Best Tent Camping near Queens, NY
Tent campers seeking an outdoor experience near the urban landscape of Queens have several established options within 1-2 hours of the city. Gateway National Recreation Area offers tent camping at both its Sandy Hook and Staten Island locations, though the Staten Island site is currently closed for 2025. Battle Row Campground in Old Bethpage provides tent sites year-round in a less remote setting approximately 20 miles from Queens.
The tent sites at Sandy Hook feature fire pits and picnic tables, with some sites having wooden pavilions covering the tables. All camping at Sandy Hook requires gear to be carried in, as no vehicles are permitted at the campsites. Metal storage containers are provided for securing food from wildlife, particularly raccoons which are numerous and bold according to campers. According to one visitor, "The campground is rustic with no showers or electricity. Tenting only, with all gear needing to be carried to the site." While primitive in amenities, the campground does offer flush toilets, though no shower facilities are available.
Tent campers at Sandy Hook enjoy proximity to both bay and ocean beaches, with seven miles of shoreline accessible within the recreation area. The campground provides a central location for exploring historical military sites, lighthouse tours, and extensive biking trails. A review mentioned that "you can walk right across the street to a bayside inlet and sandy shore that is not highly trafficked because no one can park there except those using the campground." Battle Row Campground offers a different experience, with tent sites set back from common areas providing more privacy. While closer to urban areas and highways, these sites offer a convenient tent camping option without long travel times. Campers should note that Battle Row does not provide fire pits, requiring campers to bring their own fire containers for any campfires, though each site does include a raised BBQ pit for cooking.
