The glamping experience in Queens, New York extends beyond the immediate borough into surrounding areas within a 1-2 hour drive. Most options sit at low elevations under 500 feet, with seasonal temperatures ranging from 25-85°F depending on the time of year. Several locations maintain year-round operations despite the Northeast's variable weather patterns, with specific restrictions during winter months.
What to do
Hiking accessible trails: Turkey Swamp Park offers several short hiking trails that are fairly well-marked but can be occasionally confusing. "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 one visitor who gave the park 4 stars.
Archery practice: Turkey Swamp Park maintains an archery range for guests seeking target practice. A visitor mentioned, "We go every year. It has everything the outdoorsman could ask for. Bring your bow and shoot at the hay barrels."
Winter recreation: Seasonal activities continue even in colder months at some locations. One Turkey Swamp Park visitor noted, "Ice skate on the lake in the winter or just enjoy a gorgeous walk in the woods."
Biking to beaches: Allaire State Park offers excellent biking access to coastal areas. As one camper shared, "Did a weekend bikepacking trip from New Brunswick to Allaire. Big sites that you can hear the highway from. A really nice bike ride to Ocean Grove and other beach towns."
What campers like
Spacious camping areas: Many glamping sites near Queens provide ample space between campsites. At Turkey Swamp Park, a reviewer noted, "Sites are all level, very generous in size, and reasonably spaced apart for privacy. A lantern hook, picnic table, and fire ring complete each site."
Clean facilities: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation maintains well-kept restrooms and camping areas. "Very clean and quiet. Website lists water hook ups at long distances but they have hose reels to help with that," commented a visitor who appreciated the thoughtful amenities.
Family-friendly activities: Multiple water-based options exist at several glamping locations. One Turkey Swamp visitor shared, "Turkey Swamp is a great spot, a lot of different things to do. Fishing, Tent Camp, Van Camping, Open Field, BBQ, Kayaking, Canoeing. The list goes on. I've been here a few times, every time I'm here I barely touch my phone."
Digital disconnection: Moon Valley Campground provides a retreat from technology without sacrificing comfort. "This was a great campsite nestled in the foothills of Northern NJ on the NY border. Small, clean with great views and great location for hiking, cruising etc," explained a visitor who appreciated the balance of nature and convenience.
What you should know
Military-only options: Some glamping sites near Queens are restricted to military personnel. At West Point FMWR Round Pond Recreation Area, one visitor clarified: "Unfortunately for me, Round Pond is camping reserved for active and retired military personnel only. We drove through and the whole space is rather large. There are several signs everywhere making it clear that it is only for military."
Pest considerations: Be prepared for insects at certain times of year. A visitor to Turkey Swamp Park warned, "I was so excited when we got here. The sites are spacious and it's really beautiful. But by the 2nd day I had 3 ticks on me. My dog had one and by the end my husband had 2."
Seasonal variations: Round Pond Recreation Area experiences significant seasonal differences. "Unfortunately, due to our early start in the camping season the weather did not allow us to enjoy fishing or the beach or water hook ups, however all areas looked well maintained," reported a spring visitor.
Cell service limitations: Network coverage varies by location and provider. A Round Pond visitor noted, "Just a note to other campers with T-Mobile, we did not have any service on the campsite, however just a hop in the car or a quick walk down the mountain for 5G service near the entrance off the main road."
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly sites: Turkey Swamp Park offers dedicated areas for children. "We went camping with our 2- and 3-year-old kids. We were worried about bugs, but we didn't even use mosquito repellent and didn't get a single bite! The campground was super clean too. It was perfect!" reported one satisfied family.
Age-appropriate playgrounds: Multiple play areas accommodate different ages at some locations. A Turkey Swamp Park visitor observed, "There are age-appropriate playgrounds both in the campground and by the office."
Diverse water activities: Camp Glen Gray provides varied recreational options for different skill levels. "Cabins are always clean and stocked with firewood. Lots of hiking trails. Trading post is well stocked and volunteers are always friendly and able to answer any questions," noted a family that frequents the location.
Tips from RVers
Hose length requirements: When glamping in RVs near Queens, be prepared for variable hookup distances. A visitor to Mahlon Dickerson mentioned, "Our site (15) said 75' however the 50' hose reel made it to our rv connection."
Bathroom accessibility: Consider proximity to facilities when selecting sites. A Turkey Swamp reviewer advised, "There are not a lot of camping opportunities in NJ, and this was a nice one. The campground is in five loops with the bathhouse located in the D Loop."
Parking considerations: Some locations have specific vehicle limitations. An Adventure Bound Camping visitor reported, "Tight site & hard to get in/out for big rigs," indicating that larger RVs may face challenges at certain glamping sites.
