RV campgrounds near Old Westbury, New York sit within Nassau County's coastal plains, approximately 45-60 feet above sea level with temperatures averaging 75°F during summer camping season. The area features transitional forest and wetland ecosystems with campers experiencing moderate humidity from May through October. Year-round facilities maintain varying levels of accessibility with winter camping options limited to specific locations.
What to do
Beach access: 5 miles from shore: At Nickerson Beach Park Campground, campers can enjoy ocean activities with convenient site proximity. "The beach itself is a great place to spend a summer day and I have gone several times. They recently installed a path that goes all the way down to the beach area so you don't have to walk on the sand for so long," reports one visitor.
Historical trails: varied difficulties: Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground offers Revolutionary War-era hiking paths. "A tree with a couple medium-size dead limbs was above the ideal place to pitch the tent. The site comes with a picnic table (it was in OK shape) and a fire ring with removable grate, as well as a standing-level charcoal BBQ grill. This site and several others on the opposite (west) side of Pelton Pond had easy access to the 1.5 mile Pelton Pond hike loop."
Wildlife viewing: dawn/dusk best: Beaver Pond Campground provides opportunities to observe local fauna. "A quick 40 minutes north of NYC, Harriman State Park has an eclectic little campground called Beaver Pond. The grounds are just steps away from Welch Lake, offering a lifeguard monitored sandy beach which is open during the summer season for swimming, fishing, and small boat craft further out."
What campers like
Low-crowd weekday options: $15-35 per night: Campers appreciate the quieter camping experience at Battle Row Campground outside peak seasons. "This was my first time camping here and I was amazed at how clean the sites were & quiet the campground was. The camp office workers are SO friendly and helpful. The sites have provided electric and water and are kept so clean. They have shower and restroom facilities, the showers were amazing and also so clean!"
Year-round availability: limited winter services: Several campgrounds remain operational through colder months. One camper shared, "This campground is old and there isn't much there, but it depends on why you're camping whether that matters to you. We wanted to be by the beach and we were. There are lots of RVs but not close to tent sites. There were lots of showers but only 1 was unlocked (free and with hot water)."
Public transportation access: train stations nearby: Some locations offer transit connections for campers without vehicles. At Croton Point Park, "We came in October to celebrate Halloween in sleepy hollow! This is a great campsite and reasonably priced. Was close to bear mountains state part and the train station is right there!"
What you should know
Tent site limitations: bring elevated fire containers: Fire restrictions vary between campgrounds. "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. The sites all have a table and raised BBQ 'pit' for cooking only," notes a Battle Row camper.
Urban challenges: height restrictions on parkways: RV access requires careful route planning. One camper at Nickerson Beach Park Campground shared: "I drove down from Connecticut to Long Island to find the main routes to the campsite all went through New York's parkways. There are height restrictions on the parkways so RVs and semis cannot travel on them without a high risk of crashing into the bridges and getting the tops ripped off like a tin can."
Reservation systems vary: phone vs. online: Each campground has different booking procedures. A visitor noted: "The reservation process is a bit wonky. You need to call (no online reservations) and then wait for an e-mail, but the e-mail does not tell you your assigned site; you have to wait until you check in to find out your site."
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: central locations: Heckscher State Park Campground offers family-friendly amenities. "This place is the best around for group and family camping. The entire campground is one flat open space where some sites are full in the shade and other sites (lower numbers) have lots of sun. There is a playground just for the campground."
Educational opportunities: science centers nearby: Several parks offer nature programs. "Short distance from the NYC, very organized, clean pond, has a playground, showers, bathroom. Your phone will have signal," reports a Beaver Pond visitor.
Seasonal swimming options: lifeguarded beaches: Many campgrounds provide supervised water activities. "The beach is closed after Labor Day to the public, but open to people staying at the campsite. Clean and beautiful. Great hikes," notes a Clarence Fahnestock State Park camper.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: end-row sites preferred: At Liberty Harbor RV Park, seasoned RVers recommend specific locations. "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. 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!"
Entry/exit planning: avoid tunnel tolls: Approaching some RV campgrounds near Old Westbury requires strategic routing. "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 Liberty Harbor visitor.
Electrical considerations: power location challenges: RV site layout varies considerably between parks. "All spaces are level concrete With fill hookups and attached concrete patio. Power is at the far back & sewage is in the middle (left to right). A longer camper will be parked over the sewage connection," reports a camper at NWS Earle RV Park.
