Equestrian camping options near Shrub Oak, New York remain limited within the immediate vicinity. The Jersey City area offers camping primarily designed for RVs and tent campers visiting New York City, while more traditional forest camping can be found farther west in New Jersey. Most campgrounds in the region do not provide dedicated horse facilities or corrals, requiring equestrians to seek specialized stables or private arrangements for overnight stays with horses.
What to do
Explore Manhattan access routes: Liberty Harbor RV Park serves as a strategic base for city exploration. "We spent 3 nights here last week. I was in NYC for business and we took our RV. Very convenient location. My wife visited Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island," reports Kevin A. from Liberty Harbor RV Park.
Visit Liberty Science Center: Located within walking distance of Jersey City camping areas. "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!" notes Keith and Tia S.
Hiking opportunities: The forests near the NJ/PA border provide trails suitable for day hikes. "This park feels very PA to us with rolling hills, bald-top mountains to climb (some with fire towers), and lots of water to explore," shares Harry H. about Ocquittunk.
What campers like
Alternative transportation options: Camping near public transit eliminates driving stress. "The light rail is a block away, and the path train is about 8. Getting in and out of the city is an adventure. Stay right off the highway to avoid the $30 tunnel toll," advises Joe R.
Waterfront views: Campsites with water views provide peaceful settings. "We were able to position our tent facing the lake, it was beautiful!" reports Kara L. about her experience at Ocquittunk.
Urban camping convenience: While not a traditional camping experience, city proximity has unique advantages. "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," notes Joe R. about the urban camping option.
What you should know
Site spacing varies significantly: Urban campgrounds offer minimal space between sites. "Very plain & functional, no frills but right on the harbor & on the very edge of Jersey City, close to a ferry & the train that takes u across to New York City," explains Emily L. at Liberty Harbor RV Park.
Campground amenities differ by location: Forest campgrounds provide more natural settings. "The bathrooms are clean and nicely placed. The sites had a fire ring with a cooking grate and a picnic table and were well spaced out from other sites," reports Catherine S.
Reservation requirements: Plan ahead during peak seasons as sites fill quickly. "The campground seemed pretty full in August. There are other campgrounds in this park if you can't get reservations or a spot," notes Harry H.
Tips for camping with families
Pack portable transportation: Urban camping locations benefit from alternative mobility options. "We brought scooters & had a great stay!" shares Emily L. about navigating from the campground to nearby attractions.
Seek covered gathering areas: Weather protection enhances family camping comfort. "One big positive was the covered picnic area which was a nice place to bring food and eat and hang out during the day to get out of the sun," notes Ethan K. about facilities at Ocquittunk.
Evaluate lake expectations: Water features vary in size and accessibility. "The 'lake' however, was kind of a disappointment. It was much smaller then I expected and a rather underwhelming," cautions Ethan K., useful information for families planning water activities.
Tips from RVers
Request end-row sites: Strategic site selection maximizes limited space. "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. about optimizing the urban camping experience.
Verify hookup availability: Not all campgrounds offer full connections. "Expect to pay between $35-50 for a Lyft to get to Brooklynn," notes John G., highlighting transportation costs for RV campers who need to leave their vehicles parked.
Navigate with RV-specific directions: Standard navigation apps may not account for vehicle size. "Follow RV life pro and not Waze," recommends Joe R. based on navigational challenges encountered when approaching urban camping areas with an RV.
