Camping options near Secaucus, New Jersey range from urban-adjacent RV parking to more secluded wooded sites within a 45-minute drive. While much of the immediate area is developed, camping sites near Secaucus provide access to both New York City attractions and natural areas within the region. Temperatures in this area fluctuate significantly with summer highs regularly reaching into the 90s and winter lows occasionally dropping below freezing.
What to do
Hiking accessible trails: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation offers multiple trail options for various skill levels with convenient access from campsites. As one visitor notes, "There are plenty of trails, water (creeks, pond, lake) views and even if the place is packed there is PLENTY of room." The reservation also features the Headley Overlook for scenic views.
Urban exploration: Liberty Harbor RV Park provides a base for city adventures with transit options nearby. "This is a prime location for visiting the city or heading down the shore. The light rail is a block away, and the path train is about 8," explains one reviewer. Campers can easily access Manhattan via public transportation.
Swimming and beach activities: During summer months, campers at Beaver Pond Campground can access Welch Lake with its lifeguard-monitored sandy beach. "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," reports a visitor.
What campers like
Easy NYC access: Camp Gateway at Sandy Hook provides coastal camping with city access. One camper explained, "Rangers at the entrance regulate admittance thus, providing a safe environment within the confines of the base. With views from the campsite looking out to the sea, the skyline of NYC on the left & NJ on the right, it was awe inspiring."
Platform camping options: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation offers elevated platforms for tent campers. "They have these 12x12 platforms to put your tent on. This was pretty cool especially since some of the sites are all gravel with surrounding dirt," notes one reviewer. Another adds, "The sites are very large and I suggest site 7. It is on a hill so have a hand truck or a few people to carry stuff."
Rustic camping with amenities: Camp Glen Gray offers cabins and tent sites with some conveniences. "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," reports a satisfied camper.
What you should know
Bear activity: Wildlife encounters are possible at certain campgrounds in the region. At Beaver Pond Campground, rangers warn visitors about bears. One camper shared, "'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... and gives us the run down on bear activity in the area."
Urban noise levels: Camping near Secaucus means traffic noise at some locations. At Cheesequake State Park, a visitor noted, "Used a fan in the trailer to block out the sound of traffic with the exception of some sports cars/motorcycles speeding loudly."
Limited facilities: Some campgrounds have minimal amenities. One camper at Staten Island Gateway reported, "There are restroom here that are pretty dirty. The public uses the restrooms not just the campers here. For the firewood I recommend buying it or bringing your own. Firewood was difficult to find here."
Tips for camping with families
Easy first-time locations: Cheesequake State Park Campground works well for novice campers. "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," explains one reviewer.
Kid-friendly features: Some campgrounds specifically cater to children with designated play areas. A visitor to Cheesequake noted, "Short distance from the NYC, very organized, clean pond, has a playground, showers, bathroom. Your phone will have signal."
Education opportunities: Historical sites around campgrounds provide learning experiences. At Sandy Hook Gateway, a camper described, "The history housed on this base, with a hanger were full of old planes where dedicated veterans worked diligently to restore them, provided us up close inspection of multiple planes, including a mini-sized glider which we were granted personal access to get into."
Tips from RVers
Site spacing: Liberty Harbor RV Park sites are tightly arranged. One RVer noted, "Sites kind of level and very close. Power and water, and convenient dump station if staying and needing to dump." Another camper described it as "Small campground. Sites very close to one another."
RV hookup details: Water connections at some campgrounds require planning. At Mahlon Dickerson, "Website lists water hook ups at long distances but they have hose reels to help with that. Our site (15) said 75' however the 50' hose reel made it to our rv connection."
Navigation challenges: Large rigs should plan routes carefully. One RVer at Liberty Harbor advised, "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."
