RV camping opportunities near Southfields, New York extend beyond the immediate area to nearby communities in the Hudson Valley region. The terrain varies from river valleys at approximately 400 feet to surrounding highlands reaching over 1,300 feet elevation. While the Ramapo Mountains provide scenic backdrops, they create navigation challenges for larger rigs on secondary roads, particularly during winter months when ice can form on steeper sections.
What to do
Fishing access: At Thousand Trails Rondout Valley in Accord, the creek that runs through the property provides recreational opportunities. "My kids had fun finding Crayfish" in the creek, according to one camper. The campground is about 45 miles north of Southfields.
Day trips to NYC: Liberty Harbor RV Park in Jersey City offers urban camping with direct access to Manhattan. "There is a ferry 100-yards away that takes you to Wall Street M-F. There is a great market about 1/4 of a mile away, and the path that can take you to WTC or 33rd Street area is only a mile away," notes one visitor. The park sits directly across from the Manhattan skyline.
Swimming options: State parks in the region maintain beaches open to campers even after the summer season ends. "The beach is closed after Labor Day to the public, but open to people staying at the campsite," reports a camper at Clarence Fahnestock State Park. The park features Canopus Lake with a sandy shoreline accessible via a short walk from campgrounds.
What campers like
Farm animal interactions: At Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort in Sussex, NJ, campers appreciate the agricultural setting. "The farm has goats, a donkey, and a pony within the campground. Very cool," writes one reviewer. Another mentions "the amazingly beautiful miniature horse that wonders around its huge pin located in the middle of the campground."
Quick overnight access: Travelers passing through value convenient highway-accessible parks. "This place is unique by location alone! We stopped for two nights on our way to CT... No frills at the site but perfect for the commuting RVers just looking for somewhere safe to sleep for the night," notes a visitor to Tri-State RV Park. Another camper calls it "a great place to pull in for the night if you are traveling. Safe, clean, and right on the Delaware River."
Privacy options: Many campgrounds offer a range of site styles. "All sites were so different. There was a storm the night before our arrival date, all campers were evacuated and they did a fantastic job clearing all the debris and downed trees before our arrival. The camp areas were secluded if you wanted more private camping (also super unique layouts)," explains a visitor to Clarence Fahnestock State Park.
What you should know
Site selection matters: Fahnestock campers emphasize choosing wisely among diverse sites. "This is one of my favorite campsites I have been to but only because after several visits we have finally found our favorite site. This place can book up during camping season in the Northeast so make sure to book early in advance."
Construction impacts: Several area campgrounds are upgrading facilities, which affects availability. At Black Bear RV Park in Florida, NY, a camper noted, "Unfortunately there was nothing on this saying that they have limited spaces due to construction or that they changed the name. We passed it up at first."
Seasonal facility closures: Winter camping comes with limited amenities. One camper at Black Bear reported, "All of their amenities/buildings were open (I was warned about this when I reserved, so it was not a surprise)... At least we had a place to park for the night, and power, but unfortunately it was very overpriced for what we got."
Tips for camping with families
Activity scheduling: Multiple campgrounds coordinate regular entertainment. "They have loads of events over the weekend," mentions a camper at Rondout Valley. Another park visitor explains, "Weekend was busy as usual but during the week it seems to be seasonal that stay."
Playground access: Mountain Top RV Park offers play facilities alongside other recreation. "They have a small playground that would be better suited for older children, and there's also a nice lounge room with games, a pool table, a tv and puzzles/board games," reports a recent visitor.
Bathroom facilities: Quality and cleanliness vary widely between locations. One camper at Thousand Trails Rondout Valley noted, "The bathrooms are clean," while another reported mixed experiences: "Bathrooms and dishwashing... UGH. So old and dirty!!!" at Fahnestock State Park despite its "clean and beautiful" beach.
Tips from RVers
Manhattan access planning: RVers staying at Liberty Harbor should plan transit carefully. "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 one experienced camper.
Weather considerations: Mountain Top RV Park visitors noted weather-related challenges: "If you're booking, it may be best to book on the upper levels because the lower area where we were did flood pretty bad a couple times when there was a lot of rain."
Service expectations: While most RV parks maintain full hookups, service quality varies. A visitor to Black Bear observed, "We had to come to the area kind of last minute, and they were very accommodating!" Sites typically include electric with 30/50-amp service, water connections, and either sewer hookups or dump stations, though some parks reduce water availability during winter months.
