Ingrid's Corner

The 5 Best RV Parks in New York

by Ingrid
New York City skyline

Traveling can be enlightening, adventurous, exciting, yet sometimes boring, especially when the landscape we’re driving through is mundane. This past week while rolling through America’s Great Plains, Al and I found ourselves reminiscing about past travels and discussing future travels.

We’ve always enjoyed traveling. After all, Al and I met while working in the airline industry. These days we prefer RVing, but back then, we couldn’t wait to jump on an airplane and travel to some new to us location. One city we often visited was New York City. There were times, we’d hop on the first-morning flight out of Chicago, land at LaGuardia Airport and shop and explore the city before taking a late night flight back home. Ah, memories! There are times I’d love to go back and even explore more of New York State.

We recently enjoyed a lengthy conversation with new RV friends who travel predominantly in the east. They shared some of their favorite RV spots in New York …

Visiting New York in an RV

Traveling in an RV is a great way to bring a little piece of home with you while seeing everything the country has to offer, and there’s no destination more exciting than New York City (NYC). While Hello Big Apple reminds travelers that RVs aren’t allowed to park in NYC’s city spaces for more than 24 hours, there are ways to work around this rule if you want to see the Big Apple in your RV — especially as it is a cost-effective way to see the best of the U.S.

And when it comes to costs, it’s no surprise that NYC has a reputation for being one of the most expensive cities in the world. In fact, a feature by Yoreevo notes that the current average price of a Manhattan apartment is $2 million, a hefty price tag that trickles down to its hotels and restaurants, and makes it less accessible to some budget travelers. However, this reputation also means that tourists are now looking to what New York, as a state, also has to offer. Indeed, the number of natural parks and hiking paths within New York State make it a top travel destination even for those who prefer a more outdoorsy getaway. NYC’s accessible public transportation means that you can park your RV outside the city center and still be able to roam around the Big Apple before exploring the rest of the state. Meanwhile, these RV parks also offer lots of adventurous options. Here are some top recommendations:

Camp Gateway

You don’t have to travel very far from this RV park to get to NYC – Camp Gateway is located in Brooklyn. The park is set in a rustic, wooded area within the Gateway National Recreation Area. Since the park is located next to Jamaica Bay, you’re just a bus ride away from the epicenter of NYC.

Liberty Harbor RV Park

Located in Jersey City in nearby New Jersey, this particular park is the go-to for visitors who want to see as much of NYC as they can. The PATH train connects New Jersey to Manhattan and is a mere 15 minutes away from Liberty Harbor. The park also offers great amenities, with full electric, water, and sewage facilities alongside 24/7 security on the premises.

Nickerson Beach Campground

This is the RV park for those who want a relaxing beach escape after exploring NYC, as you can park your RV just 2 minutes away from the shore. The campgrounds are located by the South Shore of Long Island. Moreover, visitors have long hailed the camp’s serene atmosphere, which provides the perfect setting for watching the summer sunset with the city behind you.

Robert H. Treman State Park

While NYC might be your main destination, one of the best parts about traveling in an RV is exploring the greater area around your RV park. Save up one free day to go around the Robert H. Treman State Park on a bike or on foot, or venture on the more exciting side and tackle one of Robert H. Treman’s nine hiking trails. When you’re done exploring, take a dip in the many waterfalls that the park has to offer — there are twelve, to be exact.

Branches of Niagara Campground and Resort

This RV park offers the best of both worlds, with Buffalo, New York being 15 minutes away on one end and the Niagara falls being 10 minutes away on the other. This is a great option especially for families who prefer to have an outdoorsy vacation; the Buffalo Zoo and Buffalo Museum of Science are nearby options in case you want to see something else.

Thank you, Julie and Josh, for sharing your favorite New York RV Parks and beautiful images!

31 thoughts on “The 5 Best RV Parks in New York”

  1. Pingback: 5 Ballparks For An RV Tour Of America’s Pastime – Live Laugh RV

  2. We had parked not camped at Liberty Harbor RV Park, pricey but the only one that gets you close in the big apple. Driving there from Connecticut thru Manhattan to the Jersey Turnpike was one of the most stressful drive we ever had. We won’t do again but glad we survived.

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    1. I remember you’re visit to the area. Driving Phoenix traffic with the RV is bad enough. So I can’t even image the stress with that grueling drive back east. I’m glad I visited NYC regularly when I was younger and don’t feel a need to return.

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  3. These look like great tips to see the Big Apple and beyond! Being close to the beach and the city sounds wonderful.

    We are currently on our way to Niagara Falls. On the Canadian side though, as we’ve heard horror stories of the crowds on the New York side. Plus, there are a few attractive boondocking spots close to the falls in Canada, while Walmart is the only option on the US side. 🙂

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    1. I’ve never been to Niagara Falls but have heard that the Canadian side is a must. I look forward to your photos and post on the area as well as your boondock location. Hope you’re able to avoid crowds.

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  4. Well New York is not somewhere I would have guessed had areas to welcome RVs! Good tips from your friends on another way to visit the Big Apple!

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    1. Yes, one wouldn’t normally put together New York City and RVing, but we have several friends who have visited the Big Apple with their RV’s … well, stayed outside of the city with the RV and then ventured in on public transportation. A fun way to visit!

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  5. As much as we’ve RV’d all around the east coast, we still have yet to take the rig to NYC (we’ve traveled there countless times, just not in the RV). We’ve heard fantastic things about Liberty Harbor with it’s easy access to the Path train, but man, that’s gonna be a stressful trip. Some day though….

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    1. I do my best to avoid stressful situations these days which is why I’m not sure how far east of the Mississippi we’ll ever travel with the RV. We’re in WI this summer and may head over to Sault Ste Marie and that may be the furthest east we go. But then again, I have been known to change my mind on a whim 😏

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  6. Ingrid,
    Once again, you’re ahead of me. We are RVing in upstate New York in August. We will spend a week at Chataqua then travel up to the 1000 Islands on the Canadian border. After a few weeks around Lake Ontario, we will wind up in Niagara and need a campground. Bingo! Here comes Ingrid with another suggestion. Thanks! Great post and I’ll let you know how it works out. JB

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    1. Sounds like you have another epic RV trip in the plans. Hopefully, you’ve managed to get the RV repaired and are ready for the next trip. I look forward to your posts ☺

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    2. Hi Joe and Ingrid,
      We loved our visit to the Finger Lakes region of NYS. While there we spent time in Letchworth State Park which is home to the “Grand Canyon of the East” and is quite spectacular. We did not camp there but did tour their campground…looked nice. Don’t miss the 3 waterfalls on the Genesee River or the multitudes of wineries around the Finger Lakes, particularly Keuka Lake.

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    1. Although I haven’t been to upstate NY, I would probably agree. These days, I’m more partial to small towns and nature. Even though we spend our winters in Phoenix, we stay on the outskirts surrounded by nature. With that said, my daughter would really like to visit NYC and it’s in contention for one of our mother/daughter adventures.

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  8. I have not been to NYC….yet. Great post! I hope to go there, but may have to go w/o the hubs!

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    1. NYC is definitely not everyone’s cup of tea. I’m glad I spent time there when I was younger, but now I much prefer less hustle and bustle.

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  9. Being an original true “Upstate” New Yorker I had not known of these NYC camping areas. I would also invite anyone who makes it that far to drive just 100 miles North to experience the beauty of the lakes, ponds campgrounds and hiking trails in the Adirondack Mountains. If you like peace and tranquility, a campfire on a deserted pond’s shore, fly fishing a famous trout river or hiking up a mountain just to enjoy the panoramic view – this is the place – and you will come back. Great job always Ingrid and Al!

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    1. Aside from NYC itself, I personally have not explored much of the state. Thanks for sharing a bit more about NYS. Sounds like some fun and beautiful places to visit.

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  10. We have talked to a few people who have visited New York in their RV and loved it. We just can’t wrap our minds around it. The bussle of the city is just not something we desire to see. You know us, we love the country and hiking trails in the great wide open! Great information for those who like to visit cities though!

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    1. After having spent a few days hanging out with you guys, I can’t imagine you two wanting to visit a big city especially one as large as NYC. However, you’re really missing out with the live theater considering how much you and I enjoy that kind of thing 😉😆💃

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  11. This was great to read of the campgrounds you discovered in and around the NYC area. We lived on the west side of the state and always headed out of NYS on adventures. There are so many wonderful campgrounds in the Adirondacks that we visited and will return for their pristine beauty. We have spent many, many weekends, weekdays enjoying the sights and sounds of the Big Apple. Great post.

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    1. Glad you enjoyed the post. There’s so much diverse beauty to see in each state that’s it’s just a matter of time and priorities … time being the biggest factor. Ah, so many places, so little time 😊

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  14. I’m so glad you did this post! I was lucky enough to road trip with my sisters much of the east coast, including making our way through NYC. It was hectic though, driving. Then we got lost in the subway… it’s a blur. I don’t know why I never thought about returning but my hubby has never been, and I think we should all see NYC at least once in our life! Thank you!!! Great post!

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    1. So glad you found this post helpful. I totally agree that everyone should visit this city at least once. Seems like once you hit the road in your RV, you now know where to stay so you can share the Big Apple with your husband.😊

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