Cabin camping near Inwood, New York provides options within a 60-mile radius in both New York and New Jersey state parks. The region features coastal properties along the Hudson River and Fire Island as well as inland forest settings. Winter temperatures average between 25-40°F while summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F with moderate humidity, especially at coastal locations.
What to do
Water activities at beach locations: Watch Hill Fire Island Campground offers direct beach access where campers can swim in the ocean. One visitor noted, "Beautiful location steps away from the beach. Listen to the waves crashing as you sleep and stargaze over the clear ocean."
Hiking trails: Several parks feature trail networks for day hiking. At Turkey Swamp Park, visitors can access "Several short (longest one is 2.5 miles) hiking trails that are fairly well-marked but can be a bit confusing at times. Some sections of the trails were muddy due to swamps and bogs but passable."
Seasonal activities: Winter visitors have additional options at select parks. According to one reviewer, "Bring your bow and shoot at the hay barrels. Ice skate on the lake in the winter or just enjoy a gorgeous walk in the woods" at Turkey Swamp Park.
Urban exploration: The Staten Island Gateway National Recreation Area campground offers unique urban adventure opportunities. A camper shared, "There is abandoned buildings here and you can do urban exploring. There are rangers taking you on a trek and exploring the abandoned building."
What campers like
Privacy levels: Site layout varies significantly between parks. Croton Point Park tent sites offer good separation with "Tent sites are very private with some dirt roads to exit out but thats what make it unique experience!"
Budget-friendly options: Affordable camping within reach of NYC exists at select locations. As one Staten Island Gateway visitor explained, "When it comes to getting to the usual american camping experience, this is not the place for you, however when it comes to sleeping near the city on a budget, this place will most likely work."
Proximity to attractions: Many campgrounds offer easy access to regional destinations. One camper at Watch Hill Fire Island noted, "Not ready for full on camp-life? No problem! There are shops, a restaurant and a bar a 10 minute walk away!"
Wildlife viewing: Nature encounters are common at several parks. At Croton Point Park, visitors should "keep your food in the dry bag and away from the tent or benches provided or face the packs of fearless racoons at night."
What you should know
Insects and pests: Mosquitoes and ticks are significant concerns at multiple locations. At Turkey Swamp Park, one camper warned, "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."
Bathroom facilities: Quality varies widely between parks. At Watch Hill Fire Island, "There are showers, toilets and a café" but showers at some locations lack privacy. One camper noted, "showers are not covered no curtains" at Watch Hill.
Transportation logistics: Several campgrounds require ferry transport. For Watch Hill, "You can get there by ferry. Very quiet and comfortable." Plan accordingly for this extra transportation step.
Site boundaries: Many campgrounds have unclear site demarcation. At Heckscher State Park, "There is no distinguishing separation between each site nor a designated driveway for your car- you merely pull up on the grass. It's basically like camping in your local city park."
Tips for camping with families
Activities for children: Some parks offer dedicated family programming. A Croton Point camper shared, "I took my 5 year-old-son and wife, all of us first time campers. this place was great. The site was very nice, all the people friendly and area beautiful."
Playground access: Consider parks with play areas when camping with kids. At Turkey Swamp Park, one reviewer mentioned, "Centralized playground for the kids with bathrooms and showers next door. Staff was awesome!"
Swimming options: Designated swimming areas provide safer water recreation for children. Butterfly Camping Resort received positive feedback: "The swimming pool was large and the water crystal clear... There is a dump station on the way out, and lots of play areas."
Bug preparation: Pack appropriate insect protection for children. A Turkey Swamp visitor reported, "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!"
Tips from RVers
Site sizes and access: Many campgrounds have challenging access for larger rigs. At Allaire State Park, "There is a lot to do in the area! Mountain Biking from easy, paved trails to several miles of single track with everything in between."
Hookup variations: Electrical and water connections differ by park. One Butterfly Camping Resort visitor noted, "Our site(#90) was a level pull-thru with 50-amp electric, water, sewer, and cable. It was roomy, shady, and easy to pull in and out."
Ground conditions: Site surfaces impact camping comfort. A Pine Cone Resort camper warned about "holes in road, mud everywhere" while at Butterfly, sites are "sand and dirt, so be prepared for that."
Reservation timing: Book early for popular parks. Heckscher State Park "has 69 tent/trailer sites(no hook ups)" but they fill quickly in summer months.
