You’ve been cooped up at that desk all week, and you know that a walk in Central Park isn’t going to get you the nature fix you need. The good news: There are plenty of parks and campgrounds near New York City. We’ve included some that you’ve heard of, and some that you probably haven’t. From campgrounds with activities for the kids, to campsites that you have to hike five miles to reach, there is something here for everyone.
New York
Fort Wadsworth: Staten Island, NY
Image by MonaLisa NYC
Fort Wadsworth has a great view of the harbor and is a small campsite that will provide a nice getaway still within the confines of the five boroughs. There are are plenty of activities for the family, and the sites are large enough to accommodate six people. The sites have fire rings, and you can purchase firewood on-site.
Recent campers say: “A really cool place to visit.” “One of my favorite spots in NYC.” “Very interesting,”
Fort Wadsworth
210 New York Ave.
Staten Island, NY 10305
718-354-4655
For reservations, please visit the website
Floyd Bennett Field: Brooklyn, NY
Image by Nicole C.
Floyd Bennett Field is an old airport that was taken over by the National Park Service. Fishing, hiking, biking, kayaking, swimming and even archery can be enjoyed at this park. The archery range has 8 to 10 targets and can be used as part of your camping reservation.
Recent campers say: “You’d never believe this is NYC.” “A mysterious, almost exotic getaway.” “A lot of open space.”
Floyd Bennett Field
1427 Flatbush Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11210
718-354-4606
For reservations, please visit the website
Beaver Pond Campgrounds: Stony Point, NY
TEMPORARILY CLOSED
Image by Andrei Poletaev
This place is nice and close to NYC, but during peak season it can get a little crazy. Large groups like Beaver Pond, so if you’re looking for a quiet getaway, this might not be the best choice for you. That said, there’s fishing and hiking. It’s a great place, but be prepared for a bit of a scene during the busy season.
Recent campers say: “My favorite campground near NYC.” “A great first camping experience.” “Noisy at night.”
Beaver Pond Campgrounds
700 Kanawaukee Rd.
Stony Point, NY 10970
845-947-2792
Fahnestock State Park: Carmel, NY
Image by Camille Winter
Fahnestock State Park is a 14,086-acre park with a lot for you to see and do, including the Hudson River Birding Trail. Birders will be in awe at the wide variety of species available for viewing. Fishing on Canopus Lake is also excellent. You can rent a rowboat at the park office use your own as long as you obtain a permit. The park also has excellent cross-country skiing and snowshoe trails for winter recreation.
Recent campers say: “My favorite of the state parks.” “This state park is a treasure.” “Quaint little beach.” “Great, underutilized park.”
1498 Route 301
Carmel, NY 10512
845-225-7207
$15+ per night
For reservations, please visit the website
Wildwood State Park: Wading River, NY
Image by Manny X
Wildwood State Park offers 600 acres of undeveloped beauty for the adventurous spirit. Biking, fishing, hiking and stand-up paddleboarding are the main activities that bring visitors to the park year after year. The rugged, yet beautiful beach at Long Island Sound is also quite swimmable.
Recent campers say: “An awesome place to spend time.” “Very peaceful and quiet.” “Beautiful park.”
Wildwood State Park
790 Hulse Landing Rd.
Wading River, NY 11792
631-929-4314
For reservations, please visit the website
New Jersey
Wawayanda Campground: Hewitt, NJ
Image by Karen Jiang
Wawayanda State Park is set at the site of an old iron smelting town. Many of the structures from that time are still visible. The 255-acre Wawayanda Lake provides almost every watery recreation your heart desires. Paddleboats, canoes, kayaks and more can be rented daily. There are more activities here than you’ll know what to do with—or maybe you’ll just do nothing, which is also encouraged.
Recent campers say: “As a family, we have been going here for years.” “The hike was fantastic.” “Nice place for a family outing in the summer.”
Wayayanda Campground
885 Warwick Turnpike
Hewitt, NJ 07421
973-853-4462
For reservations, please visit the website
Cheesequake State Park: Matawan, NJ
Image by Michael Spencer
Cheesequake State Park has a nature center and plenty of hiking trails. Activities include camping, boating, swimming, fishing and canoeing. The campsites are private, and the small six-acre lake feels like you have it all to yourself.
Recent campers say: “Park is good for hiking.” “Blue trail here is perfect for kids.” “The park is great in late winter.”
Cheesequake State Park
300 Gordon Rd.
Matawan, NJ 07747
732-566-2161
For reservations, please visit the website
Allaire Campground: Farmingdale, NJ
Image by Rob Chalfant
Allaire State Park has something for everyone. With tents, yurts and shelters, every type of camper will be happy. There is an interpretive center and historic village, and even horseback trails if you’re feeling adventurous. Other activities include hiking, mountain biking and fishing.
Recent campers say: “Overall, a good weekend.” “A good cheap place to stay.” “Some pretty tight spots.”
Allaire Campground
4265 Atlantic Ave.
Farmingdale, NJ 07727
732-938-2371
For reservations, please visit the website
Stephens State Park: Hackettstown, NJ
Image by Margaret Shaefer
Stephens State Park has 805 acres of trails and streams that will make any nature lover smile. The Musconetcong River has excellent trout fishing and is stocked with brown, rainbow, and brook trout annually. Not surprisingly then, fly fishing is quite popular here. There are 6 miles of trails for walking, hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding.
Recent campers say: “The water is calm and peaceful.” “Big trees, beautiful walks by the creek.” “Campsites are all very close to the river.”
Stephens State Park
800 Willow Grove St.
Hackettstown, NJ 07840
908-852-3790
For reservations, please visit the website
Kittatinny Valley State Park: Newton, NJ
Image by Christian Arnold
Kittatinny Valley State Park is over 5,000 acres and has four lakes for fishing, boating and kayaking. One of the lakes is the deepest natural lake in New Jersey. There are are two rather long trails for experienced hikers and bikers. The Paulinskill Valley Trail is 27 miles long and passes through rural landscapes and deciduous forests. The Sussex Branch Trail is 20 miles long and skirts lakes, fields and several small communities. There is also geocaching available in the park for those looking to hunt treasure.
Recent campers say: “Beautiful scenery and lots of trails.” “The grounds and trails were near perfect.” “Not a large park, but has a variety of offerings.”
Kittatinny Valley State Park
199 Goodale Rd.
Newton, NJ 07860
973-786-6445
For reservations please visit the website
Round Valley Recreation Area: Lebanon, NJ
Image by Elizabeth M.
Round Valley Recreation Area is home to a 2,000-acre reservoir, the deepest in New Jersey, at 180 feet. The Round Valley Reservoir is stocked with lake trout, making for excellent fishing, and is managed as a trophy lake. Excellent water clarity also makes it popular with scuba divers. The camping here is great if you’re looking for seclusion. It has 85 wilderness family campsites that are from three to six miles in.
Recent campers say: “A very nice state park.” “The water is crystal clear in the main reservoir.” “A little bit of everything.”
Round Valley Recreation
1220 Lebanon-Stanton Rd.
Lebanon, NJ 08833
908-236-6355
For reservations, please visit the website
Spruce Run Recreation Area: Clinton, NJ
Image by George Brown Jr.
At 2,030 acres, Spruce Run is the third largest reservoir in New Jersey. The 29 species of fish that live in it make it a popular fishing destination. The 150-mile long Highlands Trail also runs through Spruce Run. The 2.6-mile section within the park takes hikers through a beautiful pine and then maple forest before exiting onto NJ Fish and Wildlife property.
Recent campers say: “Pretty nice and clean campsite.” “Beautiful green open areas.” “Very tranquil and family-friendly.”
68 Van Syckel’s Rd.
Clinton, NJ 08809
908-638-8572
For reservations, please visit the website
Voorhees State Park: Clinton, NJ
Image by Gloria Gong
Voorhees State Park was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the mid 1930s. The park is also home to the largest working telescope available to the public in New Jersey. It’s the ideal destination for a stargazer, and programs are offered from March to November.
Recent campers say: “Absolutely beautiful park.” “Beautiful, quiet place with a new bathroom facility.” “Can’t wait to go back.”
Voohees State Park
Address: 251 County Rd. Route 513
Clinton, NJ 08809
908-638-8572
For reservations, please visit the website
Swartswood State Park: Swartswood, NJ
Image by Ashley Aiello
Swartswood State Park was New Jersey’s first state park, meant to preserve access to Swartswood Lake, the state’s third largest freshwater lake. Established in 1915, the park is a destination for water lovers from all over. In addition to anything you could possibly want to do on the water, there’s also plenty of hiking.
Recent campers say: “Great experience for my first time camping.” “Beautiful state park with a good-sized lake.” “Very clean campsite.”
Swartswood State Park
1091 E. Shore Rd.
Swartswood, NJ 07877
973-383-5230
For reservations, please visit the website
Jenny Jump State Forest: Hope, NJ
Image by Sandie Condi
Jenny Jump State Forest offers truly a unique camping experience. The 4,466-acre state forest was covered by glaciers 21,000 years ago. As they receded, they left large rock outcroppings called moraines. It makes for a stunning day of exploration. The 11 miles of hiking trails will take you up to Jenny Jump mountain for spectacular vistas so be sure to bring your camera.
Recent campers say: “Shelters are open for camping all year long.” “Amazing terrain and landscape.” “A great experience.”
Jenny Jump State Forest
330 State Park Rd.
Hope, NJ 07844
908-459-4366
For reservations, please visit the website
Stokes State Forest: Branchville, NJ
Image by Maria Zdroik
Stokes State forest is nice and large at 16,447 acres, and Sunrise Mountain is the most visited attraction. It offers an incredible view and has a shelter built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. Unique to the park is the 12.5 mile section of the Appalachian Trail running along the Kittatinny Mountain Ridge. Overnight guests can crash at Steam Mill Campground, which offers a wide variety of accommodations.
Recent campers say: “Greatest place in NJ.” “Amazing park.” “Staff is very welcoming.”
Stokes State Forest
1 Coursen Rd.
Branchville, NJ 07826
973-948-3820
For reservations, please visit the website
Washington Crossing State Park: Titusville, NJ
Image by Frank McCully
History buffs are going to love this state park, as it showcases the very spot that George Washington crossed the Delaware River on December 25, 1776 and began the march to Trenton. The area features the Washington Crossing Visitor Center Museum and the Johnson Ferry House, which was likely used by Washington for a briefing on Christmas night. There are also 15 miles of trails in park, and it is home to a wide variety of birds.
Recent campers say: “I was surprised by the Jersey park.” “Great park to walk around in.” “Poison ivy near the playground.”
Washington Crossing State Park
355 Washington Crossing-Pennington Rd.
Titusville, NJ 08560
609-737-0623
For reservations, please visit the website
High Point State Park: Sussex, NJ
Image by Keira Ezzo
High Point State Park is a small, quaint park that is a wonderful getaway for the weekend. The view from High Point Monument creates a stunning vista of three states. It also pays tribute to New Jersey’s war heroes and is the main attraction of the park. The 20-acre lake is well stocked with trout and large mouth bass, so bring your fishing kit.
Recent campers say: “Really nice, small swim beach.” “So much beautiful scenery.” “Large state park with extensive trail network.”
High Point State Park
1480 New Jersey 23
Sussex, NJ 07461
973-875-4800
For reservations please visit the website
Brendan T. Byrne State Forest: Woodland Township, NJ
Image by Ken Helsby
Brendan T. Byrne State Forest is a unique section of land, as there are depressions and foundations from an old town that used to be supported by the Lebanon Glass Works Company in the mid-1800s. These days, the 37,242 acres are yours to roam and explore. Many visitors love that you can hear the sound of the Pine Barrens Tree Frog at night. The 25 miles of marked trail and and the remains of Whitesbog Village will give you plenty to explore.
Recent campers say: “Very quiet and dark at night.” “Campsites were great.” “Trails were well marked and in good condition.”
Brendan T. Byrne State Forest
Mile Marker 1 Highway Route 72 East
Woodland Township, NJ 08088
609-726-1191
For reservations, please visit the website
Goshen Pond Camping Area: Shamong, NJ
Image by Caroline Mackenzie Kennedy
For those looking to get off the beaten path, the Goshen Pond Camping Area is secluded and not that easy to get to. The last mile is a fairly sandy road that can present challenges, which is exactly what some campers want. Those with a watercraft will have the most fun here, as the pond is fun to explore while offering good fishing. If you really want to unplug, this might be just what you’re looking for.
Recent campers say: “A true gem if you’re looking for a quiet place to camp.” “Great place to relax.” “Rough road coming in.”
Goshen Pond Camping
Shamong, NJ 08088
609-561-0024
For reservations please visit the website
Mullica River Camping Area: Hammonton, NJ
Image by David Hecker
Mullica River Camping Area is paddle-in or hike-in only campground in Wharton State Forest. This type of camping is only for those who are very dedicated to reaching a remote location. It’s about 5 miles to paddle in or 4 to 6 miles to hike in, depending on your starting point. The reward is worth it, as you will be about as unplugged as it gets. Don’t plan on fishing, as the brackish water doesn’t support marine life very well. This one is for those looking for a true adventure.
Recent campers say: “Great campsite.” “Favorite camping in South Jersey.” “Primitive [camping] only and very rough.”
Mullica River Camping Area
31 Batsto Rd.
Hammonton, NJ 08037
609-561-0024
For reservations, please visit the website
Godfrey Bridge Camping Area: Hammonton, NJ
Image by Mike/Sue User
Godfrey Bridge Camping Area, another located within the Wharton State Forest, is easy to get to and offers plenty of hiking, as well as a wading area. Bring a few tubes and you’ll be set up for a great afternoon of floating in the sunshine while decompressing.
Recent campers say: “Loved the fact that we could even winter camp there.” Lots of ticks.” “Plenty of room for whatever set up you may have.”
Godfrey Bridge Camping Area
31 Batsto Rd.
Hammonton, NJ 08037
609-561-0024
For reservations, please visit the website
Buttonwood Hill Camping Area: Hammonton, NJ
Image by Robin Lynne
The final campground of Wharton State Park on our list, Buttonwood Hill Camping Area is great for family camping. There are a lot of activities available but if you’re looking for seclusion however, this might not be the best spot for you.
Recent campers say: “Sight 9 is the best as it is furthest from the road.” “Nicely laid out campsite, easy to get to.” “The site was well-maintained and easy to find.”
Buttonwood Hill Camping Area
31 Batsto Rd.
Hammonton, NJ 08037
609-561-0024
For reservations, please visit the website
South Shore Campground: Bass River Twp, NJ
Image by Krista White
South Shore Campground in the Bass River State Forest sits on 67-acre Lake Absegami and provides excellent fishing year around. Biking, boating, fishing and swimming are the featured activities.
Recent campers say: “Nice campground.” “Quiet.” “A little expensive for dry camping.”
762 Stage Rd.
Bass River Twp, NJ 08224
609-296-1114
For reservations, please visit the website
North Shore Campground: Bass River Twp, NJ
Image by Mike/Sue User
Also located in Bass River State Forest, North Shore Campground is spacious and perfect for escaping the crowds. The park offers plenty of hiking, canoeing and swimming to keep the you occupied all weekend.
Recent campers say: “Great place with varying sites with lake views.”
North Shore Campground
762 Stage Rd.
Bass River Twp, NJ 08224
609-296-1114
For reservations, please visit the website
What are your favorite campgrounds near New York City? Tell us in the comments below.
