RV camping near Wanaque, New Jersey offers access to the Hudson Highlands region where elevation ranges from 400 to 1,200 feet. Winter camping options are limited with temperatures often dropping below freezing from December through February. Cell service varies by location, with mountaintop areas typically providing better coverage than densely wooded valley sites.
What to do
Swimming at Lake Welch: Beaver Pond Campground provides access to Lake Welch, which features a sandy beach with lifeguards 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.
City excursions: Liberty Harbor RV Park serves as a convenient base for NYC exploration. "The light rail is a block away, and the path train is about 8. Having a view of Lady Liberty out your window is priceless," shares Joe R. The ferry terminal is within walking distance for direct access to Manhattan.
Wildlife viewing: Fall camping brings opportunities for deer spotting at multiple parks. "We passed it up at first. A little pricey just for an overnight and since no amenities were available. It will be beautiful when they're finished. The best part was at dusk when the animals came out!" writes Wyndie G. about her experience at Black Bear RV Park.
What campers like
Space between sites: Beaver Pond Campground receives praise for its layout. "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.
Convenient NYC access: Campers appreciate the proximity to public transportation. "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," notes a visitor to Liberty Harbor RV Park, while another adds, "From here you can pretty much easily get anywhere in NYC."
Year-round availability: Black Bear RV Park remains open during winter months when most other facilities close. "Campsite 44 for just one night. I can hear distant cars from time to time but, not like highway sounds. Bathrooms for our area looks well kept outside, but, closed due to covid," reports Harold C.
What you should know
Noise levels vary: Highway proximity affects some locations. At Tri-State RV Park, "Located just off the highway so lots of vehicle noise 24/7. Sites are on a gravel lot. Restrooms are clean. Not much else to say about this CG, is just a parking lot with hookups," reports Michael H.
Platform sites available: Raised tent platforms provide benefits during wet weather. "Many of the camping options were on platforms which is especially nice if it recently rained or if you are expecting rain during your stay," notes a camper at Beaver Pond Campground.
Seasonal facility closures: Winter camping means limited amenities. "All the buildings are closed due to Covid, so no laundry & no bathroom," reports a visitor to Black Bear RV Park, while others note many campgrounds close entirely between October and April.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort offers family-friendly amenities. "There is a small playground, a mini golf, and a large dog walk. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable of the area," notes a visitor. Another camper adds, "Lots of seasonals and lots of cabins, many RV sites I think all with full hookups."
Animal encounters: Kids enjoy the farm animals at several locations. "The farm has goats, a donkey, and a pony within the campground. Very cool," shares Faith D. about Pleasant Acres. Another visitor mentions, "Playground, hayride, animals to feed (goats, chickens, donkey and pony). There were some organized activities which was nice."
Consider seasonal timing: Summer weekends fill quickly while mid-week offers quieter experiences. "Ranger said that during summer weekends the grounds fill up and can be quite noisy, but mid-week during the off-season it was great," explains a Beaver Pond visitor.
Tips from RVers
Arrival planning: Navigation to some locations requires careful planning. 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," notes Jason G. For Liberty Harbor, another camper advises, "Getting in and out of the city is an adventure. Stay right off the highway to avoid the $30 tunnel toll."
Power considerations: RV sites with 50-amp service are limited at some parks. "We recently had the pleasure of staying at Mountain Top and were impressed by the exceptional experience and service provided by the owners. The investment in new 50amp wiring, upgraded sewer systems, and newer water lines provided convenient camping experience," reports an RVer.
Site selection for large rigs: Some parks accommodate big rigs better than others. "Sites kind of level and very close. Power and water, and convenient dump station if staying and needing to dump," notes a Liberty Harbor visitor, while another adds, "Easy access with our 32 foot RV pulling our Jeep."
