10 Best Family-Friendly Camping Spots Near NYC
It’s finally time we can start embracing the warmer weather and what better way to do that than to pack up the family and go camping?
Whether you’re camping for the first time or searching for a new site, these family-friendly camping spots in New York are all less than three hours from Midtown, making them perfect for a quick getaway.
Campgrounds provide New Yorkers with some reprieve from tight spaces and for the kids to enjoy time outdoors.
Sure, camping for the first time can be ‘challenging’ getting everything set up. And while we are used to streetcar honks and city sounds, the great outdoors is a whole other vibe, but this is part of the adventure, so find a camp that works for your family and enjoy!
Psst… Check out these Earth Day Events and Activities for families!
Too Long, Didn’t Read
- Camping near NYC gives families a refreshing escape from city life with forests, lakes, mountains, and beaches.
- Parks like Croton Point, Fahnestock, and Wildwood offer family-friendly spots with cabins, tent sites, and RV options.
- Outdoor activities include hiking, swimming, picnicking, fishing, and exploring nature trails suitable for all ages.
- Some campgrounds feature special attractions like fun zones, pools, playgrounds, and scenic sunset or mountain views.
- Most sites are within a two-hour drive from Midtown Manhattan, but booking ahead is recommended for popular weekends.
Croton Point Park
Best for Camping Near the River
Address: 1 Croton Point Ave., Croton-On-Hudson, NY 10520
Distance: 1 hr from Midtown
Timings: 8 a.m. to sunset, daily
Pricing: From $30 per night
Specialty: Known for its scenic riverside setting, sunset views, and peaceful natural atmosphere.
Croton Point Park is one of the best camping spots near NYC, where you can relax by the Hudson River, enjoy fresh air, watch the sunset, and spend a peaceful weekend. Enjoy the sites and beauty of the 508-acre park that is located on the east shore of the Hudson River. Plan some exciting activities like visiting the beach, walking on the trails, discovering the museum and whatever else you can squeeze into your trip! Check online for a choice of cabin rentals, RV sites, lodges or tent sites.
Fahnestock State Park
Best for Camping in the Woods
Address: 1498 Route 301, Carmel Hamlet, NY 10512
Distance: 1 hr 15 min from Midtown
Timings: Sunrise to sunset; May to October
Pricing: $20–$30 per night
Specialty: Popular for its quiet forest trails, calm lakes, and relaxing picnic areas.
Surrounded by green hills and calm lakes, Fahnestock State Park is a peaceful camping spot near NYC, perfect for a weekend getaway. This vast campground is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts! Enjoy hiking trails, picnic areas, scenic grounds, and many more activities with your family and friends. Check out their website to see the popular attractions near the park like the Appalachian Trail, Hudson River Expedition and more. This year the campground is opening on May 12, so plan accordingly.
Round Valley State Park
Best for Camping Near the Lake
Address: 1220 Stanton Lebanon Rd., Lebanon, NJ 08833
Distance: 1 hr 15 min from Midtown
Timings: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., daily
Pricing: From $25 per night
Specialty: Famous for its clear blue lake, group camping areas, and family-friendly spaces.
Whether you’re enjoying the scenic shore, having a picnic, or walking on the trails, Round Valley is a perfect camping spot in New York for kids. You can now start camping at the Round Valley State Park. The Round Valley Start Park can choose campsites that can accommodate up to 6 people and group wilderness campsites that can have up to 25.
Wildwood State Park
Best for Camping Near the Beach
Address: 790 Hulse Landing Rd., Wading River, NY 11792
Distance: 1 hr 30 min from Midtown
Timings: 8 a.m. to sunset; opens April 21
Pricing: $25–$35 per night
Specialty: Best known for forest camping close to the beach and ocean views.
The Wildwood State Park camping season kicks off April 21 but you can look online now to take a virtual tour of the campgrounds and make a reservation. This 600-acre land of forests is the perfect campground for the Spring. Enjoy activities like hiking, fishing, hunting, and so much more. Trailers and tent sites are available for campers and new cottages that give you a fantastic view of the grounds and are a short walk to the beach.
Malouf’s Mountain
Best for Camping After a Hike
Address: Fishkill, Ridge Trail, Beacon, NY 12508
Distance: 1 hr 30 min from Midtown
Timings: April 29 to October
Pricing: From $35 per night
Specialty: Known for its hike-in campsites surrounded by quiet mountain scenery.
Malouf Mountain campground in New York is a perfect place to relax and spend some quality time with the family! The campground itself is located between mountainous terrain where campers have to hike or shuttle to because it’s not accessible by car.
They have platform sites that include a little extra shelter than regular sites for campers who can bring their own gear and tents! This campsite opens for the season on April 29 and is the perfect place to take a break from your life and relax surrounded by peaceful woods.
Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds
Best for Camping With Fun Zones
Address: 149 Blue Mountain Rd., Saugerties, NY 12477
Distance: 2 hr from Midtown
Timings: May 1 to October 31
Pricing: $45–$60 per night
Specialty: Offers family-friendly fun zones with pools, movies, and outdoor games.
Opening on May 1 for seasonal family-friendly camping, this campground has exciting activities for the whole family.
Rip Van Camp in NYC has “Fun Zones” that include a pool, an outdoor movie theater, a playground, giant checkers, and more. You can get a rental cabin and stay only a few nights or get a place for the seasonal months.
Macedonia Brook State Park
Best for Camping on Mountain Trails
Address: 159 Macedonia Brook Rd., Kent, CT 06757
Distance: 2 hr from Midtown
Timings: 8 a.m. to sunset, daily
Pricing: $17–$30 per night
Specialty: Famous for its mountain views, natural springs, and scenic hiking trails.
If you enjoy scenic views, you’ll love Macedonia Brook State Park. Go for the amazing views of New York State’s Catskills and Taconic Mountains.
Stay and camp as this site offers unique features like the numerous springs and streams in the park and the Blue Trail that crosses Cobble Mountain and other peaks. The park has recreational activities like hiking, sports fields, and fishing.
Taconic State Park
Best for Camping With Big Groups
Address: 253 State Route 344, Copake Falls, NY 12517
Distance: 2 hr 15 min from Midtown
Timings: May 19 to mid-October
Pricing: $20–$35 per night
Specialty: Known for its large campsite area and easy access to historic attractions.
This state park is located along the Taconic Mountain Range. It offers a facility of over 100 campsites for tents and trailers, which is ideal for a weekend camping in New York
There are nearby attractions that the family will love: the Taconic State Park’s Rudd Pond Area- Clermont State Historic Site, and more. The park opens May 19.
Peekamoose Mountain
Best for Camping Near the Blue Hole
Address: Peekamoose Rd., Sundown, NY 12740
Distance: 2 hr 15 min from Midtown
Timings: Open year-round
Pricing: Free with permit
Specialty: Popular for its Blue Hole swimming spot and peaceful hiking routes.
Set up camp at Peekamoose Mountain! There are amazing sites such as the Blue Hole, which is part of the Roundout Creek and reaches the Reservoir.
This is a fantastic place to set up camp, hike, and take in the outdoors. Find time to go up to Peekamoose Mountain with the family and enjoy the peaceful nature.
Hither Hills State Park
Best for Camping by the Ocean
Address: 164 Old Montauk Highway, Montauk, NY 11954
Distance: 2 hr 15 min from Midtown
Timings: Year-round
Pricing: $35–$40 per night
Specialty: Well known for beachside camping and unique walking dunes.
Hither Hills State Park is one of the best camping spots near NYC, where you can camp by the beach, play in the sand, and enjoy the sound of the waves all day. This location offers scenic picnic areas to enjoy the fresh air, fireplaces, fishing, a beach, playing fields, a playground for the kids and a campground.
The site has unique “walking dunes” on the park’s eastern boundary and countless activities to enjoy with the family. Their West Area Camping ground is open now. Check out their website for more information!
Fun Ways to Make Camping in NYC Feel Extra Special
Camping in NYC can be a really happy experience for kids when you add small, fun activities that make the day feel special and full of excitement.
Below are simple ideas for your family to make your camping trip feel even more special:
- Create a Family Campfire Routine: Pick one simple thing you do every night, like sharing one happy moment from the day or letting each child choose a song to hum by the fire. These little habits help everyone feel close and excited for the next morning.
- Start a Nature Treasure Hunt: Make a small list of things your kids can find, like a smooth rock, a tiny pinecone, or a leaf with fun shapes. It keeps them curious, busy, and excited to explore the campsite safely.
- Bring a Morning Surprise Bag: Pack a small bag with tiny treats like stickers, crayons, or an easy puzzle, and open one each morning. It gives kids something joyful to look forward to when they wake up in a new place.
- Make a Simple Star Watching Plan: When the sky gets dark, lie down on a blanket and look for bright stars together. You do not need to know any star names because the calm moment of looking up and talking softly is what kids remember.
- Let Kids Be the Helpers: Give small jobs like holding the flashlight, collecting sticks, or helping zip the tent. Children feel proud and grown up when they have a role, and it makes the whole camping trip feel like a team adventure.
Conclusion
Camping is a simple way to take a break from the city and enjoy time in nature. The above-mentioned family-friendly camping spots near NYC offer forests, beaches, lakes, and mountain views, all within a short drive. Whether you like tent camping, cabins, or RV stays, there is a place that fits every family’s needs. Most parks open between spring and early summer, so it is best to plan early to get a good spot. Each site provides calm surroundings, outdoor activities, and a chance to relax away from city life. Visit these camping spots near NYC for a peaceful escape in nature.
FAQs
- How far are these camping spots from Midtown Manhattan?
All the listed camping spots are within three hours of Midtown Manhattan. Most are between one and two hours away, making them convenient for short trips. - When do most campgrounds open for the season?
Most parks open between mid-April and late May. Wildwood State Park opens on April 21, Malouf’s Mountain on April 29, Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds on May 1, and Taconic State Park on May 19. - Are cabins and tent sites available at these locations?
Yes. Many sites, such as Croton Point Park, Wildwood State Park, and Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds, offer cabin rentals, tent sites, and trailer spaces. Some also provide cottages and lodges. - What activities are available at these campgrounds?
Campers can enjoy hiking, fishing, swimming, picnicking, and exploring nature trails. Several parks also have beaches, playgrounds, and sports areas for families. - Are these camping sites family-friendly?
Yes. All parks mentioned are suitable for families and children. Many have kid-friendly amenities like playgrounds, beaches, and open picnic spaces. - Do campers need to make reservations in advance?
Yes. It is advised to book in advance through the official park websites, especially during weekends and holidays, as sites fill up quickly in the camping season. - Are pets allowed in these campgrounds?
Most state and local parks allow pets in designated areas or campsites. Visitors should check specific park rules before arrival to confirm pet-friendly zones.
