RV camping options near Wantagh, New York range from oceanfront locations to wooded parks within reach of New York City. The southern Long Island region features coastal camping with sandy beaches and maritime vegetation. Most campgrounds require reservations at least 2-3 weeks in advance during peak summer season when temperatures average 75-85°F.
What to do
Beach access and swimming: Nickerson Beach Park Campground provides direct beach access with lifeguard-monitored swimming areas. "We spent 2 weeks here while in assignment this spring. Clean, quiet. Very close to everything," notes one visitor, highlighting the convenience of having recreational opportunities within walking distance.
Historic village exploration: Allaire State Park, while currently closed, typically offers access to a working historic village and antique train. "There is a lot to do in the area. Mountain Biking from easy, paved trails to several miles of single track with everything in between. Working village and antique train are available most of the year," explains one camper.
Urban sightseeing from Jersey City: Liberty Harbor RV Park provides ferry access to Manhattan attractions. "Pick one of the larger end row sites to get a little extra elbow room. If it's packed, your neighbor with be within inches of your rig. Pluses, minutes walk to the Statue of Liberty, liberty Science center. Two blocks away from NJ Path train into Manhattan or take the ferry to Wall Street!" writes Keith and Tia S.
What campers like
Quick access to NYC: Beaver Pond Campground attracts campers seeking proximity to urban attractions while enjoying natural surroundings. "About 30 minutes from sleepy hollow and tarrytown NY and only an hour to central park!! Deer running everywhere and surprisingly beautiful and quaint. Free Hot showers in the bathrooms, with plenty of room to change," reports one reviewer.
Camping platforms for wet conditions: Some campsites feature raised platforms, particularly valuable during rainy seasons. "Many of the camping options were on platforms which is especially nice if it recently rained or if you are expecting rain during your stay," notes a Beaver Pond camper.
Winter camping options: Several parks remain open year-round with winter accommodations. "We found this campground one night when we were in NJ. It ended up snowing that night. The bathrooms were clean and warm," shares one visitor about Allaire State Park, describing their unexpected winter camping experience.
What you should know
Military ID requirements: Some of the best-maintained facilities require military identification. NWS Earle RV Park offers "spaces are level concrete With fill hookups and attached concrete patio. Power is at the far back & sewage is in the middle (left to right)." The reviewer notes "Laundry facilities are free for use and in like new condition."
Site separation varies significantly: Many campgrounds lack clear boundaries between sites. "The sites are designated by printing on the roads and do not have clear boundaries between them," explains a reviewer at Heckscher State Park, continuing "there aren't clear paths to the restroom building so it's not uncommon for people to cut through the edges of sites to get there."
Bring your own fire pit: Several campgrounds require campers to provide their own fire containers. "There are NO fire pits, you must bring your own. Fires are allowed but you must have a fire container or bucket for your fire off of the ground," warns one Battle Row Campground visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Heckscher State Park Campground offers dedicated play areas for children. "There is a playground just for the campground. Bring a bicycle or scooper and you can ride the loop around to the beach; you can also drive to the beach," notes a recent visitor who found the park ideal for family activities.
Group camping advantages: Some parks work particularly well for larger family gatherings. "This place is the best around for group and family camping. The entire campground is one flat open space where some sites are full in the shade and other sites (lower numbers) have lots of sun," shares Giselle P. about Heckscher.
Entertainment options: Special events and activities occur regularly at several parks. "On one visit there was a magician performing for the camp goers. I've even been there while there was a philharmonic concert near the campground," reports a Heckscher visitor, highlighting unexpected entertainment opportunities.
Tips from RVers
Ferry access from New Jersey: Skyline RV Camp and Liberty Harbor offer alternatives for visiting New York City without driving an RV into Manhattan. Liberty Harbor provides convenient transit options as "2 ferries that run to Manhattan. Path train is a 12 minute walk away that will take you to Manhattan," according to Karen S.
Elevated sewer connections: Be prepared for unusual hookup configurations at Military Park NJ National Guard Training Center RV Sites. "Only annoying thing was the sewer hookup is about 18 inches off the ground so you need to lift the hose when emptying the tanks to ensure it actually fully drains," reports Jessica D.
Avoiding parkway toll routes: When navigating to Jersey City campgrounds, be cautious about route selection. "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 Liberty Harbor camper.
