Near Port Washington, New York, RV campers typically find options within a 30-60 minute drive. Seasonal availability varies significantly between campgrounds, with most opening from April through November. Water access is limited during winter months at several facilities, and generators are prohibited at many sites.
What to do
Hiking adventures: At Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground, trails connect directly to camping areas. "We always hike to the lake here, it's a very easy hike and also very peaceful," notes a visitor to Mahlon Dickerson Reservation. The park features multiple water bodies for fishing, with "several lakes weighing over 3 pounds" according to regular anglers.
Beach access: Nickerson Beach provides convenient ocean swimming. "The beach itself is a great place to spend a summer day. 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 reviewer. Lifeguards monitor the swimming area during summer months.
City exploration: Manhattan is accessible from several campgrounds. "Short drive to Liberty Park where we got out and walked at night to admire the city skyline and Statue of Liberty at night," notes a camper from Liberty Harbor. Transit connections are available within walking distance of some camps, with a reviewer mentioning "a metro station within a 10-minute walk" at Skyline RV Camp.
What campers like
Privacy levels: Beaver Pond Campground offers well-spaced sites. "The biggest positive about Beaver Pond is how spread out it was. You definitely feel like you have your own space and are not camping on top of your neighbor," writes a camper. Many sites feature raised platforms for tents, which campers find "especially nice if it recently rained."
Off-season tranquility: Campgrounds near Port Washington transform during quieter months. A ranger at Beaver Pond noted that "during summer weekends the grounds fill up and can be quite noisy, but mid-week during the off-season it was great." Fall camping provides additional benefits with "watch[ing] the leaves change along the hiking trails" at Fahnestock State Park.
Facility cleanliness: Bathroom quality varies between sites. At Battle Row Campground, "the showers were amazing and also so clean!" according to one visitor, though other reviewers note facilities can be "run down and not well kept" depending on seasonal maintenance schedules.
What you should know
Bear awareness: Wildlife encounters require preparation at several campgrounds. At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, "there are a lot of bear warnings here so that gave us a bit of pause with our three little boys." Visitors should follow posted food storage requirements.
Reservation timing: High demand affects booking windows. For Nickerson Beach, "it's all but impossible to get an RV spot from Memorial day to Labor day," making advance planning critical. Off-season availability opens significantly, with Black Bear RV Park operating year-round.
Site differences: Campground layouts vary considerably. At Fahnestock State Park, "all sites were so different. The camp areas were secluded if you wanted more private camping (also super unique layouts)." Site selection impacts experience substantially, with one camper noting: "This is one of my favorite campsites I have been to but only because after several visits we have finally found our favorite site."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. Beaver Pond features "a playground for the kids and camp-sinks with access to water." At Battle Row, visitors appreciate that "the playground is new and centrally located."
Swimming options: Nickerson Beach Park Campground provides ocean access. "Campsite allows dogs, however, the beach does not. They have a small dog run on the other side of the large beach parking lot," notes a visitor. During post-Labor Day periods, "the beach is closed to the public, but open to people staying at the campsite."
Noise considerations: Sound levels vary by location and timing. A camper at Beaver Pond observed "a constant buzz in the air of conversation, music, laughter and shrieking toddlers. Quiet time at night is laughable." For quieter experiences, mid-week bookings are recommended.
Tips from RVers
Water connections: Hookup logistics require planning. At Mahlon Dickerson, "website lists water hook ups at long distances but they have hose reels to help with that. Our site (15) said 75' however the 50' hose reel made it to our RV connection."
Winter operation limitations: Year-round RV campgrounds near Port Washington offer varied winter services. A camper at Black Bear RV Park reported that "the heated water pipe was broken so we had no water for the night." Visitors should confirm which amenities remain operational during off-season stays.
Navigation challenges: Driving large vehicles requires route planning. Getting to Liberty Harbor requires caution, with one camper advising to "stay right off the highway to avoid the $30 tunnel toll. Follow RV life pro and not Waze." Parkway restrictions affect RV access to Long Island campgrounds, with a visitor noting, "There are height restrictions on the parkways so RVs cannot travel on them without risk of crashing."
