Best Campgrounds near New York, NY
Camping options around New York City are limited but diverse, ranging from urban RV parks to more traditional campgrounds in neighboring areas. Liberty Harbor RV Park in Jersey City provides the closest camping to Manhattan, functioning primarily as a secure parking lot with electric and water hookups. Within the city proper, Collective Governors Island offers an upscale glamping experience with cabins and yurts accessible by ferry. More conventional camping can be found at Gateway National Recreation Area locations in Staten Island and Sandy Hook, where tent sites provide a more traditional outdoor experience despite their proximity to urban areas.
Mixed-use campgrounds within commuting distance of New York City balance convenience with varying levels of amenities. The majority of RV parks and developed campgrounds require reservations, particularly during summer months when availability is extremely limited. Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, typically from April through October, though a few remain open year-round. Urban camping areas often have strict regulations regarding fires, noise levels, and length of stay. Public transportation access is a significant consideration when camping near NYC, with several campgrounds strategically located near ferries, trains, or buses. A camper noted, "This is a great spot with views of Manhattan, Statue of Liberty, etc. Expect to pay pretty good to be near, but from here you can pretty much easily get anywhere in NYC."
Many visitors prioritize location over traditional camping amenities when staying near New York City. Campgrounds within the five boroughs or immediate vicinity command premium rates despite offering fewer natural features than typical rural settings. Skyline RV Camp provides city views but several reviewers mention that "it is not as lovely as it looks in the pictures" and that locations may change. Liberty Harbor RV Park receives consistent feedback about its utilitarian nature but strategic location, with one review describing it as "literally just a parking lot and quite expensive for what it is." Gateway National Recreation Area campgrounds offer more traditional camping experiences with some noting that "once in the sites, the foliage and layout perfectly cuts out the city, so it feels like real woods camping." For campers seeking more natural settings, developed campgrounds in New Jersey's state parks like Cheesequake and Harriman State Park's Beaver Pond Campground provide alternatives within a reasonable drive of the city.
