Camping options near Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey range from primitive tent sites to full-service RV parks within a 60-minute drive. The region sits at elevations between 200-1,300 feet, creating varied camping terrain from riverside locations to mountain settings. Winter camping options remain limited with only a few campgrounds like Black Bear RV Park staying open year-round.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Harriman State Park offers extensive trail systems directly from Beaver Pond Campground, including sections of the Appalachian Trail. "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," notes a Beaver Pond Campground visitor.
City exploration: Jersey City serves as a gateway to New York City attractions when staying at Liberty Harbor RV Park. "Very plain & functional, no frills but right on the harbor & on the very edge of Jersey City, close to a ferry & the train that takes u across to New York City. Shopping & restraunts are right next door. We brought scooters & had a great stay!" reports one camper.
Wildlife viewing: Expect to see diverse wildlife throughout the camping areas. At Fahnestock State Park, visitors report "Deer running everywhere and surprisingly beautiful and quaint" with access to fishing ponds where "our neighbor campers said were great for catching panfish - one fisherman said he had caught several bass weighing over 3 pounds."
What campers like
Off-season tranquility: Many campgrounds offer completely different experiences depending on when you visit. At Clarence Fahnestock State Park, "Weekends - this park is FULL! Make sure to reserve at least two weeks out. Weekdays? You should be in luck!" According to another camper, "during the off-season it was great. Expect to purchase firewood, although scrounging for kindling was possible."
Shower facilities: Clean facilities rank high on camper priorities. The Tri-State RV Park gets positive reviews for maintenance: "CLEAN bathrooms, showers, laundry. Super nice owners. Perfect for an overnight stop." This contrasts with experiences at other parks where facilities may be more rustic.
Site privacy: Camping areas with buffer zones between sites receive higher ratings. At Beaver Pond Campground, "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." This stands in contrast to more densely packed RV parks.
What you should know
Bear activity: Wildlife management protocols are important at mountain campgrounds. "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," reports a Beaver Pond visitor.
Reservation systems: Campground booking systems can be problematic, requiring verification. One camper at Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort noted: "The administration seemed a little unorganized. When we tried to check in, they told us we were a day too early. I had booked through the Dyrt and there was a mixup. A day later, two days later, they texted us that we were late checking in."
Noise levels: Site selection significantly impacts the camping experience. A Harriman State Park reviewer warned: "Quiet time at night is laughable as the enjoyment of being in nature rages on into the early morning. I'm not overly bothered by the late nights and chorus of noise, but living in the megalopolis that I call home, it would be nice to not have the ruckus constantly follow you to the great outdoors."
Tips for camping with families
Animal interactions: Several campgrounds feature farm animals for children to observe. At Pleasant Acres, "The farm has goats, a donkey, and a pony within the campground. Very cool," mentions one reviewer. Another adds: "Important to not miss: the amazingly beautiful miniature horse that wonders around its huge pin located in the middle of the campground."
Beach access: Swimming facilities provide recreation for children during summer months. "They have a nice open beach on Canopus Lake with a concession area and bathhouse, which we found to be quite clean! They even have boat rentals - or you can bring your own boat to launch!" reports a Fahnestock State Park visitor.
Platform sites: Raised camping platforms offer advantages for tent campers. "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 Beaver Pond visitor, with another adding: "I have gone from tent platform, tent camping, tarp, and now hammock camping."
Tips from RVers
RV site privacy: Site selection proves crucial for RV campers seeking space. At Black Bear RV Park, a camper reported: "Campsite 44 for just one night. I can hear distant cars from time to time but, not like highway sounds. There are 3 other campers in our section we are straight up the hill and to the left. I like our area it is quiet."
Transit access: For those seeking rv sites near Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey with public transportation access, Liberty Harbor provides strategic positioning. "This is all about location. The closest RV park to NYC. It's basically a parking lot with a dump station. Two blocks away from NJ Path train into Manhattan or take the ferry to Wall Street!" notes one RVer.
Off-season operations: Winter camping options remain limited but available. One visitor to Black Bear RV Park noted: "This was our first stop and primarily chosen because it was one of the few places along our route that was open for RVs in the off season. They currently only accept reservations over the phone. The person I spoke to was friendly and helpful."
