Camping near Queens, New York primarily involves developed campgrounds with varying degrees of urban proximity. Most sites operate seasonally from April through October, with Beaver Pond Campground open April 22 to October 9. Many campgrounds have limited availability and require reservations, especially during summer months. RV travelers should plan alternate routes to avoid New York parkway height restrictions that can damage taller vehicles.
What to do
Beach access and swimming: At Nickerson Beach Park Campground, campers can walk 10 minutes from the campground to reach the beach area. "They recently installed a path that goes all the way down to the beach area so you don't have to walk on the sand for so long," notes one camper. The campground also features basketball courts along the route to the beach.
Hiking trails: Harriman State Park offers numerous trails within a short distance of the Beaver Pond Campground. A camper explains, "Hike trails are all over the place and the lake is nearby." The area connects to segments of the historic Appalachian Trail and includes trails rated from easy to challenging, with some accessible trails available for those with mobility concerns.
Urban exploration: Camp Gateway at Sandy Hook provides unique opportunities to explore both natural and historic sites. "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," reports one visitor who appreciated the military history preserved at the site.
What campers like
Public transit access: Camping near Queens allows for easy public transportation into New York City. At Liberty Harbor RV Park, "The light rail is a block away, and the path train is about 8" minutes walking distance, according to one camper. Another notes, "There is a ferry 100-yards away that takes you to Wall Street M-F."
Beach fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer fishing access without needing a boat. One camper at Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area mentions, "Ocean is close with lifeguards. Good fishing and pleasant people." Fishing from seawalls and shorelines is common at several of the waterfront campgrounds.
Platform tent sites: Some campgrounds offer raised platforms for tent camping, providing practical benefits in wet conditions. A camper at Beaver Pond Campground reports, "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."
What you should know
Limited facilities at urban sites: Many campsites closer to the city have minimal amenities. At Staten Island — Gateway National Recreation Area, campers note "There are restroom here that are pretty dirty. The public uses the restrooms not just the campers here." Urban sites typically trade natural features for proximity to the city.
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds close during winter months. Cheesequake State Park operates from April 1 to October 31, while Beaver Pond Campground runs from April 22 to October 9. Call ahead to confirm current season dates, especially during shoulder seasons.
Wildlife encounters: Urban-adjacent campsites still have wildlife. At Beaver Pond Campground, campers are advised, "The wildlife do roam around your campsite so be mindful of putting food and garbage away before sleeping." Bears are specifically mentioned at some locations, with one camper reporting, "Welcome to Bear Mountain" grumbles the park ranger.
Tips for camping with families
Playground facilities: Several campgrounds offer play structures for children. Cheesequake State Park Campground has "a playground for the kids" according to reviews, and Battle Row Campground is noted for having "a playground that is new and centrally located."
Noise considerations: Urban campgrounds often have significant ambient noise. A visitor to Cheesequake State Park noted they "used a fan in the trailer to block out the sound of traffic with the exception of some sports cars/motorcycles speeding loudly." Consider bringing white noise machines or fans if camping with light sleepers.
Swimming options: Look for campgrounds with beach access or swimming facilities. At Beaver Pond Campground, "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."
Tips from RVers
Parking lot camping: Many RV sites near Queens are essentially parking lots with hookups. At Liberty Harbor RV Park, campers describe it as "basically a parking lot with a dump station" and note that "sites are very close to one another." Expectations should be set accordingly for urban camping experiences.
Dump station availability: Facilities vary widely between campgrounds. At Battle Row Campground, "The water spigot and the gray-water dump are not right by the tent sites," which can make waste disposal less convenient. One RVer at Liberty Harbor noted, "There is a dump station, but not the easiest to use."
Site spacing: Urban campgrounds typically have compact sites. A Liberty Harbor camper observed, "If it's packed, your neighbor with be within inches of your rig. Pluses, minutes walk to the Statue of Liberty, liberty Science center." Request end sites when available for additional space.
