RV sites near Great Neck, New York offer camping options within accessible distance of NYC while providing varying levels of amenities and proximity to outdoor attractions. Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with limited winter availability outside of Black Bear RV Park. Sites typically range from basic gravel pads to waterfront locations with specific restrictions on campfires, generators, and length of stay.
What to do
Beach access for swimming: Nickerson Beach Park Campground provides direct beach access with lifeguard-monitored areas. "The beach itself is a great place to spend a summer day. 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 a visitor who recommends exploring local seafood restaurants.
City explorations: Liberty Harbor RV Park allows easy access to Manhattan via public transportation. "There is a ferry 100-yards away that takes you to Wall Street M-F. There is a great market about 1/4 of a mile away, and the path that can take you to WTC or 33rd Street area is only a mile away," writes Shawn B., highlighting the convenience despite basic amenities.
Hiking opportunities: Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground connects campers to extensive trail networks. "The campsite was pleasant and it was peaceful during quiet hours on both Friday and Saturday nights. The park has a nice open beach on Canopus Lake with a concession area and bathhouse, which we found to be quite clean," reports one reviewer who walked 20 minutes from their site to the beach.
What campers like
Waterfront views: At Military Park NJ National Guard Training Center, campers appreciate the unobstructed scenery. "Site #1 with our 21' travel trailer. In our opinion this is the best site because you have an unobstructed view of Stockton Lake & the horizon over the ocean," shares Jessica D., who also noted the campground's affordability at $45/night with full hookups.
Proximity to urban amenities: Beaver Pond Campground offers nature experiences just outside NYC. "About 30 minutes from sleepy hollow and tarrytown NY and only an hour to central park!! Deer running everywhere and surprisingly beautiful and quaint. Free Hot showers in the bathrooms, with plenty of room to change," according to Megan B., emphasizing the campground's accessibility.
Seasonal perks: Off-season camping at Fahnestock provides a more peaceful experience. "Weekends - this park is FULL! Make sure to reserve at least two weeks out. Weekdays? You should be in luck!" advises one camper who enjoyed the quieter atmosphere outside peak times, though noted bathroom cleanliness could be inconsistent.
What you should know
Site reservations and capacity: Beaver Pond Campground fills quickly during summer months. "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.
Wildlife encounters: Bear activity requires proper food storage at several campgrounds near Great Neck. One visitor to Beaver Pond reported, "Welcome to Bear Mountain grumbles the park ranger as he sits in complete darkness! The atmosphere is complete with spider webs covering the walk up window... He offers us a highlighted map to our site, wishes us a good stay, and gives us the run down on bear activity in the area."
Bathroom facilities: Bathroom quality varies widely across regional campgrounds. At Battle Row Campground, one camper noted, "There are lots of showers but only 1 was unlocked (free and with hot water). The bathroom was very clean and well stocked," while acknowledging the campground's limitations: "this place seemed okay to begin with, but then you start noticing that the bathrooms are run down and not well kept."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Battle Row Campground features updated play equipment. "The playground is new and centrally located. They also have a horseshoe pit," notes a visitor who appreciated the family-friendly amenities despite basic facilities.
Beach activities: Nickerson Beach Park Campground offers organized events throughout the summer. "Allows dogs, children's playground, beach, programs like movie nights throughout the summer," shares Mackenzie B., who grew up in nearby Long Beach and calls it a "surfers dream" with "some of the greatest waves on the east coast."
Site selection strategy: Clarence Fahnestock State Park requires careful research for family camping. "This is one of my favorite campsites I have been to but only because after several visits we have finally found our favorite site. There is great hiking and a lake you can get to and swim in right from the campsite," advises Asher K., recommending families check site details online to secure more private locations.
Tips from RVers
Route planning essentials: When traveling to RV parks near Great Neck, avoid parkways with height restrictions. A camper at Nickerson Beach notes, "I drove down from Connecticut to Long Island to find the main routes to the campsite all went through New York's parkways. There are height restrictions on the parkways so RVs and semis cannot travel on them without a high risk of crashing into the bridges and getting the tops ripped off like a tin can."
Site configurations: Liberty Harbor RV Park offers tight but manageable spaces for larger rigs. "This is all about location. The closest RV park to NYC. It's basically a parking lot with a dump station. Pick one of the larger end row sites to get a little extra elbow room. If it's packed, your neighbor with be within inches of your rig," advises Keith and Tia S.
Seasonal availability: Black Bear RV Park remains open year-round but with limited winter services. "We are returning to the south after spending a couple months of fall in New England. 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," reports Gabbie Y., noting that while winter camping options are limited, some sites might not have working water during colder months.
