Camping in New York City, New York: Best New York City Campgrounds 2024

United States
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New York
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New York City

95% (1448 reviews)

Popular camping styles for New York City

Available this weekend

Top camping destinations

Hickory Run State Park

1188 campgrounds

Wharton State Forest

671 campgrounds

This area is incredible gorgeous. I loved the small-town feel, seeing the local cabins and adventuring through the creeks.

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

Under $50

100%

(8)

Ash to Oak Farm

1 site · Tent175 acres · Lafayette, NJ

Welcome to our picturesque 175 acre bison farm in northern NJ. We have woods for hiking, a pond for fishing and bison to view! One hour from NYC and close to Stokes State Forest, Sussex county fairgrounds, Skylands Ball Stadium and much more. Escape the busyness of city life and unplug for a fee

The Dominion House Farm and Trails

4 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Washingtonville, NY

This historic renovated farm offers four sites convenient from Interstate 84, the NYS Thruway Interstate 87, and Route 17/Interstate 86. Site 1 is a leveled stone pad easily accessible from the paved driveway, in front of two rustic barns where campers enjoy 30 amp electric service and a picnic table. Sites 2, 3 and 4 are in a private field (w/o service) each including a picnic table and fire ring. There are 40 acres of walking trails, and miles of adjacent rail trails for hiking/mountain biking from your site. Visit Brotherhood winery/restaurant, local breweries, Storm King Art Center, Washington's Headquarters, Motorcylepedia, Lego Land, Woodbury Commons Premium Outlets, Resorts World Casino, and more.

Paradise Valley Homestead

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents33 acres · West Milford, NJ

GREAT NEWS!!! As of April 5th, my long awaited 1st Glamping site is available for booking! Please read the description carefully of the "Gypsy Rose Vardo", to see if it's the right fit for you. We also have 10 large camping sites available on our 33 acre property located in Northwest NJ. Sites 1 through 4 are on mowed, fairly level fields and are large enough for campers or RV's up to 30ft, or a couple of tents, and sites 5 and 6 are further back in the woods, available only for a few small tents, sites 7 through 10 are much further into the property and are only accessible with a high clearance AWD or 4WD SUV or you can park and hike your gear in. There are 3 compost toilet outhouses spread out through the Hipcamp, so it's an easy walking distance from any site. Although we are only 2 1/2 miles from a main highway, the last 2 miles are on a dirt road with no houses. We are surrounded by protected land, so no neighbors and lots of wildlife, including the occasional bear, coyote or raccoon. Keep all food items secured. Because we are surrounded by protected land we are not sprayed for insects, so be safe and do tick checks often and bring the bug spray. We are 45 minutes from NYC or the Delaware Water Gap and an hour away from the NJ shore. There are horse farms nearby that offer trail rides. We are also close to the Highland and Appalachian Hiking trails. There are two reservoirs within a 20-minute drive for canoeing or kayaking. There are walking trails through our property, including a ten-minute hike on a marked trail to a small waterfall in a ravine.

92%

(19)

20 acre fallow farm 10 acres forest

1 site · RV, Tent32 acres · Pine Island, NY

Learn more about this land: We are a working small grains farm on the black dirt region of Orange County. Some of the best soils around. When it’s rainy the fields are quiet mucky and the dirt stick to everything. But there are plenty of grassy areas. NO REMOVAL OF FLORA OR FAUNA FROM THE PROPERTY.

Destination Farnch

2 sites · Tents25 acres · Peekskill, NY

The Farnch: A developing Destination Farm Come have a picnic under a tree, spend a few hours and go for a hike in Hudson Highland Gateway Park, a Historic 352-acre park offering hiking, birding, cross-country skiing, fishing & snowshoeing. He have rods and tackle to rent or buy if you don’t have your own. If you’re having a really great time and the kids just don’t want to leave, join us for an evening of sleeping under the stars in the forest at one of our campsites. We also host local Scout Groups, and Appellation Trail hikers. Hikers know that we are located about 2 miles south of the route 9 trail crossing at the Appalachian Market and offer pick up and drop off service from there on weekends. Hudson Valley is a wonderful 4 season go to location and being about an hour away from New York City you won’t spend hours in the car before being able to stretch your legs.

12 top campgrounds in New York City

99%

(1338)

Paradise Valley Homestead

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents33 acres · West Milford, NJ

GREAT NEWS!!! As of April 5th, my long awaited 1st Glamping site is available for booking! Please read the description carefully of the "Gypsy Rose Vardo", to see if it's the right fit for you. We also have 10 large camping sites available on our 33 acre property located in Northwest NJ. Sites 1 through 4 are on mowed, fairly level fields and are large enough for campers or RV's up to 30ft, or a couple of tents, and sites 5 and 6 are further back in the woods, available only for a few small tents, sites 7 through 10 are much further into the property and are only accessible with a high clearance AWD or 4WD SUV or you can park and hike your gear in. There are 3 compost toilet outhouses spread out through the Hipcamp, so it's an easy walking distance from any site. Although we are only 2 1/2 miles from a main highway, the last 2 miles are on a dirt road with no houses. We are surrounded by protected land, so no neighbors and lots of wildlife, including the occasional bear, coyote or raccoon. Keep all food items secured. Because we are surrounded by protected land we are not sprayed for insects, so be safe and do tick checks often and bring the bug spray. We are 45 minutes from NYC or the Delaware Water Gap and an hour away from the NJ shore. There are horse farms nearby that offer trail rides. We are also close to the Highland and Appalachian Hiking trails. There are two reservoirs within a 20-minute drive for canoeing or kayaking. There are walking trails through our property, including a ten-minute hike on a marked trail to a small waterfall in a ravine.

The Dominion House Farm and Trails

4 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Washingtonville, NY

This historic renovated farm offers four sites convenient from Interstate 84, the NYS Thruway Interstate 87, and Route 17/Interstate 86. Site 1 is a leveled stone pad easily accessible from the paved driveway, in front of two rustic barns where campers enjoy 30 amp electric service and a picnic table. Sites 2, 3 and 4 are in a private field (w/o service) each including a picnic table and fire ring. There are 40 acres of walking trails, and miles of adjacent rail trails for hiking/mountain biking from your site. Visit Brotherhood winery/restaurant, local breweries, Storm King Art Center, Washington's Headquarters, Motorcylepedia, Lego Land, Woodbury Commons Premium Outlets, Resorts World Casino, and more.

Destination Farnch

2 sites · Tents25 acres · Peekskill, NY

The Farnch: A developing Destination Farm Come have a picnic under a tree, spend a few hours and go for a hike in Hudson Highland Gateway Park, a Historic 352-acre park offering hiking, birding, cross-country skiing, fishing & snowshoeing. He have rods and tackle to rent or buy if you don’t have your own. If you’re having a really great time and the kids just don’t want to leave, join us for an evening of sleeping under the stars in the forest at one of our campsites. We also host local Scout Groups, and Appellation Trail hikers. Hikers know that we are located about 2 miles south of the route 9 trail crossing at the Appalachian Market and offer pick up and drop off service from there on weekends. Hudson Valley is a wonderful 4 season go to location and being about an hour away from New York City you won’t spend hours in the car before being able to stretch your legs.

Mountain Top Camping

7 sites · RVs, Tents113 acres · Great Meadows, NJ

Private 100+ acre farm covering the peak of one of the tallest mountains in New Jersey with scenic views of the Delaware Water Gap. Rolling fields with woods mixed in with miles of trails to hike and explore. Multiple secluded camping sites throughout the farm. Guests can expect to see sheep and their livestock guardian dog out in one of the fields. Many things to do near by. Mountain Lake has a public beach a few minutes away. Go rafting down the Delaware River less than 30 min away.

Skyline RV Camp

32 sites · RVs4 acres · New York City, NY

WE ARE OPEN Stellar Views and Fresh Waters - New York City has never looked better! The campground is situated right next to the East River which boasts killer views of the Manhattan Skyline any time of day! The space is a massive open concrete surface lot a few foot from the East River. The lot is a private property and is monitored by the 24/7 security in the adjacent building. The subway is 4 blocks away (G Train, Greenpoint Ave stop) which will take you to the city in under 30 minutes. Greenpoint Ferry stop is a few blocks away which will take you to midtown Manhattan in no time! Please note, that you might benefit from using a trucker app called "Trucker Path" while getting here since in some areas of Brooklyn you can't drive an RV. ** Site #'s are not official, you are paying for the accommodation of a hookup or non hookup space, the on-site manager will give you an official site when you arrive**

20 acre fallow farm 10 acres forest

1 site · RV, Tent32 acres · Pine Island, NY

Learn more about this land: We are a working small grains farm on the black dirt region of Orange County. Some of the best soils around. When it’s rainy the fields are quiet mucky and the dirt stick to everything. But there are plenty of grassy areas. NO REMOVAL OF FLORA OR FAUNA FROM THE PROPERTY.

100%

(2)

Forest Treasure Island

10 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents7 acres · Wilton, CT

We invite you to enjoy a stay in our spacious, modern farm, set on 7 acres of diverse land. Experience your stay in a large yurt nestled in the heart of a picturesque forest. Start your mornings with a delightful breakfast made from the freshest ingredients: gather vegetables from our organic garden, savor our home-laid chicken ducks eggs and fresh goat milk, brew local herbal tea, and enjoy wild berries, apples, pears, mushrooms, wild nuts and figs from the forest (fruits available July to October). Wild ramson is available spring time Our property is home to friendly rabbits, various breeds of chickens, ducks, goats, dogs, and cats. We happily welcome your four-legged friends too! (Please contact us with details of your dog.) For children aged 2 to 13, we offer a wonderful playland with organic sand, ample space to explore, a treehouse, and other playground obstacles. Meanwhile, adults can immerse their feet in a river stone bath for a natural massage and enjoy the aroma of cedar wood. Professional masseur is available upon request for additional payment. I bet you never had it better 🤩. Additionally, a little creek runs through the property, and in the evenings, you can relax by a cozy campfire. Our residence is located in a prestigious town in Connecticut, just 15 minutes from the ocean in Westport and 30 minutes to Stamford. Shops are within walking distance, yet you'll still be surrounded by nature, far from the hustle and bustle of roads and city life. We invite you to immerse yourself in the tranquility and natural beauty of our property, where diverse treasures await!

Ash to Oak Farm

1 site · Tent175 acres · Lafayette, NJ

Welcome to our picturesque 175 acre bison farm in northern NJ. We have woods for hiking, a pond for fishing and bison to view! One hour from NYC and close to Stokes State Forest, Sussex county fairgrounds, Skylands Ball Stadium and much more. Escape the busyness of city life and unplug for a fee

98%

(24)

Luxury Camping at 'Higher Ground'

1 site · Lodging7 acres · Putnam Valley, NY

We have a 1 night minimum, but reservations of 2 or more nights will receive a 10% refund when you book!!! HIGHER GROUND sits at the very southern tip of Clarence Fahnestock State Park. It's the ideal getaway if you want to explore Fahnestock, check out neighboring Cold Spring, Beacon, Peekskill, or just want to hang out at the site and read/relax by a campfire. We're only 1.5 miles from a SECRET entrance to Fahnestock and the trailhead to Candlewood Hill, one of the park's most exquisite views.. Just 2.5 miles away is a main parking lot and the hub for several other hiking trails including Catfish Loop, Three Lakes, Old Mine Railroad and the famed Appalachian Trail. We can provide you with a trail map and help plan your hike. Swimming at Canopus Lake is only 7 miles away. Other Fahenstock activities include fishing, boat rentals, biking, and snowshoeing/x-country skiing in the winter. Both the Glynwood Center for Regional Food and Farming and Stonecrop Gardens are only about 8 minutes away. 15 minutes to the west, poised on the Hudson River is the historic colonial town of Cold Spring, with shopping, lovely restaurants, plenty of natural attractions and a picturesque riverfront. 30 minutes northwest is the more bustling hipster vibe of Beacon with coffee shops and live music venues, and 20 minutes southeast puts you in the heart of downtown Peekskill with Hudson Valley MOCA and the Paramount Theater.

100%

(15)

Apothecary Gardens NY

2 sites · Lodging1 acres · Warwick, NY

Learn more about this land: Camp out in our beautiful 18' organic cotton tipi handcrafted by a small group of artisans in OR. The tipi is fully equipped with a full-sized futon, cot, chairs, mats and a fire pit. See all that Warwick has to offer including hiking trails, lakes, wineries, breweries, cideries and orchards as well as a charming town with lots of shops and restaurants. Come and visit our seasonal healing garden space featuring various vegetable and flower gardens. With heavy rains parts of the tipi may get wet. That being said we have had several guests enjoy their stay despite the rain. We are more flexible with cancellation dependent on weather.

88%

(8)

Moon Valley Campground

5 sites · Lodging, Tents27 acres · Vernon, NJ

Located 50 miles from midtown Manhattan (approx 1:08 minutes) is our brand new campsite located right off the Appalachian Trail. The camp is at the base of Wawayanda mountain right between the iconic hikes "Stairway to Heaven" and "Pochuck Boardwalk" on the Appalachian Trail. Hike right from camp up to "Pinwheel Vista" (named one of NJ's best viewpoints!) At the entrance to the property is the Valley Farmers Cooperative that sells local grass fed meats and artisanal farm goods. You can walk two minutes to Heaven Hill Farm which has plenty of goods, produce, and fun fall activities like pumpkin picking and haunted hayrides. Drive your car from route 94 directly to your campsite nestled in the woods with a great view of the valley. A perfect getaway from the city with plenty to offer. About 10 minutes down 94 is the beautiful town of Warwick or about 4 minutes in the opposite direction is the town of Vernon. Warwick is a quaint small town with plenty of great restaurants and bars, and famous for its apple picking. Vernon has plenty to offer as well including the popular ski resort/waterpark Mountain Creek and Minerals Spa (Located just under 10 minutes away.) The quiet charm of Wawayanda State Park appeals to hikers, campers, swimmers and boaters. Forested hills surround Lake Wawayanda creating a restful backdrop for canoeists and fisherman, while steep mountains challenge casual as well as serious hikers. A twenty-mile stretch of Appalachian Trail runs through the park, while the top of Wawayanda Mountain offers sensational views. More than sixty miles of trails are marked in the park.

100%

(16)

1. Robin's Hood

7 sites · Tents2 acres · Central Valley, NY

2 sites.: Robin's Hood and Lola's Loop. Both wooded and natural. short walk to town for restaurants or supplies. Woodpeckers, deer, rabbits .opossums, racoons live there too. Pick up fire kindling near grounds. Bring camperLoo or shovel. Robin's Hood spacious site has 2 benches, plenty of kindling , raised copper campfire. Park there. . Lola’s Loop site is smaller and very private surrounded by natural habitat accessible by short path. No table or bench. Metal campfire holder. No toilet or furniture. Close to: AT, Woodbury Common. West Point and Storm King art Center, Hudson River

Star Hosts in New York City

99%

(1338)

Paradise Valley Homestead

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents33 acres · West Milford, NJ

GREAT NEWS!!! As of April 5th, my long awaited 1st Glamping site is available for booking! Please read the description carefully of the "Gypsy Rose Vardo", to see if it's the right fit for you. We also have 10 large camping sites available on our 33 acre property located in Northwest NJ. Sites 1 through 4 are on mowed, fairly level fields and are large enough for campers or RV's up to 30ft, or a couple of tents, and sites 5 and 6 are further back in the woods, available only for a few small tents, sites 7 through 10 are much further into the property and are only accessible with a high clearance AWD or 4WD SUV or you can park and hike your gear in. There are 3 compost toilet outhouses spread out through the Hipcamp, so it's an easy walking distance from any site. Although we are only 2 1/2 miles from a main highway, the last 2 miles are on a dirt road with no houses. We are surrounded by protected land, so no neighbors and lots of wildlife, including the occasional bear, coyote or raccoon. Keep all food items secured. Because we are surrounded by protected land we are not sprayed for insects, so be safe and do tick checks often and bring the bug spray. We are 45 minutes from NYC or the Delaware Water Gap and an hour away from the NJ shore. There are horse farms nearby that offer trail rides. We are also close to the Highland and Appalachian Hiking trails. There are two reservoirs within a 20-minute drive for canoeing or kayaking. There are walking trails through our property, including a ten-minute hike on a marked trail to a small waterfall in a ravine.

Destination Farnch

2 sites · Tents25 acres · Peekskill, NY

The Farnch: A developing Destination Farm Come have a picnic under a tree, spend a few hours and go for a hike in Hudson Highland Gateway Park, a Historic 352-acre park offering hiking, birding, cross-country skiing, fishing & snowshoeing. He have rods and tackle to rent or buy if you don’t have your own. If you’re having a really great time and the kids just don’t want to leave, join us for an evening of sleeping under the stars in the forest at one of our campsites. We also host local Scout Groups, and Appellation Trail hikers. Hikers know that we are located about 2 miles south of the route 9 trail crossing at the Appalachian Market and offer pick up and drop off service from there on weekends. Hudson Valley is a wonderful 4 season go to location and being about an hour away from New York City you won’t spend hours in the car before being able to stretch your legs.

The Dominion House Farm and Trails

4 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Washingtonville, NY

This historic renovated farm offers four sites convenient from Interstate 84, the NYS Thruway Interstate 87, and Route 17/Interstate 86. Site 1 is a leveled stone pad easily accessible from the paved driveway, in front of two rustic barns where campers enjoy 30 amp electric service and a picnic table. Sites 2, 3 and 4 are in a private field (w/o service) each including a picnic table and fire ring. There are 40 acres of walking trails, and miles of adjacent rail trails for hiking/mountain biking from your site. Visit Brotherhood winery/restaurant, local breweries, Storm King Art Center, Washington's Headquarters, Motorcylepedia, Lego Land, Woodbury Commons Premium Outlets, Resorts World Casino, and more.

Luxury Camping at 'Higher Ground'

1 site · Lodging7 acres · Putnam Valley, NY

We have a 1 night minimum, but reservations of 2 or more nights will receive a 10% refund when you book!!! HIGHER GROUND sits at the very southern tip of Clarence Fahnestock State Park. It's the ideal getaway if you want to explore Fahnestock, check out neighboring Cold Spring, Beacon, Peekskill, or just want to hang out at the site and read/relax by a campfire. We're only 1.5 miles from a SECRET entrance to Fahnestock and the trailhead to Candlewood Hill, one of the park's most exquisite views.. Just 2.5 miles away is a main parking lot and the hub for several other hiking trails including Catfish Loop, Three Lakes, Old Mine Railroad and the famed Appalachian Trail. We can provide you with a trail map and help plan your hike. Swimming at Canopus Lake is only 7 miles away. Other Fahenstock activities include fishing, boat rentals, biking, and snowshoeing/x-country skiing in the winter. Both the Glynwood Center for Regional Food and Farming and Stonecrop Gardens are only about 8 minutes away. 15 minutes to the west, poised on the Hudson River is the historic colonial town of Cold Spring, with shopping, lovely restaurants, plenty of natural attractions and a picturesque riverfront. 30 minutes northwest is the more bustling hipster vibe of Beacon with coffee shops and live music venues, and 20 minutes southeast puts you in the heart of downtown Peekskill with Hudson Valley MOCA and the Paramount Theater.

1. Robin's Hood

7 sites · Tents2 acres · Central Valley, NY

2 sites.: Robin's Hood and Lola's Loop. Both wooded and natural. short walk to town for restaurants or supplies. Woodpeckers, deer, rabbits .opossums, racoons live there too. Pick up fire kindling near grounds. Bring camperLoo or shovel. Robin's Hood spacious site has 2 benches, plenty of kindling , raised copper campfire. Park there. . Lola’s Loop site is smaller and very private surrounded by natural habitat accessible by short path. No table or bench. Metal campfire holder. No toilet or furniture. Close to: AT, Woodbury Common. West Point and Storm King art Center, Hudson River

Dog-friendly getaways

98%

(22)

Mountain Top Camping

7 sites · RVs, Tents113 acres · Great Meadows, NJ

Private 100+ acre farm covering the peak of one of the tallest mountains in New Jersey with scenic views of the Delaware Water Gap. Rolling fields with woods mixed in with miles of trails to hike and explore. Multiple secluded camping sites throughout the farm. Guests can expect to see sheep and their livestock guardian dog out in one of the fields. Many things to do near by. Mountain Lake has a public beach a few minutes away. Go rafting down the Delaware River less than 30 min away.

Destination Farnch

2 sites · Tents25 acres · Peekskill, NY

The Farnch: A developing Destination Farm Come have a picnic under a tree, spend a few hours and go for a hike in Hudson Highland Gateway Park, a Historic 352-acre park offering hiking, birding, cross-country skiing, fishing & snowshoeing. He have rods and tackle to rent or buy if you don’t have your own. If you’re having a really great time and the kids just don’t want to leave, join us for an evening of sleeping under the stars in the forest at one of our campsites. We also host local Scout Groups, and Appellation Trail hikers. Hikers know that we are located about 2 miles south of the route 9 trail crossing at the Appalachian Market and offer pick up and drop off service from there on weekends. Hudson Valley is a wonderful 4 season go to location and being about an hour away from New York City you won’t spend hours in the car before being able to stretch your legs.

Skyline RV Camp

32 sites · RVs4 acres · New York City, NY

WE ARE OPEN Stellar Views and Fresh Waters - New York City has never looked better! The campground is situated right next to the East River which boasts killer views of the Manhattan Skyline any time of day! The space is a massive open concrete surface lot a few foot from the East River. The lot is a private property and is monitored by the 24/7 security in the adjacent building. The subway is 4 blocks away (G Train, Greenpoint Ave stop) which will take you to the city in under 30 minutes. Greenpoint Ferry stop is a few blocks away which will take you to midtown Manhattan in no time! Please note, that you might benefit from using a trucker app called "Trucker Path" while getting here since in some areas of Brooklyn you can't drive an RV. ** Site #'s are not official, you are paying for the accommodation of a hookup or non hookup space, the on-site manager will give you an official site when you arrive**

Paradise Valley Homestead

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents33 acres · West Milford, NJ

GREAT NEWS!!! As of April 5th, my long awaited 1st Glamping site is available for booking! Please read the description carefully of the "Gypsy Rose Vardo", to see if it's the right fit for you. We also have 10 large camping sites available on our 33 acre property located in Northwest NJ. Sites 1 through 4 are on mowed, fairly level fields and are large enough for campers or RV's up to 30ft, or a couple of tents, and sites 5 and 6 are further back in the woods, available only for a few small tents, sites 7 through 10 are much further into the property and are only accessible with a high clearance AWD or 4WD SUV or you can park and hike your gear in. There are 3 compost toilet outhouses spread out through the Hipcamp, so it's an easy walking distance from any site. Although we are only 2 1/2 miles from a main highway, the last 2 miles are on a dirt road with no houses. We are surrounded by protected land, so no neighbors and lots of wildlife, including the occasional bear, coyote or raccoon. Keep all food items secured. Because we are surrounded by protected land we are not sprayed for insects, so be safe and do tick checks often and bring the bug spray. We are 45 minutes from NYC or the Delaware Water Gap and an hour away from the NJ shore. There are horse farms nearby that offer trail rides. We are also close to the Highland and Appalachian Hiking trails. There are two reservoirs within a 20-minute drive for canoeing or kayaking. There are walking trails through our property, including a ten-minute hike on a marked trail to a small waterfall in a ravine.

The Dominion House Farm and Trails

4 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Washingtonville, NY

This historic renovated farm offers four sites convenient from Interstate 84, the NYS Thruway Interstate 87, and Route 17/Interstate 86. Site 1 is a leveled stone pad easily accessible from the paved driveway, in front of two rustic barns where campers enjoy 30 amp electric service and a picnic table. Sites 2, 3 and 4 are in a private field (w/o service) each including a picnic table and fire ring. There are 40 acres of walking trails, and miles of adjacent rail trails for hiking/mountain biking from your site. Visit Brotherhood winery/restaurant, local breweries, Storm King Art Center, Washington's Headquarters, Motorcylepedia, Lego Land, Woodbury Commons Premium Outlets, Resorts World Casino, and more.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

67%

(3)

Gateway National Recreation Area

New York

100%

(4)

Kittatinny Valley State Park

Swartswood State Park

Crandon Lakes, New Jersey

92%

(11)

Round Valley Recreation Area

Lebanon, New Jersey

67%

(4)

Cheesequake State Park

Laurence Harbor, New Jersey

Wawayanda State Park

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Harriman State Park

Stony Point, New York

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(4)

Stephens State Park

Hackettstown, New Jersey

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping in New York City guide

Overview

Pack your sleeping bag—yes, even for the city that never sleeps. Look beyond the busy streets of Manhattan, Staten Island, and Brooklyn, and let NYC camping surprise you. Across the boroughs, hiking trails and camping sites abound. Tent sites at Floyd Bennett Field make for a unique camping experience, while Fort Wardsworth more than accommodates all kinds of campers. Once you’ve explored the actual city, try a camping set up in New York State, New Jersey, or Pennsylvania. Check into your lake campgrounds or pitch your tent in a state park. You’ll quickly realize there’s more to NYC’s great outdoors than Central Park.

Where to go

The Gateway National Recreation Area

For a camping trip like no other, choose a park via The Gateway National Recreation Area. These NYC-area parks run the gamut, from Queens’ Breezy Point to New Jersey’s Sandy Hook. Check-in to your Sandy Hook tent site and savor your view of the Manhattan skyline. While you can certainly camp all over NYC, some of the best campgrounds are just a bridge away.

Long Island

If you’d rather go all-in on NYC’s beaches, look no longer than Long Island, which has long been a summer oasis for New York campers. Take your pick of beachfront tent sites, family-friendly RV campsites, and spacious state park campgrounds. Just don’t miss Hither Hills State Park, which is a relaxing place to spend your nights … and stretch out your days.

Make your way Upstate

For campers who prefer lush forests to sandy shorelines, drive north of NYC, where you’ll have your pick of quaint towns, gorgeous trails, and verdant trees. The Catskills are a popular getaway, as is New York’s other, major green space: the Adirondacks. If you’d rather stay on the other side of the Hudson River, explore Fahnestock State Park and Canopus Lake.

When to go

A NYC summer can’t be beat, when the city’s best outdoor spaces—we’re looking at you, Governors Island—become a picnicker’s playground. During the warmest months, tent sites, as well as lake campgrounds, are at their most accessible, though the shoulder seasons shouldn’t be overlooked. New York stuns during the fall, when campsites transform into their most colorful selves. It may be too chilly to swim, but what better time to roast s’mores around your campsite’s fire ring?