M
Michael M.
Scout
ScoutTurkey Swamp Park
Water/power at the campsite, and and centrally located dump station. Lots of trees and nice separation of sites
Camping near New York, NY
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Camping options around New York City are limited but diverse, ranging from urban RV parks to more traditional campgrounds in neighboring areas. Liberty Harbor RV Park in Jersey City provides the closest camping to Manhattan, functioning primarily as a secure parking lot with electric and water hookups. Within the city proper, Collective Governors Island offers an upscale glamping experience with cabins and yurts accessible by ferry. More conventional camping can be found at Gateway National Recreation Area locations in Staten Island and Sandy Hook, where tent sites provide a more traditional outdoor experience despite their proximity to urban areas.
Mixed-use campgrounds within commuting distance of New York City balance convenience with varying levels of amenities. The majority of RV parks and developed campgrounds require reservations, particularly during summer months when availability is extremely limited. Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, typically from April through October, though a few remain open year-round. Urban camping areas often have strict regulations regarding fires, noise levels, and length of stay. Public transportation access is a significant consideration when camping near NYC, with several campgrounds strategically located near ferries, trains, or buses. A camper noted, "This is a great spot with views of Manhattan, Statue of Liberty, etc. Expect to pay pretty good to be near, but from here you can pretty much easily get anywhere in NYC."
Many visitors prioritize location over traditional camping amenities when staying near New York City. Campgrounds within the five boroughs or immediate vicinity command premium rates despite offering fewer natural features than typical rural settings. Skyline RV Camp provides city views but several reviewers mention that "it is not as lovely as it looks in the pictures" and that locations may change. Liberty Harbor RV Park receives consistent feedback about its utilitarian nature but strategic location, with one review describing it as "literally just a parking lot and quite expensive for what it is." Gateway National Recreation Area campgrounds offer more traditional camping experiences with some noting that "once in the sites, the foliage and layout perfectly cuts out the city, so it feels like real woods camping." For campers seeking more natural settings, developed campgrounds in New Jersey's state parks like Cheesequake and Harriman State Park's Beaver Pond Campground provide alternatives within a reasonable drive of the city.
Best Campgrounds near New York (67)
1. Liberty Harbor RV Park
"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."
"Very easy to hop on transit to get to New York City. People were friendly."
from $145 - $180 / night
Check Availability2. Skyline RV Camp - Non-Waterfront
from $85 - $120 / night
Check Availability3. Skyline RV Camp - Waterfront
"A little intimidating driving in to a nondescript gate at the end of a narrow street but the overall experience exceeded expectation."
from $130 / night
Check Availability4. Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area
"Boat from New York City."
"Once you are there, you can walk right across the street to a bayside inlet and sandy shore that is not highly trafficked because no one can park there except those using the campground."
from $30 - $50 / night
Check Availability5. Staten Island — Gateway National Recreation Area - CLOSED for 2025
"You have a clear view of the Narrow bridge and at night the city lights light up your surroundings light a nigh light. The camp here has 7 campsites here and it fill up really fast."
"this place is awesome when it comes to finding an affordable place to stay while in NY, this camp ground isnt your usual forest camp sites, however there are some beautiful views, and it is located in"
from $30 / night
Check Availability6. Collective Governors Island
from $529 - $1200 / night
Check Availability7. Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park
"15 dolares la noche para los que viven en el Estado de New York o New York city .. si es fuera del estado son $5 dolares mas!!"
"Drive-in tent campgrounds. Adequate restroom facilities sprinkled amongst tent sites. Some campsites have raised platforms. All sites have picnic tables and fire ring with flip-top grill."
from $17 - $20 / night
Check Availability8. Cheesequake State Park Campground
"I stayed at Cheesequake at the beginning of August and had a very positive experience."
"This park is on the list of 50 top NJ Hikes, and it has a few great trails. The trails range from easy to moderate with quite a few lookout locations."
from $200 / night
Check Availability9. Nickerson Beach Park Campground
"It’s basically a parking lot, but it’s steps away from some of the greatest waves on the east coast. Showers are clean, there’s a dog park nearby, and the island is very bikable to get around."
"Very close to everything."
10. Collective Retreats Governors Island
from $409 - $954 / night
Check Availability
Recent Camping Photos near New York, NY
230 Photos of 67 New York Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Staten Island — Gateway National Recreation Area - CLOSED for 2025
Camp Gateway- Brooklyn NY - CLOSED — Gateway National Recreation Area
Campgaw Mountain Reservation
Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area
Cheesequake State Park CampgroundK
Croton Point Park
Pleasant Valley LavenderE
Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park
Mahlon Dickerson Reservation
Wawayanda Group Shelter
Ward Pound Ridge Reservation
Tentrr Signature Site - Appalachian Trail Hilltop Hideaway - Coleman Cooking Site
Recent Reviews near New York, NY
473 Reviews of 67 New York Campgrounds
Stuart K.
LegendLowe's - W Windsor
Upscale Parking Paradise at This Home Fixer-Upper
Located just off US Route 1 in the upscale Princeton area, this spacious Lowe's serves up a surprisingly pleasant patch of pavement for weary road warriors looking to catch some shut-eye. Set back roughly 80 yards from the highway, this big blue home improvement retailer offers a generously sized parking lot with relatively manageable traffic, good maneuverability and a quieter atmosphere than you might expect from such a busy suburban retail corridor. The western and southern edges of the lot are particularly appealing for an overnight stay, and with Trader Joe's, Starbucks and several other retailers nearby, convenience certainly isn't in short supply. Better yet, the store management was friendly and accommodating when we called ahead to arrange our overnight visit.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Spacious, paved parking lot with plenty of room to maneuver larger rigs; (2) Convenient access to US Route 1 and nearby I-95; (3) Western and southern parking areas offer quieter spots away from the busiest customer traffic; (4) Excellent nearby conveniences, including Trader Joe's, Starbucks and several dining options; and (5) Friendly store management that welcomed our overnight stay, plus surprisingly good opportunities for outdoor recreation nearby.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) Some daytime retail traffic and occasional road noise, although nothing terribly disruptive; (2) No RV hookups, dump station or dedicated overnight camping facilities; (3) Parking areas closest to the store can become crowded during business hours; (4) Limited greenery and little of the scenery you'd expect from a traditional campground; and (5) While the overnight experience was excellent, this is still a commercial parking lot rather than a destination for an extended stay.
Happy Overnighting!
Maria Mercedes M.LegendRound Valley State Park Campground
Peaceful Wilderness Escape for Adventurous Families
There's something wonderfully special about escaping into nature where the only sounds are rustling leaves, birds singing and the gentle movement of water along the shoreline. Nestled among the wooded hills surrounding the beautiful Round Valley Reservoir, this rustic SP campground offers families a chance to disconnect from everyday distractions and enjoy a little wilderness adventure together. Unlike traditional campgrounds, the campsites are accessible only by hiking or boating, so getting anywhere here requires some planning and a willingness to travel light. Once you've arrived, you'll find secluded, wooded campsites with picnic tables, fire rings and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Amenities are basic, with pit toilets and no showers, but the beautiful reservoir, scenic hiking trails, fishing and kayaking opportunities more than make up for the lack of modern conveniences. Our kids loved exploring the woods, spotting wildlife and gathering around a crackling campfire at night to share stories beneath the stars. For families comfortable with the hike, I'd recommend choosing one of the campsites along the reservoir shoreline for the lovely water views and peaceful surroundings. Just remember that swimming is limited to the park's designated beach area. Round Valley isn't your typical family campground, but for adventurous families who enjoy hiking, camping under the stars and making wonderful memories together, it's a beautiful place to experience nature at its finest!
Edwin R.ScoutCheesequake State Park Campground
Park uses county cops to shut down park by 9pm.
On Friday, September 4, 2026, I rented a trailer and brought my family to Cheesequake State Park to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary over the extended Labor Day weekend. Around 9:20 PM—well before the park's designated 10:00 PM quiet hours—we were sitting inside our canopy, playing Jenga, and listening to low background music. Two officers from the Matawan Police Department approached our campsite. They were polite and courteous, simply offering a standard reminder to wrap things up by 10:00 PM. Before they could leave, however, a third, senior officer intervened. Wanting to"show them how it's done," he made the two polite officers return and stand by to watch as he demonstrated how to aggressively harass campers. Flashlight in hand, the senior officer approached with an immediate hostile attitude, treating us like criminals as he demanded to know who rented the site. He began reiterating rules and claimed we had too many vehicles. We had three cars, one belonging to my brother-in-law's girlfriend, who was visiting with her daughter. She had paid the$10 visitor fee at the main office and was instructed by staff to obtain the gate access code from us, the primary renters, if she got locked in. No staff member ever informed her of an 8:00 PM visitor departure deadline, leading us to reasonably assume visitors were permitted until quiet hours began at 10:00 PM. The officer rudely snapped that she had been given wrong information. The senior officer then used profanity in front of three small children, aggressively telling her to ("get her shit and get the fuck out!") in that manner or use profanity, the officer went from hostile to furious. He angrily declared that these were official violations and threatened that he could be issuing us tickets instead. Desperately searching for anything and everything to throw at us, he demanded that we turn off our idling car—which was supplying power to our campsite—and instructed us to make sure the campfire was doused before shutting down for the night. He then proceeded to shine his flashlight into our private setup—including our canopy, tents, and the inside of our trailer—searching for any other possible violation while the two polite officers were forced to watch. What was supposed to be a special 10th wedding anniversary celebration with my family was completely ruined by a senior officer misusing his authority to put on an unnecessary display of intimidation. Worse than just ruining our night, he spent that evening teaching those two police officers how to be bad cops. He corrupted two officers in real time, demonstrating firsthand exactly why most people have lost faith in the police force. The next day we was ready for them. We turned off our lights and quietly by the fire while they went next door to harass an asian family that had just set up camp and had their leds lights on.
- eedgar V.Scout
Black Bear RV Park
Super clean and quiet
Past reviews has mentioned that the office seems to be closed often, while I found that to be true I had no reason to contact anyone. This is definitely one of the cleanest quiets site I’ve ever visited
- KKelly B.
GuideClarence Fahnestock State Park Campground
Check site photos first
Definitely a wide variety of sites—look at the site pictures before booking—there are two areas where it’s just an open field with bonfires and picnic tables that I’d avoid. I could see a large group going there or something but personally it doesn’t offer any privacy.
BUT if you book one of the other sites that DOES have privacy you’ll be in camping heaven. The “hike in” sites are more like “walk-in,” I was worried at first but it’s some are as little as a few yards from the road. The most annoying part was lugging the cooler back and forth, but totally worth it
- KKelly B.Guide
Stephens State Park Campground
Great last min getaway
Booked the day before—even on the holiday weekend! Just 1.5 hours outside of NYC, site was a bit close to the neighbors (fire pit was very far back and basically in the neighbors’ campsite, but we put up a “privacy clothesline” and hung a tarp over it for a bit of extra coverage.
The staff was friendly and helpful, they said it was the busiest they’ve seen the campground all year (there were lots of large groups but everyone seemed to settle down by 9:30pm
Poison ivy was EVERYWHERE at our site so make sure to stick to the open areas and the paths. Lots of families around, we felt very safe Bathrooms were fine—it was my impression they’re usually cleaner but the high traffic of the weekend left a bit to be desired, (lots of families around=dirty diapers in the bathroom trash bin) but it’s camping! I’m not gonna argue w a flushing toilet!
- JJoyceScout
Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park
Bare bones
No hookups. It was wooded, quiet and dark at night. I used the dump station on my way out. The first time I ever saw a poop fountain. The sewer opening sticks up above ground level. The cover swivels away, so I couldn't put it on top of my hose. And then, when I tried to rinse it, there was nowhere for it to go, because the inlet is elevated.
Tabatta C.ScoutVoorhees State Park Campground
Clean and well maintained!
I spent 4 days and 3 nights with my 6th grade Girl Scouts. We were at sites 23 and 24 which worked out great because they back up against each other. The bathrooms were super clean and well maintained. There are outlets at the bathroom building by the sink to charge any electronics. The playground is adequate and the field is big for playing. There are many things to do close by too like the observatory, Round Valley beach, Grounds for Art, etc. We all really enjoyed ourselves and plan on returning.
Guide to New York
Camping options near New York, New York require strategic planning, especially during peak season when sites fill quickly. Terrain varies dramatically between urban settings and the more wooded locations in neighboring states, with elevation changes most notable at campgrounds like Harriman State Park. Seasonal rainfall affects camping conditions, with spring campsites often muddy and summer bringing higher humidity levels to waterfront locations.
What to do
Beach activities at Nickerson Beach Park: This Long Island destination offers direct beach access ideal for swimming, surfing, and shoreline exploration. As reviewer Michael K. notes, it's a "Great spot to camp at if the waves are pumping at Lido Beach on Long Island." The campground is approximately 30 miles from Manhattan, requiring about an hour's drive in good traffic.
Hiking at Croton Point Park: Located along the Hudson River, this park features multiple walking paths and trails outside the campground area. "There are walking paths outside of the campground that are located within the park," mentions a reviewer, while another adds that "it's a good park/camp for groups" with amenities like a model airplane airfield and playground.
Historical exploration at Sandy Hook: This Gateway National Recreation Area location provides educational opportunities about military history. One camper shared that "The history housed on this base, with a hanger were full of old planes where dedicated veterans worked diligently to restore them, provided us up close inspection of multiple planes." The site also has connections to Amelia Earhart, who reportedly took off from this base.
Urban adventures from Liberty Harbor RV Park: Use this Jersey City base for New York City explorations. "The light rail is a block away, and the path train is about 8," notes one camper. Another adds, "Very easy to hop on transit to get to New York City. People were friendly."
What campers like
Transportation convenience: Several campsites offer strategic public transit access. At Liberty Harbor, reviewers appreciate that "from here you can pretty much easily get anywhere in NYC" and that you can "take the ferry to Wall Street" or use nearby train connections. Some campers bring alternative transportation, as one mentions: "We brought scooters & had a great stay!"
Natural breaks from urban settings at Beaver Pond Campground: This Harriman State Park campground provides a more traditional outdoor experience. A visitor noted, "The campground was clean and quiet. RV hook-ups, tent platforms, and rustic tent sites were available," while another appreciated the "spread out" nature of sites: "You definitely feel like you have your own space and are not camping on top of your neighbor."
Platform tent sites: Several campgrounds offer raised platform sites for tenting, particularly valuable during wet weather. At Beaver Pond, a camper mentioned, "Many of the camping options were on platforms which is especially nice if it recently rained or if you are expecting rain during your stay."
Off-season tranquility: Several reviewers recommended visiting during shoulder seasons. At Beaver Pond, "Ranger said that during summer weekends the grounds fill up and can be quite noisy, but mid-week during the off-season it was great."
What you should know
Limited privacy at many sites: Urban proximity often means less seclusion. At Cheesequake State Park, a reviewer noted the "camping area is located on a loop road" with "not enough trees and folage to provide any privacy," while Croton Point features sites that are "very clustered together, and quite crowded."
Environmental challenges: Some campsites face noise or environmental issues. At Cheesequake State Park, "the Parkway is right there so its not a nice quiet place," while one visitor noted, "it would make a better day trip, family BBQ location."
Wildlife encounters: Several campgrounds report regular wildlife activity. At Croton Point, campers are advised to "Keep your food in the dry bag and away from the tent or benches provided or face the packs of fearless racoons at night."
Reservation complications: Getting reservations can be challenging, especially for popular sites. At Nickerson Beach Park, "It's all but impossible to get an RV spot there from Memorial day to Labor day," while Croton Point's "reservation process is a bit wonky. You need to call (no online reservations) and then wait for an e-mail."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds provide recreational facilities for children. At Croton Point Park, one family appreciated the "playground within sight of our camper," making supervision easier while setting up camp.
Educational opportunities: Gateway sites offer learning experiences. At Sandy Hook, families can explore military history where "dedicated veterans worked diligently to restore" historic planes, including access to "a mini-sized glider which we were granted personal access to get into."
Beginner-friendly options: Cheesequake State Park offers an accessible experience for new campers. A reviewer called it "a great site for those who are not avid campers. It's close to town if you forget something and it has all the facilities you may need, bathroom, shower, etc."
Swimming options: Beaver Pond Campground provides lake access. "They have a beach," mentions one reviewer, while another adds the campground is "just steps away from Welch Lake, offering a lifeguard monitored sandy beach which is open during the summer season for swimming."
Tips from RVers
Strategic parking at Skyline RV Camp: Request specific sites for better views. One RVer suggests, "I couldn't find a map prior to my booking but would suggest requesting the highest number site available for best direct views."
Expect basic RV setups: Many NYC-area RV parks prioritize location over amenities. Liberty Harbor is described as "basically a gravel parking lot, with water and electricity" where "larger rigs will barely have a yard." Another adds it's "literally a parking lot with a dump station."
Plan for limited hookup options: Available services vary widely between parks. At Beaver Pond, "No site offers electric or water hook up," but camp amenities include "a moderately stocked store, public bath houses, a laundry facility, playground for the kids and camp-sinks with access to water."
Navigation challenges: Specialized routing may be required for large vehicles. When traveling to Liberty Harbor, one RVer advised to "Stay right off the highway to avoid the $30 tunnel toll. Follow RV life pro and not Waze," while another noted New York parkways have height restrictions that can damage RVs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near New York, NY?
What camping is available near New York, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, New York, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 67 campgrounds and RV parks near New York, NY and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near New York, NY?
Which is the most popular campground near New York, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near New York, NY is Liberty Harbor RV Park with a 3.8-star rating from 16 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near New York, NY?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near New York, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near New York, NY.
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