Urban camping options near Queens provide access to outdoor spaces with varying levels of privacy and amenities. Campsites in this region range from parking lot-like areas in Jersey City to more traditional wooded settings in nearby counties. The New York-New Jersey metropolitan area offers camping within an hour's drive of the city with seasonal availability typically from spring to fall.
What to do
Hiking trails with views: Beaver Pond Campground at Harriman State Park offers several miles of hiking trails including portions of the historic Appalachian Trail. "Hike trails are all over the place and the lake is nearby. Definitely coming back again and making this place a regular visit for my family and friends," notes Kelvin, who appreciates the extensive trail network. The park contains hiking trails for various skill levels, from easy accessible paths to more challenging routes.
Water activities on site: At Turkey Swamp Park, campers can enjoy fishing, boating, and paddling without leaving the grounds. "Archery, boating, fishing, and hiking. Boat rental rates are acceptable and there are four different styles to choose from," explains Dan W. The park offers canoes, kayaks, paddle boats and row boats for rental during summer months, making it an ideal spot for water enthusiasts camping with pets.
Archery range: Turkey Swamp Park features a dedicated archery range where visitors can practice their skills. "Bring your bow and shoot at the hay barrels. Ice skate on the lake in the winter or just enjoy a gorgeous walk in the woods," writes Patrick M. The range provides a unique recreational option not commonly found at other campsites near Queens.
What campers like
Easy NYC access: Liberty Harbor RV Park offers unparalleled access to New York City attractions. "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," shares Emily L. The location allows campers to combine urban exploration with a camping base, providing ferry access to Manhattan just steps from camp.
Loop trails for dog walking: Blydenburgh County Park features a seven-mile loop trail around its lake that's popular with dog owners. "Great park with a nice 7 mile loop around the lake with decent fishing. Lots of horses and dogs on the trail," notes Erik R. The trail system provides pet-friendly camping options with well-maintained paths suitable for daily exercise with dogs.
Privacy in wooded sites: At Turkey Swamp Park, campers appreciate the spacious, private sites. "Sites are in the woods and widely spaced apart to give you privacy and the feeling of being out in the Forrest," explains Katheryn N. This level of separation between campsites is uncommon near urban areas and offers a more natural camping experience for those seeking pet-friendly camping near Queens.
What you should know
Seasonal tick concerns: Several parks in the region have issues with ticks, particularly Turkey Swamp Park. "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," warns Laura Y. When camping with pets near Queens, thorough tick checks are essential after hiking or spending time in wooded areas.
Road noise at some parks: Cheesequake State Park is convenient but experiences noise from nearby highways. "The Parkway is right there so its not a nice quiet place," notes Stacey R., highlighting a common issue at parks close to urban areas. This ambient noise can affect some campers and pets sensitive to sounds, particularly at sites located near park boundaries.
Wildlife encounters: Raccoons and other wildlife visit many campsites, especially at Croton Point Park. "Keep your food in the dry bag and away from the tent or benches provided or face the packs of fearless racoons at night," warns Anil S. Proper food storage is crucial for safety and preventing wildlife conflicts when camping with pets near Queens.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Croton Point Park offers playground facilities visible from campsites. "Peaceful and gorgeous campsite, with plenty of space between sites. Great view of the Hudson, and playground within sight of our camper," writes Thomas. This visibility allows parents to supervise children while maintaining their campsite.
Beginning camper friendly: Cheesequake State Park provides an accessible introduction to camping for families new to the activity. "This is 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.," explains Maggie A. The park's amenities and proximity to services make it ideal for families trying camping for the first time.
Bug-free experiences: Some sites report fewer insect issues than expected. At Turkey Swamp Park, one camper noted: "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!" This can be particularly important for families with young children when seeking pet-friendly camping near Queens.
Tips from RVers
Space between sites: Nickerson Beach Park Campground on Long Island offers RV sites with more separation than some urban options. "Very clean, friendly employees," notes Theresa G. The campground provides designated pet areas, though dogs aren't allowed directly on the beach.
Water hookup logistics: At Turkey Swamp Park, RVers should come prepared with additional equipment. "Nice, remote, private. Some sites unlevel. Bring a LONG water hose. Nice lake. Showers and washers and dryers," advises Shawn. This practical tip helps RVers adequately prepare for the hookup configuration at this pet-friendly campground near Queens.
Off-season benefits: Many campgrounds near Queens are less crowded during non-summer months. "We would only consider staying here again during the 'off-season' months when the campground isn't busy," notes Ericka T. about Liberty Harbor. Weekday camping during spring and fall offers quieter experiences with more space between occupied sites, creating a more comfortable environment when camping with pets.
