Best Campgrounds near New York City, NY
Camping options near New York City range from simple parking areas to glamping retreats, creating an unusual urban camping landscape. Liberty Harbor RV Park in Jersey City offers water and electric hookups within sight of the Statue of Liberty, while Collective Governors Island provides glamping and cabin accommodations on the harbor. Several campgrounds operate as part of Gateway National Recreation Area, including sites at Sandy Hook and Staten Island, with varying levels of amenities. Beaver Pond Campground at Harriman State Park represents one of the more traditional camping experiences available within driving distance of the city.
Most campgrounds near New York City require reservations and fill quickly during peak season from April through October. RV parks often have limited space and operate primarily as parking areas with basic hookups. Gateway National Recreation Area campgrounds typically offer primitive camping with minimal amenities, while state parks provide more traditional camping facilities including showers and picnic areas. Urban noise, limited space, and proximity to densely populated areas characterize the camping experience. "This is not your usual forest camp sites, however there are some beautiful views, and it is located in the middle of Staten Island. When it comes to the usual American camping experience, this is not the place for you," noted one camper about the Staten Island Gateway campground.
Campers consistently mention location as the primary benefit of New York City area campgrounds rather than natural features or amenities. Liberty Harbor RV Park receives mixed reviews for its basic facilities but high marks for convenience to Manhattan. "If you're planning on seeing everything NYC has to offer, you can't get a better base camp unless you got a room in the city," one visitor explained. Public transportation access represents a key advantage for many sites, with several campgrounds offering walking distance to ferries, buses, or trains into Manhattan. The limited number of campgrounds results in high demand and relatively high prices compared to more rural areas. Camping areas often feature urban views rather than natural settings, with the city skyline and bridges visible from many sites. Mixed-use campgrounds combining RV sites with tent camping or glamping are common in this unique urban camping environment.