RV camping options near Woodmere, New York accommodate both weekend getaways and extended stays with several campgrounds within driving distance. Located on the southwestern edge of Long Island, Woodmere experiences humid subtropical summers and winters where temperatures rarely fall below freezing. Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from April through November, though some offer year-round availability with limited amenities during winter months.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: 5-10 minutes from camp at Turkey Swamp Park where they sell bait at the Ranger office. As one camper noted, there's a "pretty lake with good fishing" with "boat rental rates are acceptable and there are four different styles to choose from" including kayaks, canoes, paddle boats and row boats during summer months.
Beach access: 20 minutes from Allaire State Park with a bike-friendly route. According to one visitor, "A really nice bike ride to Ocean Grove and other beach towns" makes this campground an ideal base for coastal exploration without parking hassles.
Historical exploration: Visit 1770s sites in Harriman State Park. One reviewer explained that some trails go through an area with "markers showing where a house was, but most of the area has been taken back by nature leaving only a stone stair case here or a partial foundation wall there. It terminates at Iona Island Bird Sanctuary, a lovely long grassed marshland."
What campers like
Spacious, wooded sites: Privacy between RVs at Turkey Swamp Park. Campers appreciate that "sites are in the woods and widely spaced apart to give you privacy and the feeling of being out in the Forrest" and that you're "allowed to have a tent on the site with an RV at no extra charge."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses at most parks. At Nickerson Beach Park Campground, visitors found "very clean, friendly employees" and at Allaire State Park, "bathrooms were clean and warm" even during winter camping.
Urban proximity with nature access: Many camps provide an unusual blend. At Beaver Pond Campground, "a quick 40 minutes north of NYC," one camper appreciated how "the campground offers several different sites, from platform tent spaces to those for 25' trailers" with standard amenities like "picnic table and fire ring."
What you should know
Travel restrictions for RVs: Approach carefully as parkways around Long Island have strict height restrictions. One camper at Nickerson Beach Park warned that "getting an RV spot there from Memorial day to Labor day" is "all but impossible," requiring early reservations.
Variable seasonal access: Most campgrounds close partially or fully in winter. Beaver Pond is "open during the summer season for swimming, fishing, and small boat craft" but services are limited off-season.
Wildlife considerations: Prepare for insects and animals. At Turkey Swamp Park, one camper reported "by the 2nd day I had 3 ticks on me. My dog had one and by the end my husband had 2," suggesting proper tick prevention is essential. At Harriman, visitors are greeted with "Welcome to Bear Mountain" and given "the run down on bear activity in the area."
Tips for camping with families
Playground facilities: Multiple options at Battle Row Campground where "the park is clean the bathrooms are well maintained and there is a playground for the kids." Sites are also "set back off a common area so there is plenty of privacy."
Water recreation: Swimming areas with lifeguards at several parks during summer. Beaver Pond offers "a lifeguard monitored sandy beach which is open during the summer season" and Turkey Swamp Park provides "kayaking, boating, fishing, and hiking" options that one family found "perfect" for their 2- and 3-year-old kids.
Educational opportunities: Historical sites nearby many campgrounds. Allaire State Park features a "working village and antique train are available most of the year" and "lots of festivals throughout the summer months" that can engage children of different ages.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Choose carefully for specific needs. At Liberty Harbor RV Park, campers suggest you "pick one of the larger end row sites to get a little extra elbow room" as "if it's packed, your neighbor with be within inches of your rig."
Access to NYC: Public transportation nearby certain RV parks. Liberty Harbor offers excellent city access as "there is a ferry 100-yards away that takes you to Wall Street M-F" and "the path train is about 8 [blocks away]" that "can take you to WTC or 33rd Street area."
Utility hookup specifics: Some campgrounds have unusual setups. At the National Guard Training Center RV Sites, "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," requiring additional planning for waste disposal.
