RV parks near Hewlett, New York offer varied camping experiences within driving distance of NYC's urban attractions and Long Island's coastal areas. The region has campgrounds open from April through November, with some providing year-round options. Most sites require advance booking, especially during peak summer season when occupancy reaches 90% at popular locations.
What to do
Beach access: Nickerson Beach Park Campground provides direct beach access for campers. "Right on the beach! Great spot to camp at if the waves are pumping at Lido Beach on Long Island," notes one visitor. While the beach allows dogs, "the beach does not. They have a small dog run on the other side of the large beach parking lot," according to another camper.
Hiking trails: Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park offers multiple trail options within a 40-minute drive of NYC. "We didn't take the Perkins Memorial Tower trail, but heard it was amazing," mentions a reviewer. The area includes historic Revolutionary War-era trails and paths to Doodle Town, where "the area is a ruins with markers showing where a house was."
Boating and fishing: Turkey Swamp Park provides lake activities with equipment rentals. "In the summer, canoe, kayak, paddle boats, and row boats are available for rental," writes one camper. The park also sells fishing bait at the ranger office, making it convenient for anglers to stock up on site.
What campers like
Urban proximity: Liberty Harbor RV Park offers unique city access with multiple transit options. "This is a pricey park, but options are limited. As in almost non existent. This is a prime location for visiting the city or heading down the shore. The light rail is a block away, and the path train is about 8," explains one reviewer. The park's location allows for views of iconic landmarks: "Having a view of Lady Liberty out your window is priceless."
Spacious wooded sites: The natural setting at Turkey Swamp Park provides privacy between campsites. "Sites are in the woods and widely spaced apart to give you privacy and the feeling of being out in the Forrest," notes one camper. Another adds that the sites are "level and well maintained. They also allowed us to put the car tent on the same site as a friend's camper."
Clean facilities: Heckscher State Park Campground maintains its facilities regularly. "Facilities (bathroom/showers) were clean, campsites were generously spaced, water spouts at almost every site," writes a visitor. The park also offers luxury accommodations: "The cottages are fully furnished, with a full kitchen and large bathroom with a walk in shower."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Camping availability varies significantly throughout the year. "Our site had good shade coverage and was free of rocks and other hazards," reports a summer visitor to Heckscher State Park, while Nickerson Beach Park operates only "from April to November with full hookup sites."
Wildlife encounters: Battle Row Campground has resident wildlife to be aware of. "There are tons of feral cats wandering and sometimes even begging for food," notes one camper. At Turkey Swamp Park, ticks are a major concern: "By the 2nd day I had 3 ticks on me. My dog had one and by the end my husband had 2. That was so crazy because we were just sitting by our camper."
Fire restrictions: Firepit policies vary between campgrounds. At Battle Row Campground, "There are NO fire pits, you must bring your own. Fires are allowed but you must have a fire container or bucket for your fire off of the ground." Some parks provide fire rings while others require portable solutions.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: NWS Earle RV Park provides family-friendly amenities. "Plenty of space for kids to play in the field/grass area," notes a visitor. Beaver Pond Campground is particularly noted for being "great for kids" with "a playground, showers, bathroom. Your phone will have signal."
Group camping options: Heckscher State Park accommodates larger family gatherings. "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," explains a regular visitor who has been camping there annually since 2019.
Beach activities: Family beach days are easy to coordinate at Nickerson Beach Campground. "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," making access easier with small children and beach gear. For those staying inland, "Free beach just a few moments' walk down the road" is available at Military Park NJ National Guard Training Center RV Sites.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Liberty Harbor RV Park, position matters for space maximization. "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 an experienced RVer. Sites at Turkey Swamp Park are "all pull-through sites" which simplifies setup.
Water and electric connections: Water hookups at Turkey Swamp Park require planning. "Be sure to bring extra hose because the water spigot is a distance from the electric," recommends a camper. NWS Earle RV Park's layout requires careful positioning: "Power is at the far back & sewage is in the middle (left to right). A longer camper will be parked over the sewage connection."
Transportation considerations: Reaching RV parks near Hewlett often involves navigating challenging routes. One Liberty Harbor visitor advises, "Getting in and out of the city is an adventure. Stay right off the highway to avoid the $30 tunnel toll. Follow RV life pro and not Waze." When traveling to campgrounds, be aware that "New York's parkways have height restrictions so RVs and semis cannot travel on them without a high risk of crashing into the bridges."
