed to be a special 10th wedding anniversary celebration with my family was completely ruined by a senior officer misusing his authority to put on an unnecessary display of intimidation. Worse than just ruining our night, he spent that evening teaching those two police officers how to be bad cops. He corrupted two officers in real time, demonstrating firsthand exactly why most people have lost faith in the police force. The next day we was ready for them. We turned off our lights and quietly by the fire while they went next door to harass an asian family that had just set up camp and had their leds lights on.
- e
edgar V.ScoutBlack Bear RV Park
Super clean and quiet
Past reviews has mentioned that the office seems to be closed often, while I found that to be true I had no reason to contact anyone. This is definitely one of the cleanest quiets site I’ve ever visited
- KKelly B.
GuideClarence Fahnestock State Park Campground
Check site photos first
Definitely a wide variety of sites—look at the site pictures before booking—there are two areas where it’s just an open field with bonfires and picnic tables that I’d avoid. I could see a large group going there or something but personally it doesn’t offer any privacy.
BUT if you book one of the other sites that DOES have privacy you’ll be in camping heaven. The “hike in” sites are more like “walk-in,” I was worried at first but it’s some are as little as a few yards from the road. The most annoying part was lugging the cooler back and forth, but totally worth it
- KKelly B.Guide
Stephens State Park Campground
Great last min getaway
Booked the day before—even on the holiday weekend! Just 1.5 hours outside of NYC, site was a bit close to the neighbors (fire pit was very far back and basically in the neighbors’ campsite, but we put up a “privacy clothesline” and hung a tarp over it for a bit of extra coverage.
The staff was friendly and helpful, they said it was the busiest they’ve seen the campground all year (there were lots of large groups but everyone seemed to settle down by 9:30pm
Poison ivy was EVERYWHERE at our site so make sure to stick to the open areas and the paths. Lots of families around, we felt very safe Bathrooms were fine—it was my impression they’re usually cleaner but the high traffic of the weekend left a bit to be desired, (lots of families around=dirty diapers in the bathroom trash bin) but it’s camping! I’m not gonna argue w a flushing toilet!
- KKevin F.
TravelerTri-State RV Park
A place to stay in an area lacking campgrounds.
This area seems to be devoid of campgrounds except for this one. It’s basically just a large parking lot with hook ups. Completely open, which is great for Starlink. Bathrooms were slightly above average; fairly clean and places to hang clothes for your shower. Has a laundry but be sure to bring quarters. It is about 100 yards from the interstate so you’ll get a lot of noise and diesel exhaust fumes.
- JJoyceScout
Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park
Bare bones
No hookups. It was wooded, quiet and dark at night. I used the dump station on my way out. The first time I ever saw a poop fountain. The sewer opening sticks up above ground level. The cover swivels away, so I couldn't put it on top of my hose. And then, when I tried to rinse it, there was nowhere for it to go, because the inlet is elevated.
Tabatta C.ScoutVoorhees State Park Campground
Clean and well maintained!
I spent 4 days and 3 nights with my 6th grade Girl Scouts. We were at sites 23 and 24 which worked out great because they back up against each other. The bathrooms were super clean and well maintained. There are outlets at the bathroom building by the sink to charge any electronics. The playground is adequate and the field is big for playing. There are many things to do close by too like the observatory, Round Valley beach, Grounds for Art, etc. We all really enjoyed ourselves and plan on returning.
- CCarlos E.Scout
Turkey Swamp Park
Really nice campground
Stayed three nights in a tent and enjoyed it very much. Sites have electrical hookups, shared water connections, large picnic table, and fire ring with adjustable grate. Electrical and water are at the outer edge of each site so you might want an extension cord and/or hose. Bathrooms are clean; showers have separate stalls but they’re clustered together (not the most private). There are hiking and biking trails, a lake, and archery park. Staff are friendly. Office is open through 9pm, and firewood, ice, and bait for fishing are available. Site C3 is in an okay spot; it’s close to the bathroom and laundry room, but also right next to the playground. We were able to visit the beach; easy 25 minute drive to Asbury Park.
Guide to Ridgefield Park
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Ridgefield Park, NJ?
What camping is available near Ridgefield Park, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, Ridgefield Park, NJ offers a wide range of camping options, with 78 campgrounds and RV parks near Ridgefield Park, NJ and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Ridgefield Park, NJ?
Which is the most popular campground near Ridgefield Park, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Ridgefield Park, NJ is Liberty Harbor RV Park with a 3.8-star rating from 16 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Ridgefield Park, NJ?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Ridgefield Park, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Ridgefield Park, NJ.
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