The Best Camping Near NYC Without a Car

If you love camping but you live in New York City, the good news is you don’t have to look too far beyond the boroughs for a pristine place to pitch a tent.

From beach sites in Long Island to the best kept secret park in Massachusetts to Vermont’s woodsy knolls on Lake Champlain, these campsites and campgrounds near NYC charge between two dollars and $50 per night, offer fire pits, horseback riding, kayaks, cabins, and even an outdoor movie night—plus they all have one thing in common: they are easily accessible without a car. 

Prepare for your upcoming outdoor camping trip by acquiring essential gear such as tents, sleeping bags, camping cups, pots, and mugs, lights, a first aid kit, and appropriate clothing. Additionally, consider bringing along portable water filters or purification tablets to ensure access to clean drinking water, and don’t forget to pack insect repellent to ward off pesky bugs during your outdoor adventures.

So without further ado – let’s delve in…:)

New York

Malouf’s Mountain Campground

Mass transit accessible. From the bustle of the city to quiet tranquility come enjoy our mountainous unique camping.

Malouf’s Mountain Campground is a hike-in / hike-out campground just 80 min from NYC via Metro-North to the Beacon Train Station. They are located on Fishkill Ridge. You can Hike up Mt Beacon Right over to Malouf’s when you choose the 3-5 hour hike. Or for those that prefer more Camping than hiking, they have a 30 min hike in too.

If you arrive by car or train – they will pick you up at the Beacon Station, and bring you to your desired hike. While you’re hiking into the camp and enjoying your views, their team will transport your gear and place it at your camping site for your convenience.

Malouf’s Mountain Campground offers both platform and primitive sites. Meaning – if you have limited gear, or if you’re a novice camper, you can easily reach the camp and enjoy the outdoors without the hassle of buying a ton of expensive gear. However, if you’re a seasoned camper and want the full-wilderness experience – they have that too.

They also offer a great meal delivery service which allows you to skip meal planning and grocery shopping. You can get your cooking done with their fresh variety of meat, fish, and breakfast add ons.

On their platform site, you will have everything you’ll need to prepare your meals including two propane burners and cookware. On primitive sites you’ll need to supply your own cookware, there is a grate that flips over the fire pit to cook on.

This is an amazing place that provides genuine carefree camping. It’s a place that guests say, is like getting away, to come home!

Check out their website: maloufsmountain.com

Camping in New York City

Every summer, OutdoorFest takes over a campground in Staten Island for an adult camping experience like none other.

Camp Gateway Staten Island: Fort Wadsworth

220 New York Avenue, Staten Island, NY 718-354-4655, Recreation.gov

A Sweet S’more Spot: If views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan Skyline are what you’re after, this is the campground to check out. For $30 a night, you can rent a campsite within the five boroughs and wake up the next day with a plan to explore a historic building dating back to the 17th century. The 7 sites are available from July to September and cost $30 / night.

How to get there: Take the Staten Island ferry (free) to St. George Terminal. Once there, take the S51 bus to the Ranger Station (building #220) at Camp Gateway.

Camping on Long Island

Hither Hills

50 South Fairview Ave., Montauk, NY 631.668.2554, Reserve America.

A Sweet S’more Spot: You can pitch your tent (better get the best tents for rain that you can find) or snuggle into your RV in between the trees, right along the two-mile stretch of beach or the 40-acre freshwater lake. Enjoy the playground, picnic area with fire pits, volleyball and horseshoe courts, and numerous hiking trails. It is $35 per night and $245 per week.

How to get there: Take the Hampton Jitney into the town of Montauk. A local bus runs regularly through Main Street out to Hither Hills, though you may have to shriek a bit for it to stop. Or rent some bikes in town and ride out to Hither Hills.

Cedar Point County Park

5 Cedar Point Road, East Hampton, NY, 631.244.7275, discoverlongisland.com

A Sweet S’more Spot: At this pet-friendly campsite, enjoy the picnic spots, nature walks, boat rentals, sports facilities, Saturday night movies, and beach access. Take a walk along the sandbar to the lighthouse, built in 1860. $19 fee rates, 3 night stay minimum.

How to get there: Take the Long Island Railroad straight out to East Hampton from Penn Station. Bring your bike (and your $5 lifetime bike permit on the train) and take the 6-mile ride to the campground—bikers can stay for free in a designated biker’s campground for one night. Arrange a taxi ahead of time or hop on your bikes to get to the campsite, 631.324.2100.

Adirondacks

Saranac Lake Islands

4468 State Route 3, Saranac Lake, NY, 518.891.2841, dec.ny.gov

A Sweet S’more Spot: The secluded location is convenient for any water sports enthusiasts and is a prime fishing spot for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, yellow perch, bullhead, and pickerel. Hiking trails, horseback riding, and golf courses are also nearby. $22 camping fee, $27 for the out-of-towners.

How to get there: Take Adirondack Trailways (from $71 for an adult ticket one way) to Saranac Lake. Arrange a taxi beforehand or walk the two miles to Ampersand Bay Marina, where you can rent a canoe or kayak (518.891.3001). The campsite is only accessible by boat.

Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain

KOA, 77 Fox Farm Road, Wilmington, NY, 518.946.7878, koa.com.

A Sweet S’more Spot: Nestled in the Adirondacks, this campsite offers a multitude of outdoor activities, including hiking, canoeing and kayaking, mini golf, a game room, heated pool and family programs on the weekend. Campsites allow RVs, and tents and cabins are available for rental. Prices for tent camping are about $18 each, but prices vary depending on the campsite.

How to get there: Take Greyhound bus from Port Authority into the town of Lake Placid. The campsite is about 10 miles from the bus stop, so arrange a taxi (518.946.2222) or rent a bike in town (518.523.3764).

Lake George Escape

East Schroon River Road, Lake George, NY, 518.623.3207, lakegeorge.com.

A Sweet S’more Spot: Swimming, lazy river tubing, pool, playground and game room available on-site, with a five-minute shuttle into town for more activities and restaurants. RV, tent and cabin lodging are available in wooded areas and along the river.

How to get there: Trailways and Greyhound bus lines run to Lake George regularly. Arrange a shuttle pick-up from the town in advance (518.623.3207).

Catskills

Blue Mountain Campground

3783 Route 32, Saugerties, NY (Catskill region), 845.246.7564. bluemountaincampground.com.

A Sweet S’more Spot: 60 sites, 20 with water and electric hookups, pool, basketball, volleyball and a playground for the kids. Take a hike to majestic Haines Falls. Visit Cantine Field for the Mum Festival in October. $15 per night for a campsite.

How to get there: Take Adirondack Trailways bus from Port Authority at 9:55am or 4:45pm daily and arrive at Blue Mountain Campground in under three hours.

Frost Valley

2000 Frost Valley Road, Claryville, NY, 845.985.2291, frostvalley.org

A Sweet S’more Spot: This once lakeside boys’ camp has developed into the largest YMCA campground in the country. While you might find less solitude than other off-the-beaten-track campgrounds, here there are limitless activities for the family, from high ropes courses, to horseback daytrips, to organized activities for the kids. The East Valley Facilities are located 12 miles away from the main center and offer a more remote experience. Platform tent rentals start at $32, with larger cabins available to accommodate multiple families.

How to get there: The Short Line bus, leaving Port Authority, has multiple stops in Liberty, NY (just about 15 miles away).  Call a cab in advance (845.794 4040, 845.794.7777).

Lake Mohonk Mountain House on the Mohonk Preserve

1000 Mountain Rest Road, New Paltz, NY. Mountain House 845.255.1000. Mohonk Preserve, 845.255.0919, mohonk.com).

A Sweet S’more Spot: The Mohonk Preserve protects about 20,000 acres of pristine land and is the largest private preserve in NY. Run, bike or hike the 70 miles of carriage roads and trails. About 50,000 people visit the Gunks climbing cliffs each year for a rush of adrenaline. There is no tent camping on the preserve and the only option is pricey, but worth it. Stay for a night at the Mohonk Mountain House, a seven-story National Historic Landmark (call for reservations (845) 255-1000).

How to get there: You can take Amtrak to the nearest train station, which is located in Poughkeepsie (about 14 miles away). Or Adirondack Trailway provides bus service from Port Authority to New Paltz, which is six miles away trailwaysny.com. Call the Mohonk House in advance to arrange a pickup.

Massachusetts

Martha’s Vineyard Family Campground

569 Edgartown Vineyard Haven Rd, Vineyard Haven, MA, 508.693.3772, campmv.com.

A Sweet S’more Spot: Nestled within an oak forest, each campsite offers a fire pit and picnic table, with a playground and rec hall also on the grounds. Rent bikes to access beaches, biking trails, golf courses and fine dining around the island. Camping for two people starts at $50.

How to get there: A ferry departs from Manhattan at 4:00 pm every Friday and reaches the Oak Bluffs port at about 10pm. Or take the ferry from Woods Hole, MA into Vineyard Haven. The campsite is under two miles from either port, but is closer to Vineyard Haven. Rent bikes at the port or take the leisurely walk to the campsite.

Washburn Island on Waquoit Bay-National Estuarine Research Reserve

877.422.6762 for reservations. 508.457.0495, ext. 100 for more information on the reserve, waquoitbayreserve.org.

A Sweet S’more Spot: Enjoy some relaxing, primitive camping, hiking, fishing, and shellfishing on an island off of Cape Cod, which offers nine four-person campsites and one that can hold a maximum of 25. The only amenities offered are two composting toilets—campers must bring their own supplies and carry out garbage. $8 per night and $10 for out-of-staters, with a $9.25 processing fee per reservation.

How to get there: Take the Peter Pan bus from NYC to Falmouth, MA. Or if you choose to carpool, overnight parking is permitted at Falmouth White’s Landing located on the Childs River (Route 28). From here you can rent kayaks, with free delivery to location for three or more kayaks, or a $25 delivery fee (508.563.9377). Go south on Childs River to Seapit Point, go north up the Seapit River to Waquoit Bay, the campsites are located on the eastern side of Washburn Island. The trip is less than three miles.

Erving State Forest & Laurel Lake

Laurel Lake Road, Erving, MA. For park information, call 978.544.7745 or check out its website. For reservations, call 877.422 6762.

A Sweet S’more Spot: One of the best-kept secrets in Massachusetts. The 4,500 acres of wilderness offers opportunities for camping, boating, hiking, biking, fishing, and swimming off a sandy beach. The hiking trails lead to a great view of Mt. Monadnock in New Hampshire and beaver dams being built.

How to get there: Take the Peter Pan bus to Greenfield, MA. Rent a bike in town and make the 14-mile trek to the campground, or call a cab in advance: 413.773.9063. Franklin Regional Transit Authority also runs buses regularly from Court Square in Greenfield to Erving Center, two miles to the campground.

Historic Valley Campgrounds

200 George Fairs Way, North Adams, MA (base of the Berkshire Mountains), 413.662.3198, northadams-ma.org.

A Sweet S’more Spot: Take a hike on the nearby stretch of the Appalachian Trail or visit the only natural white marble arch and dam in North America, mass.gov. Enjoy fishing, boating and swimming in nearby Windsor Lake and free summer concerts on Wednesdays throughout the summer.

How to get there: Take a Peter Pan bus from Port Authority to Williamstown, MA (6 miles from North Adams). From here, call a cab (413.663.3000). Berkshire Regional Transit Authority runs to North Adams (check the schedule at berkshirerta.com).

Vermont

North Beach Campground

60 Institute Road, Burlington, VT, 802.862.0942

A Sweet S’more Spot: 137 sites offered within a wooded area or along the shore of Lake Champlain. Enjoy nearby activities on the lake, hiking paths, sports facilities and access to the town of Burlington, a bustling area that offers a variety of restaurants and shopping.

How to get there: Take the Greyhound bus or Amtrak train into Burlington. Arrange a taxi ahead of time (802.598.7254) or hop on your bikes to get to the campsite (under six miles). Or, take a few buses (802.864.CCTA for schedules)—take the #12 South Burlington Circulator from the airport (where the Greyhound terminal is located) to the University Mall stop, catch the 1 or 1E to Cherry Street and then take the #7 up North Avenue (tell the driver you are going to the campground).

Pennsylvania

Kittatinny Canoes Campground-River Beach Campsites

378 Routes 6 & 209, Milford, PA.  800.float.kc., kittatinny.com.

A Sweet S’more Spot: 250 acres of wooded and riverside camping. Fishing, lazy river tubing, canoeing and whitewater rafting available on the swift waters of the Delaware River. Campsite rental starts at $18.

How to get there: Take the train from Penn Station (mta.info) or the Shortline bus (shortlinebus.com) into Port Jervis.  Call Kittatinney Canoes ahead of time to arrange a shuttle pickup for $15 a head.

Maryland

Greenbelt Park

6565 Greenbelt Road, Greenbelt, Maryland. Reservations: 877.444.6777. Park Ranger: 301.344.3944.

A Sweet S’more Spot: This 1100-acre park is located just 12 miles from Washington, DC and has the closest campgrounds to the nation’s capital. There are 174 campgrounds, 10 miles of hiking trails, three picnic areas, and easy access to the city. $16 per night.

How to get there: Check out oM’s guide to getting to DC. The campground is located along the Metro-take the green line to College Park.

Delaware

Delaware Seashore State Park

39415 Inlet Road, Rehoboth Beach, DE., 302.539.7202. Reservations 1.877.98 PARKS, destateparks.com

A Sweet S’more Spot: Open April until the end of November with plumbing and electricity, and year-round with limited service. $30 for campsite with 4 people, $38 for full hookup site, $2 per extra person per day. Campsites are 500 yards away from the beach. Check the Calendar of Events for activities in the area, like Cheese Classes at the Good for You Market and weekly movies and farmers markets.

How to get there: Normal public transit is currently under construction in the area, so you will have to take an alternate route for now. Take an Amtrak train from Penn Station or a Greyhound bus from Port Authority into Dover (about an hour away) and then hop on a local DART bus (800.355.8080 for schedule) to get closer to Rehoboth (call the campground to see if they are available to pick you up, otherwise you will have to hop in a cab (302.227.8294).

New Jersey

Ramapo Valley County Reservation Campground

156 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah, NJ. 201.512.9348, nynjtc.org.

A Sweet S’more Spot: Explore over 3,000 acres of wilderness, with only nine other campsites perched on grassy knolls around 22-acre Scarlet Oak Pond. There is a 20-mile web of hiking trails open to the public, but they must disperse half an hour after sunset, leaving the campers with complete peace and solitude. Tent camping (April-November) and fishing is allowed by permit only (201.327.3500).

How to get there: Take the New Jersey Transit train from Penn Station, with a transfer in Secaucus, to Mahwah. The reservation is under 1.5 miles away. Campers must hike in the 200 yards to the campsite.

Important Camping Survival Tips

• Stay warm at night: Don’t just depend on wearing lots of layers to keep you cozy in the sack, come prepared with a down sleeping bag.
• Don’t invite the bears to dinner: Cook at least 100 yards away from your tent, and keep a clean site.
• Beat the sunset: Don’t get caught hiking to the campsite in the dark.
• Don’t blow away: The winds get particularly strong come fall, so make sure your tent is securely hammered into the ground.
• Know before you go: Check the weather forecast prior to your camping trip so you don’t get stuck in a storm.
• Hydrate, Hydrate, and Rehydrate: Don’t even think about bringing 20 plastic water bottles—particularly near ponds, lakes, or rivers. Instead, invest in a water purifier, water purification tablets, or simply boil the water.

Photo: Courtesy of Michael Roach, lensecap, yann, snre