Camping opportunities near Inwood, New York include options within a 45-minute to 1-hour drive radius. The terrain transitions from dense urban areas to more wooded settings as you move away from the city. Weather patterns in this region feature humid summers with temperatures often exceeding 85°F and mild winters that rarely drop below freezing for extended periods, making April through October the prime camping season.
What to do
Hiking trails access: At Beaver Pond Campground, campers can explore various hiking paths connected to the historic Appalachian Trail. "There are several different trails, from platform tent spaces to those for 25' trailers. The trails in the area are friendly to hikers, bikers, and the non arthritic kneers, as most are rated moderate to challenging," notes Steve W.
Boating activities: Turkey Swamp Park offers multiple water-based recreation options with equipment rentals available. "In the summer, canoe, kayak, paddle boats, and row boats are available for rental. There is a lake with a boat dock and a small boardwalk," explains Lee D., who appreciated the variety of activities during their stay.
Archery practice: Some campgrounds provide specialized outdoor activities beyond standard camping amenities. "Plenty to do over a 2 night stay. Archery, boating, fishing, and hiking. Boat rental rates are acceptable and there are four different styles to choose from," notes Dan W. about his experience at Turkey Swamp.
What campers like
Urban proximity: Liberty Harbor RV Park stands out for its location and transportation access. "This is all about location. The closest RV park to NYC. Pluses, minutes walk to the Statue of Liberty, Liberty Science center. Two blocks away from NJ Path train into Manhattan or take the ferry to Wall Street!" writes Keith and Tia S. in their review.
Spacious campsites: Many campers prioritize having adequate space between sites. "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," according to Ethan K., who valued the privacy during his stay.
Beach access: Nickerson Beach Park Campground provides direct access to ocean beaches. "Right on the beach! Great spot to camp at if the waves are pumping at Lido Beach on Long Island," shares Michael K., highlighting the location's appeal to surfers and beach enthusiasts.
What you should know
Location challenges: Getting to Skyline RV Camp can present navigation difficulties. "The campground was pretty hard to find. We almost gave up before we found someone local who could point us to the right place. One of the reasons is that their sign is half gone, small, and very hard to read," warns arlene S.
Wildlife considerations: Bears are active in some camping areas within driving distance of Inwood. According to Elliot G., "The sites can be a bit tight, at times and you may find a few visitors, not necessarily on two legs, but always a delight."
Bathroom facilities: Facility quality varies significantly between RV parks near Inwood. At Liberty Harbor RV Park, "The bath house was above average and heated. The laundry was helpful and was acceptable," reports Joe R., while noting other aspects of the campground were less impressive.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Battle Row Campground features renovated play areas for children. "The playground is new and centrally located. They also have a horseshoe pit," mentions katrina M., providing options for family entertainment during downtime at camp.
Summer water activities: When planning summer trips with children, consider campgrounds with swimming options. "There is a 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," notes Katheryn N. about Turkey Swamp Park.
Educational opportunities: Some campgrounds offer additional learning experiences. At Liberty Harbor, "My wife visited Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The sites had electric and water and were in a fenced off section of the marina parking area," reports Kevin A., highlighting attractions beyond the campground itself.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing: Allaire State Park receives mixed reviews regarding proximity between RV sites. "Sites are a little too close together. Noisy with highway traffic. Well maintained though," advises Justin S., suggesting expectations should be managed regarding privacy.
Hookup locations: Pay attention to the positioning of utilities when setting up your RV. "Nicely wooded with water and electric. Be sure to bring extra hose because the water spigot is a distance from the electric," recommends Jean T. about Turkey Swamp Park, highlighting a practical consideration many first-time visitors miss.
Facility access: Most RV parks Inwood, New York visitors utilize have limited full hookup sites. "You can use your generator at certain hours. Their staff is friendly. I love going here," mentions Adaly about Beaver Pond Campground, noting the specific rules regarding power generation that RVers should be aware of.
