14 Best Places To Go For Camping In New York City

Where to go camping near New York City In 2023

Introducing the ultimate guide to camping near New York City! With so much to see and do in the city that never sleeps, it can be easy to forget about the beautiful wilderness that lies just outside its boundaries. Whether you're a seasoned camper or a city-dweller looking to escape the hustle and bustle for a weekend, there are plenty of fantastic camping spots within a short drive of NYC. From the rolling hills of Harriman State Park to the peaceful forests of High Point State Park, there's something for everyone. So pack your gear, grab your friends and family, and join us as we explore the best camping destinations near NYC.

The best places to go camping near NYC

1. Harriman State Park

Harriman State Park is a large state park located in Rockland and Orange Counties in New York. It covers over 31,000 acres and offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities including hiking, camping, fishing, boating, and skiing. The park is also known for its scenic beauty, including lakes, forests, and mountains, and is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor enthusiasts.

2. Stokes State Forest

Stokes State Forest is a large state forest located in northwestern New Jersey. It covers over 14,000 acres and offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities, including camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, and horseback riding. The forest is known for its scenic beauty, including rolling hills, waterfalls, and streams, and is a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The forest also provides opportunities for environmental education and interpretation and is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, deer, and birds.

3. High Point State Park

High Point State Park is a state park located in northwestern New Jersey, near the border with New York. The park covers over 14,000 acres and is centered around the High Point Monument, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The park offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, boating, and cross-country skiing. It is also known for its scenic beauty, including forests, lakes, and fields, and is a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Additionally, the park provides opportunities for environmental education and interpretation and is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and other species.

4. Bear Mountain State Park

Bear Mountain State Park is a state park located in Rockland County, New York. It covers over 5,200 acres and offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, boating, and cross-country skiing. The park is known for its scenic beauty, including forests, lakes, and mountains, and is a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Additionally, the park is home to the Bear Mountain Zoo, which features a variety of wildlife, including black bears, deer, and other species. The park also provides opportunities for environmental education and interpretation and is a popular destination for families, picnickers, and outdoor enthusiasts.

5. Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve

The Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve is a state park located in the Hudson River Valley of New York. It covers over 8,000 acres and offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, boating, and cross-country skiing. The park is known for its scenic beauty, including forests, lakes, and mountains, and is a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The park provides opportunities for environmental education and interpretation and is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, deer, and birds. It is also known for its stunning views of the Hudson River and the surrounding landscape and is a popular destination for sightseers and photographers.

6. Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds

Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds is likely a camping or RV park that is named after the famous short story character Rip Van Winkle, who slept for 20 years. Information regarding the specific location or details of the campground cannot be provided without more context or specific information.

7. Hither Hills State Park

Hither Hills State Park is a state park located in New York, USA. It is located on the eastern end of Long Island and covers over 1,755 acres of land. The park features a variety of outdoor recreational activities such as camping, hiking, fishing, swimming, and picnicking. It also has miles of ocean beaches, sand dunes, and rolling hills that provide stunning views of the surrounding areas. Visitors can also enjoy scenic drives through the park and explore its diverse wildlife, including various bird species and white-tailed deer.

8. Wildwood State Park

Wildwood State Park is a state park located in Suffolk County, New York, on the north shore of Long Island. It offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, and picnicking. The park also has a campground with tents and RV sites, as well as rental cabins.

9. Gunks Campground

The Gunks Campground refers to Mohonk Preserve's campground, which is located in the Shawangunk Mountains of New York State. The campground is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering scenic views and access to a variety of hiking trails and climbing routes. It features tent and RV camping sites, as well as communal facilities such as showers and toilets. Visitors can also take part in educational programs and events hosted by the preserve.

10. North-South Lake Campground

North-South Lake Campground is a camping area located in the Catskill Mountains of New York State. It is one of the largest and most popular campgrounds in the region, offering a variety of recreational activities including hiking, fishing, boating, and swimming. The campground features over 200 campsites for tents and RVs, as well as picnic areas, showers, and toilets. The scenic lake and surrounding forests provide a peaceful and natural environment for campers to enjoy. Additionally, the campground is located near several historic sites and cultural attractions, making it a popular destination for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts.

11. Hammonasset Beach State Park

Hammonasset Beach State Park is a public recreation area located in the town of Madison, Connecticut. It is the largest shoreline park in the state and features a long, sandy beach that is popular for swimming, fishing, and sunbathing. The park also has several campgrounds, offering both tent and RV camping, as well as picnic areas, showers, and restrooms. In addition to beach activities, visitors can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and nature programs offered by the park. Hammonasset Beach State Park is also a popular destination for boaters, with two launch ramps and a marina available for use.

12. Round Valley

Round Valley is a reservoir located in Hunterdon County, New Jersey. It is known for its clear waters, surrounded by rolling hills and forests, and is a popular recreation area for boating, fishing, swimming, and camping. Round Valley has two campgrounds, offering both tent and RV camping, as well as picnic areas, showers, and toilets. The reservoir is also a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts, with several trails that offer scenic views of the surrounding countryside. The area is known for its diverse wildlife, including bald eagles and other birds of prey, making it a popular destination for birdwatching.

13. Collective Governors Island

Collective Governors Island is a luxury camping resort located on Governors Island in New York Harbor. The resort offers a unique camping experience, with fully furnished tents, private bathrooms, and a range of amenities and activities for guests to enjoy. Collective Governors Island features a variety of tent styles, including glamping tents and treehouses, providing guests with a range of accommodation options. The resort also offers on-site dining, a bar, and access to the island's many parks, beaches, and historic sites. Collective Governors Island is a popular destination for visitors looking for a unique and comfortable camping experience in the heart of New York City.

14. Fahnestock State Park

Fahnestock State Park is a public recreation area located in the town of Putnam Valley, New York. The park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, boating, and camping. Fahnestock State Park features several campgrounds, offering both tent and RV camping, as well as picnic areas, showers, and toilets. The park is also a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, with several trails that offer scenic views of the surrounding countryside. In addition, the park features a beach on Canopus Lake, making it a popular destination for swimming and sunbathing during the summer months. Fahnestock State Park is known for its diverse wildlife and is a popular destination for birdwatching and wildlife observation.