Camping near Lakeview, New York provides access to a mix of urban and natural environments across Long Island's coastal zones. The region experiences a humid continental climate with warm summers averaging 80°F and mild winters around 35°F, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons. RV sites often require advance booking 3-6 months ahead due to limited availability of electric and water hookups in the greater New York metro area.
What to do
Beach activities: Nickerson Beach Park Campground provides direct access to Atlantic Ocean beaches for swimming and surfing. One camper notes, "Right on the beach! Great spot to camp at if the waves are pumping at Lido Beach on Long Island."
Hiking trails: Blydenburgh County Park offers several miles of woodland trails around a central lake. "The hiking trails were quiet natural and clean. The trails I explored were well marked," reports one visitor who appreciated the escape from urban settings.
Water recreation: Sandy Hook at Gateway National Recreation Area provides protected bay waters for fishing and paddling alongside Atlantic beach access. A reviewer mentioned, "Ocean is close with lifeguards. Good fishing and pleasant people."
Urban exploration: Collective Governors Island offers unique accommodation with easy ferry access to Manhattan attractions. According to a reviewer, the location allows "feeling close to nature, relaxing and enjoying a peaceful space, away from the noise of the city."
What campers like
Waterfront views: Liberty Harbor RV Park in Jersey City provides panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline. A camper highlights, "Having a view of Lady Liberty out your window is priceless."
Public transportation access: Skyline RV Camp in Brooklyn puts campers within a 10-minute walk of metro stations. A visitor confirms, "The area feels safe and is pedestrian friendly, even at night," making city exploration convenient without driving.
Family-friendly amenities: Heckscher State Park Campground offers playgrounds and clean facilities for family camping. "The entire campground is one flat open space where some sites are full in the shade and other sites have lots of sun... There is a playground just for the campground," notes a frequent visitor.
Seclusion near urban areas: Battle Row Campground provides wooded tent sites within 20 miles of Manhattan. A camper appreciated that "sites are set back off a common area so there is plenty of privacy," creating a woodland feel despite the suburban location.
What you should know
Parkway restrictions: Most RV routes to Long Island campgrounds require avoiding parkways with low bridge clearances. One camper at Nickerson Beach explains, "The main routes to the campsite all went through New York's parkways. There are height restrictions so RVs cannot travel on them without a high risk of crashing into the bridges."
Fire pit requirements: Several parks including Battle Row have specific rules for campfires. As one visitor notes, "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."
Advanced reservations essential: Sites at popular locations like Heckscher State Park fill quickly during summer weekends. A visitor observed, "It's all but impossible to get an RV spot there from Memorial day to Labor day."
Ferry and train logistics: Staten Island camping requires planning around limited public transportation schedules. "A boat from New York City" is necessary to reach some locations, with operating hours typically ending by 8-10pm.
Tips for camping with families
Beachfront cottages: Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area offers structured camping within view of NYC. "Very reasonable rates to pitch a tent. You get a private space with a fire pit. Ocean is close with lifeguards," shares a family camper.
Playground access: Heckscher State Park provides designated play areas within the campground itself. A camper mentioned, "There is a shop at the entrance to get supplies if you need it and you can rent firepits and buy firewood. The ice cream trucks comes by as well."
Bathroom facilities: Battle Row maintains clean, modern restrooms. "Facilities (bathroom/showers) were clean, campsites were generously spaced, water spouts at almost every site," notes a visitor, though some locations have limited shower facilities during off-peak seasons.
Wildlife viewing: Blydenburgh County Park offers nature observation opportunities around its lake. A visitor reported seeing "deer, rabbits, turtles" during their stay, making it educational for children learning about local ecosystems.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookups: Liberty Harbor provides 30 and 50-amp connections but limited other amenities. A camper advises, "The sites had electric and water and were in a fenced off section of the marina parking area. It was a little loud with city noises, but exactly what we expected being so close."
Dump station access: Nickerson Beach Park has sanitary facilities but sometimes requires waiting. "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," warns an experienced RVer.
Site privacy: Battle Row offers more secluded sites than most metropolitan options. "This was my first time camping here and I was amazed at how clean the sites were & quiet the campground was," shares a camper who appreciated the unusual tranquility so close to urban areas.
