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Best Campgrounds near Fort Lee, NJ

503 Reviews

Campgrounds in the Fort Lee area of New Jersey provide a mix of urban and natural camping experiences within close proximity to New York City. Liberty Harbor RV Park in Jersey City stands as one of the closest camping options to Manhattan, featuring both RV sites and a small area for tents with views of the Statue of Liberty. Across the Hudson River, Collective Governors Island offers cabin and glamping accommodations accessible by ferry, while Harriman State Park's Beaver Pond Campground and Sebago Cabin Camp provide more traditional forest camping experiences approximately 25 miles northwest of Fort Lee.

Access to camping facilities varies significantly throughout the region, with most developed campgrounds requiring reservations, especially during peak summer months when availability becomes limited. Several campgrounds in the area remain open seasonally, with Cheesequake State Park operating from April through October and others like Croton Point Park maintaining year-round access. One camper noted, "If you're looking for a place to crash and hit up the city or Liberty Island, this place is great," highlighting the primary appeal of urban-adjacent camping options despite their limitations. Roads to most campgrounds are paved and accessible for standard vehicles, though larger RVs may face challenges navigating the dense urban environment surrounding facilities like Liberty Harbor.

The camping experience near Fort Lee ranges from basic parking lot setups to more traditional forested sites. Reviews consistently highlight location as the primary benefit of mixed-use campgrounds in the area. As one visitor described Liberty Harbor RV Park: "This is all about location. The closest RV park to NYC. It's basically a parking lot with a dump station. Not much else." Urban campgrounds typically feature limited amenities but provide convenient access to public transportation for city exploration. In contrast, developed campgrounds in Harriman State Park offer more natural settings with forest cover, hiking trails, and lake access. Campers should note that noise from urban environments, including air traffic, affects many sites in the region, with Staten Island's Gateway National Recreation Area receiving comments about both "beautiful views" and significant ambient noise from the city and nearby airports.

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Best Camping Sites Near Fort Lee, New Jersey (70)

    1. Liberty Harbor RV Park

    13 Reviews
    Jersey City, NJ
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (201) 516-7500

    $149 / night

    "This is all about location. The closest RV park to NYC. It's basically a parking lot with a dump station. Not much else. Pick one of the larger end row sites to get a little extra elbow room."

    "Basicly a parking lot, but the location can't be beat. 2 ferries that run to Manhattan. Path train is a 12 minute walk away that will take you yyo manhatten."

    2. Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park

    41 Reviews
    Pomona, NY
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 947-2792

    $17 - $20 / night

    "Drive-in tent campgrounds. Adequate restroom facilities sprinkled amongst tent sites. Some campsites have raised platforms. All sites have picnic tables and fire ring with flip-top grill."

    "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."

    3. Collective Governors Island

    5 Reviews
    Jersey City, NY
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 445-2033

    $529 - $1200 / night

    "The article also mentions the benefits of camping on Governor Island, such as feeling close to nature, relaxing and enjoying a peaceful space, away from the noise of the city."

    4. Skyline RV Camp - Non-Waterfront

    2 Reviews
    New York City, NY
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (347) 434-6891

    $85 - $120 / night

    5. Staten Island — Gateway National Recreation Area - CLOSED for 2025

    4 Reviews
    Bayonne, NY
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (718) 354-4655

    $30 / night

    "You have a clear view of the Narrow bridge and at night the city lights light up your surroundings light a nigh light. The camp here has 7 campsites here and it fill up really fast."

    "this place is awesome when it comes to finding an affordable place to stay while in NY, this camp ground isnt your usual forest camp sites, however there are some beautiful views, and it is located in"

    6. Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area

    19 Reviews
    Atlantic Highlands, NJ
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (347) 630-1124

    $30 - $150 / night

    "Once you are there, you can walk right across the street to a bayside inlet and sandy shore that is not highly trafficked because no one can park there except those using the campground."

    "Rangers at the entrance regulate admittance thus, providing a safe environment within the confines of the base."

    7. Croton Point Park

    10 Reviews
    Croton-on-Hudson, NY
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (914) 862-5290

    $30 - $60 / night

    "Tent sites are very private with some dirt roads to exit out but thats what make it unique experience! Bathrooms with shower is near by and has plenty porta potties all around."

    "Was close to bear mountains state part and the train station is right there!"

    8. Sebago Cabin Camp — Harriman State Park

    6 Reviews
    Sloatsburg, NY
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 429-2039

    $74 - $130 / night

    "It is a step up from cabin camping. They also have a beach behind it."

    "This place is only an hour away from NYC with so much to do and see. These cabins are VERY rustic, four walls, a cot, and a fridge."

    9. Camp Glen Gray

    2 Reviews
    Oakland, NJ
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (201) 327-7234

    $5 - $200 / night

    "One rustic place with many hiking trails to choose from. Camp also provides trucking of gear weather permitting. No vehicles allowed to drive through camp. Trading Post for treats and other items."

    "Lots of hiking trails. Trading post is well stocked and volunteers are always friendly and able to answer any questions"

    10. Cheesequake State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Matawan, NJ
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 566-2161

    $200 / night

    "I stayed at Cheesequake at the beginning of August and had a very positive experience."

    "This park is on the list of 50 top NJ Hikes, and it has a few great trails. The trails range from easy to moderate with quite a few lookout locations."

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Recent Camping Photos near Fort Lee, NJ

358 Photos of 70 Fort Lee Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Fort Lee, NJ

503 Reviews of 70 Fort Lee Campgrounds

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Round Valley State Park Campground

    Get Your Hard-Core Hiking In To Enjoy This CG

    Located just south of I78 and near the small hamlets of Clinton and Lebanon, what I love most about Round Valley SP is the fact that it has its very own eponymous fresh water reservoir, which spanning some 2,350 acres and is 180 feed deep in the middle, this body of water provides a solid amount of upside for anyone wanting to kayak, canoe or swim. One of the greatest assets at this particular SP CG are the wonderful rangers who keep this place in such tip-top condition year-round. From the North Picnic Area, Bray’s Hill Preserve and Round Valley Beachhead to the East Picnic Area, Round Valley Farm on the eastern side of the reservoir as well as Round Valley Rec Area, there’s a lot to explore at this SP.

    One interesting fact about this place– believe it or not– it is the only NJ SP that actually offers up true wilderness camping(a.k.a. primitive), which can only be accessed by hiking 3 to 6 miles– or if you come with your own boat, you can access by water– and can be found on the SE corner of the reservoir. There is a second area nearby called Spruce Run Recreation Area that can be accessed by driving to this location, which is on the other side of I78 NW of Round Valley SP. That said, if you’re looking to camp here at Round Valley, I highly recommend you boat in as the hiking path is incredibly difficult to manage without hauling all of your camping gear, so coming in with a ton of gear is even more difficult/ prohibitive.

    When you finally do arrive to this primitive CG immersed in NJ’s thick wild foliage, you’ll experience waterfront bliss with a crystalline bevy of trout-infused reservoir water, and you won’t get much in the way of amenities, apart from a few random water pumps and some rocks piled in a circle that, um, I guess makes up a fire ring. While there are backwoods-style bathroom pits, these are very ill-managed and you’ll come across the‘stank’ well before actually even arriving here, so we just didn’t use them. There’s picnic tables, but the one we had was in pretty rough condition. The thing I found odd about the place is that after hiking so far in to get to this location, you’re not allowed to swim in the reservoir, which kind of defeats the entire point IMHO. That said, the views are amazing and because there’s nothing else in these parts, you will experience true peace in nature.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few:(1) Whether hiking or kayaking to this CG, you will want to bring as little with you as possible– packing too much to come here just isn’t worth the work;(2) We found parking in the Southern Lot to be perfectly fine and while we were initially worried about leaving our vehicle parked there for a few nights, we were reassured by the park rangers who patrol the lot constantly;(3) While the water in the reservoir may look crystal clear, it is not crystal clean and I would STRONGLY encourage anyone who thinks that it is OK to drink from the reservoir to at least use a Life Straw to ensure they don’t get sick;(4) I have hiked throughout the entire US and consider myself somewhere between a moderate to skilled hiker and I found these trails challenging and uneven, so while the hike we made was only 3 miles, it was not easy and I would be worried about someone breaking an ankle getting to this CG– so at a minimum, ensure you are wearing proper hiking boots. Seriously, for what this SP puts you through to access this CG one really needs to question why they’re being charged anything at all in the first place.

    Happy Camping!

  • J
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Turkey Swamp Park

    Fantastic camping ground

    We went camping with our 2- and 3-year-old kids. We were worried about bugs, but we didn’t even use mosquito repellent and didn’t get a single bite! The campground was super clean too. It was perfect!

  • Damia F.
    Aug. 29, 2025

    High Point State Park Campground

    Relaxing and Well-Maintained

    Stayed 2 nights and it was really nice. Camping for summer is pretty limited to Sawmill Lake, as the other locations are for groups or winter camping. Camps are secluded from each other and most if not all have an elevated space to put tents or chairs. Each place comes with a lamp hang, a fire pit, and a picnic table. Bathrooms are spaced out. No running water except for pump founded outside of the bathrooms. Toilets are pump flushed. Showers are only located INSIDE High Point State Park, not throughout the campsites, but entry is free for campers. One hiking trail is accessible in Sawmill campground, 3 others are accessible on the road outside of the campground and the rest are located inside the park. When you arrive you have to check in with the park office for your campsite tag. Hours are 8-4. Park officials come through the campsites pretty regularly, a few times a day which is nice. Areas are clean and well maintained.

  • Paul K.
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Croton Point Park

    Not the Best Place to Go in the Northeast By a Longshot

    Croton Point Campground is a modest little campground, located along the Hudson River within Croton Point Park in NY. In addition to camping, the park itself offers many of its own attractions, including swimming, hiking, kayaking, cabin rentals, and a host of other family-oriented activities just along the Hudson. 

    The park, which is honestly probably the largest attraction here, is located just an hour and a half outside of the city. This proximity is both its perk and its downfall, as the park itself, but particularly the campground, has become laden with all sorts of inexplicable and burdensome rules, endless guidelines, and restrictions only a New York State-run bureaucracy could ever make sense of, let alone hope to justify. 

    This includes all manner of restrictions on how you can camp, where you can camp, what equipment can be used, and use in relation to what particular site you may have been lucky enough to reserve. Much of this you can understand while imagining what may have taken place here to bring them to such measures, but it doesn't make it any easier to contend with. 

    In terms of the actual camping conditions Both the tenting section and RV sites are each very clustered together, and quite crowded, with regular patrols🚓(actual patrols) being made day and night, by both the Park Rangers and what appears to be general park staff members, all looking to see if you or your family might be doing something that they might consider outside of the guidelines or not in compliance with the many restrictions. 

    This is not to say you can't possibly have a good time here. It just might mean being a bit more diligent toward reviewing the potential legitimacy of your normal camping routine to ensure it meets with many restrictions and guidelines imposed, while also making yourself comfortable with some fairly regular surveillance during your stay here. These all being things we hoped to get away from while camping ourselves It just turned out to be a bit much for our particular liking.

  • Bob F.
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Moon Valley Campground

    Very unique smaller private campground

    This was a great campsite nestled in the foothills of Northern NJ on the NY border. Small, clean with great views and great location for hiking , cruising etc. Bring your tent or use the existing glamping tents. Headed back for a fall weekend in the "dome" which has incredible views. Try it you won't be sorry.

  • Carrie H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2025

    Panther Lake Camping Resort

    Horrid showers

    Probably the worst shower ever. The lights are timed. The water is a button. The space is small as hell.

  • WThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 5, 2025

    Black Bear RV Park

    Under construction

    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. A little pricey just for an overnight and since no amenities were available. It will be beautiful when they’re finished. Can’t wait to come back and give them a 5 star review! The best part was at dusk when the animals came out!

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 5, 2025

    Turkey Swamp Park

    Turkey Swamp State Park Campground

    Great campground! Sites are in the woods and widely spaced apart to give you privacy and the feeling of being out in the Forrest. There are tent and RV sites and you are allowed to have a tent on the site with an RV at no extra charge. The bathrooms and showers are clean and well maintained. There is pretty lake with good fishing and they sell bait at the Ranger office. There are lots of trails and the packed dirt roads are nice for bike riding. There are playgrounds and picnic areas as well. This is a lovely campground.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 8, 2025

    Heckscher State Park Campground

    My favorite place for group camping

    This place is the best around for group and family camping. The entire campground is one flat open space where some sites are full in the shade and other sites (lower numbers) have lots of sun. I've been going here every summer since 2019 after it re-opened. Each site has a picnic table and grill. Water is also available near the sites.

    You can come here in tents as well as RVs and the staff is very nice. They toilets are cleaned constantly, though they are not immaculate. There is a shop at the entrance to get supplies if you need it and you can rent firepits and buy firewood. The ice cream trucks comes by as well. There is a playground just for the campground.

    Bring a bicycle or scooper and you can ride the loop around to the beach; you can also drive to the beach. There is a pool, but it has not been open for many years. There are also hiking trails and a place where you can rent a kayak.

    On one visit there was a magician performing for the camp goers. I've even been there while there was a philharmonic concert near the campground.

    Park staff and rangers regularly patrol the campground and are diligent about cleaning up.

Guide to Fort Lee

Camping near Fort Lee, NJ, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do

  • Hiking: Many campgrounds, like Worthington State Forest Campground, have great trails. One visitor mentioned, "The trails are nice and well marked," making it easy to enjoy the outdoors.
  • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, Round Valley State Park Campground is a great spot. A camper shared, "The water was clean and provided a lovely view in the morning."
  • Beach Access: Campgrounds like Wildwood State Park Campground are close to the beach. One reviewer noted, "The beach is in walking distance," perfect for a day of sun and sand.

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained bathrooms. A visitor at Beaver Pond Campground said, "I like the clean shower and bathroom facilities."
  • Secluded Sites: Many enjoy the privacy offered at campgrounds. A camper at Clarence Fahnestock State Park mentioned, "It’s close to NYC and has secluded, wooded sites nestled amongst big boulders."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner have lots of activities for kids. One parent said, "This place is so much fun. My whole family loved the activities."

What you should know

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially on weekends. A visitor at High Point State Park Campground shared, "We received complaints about the volume of our music and karaoke."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive facilities. A camper at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation noted, "No amenities or extras here, just really pleasant camping in the woods."
  • Wildlife Caution: Some areas have bear warnings. A visitor at Stokes State Forest mentioned, "There are a lot of bear warnings here so that gave us a bit of pause with our three little boys."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose the Right Campground: Look for family-friendly spots like Camp Taylor Campground. One family said, "The kids immediately took to exploring the creek and woods behind our campsite."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A camper at Beaver Pond Campground enjoyed the beach and lakefront, saying, "I enjoy the beach/lakefront."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for the kids. A visitor at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner appreciated the camp store for treats.

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Worthington State Forest Campground mentioned, "The campsites themselves are a little too close together in some spots."
  • Be Prepared for Hills: Some campgrounds have steep roads. A visitor at Camp Taylor Campground advised, "Make sure if you’re towing, you have a good tow vehicle because the hills on the way there are epic."
  • Plan for Limited Connectivity: Wi-Fi can be spotty. A camper at Round Valley State Park Campground noted, "WiFi is very spotty—I was essentially out of range the entirety of my stay."

Camping around Fort Lee, NJ, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to check the specific campground details and reviews to find the best fit for your trip!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any free camping options near Fort Lee?

Free camping options near Fort Lee are extremely limited. Most public lands in the area require camping fees. Stokes State Forest offers some of the most affordable camping in the region, though not free. The Steam Mill Camping Area within Stokes is the most primitive section with basic sites suitable for tents or small trailers. For those seeking the lowest cost options, consider Ward Pound Ridge Reservation which offers basic facilities at more reasonable rates than many private campgrounds in the area.

What lakes offer camping opportunities near Fort Lee?

Several lake-based camping options exist within driving distance of Fort Lee. Round Valley State Park Campground features a crystal-clear reservoir in a semi-mountainous, forested setting, perfect for swimming and water activities. High Point State Park Campground offers beautiful lakeside campsites with hiking and biking trails accessible right from your site. Additionally, Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold provides camping near a 17-acre lake with hiking trails and well-maintained facilities.

Where are the best campgrounds near Fort Lee?

Several excellent campgrounds can be found within driving distance of Fort Lee. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation in the Skylands region offers spacious, wooded sites with water and electric hookups, paved pads, and convenient access to hiking trails. Another great option is Stephens State Park Campground, a lovely setting with well-maintained sites, though it may not accommodate larger RVs and has pet restrictions in some areas. Both provide a peaceful woodland experience within reasonable driving distance from Fort Lee.

What forested areas allow camping near Fort Lee?

The region surrounding Fort Lee offers several forested camping areas. Great Divide Campground near Newton provides a scenic woodland experience with sites surrounded by forest and featuring a small lake and pond. Wawayanda State Park Campground offers a more rustic forest camping experience with sites nestled among trees. For those seeking a mix of forest and water, Panther Lake Camping Resort provides wooded sites, though it's primarily an RV-focused facility.

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