RV camping options near Malverne, New York center around access to New York City while providing necessary amenities for large rigs. The region sits at sea level with moderate temperatures ranging from 30°F in winter to 85°F in summer. Most campgrounds operate seasonally from April through November, with few year-round options due to northeastern weather patterns.
What to do
Beach access at Nickerson Beach Park: Located in Lido Beach, this campground sits steps away from Atlantic Ocean beaches. "Right on the beach! Great spot to camp at if the waves are pumping at Lido Beach on Long Island," notes one visitor to Nickerson Beach Park Campground. The campground features a newly constructed path to the beach area.
NYC sightseeing from Jersey City: At Liberty Harbor RV Park, campers gain easy access to Manhattan. "We brought scooters & had a great stay! Plus you can see the Statue of Liberty from there!" shares one camper. The area offers convenient transportation options including a ferry one block away and the PATH train about eight blocks from camp.
Hiking trails at Harriman State Park: Several trail options ranging from easy to challenging exist within this park. "There are 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," notes a visitor to Turkey Swamp Park, which offers similar terrain features.
What campers like
Waterfront views at Skyline RV Camp: The Brooklyn waterfront location provides direct views of the Manhattan skyline. "It's essentially a spacious parking lot with electrical pedestals but the view of the skyline across the water is spectacular and there's a metro station within a 10-minute walk," notes a guest at Skyline RV Camp - Waterfront.
Private wooded sites at Turkey Swamp: Unlike the parking lot style setups closer to NYC, this park offers genuine forest camping. "Sites are in the woods and widely spaced apart to give you privacy and the feeling of being out in the Forrest," shares a camper at Turkey Swamp Park. The campground maintains dirt roads throughout and features pull-through sites in most loops.
Affordable camping near attractions: Some campgrounds offer reasonable rates compared to city hotel costs. A visitor to Beaver Pond Campground notes, "Camping for just $15. This is an off-grid camping experience. You can use your generator at certain hours." These lower rates provide budget options for travelers wanting to explore NYC without hotel expenses.
What you should know
Limited tent camping options: Most locations near Malverne cater primarily to RVs. One camper at Nickerson Beach Park explains, "Nickerson Beach only offers camping for RVs. I do not have an RV so I was unable to spend the night." Tent campers should specifically verify tent accommodations before booking.
Reservation challenges for popular parks: Securing spots requires advance planning. "It's all but impossible to get an RV spot there from Memorial day to Labor day. Still, it is a clean and well run campground," shares a visitor about Nickerson Beach Park Campground.
Seasonal closures affect availability: Most campgrounds operate limited seasons. Beaver Pond Campground runs "April 22 to October 9" according to their listing, while Nickerson Beach operates "April to November." Winter camping options are severely limited in the region.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several parks offer dedicated play areas for children. "They have a playground. I've been going here every summer since 2019 after it re-opened. Each site has a picnic table and grill," notes a visitor to Heckscher State Park Campground. Some campgrounds feature multiple playground options both within camping areas and in day-use sections.
Safety considerations: Urban-adjacent camping requires awareness of surroundings. "The area feels safe and is pedestrian friendly, even at night (we were there Halloween night and we took our kids out trick-or-treating just outside the gate)," reports a family staying at Skyline RV Camp in Brooklyn.
Wildlife awareness: Some parks have active wildlife that requires proper precautions. At Harriman State Park, a visitor notes, "Be Aware of Bears!! Welcome to Bear Mountain grumbles the park ranger as he sits in complete darkness!" Proper food storage is essential at wooded campgrounds in the region.
Tips from RVers
Navigation challenges: RVs face specific routing issues near NYC. "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," advises a camper at Liberty Harbor Marina. Many routes into NYC have height restrictions on parkways that prohibit RV travel.
Water connection requirements: At Turkey Swamp Park, a camper advises: "Bring a LONG water hose. Nice lake. Showers and washers and dryers." Some campgrounds position utilities awkwardly, requiring extra hose length to reach connections.
Sewer connection positioning: Many sites have challenging sewer hookup locations. A Turkey Swamp Park visitor notes, "Only annoying thing was the sewer hookup is about 18 inches off the ground so you need to lift the hose when emptying the tanks to ensure it actually fully drains." This requires special attention when connecting sewer systems.
