RV camping options within an hour of Ridgefield Park, New Jersey range from basic parking lot-style facilities to more scenic state park campgrounds. The area sits at the junction of the Hackensack and Hudson Rivers, creating a mix of urban-adjacent and woodland camping environments. Most RV sites operate year-round with varying levels of privacy and hookup services, though winter camping typically offers limited amenities.
What to do
Swimming at Beaver Pond: The beach at Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park offers sandy shoreline swimming with lifeguard supervision during summer months. "A stones throw from NYC this beautiful area combines Lake Welch and Harriman State Park. This camp ground is laid back away from the busy activity of the big city. If you want to get away and relax you can come here to walk, swim and camp," notes Brian O.
Visit the Statue of Liberty: RVers staying at Liberty Harbor RV Park can easily access ferry service to major NYC attractions. "Small campground. Sites very close to one another. Close to ferry for downtown and Statue of Liberty. People are very nice and accommodating. More of a stopping place to see the sites," reports Missy S. The ferry is located just 100 yards from the campground.
Hiking from camp: Access to trail systems directly from campsites makes Clarence Fahnestock State Park appealing for hikers. "There are great hikes and a lake you can get to and swim in right from the campsite. If you are in to apple picking it is a short drive and it is easy to get into town to take the train to and from NYC," writes Asher K. The park offers both easy and moderate hiking trails with fall foliage views.
What campers like
Public transportation access: The convenience of train and ferry connections to Manhattan is a significant draw for campers. "MetroNorth takes you right into Cold Spring, a charming, quaint town with antique shops and beautiful views of the Hudson. From there, it is a short drive to the campgrounds at Fahnestock," explains Robyn S. This accessibility makes Fahnestock popular with groups where not everyone has vehicle access.
Farm animal encounters: Families appreciate the petting opportunities at Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort where livestock roam near camping areas. "The farm has goats, a donkey, and a pony within the campground. Very cool," notes Faith D. Children particularly enjoy feeding the animals and observing the miniature horse that has its own enclosure in the central camping area.
Wildlife viewing: Natural wildlife sightings add to the camping experience at several parks. "It terminates at Iona Island Bird Sanctuary, a lovely long grassed marshland. The trails in the area are friendly to hikers, bikers, and the non arthritic kneers, as most are rated moderate to challenging," reports Steve W. about the trails around Beaver Pond Campground. Deer sightings are common throughout these wooded camping areas.
What you should know
Military-only facilities: Some nearby RV sites have restricted access. At NWS Earle RV Park, Jeffrey notes: "Small campground W/ 8 spaces in the main area and 7 in an adjacent area. All spaces are level concrete With fill hookups and attached concrete patio. Power is at the far back & sewage is in the middle (left to right)." Despite rules against long-term stays, some trailers appear permanently positioned.
Construction impact: Several campgrounds are undergoing renovations that affect the camping experience. "I would rate this a 5 when they're finished with the upgrades. Unfortunately there was nothing on this saying that they have limited spaces due to construction or that they changed the name. We passed it up at first," writes Wyndie G. about her stay at Black Bear RV Park.
Location misrepresentation: Some campgrounds have relocated or changed significantly from their promotional materials. According to John T., "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. The website views are misleading."
Tips for camping with families
Platform tent sites: Beaver Pond Campground offers raised wooden platforms for tent camping, which provide advantages 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.
Bathroom facilities: Family campers should check bathroom availability at their chosen location. At Skyline RV Camp, one visitor reported: "There was only 1 bathroom with small shower for all guests, however they are in the process of adding 5 more. The only bathroom did have toilet paper, a garbage can and hand soap for the sink, but no paper towels to dry your hands and no shelves, hooks, or benches."
Wildlife awareness: Bears are active in the region's campgrounds, particularly at Beaver Pond. "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," shares Steve W.
Tips from RVers
Highway noise considerations: For RV sites near Ridgefield Park, highway noise can be significant at certain campgrounds. At Tri-State RV Park, Rick G. notes: "While the staff is very friendly and polite you are basically in a old parking lot right below the freeway. Very easy to get on & off the highway but loud highway noise almost all night."
Site selection strategy: When staying at more cramped RV parks, position matters. Jason G. observed at Mountain Top RV Park: "The video posted shows the full hook-up area. The water and electric sites and tent sites were tucked away in a more wooded environment." Choosing end sites or those on outer rows typically offers more space and privacy.
Garbage disposal challenges: Some RV sites have inconvenient garbage disposal systems. At Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort, Janelle G. warns: "The garbage situation was the worst. Most campsites have a service, they tell you to leave it at a specific location by a certain time or they have many garbage cans throughout. This place had their garbage and recycling very far away and without a golf cart (which they had none to offer) or a car, you're stuck."
