The best campgrounds near Staten Island, New York with horseback riding

As a city with “island” in its name, Staten Island may not be the island campers expect—but that doesn’t mean you should lower your expectations. Sure, the city is technically part of New York City, but Staten Island provides access to some of the best parks, beaches, and campsites in two states. Opt for a campsite in New Jersey, where both verdant parks and sandy beaches live up to the Garden State alias. Or, head to the Rockaways, where beach camping always comes with a view. Even in Staten Island, however, urban streets are never far from parks, forests, beaches, and nature centers.

99% (961) • 34 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Staten Island

Paradise Valley Homestead

1. Paradise Valley Homestead

99%

(1709)

38mi from Staten Island · 12 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Always working on improvements! My second glamping site "The Medieval Encampment", is available for booking starting April 1st of 2025. I will have more pictures soon. In April of 2024, my long awaited 1st Glamping site was available for booking. It's been very popular! Please read the description carefully of the "Gypsy Rose Vardo", to see if it's the right fit for you. I also have 10 large camping sites available on our 33 acre property located in Northwest NJ. Sites 1 through 4 are on mowed, fairly level fields and are large enough for campers or RV's up to 30ft, or a couple of tents, and sites 5 and 6 are further back in the woods, available only for a few small tents, sites 7 through 10 are much further into the property and are only accessible with a high clearance AWD or 4WD SUV or you can park and hike your gear in. There are 3 compost toilet outhouses spread out through the property, so it's an easy walking distance from any site. Although we are only 2 1/2 miles from a main highway, the last 2 miles are on a dirt road with no houses. We are surrounded by protected land, so no neighbors and lots of wildlife, including the occasional bear, coyote or raccoon. Keep all food items secured. Because we are surrounded by protected land we are not sprayed for insects, so be safe and do tick checks often and bring the bug spray. We are 45 minutes from NYC or the Delaware Water Gap and an hour away from the NJ shore. There are horse farms nearby that offer trail rides. We are also close to the Highland and Appalachian Hiking trails. There are two reservoirs within a 20-minute drive for canoeing or kayaking. There are walking trails through our property, including a ten-minute hike on a marked trail to a small waterfall in a ravine.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

from

$41

/ night

Apothecary Gardens NY

2. Apothecary Gardens NY

100%

(21)

50mi from Staten Island · 2 sites

Learn more about this land: Camp out in our beautiful 18' tipi handcrafted by a small group of artisans in OR. The tipi is fully equipped with a full-sized futon/bed, couch, chair, mat and a fire pit. See all that Warwick has to offer including hiking trails, lakes, wineries, breweries, cideries and orchards as well as a charming town with lots of shops and restaurants. Come and visit our seasonal healing garden space featuring various vegetable and flower gardens. With heavy rains parts of the tipi may get wet. That being said we have had several guests enjoy their stay despite the rain. We are more flexible with cancellation dependent on weather.

Toilets

Campfires

Potable water

from

$100

/ night

Timberland Lake Campground

3. Timberland Lake Campground

36mi from Staten Island · 41 sites

Discover the charm of our family-owned campground, a unique destination that combines nostalgia with modern family fun. Located just two miles west of the thrilling Six Flags Great Adventure, as well as Adventure Sports and Entertainment and The Dome at Adventure Crossing, our campground offers an ideal base for your family adventures. At our site, we prioritize creating lasting memories for families of all shapes and sizes. Enjoy spacious camping areas that provide a sense of privacy while still fostering a friendly community atmosphere. Our campground is designed to cater to all ages, ensuring that everyone can partake in the joy of outdoor activities. In addition to our proximity to exciting attractions, our campground is surrounded by beautiful natural features, perfect for hiking and exploring. Nearby swimming holes offer refreshing escapes during the warmer months, while local restaurants and shops provide convenient options for dining and shopping. Join us for a memorable getaway where fun and family come together!

Gateway National Recreation Area

4. Gateway National Recreation Area

67%

(3)

National park 12mi from Staten Island · 59 sites

Gateway National Recreation Area: A Tapestry of Nature and History.

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Showers

Cheesequake State Park

5. Cheesequake State Park

83%

(6)

State park 12mi from Staten Island · 59 sites

Discover Cheesequake State Park's diverse landscapes and activities.

Toilets

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Indian Rock RV Park & Campground

6. Indian Rock RV Park & Campground

36mi from Staten Island · 43 sites

Indian Rock RV Park and Family Campground stands out as a unique destination due to its rich family heritage and commitment to providing a welcoming atmosphere for guests. As a family-owned business with over 30 years of experience, we take pride in creating memorable experiences for our visitors. Nestled on nearly 30 acres of beautifully shaded land, our campground features a serene environment surrounded by majestic pine and oak trees. Each campsite is designed for comfort, offering water and electric hookups, with most sites also equipped with sewer connections. Our spacious sites, measuring approximately 35'x50', ensure that you have plenty of room to relax and enjoy your stay. During the summer season, our inviting pool is open daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day, providing a perfect spot for families to cool off and unwind. Whether you're looking to explore nearby natural attractions, enjoy outdoor activities, or discover local restaurants and shops, Indian Rock RV Park and Family Campground is the ideal base for your adventures. We look forward to welcoming you and making your stay unforgettable!

Allaire State Park

7. Allaire State Park

79%

(7)

State park 30mi from Staten Island · 55 sites

Discover history, nature, and an antique steam railway.

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Round Valley Recreation Area

8. Round Valley Recreation Area

96%

(12)

State park 37mi from Staten Island · 85 sites

Discover Round Valley Recreation Area's natural splendor.

Campfires

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Potable water

Stephens State Park

9. Stephens State Park

88%

(4)

State park 40mi from Staten Island · 39 sites

Discover Stephens State Park: A Haven for Outdoor Enthusiasts.

Toilets

Campfires

Showers

Voorhees State Park

10. Voorhees State Park

100%

(4)

State park 42mi from Staten Island · 49 sites

Discover Voorhees State Park's natural beauty and outdoor activities.

Toilets

Campfires

Showers

Washington Crossing State Park

Discover the charm of our family-owned campground, a unique destination that combines nostalgia with modern family fun. Located just two miles west of the thrilling Six Flags Great Adventure, as well as Adventure Sports and Entertainment and The Dome at Adventure Crossing, our campground offers an ideal base for your family adventures. At our site, we prioritize creating lasting memories for families of all shapes and sizes. Enjoy spacious camping areas that provide a sense of privacy while still fostering a friendly community atmosphere. Our campground is designed to cater to all ages, ensuring that everyone can partake in the joy of outdoor activities. In addition to our proximity to exciting attractions, our campground is surrounded by beautiful natural features, perfect for hiking and exploring. Nearby swimming holes offer refreshing escapes during the warmer months, while local restaurants and shops provide convenient options for dining and shopping. Join us for a memorable getaway where fun and family come together!

Gateway National Recreation Area

4. Gateway National Recreation Area

67%

(3)

National park 12mi from Staten Island · 59 sites

Gateway National Recreation Area: A Tapestry of Nature and History.

Toilets

Campfires

Showers

Cheesequake State Park

5. Cheesequake State Park

83%

(6)

State park 12mi from Staten Island · 59 sites

Discover Cheesequake State Park's diverse landscapes and activities.

State park 42mi from Staten Island · 4 sites

Discover the historic beauty of Washington Crossing State Park.

Campfires

Toilets

Potable water

Kittatinny Valley State Park

12. Kittatinny Valley State Park

100%

(4)

State park 43mi from Staten Island · 3 sites

Discover Kittatinny Valley State Park's natural splendor and activities.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Wawayanda State Park

13. Wawayanda State Park

100%

(3)

State park 44mi from Staten Island · 3 sites

Discover Wawayanda State Park's lush landscapes and outdoor fun.

Toilets

Campfires

Potable water

Harriman State Park

14. Harriman State Park

77%

(15)

State park 46mi from Staten Island · 137 sites

This popular New York park offers year-round adventure.

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Showers

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

J

Jessica

February 2026

Tent

1 night at Paradise Valley Homestead

Beautiful place. Serene and peaceful, you are far back in the woods but it feels by safe.. Kathleen was very sweet and helpful. I would not mind going back if I’m in the area long enough.

C

Carens

January 2026

Tent

Weekend Trip to Paradise Valley Homestead

Always a good time here. Clean and most importantly, peaceful.

Site 9. Note the epic rock in the background!

C

Christopher

January 2026

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Paradise Valley Homestead

Kathleen was incredibly accommodating for my Wife and I. We had chosen a site that was inaccessible with the car we had, but Kathleen had no issues with switching us to another site that was more accessible. The campsite was beautiful and our two dogs loved it!

Joe

January 2026

13 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Paradise Valley Homestead

I had a wonder weekend at Kathleen’s campground. She came over to introduce herself which made the experience even better.

R

Ray

January 2026

Tent

Weekend Trip to Paradise Valley Homestead

Another great stay and this time I invite friends. Kathleen is always nice and accommodating. So this will s 4th out of 6 secluded sites I want to try.

Site 5 is back from the road and can fit 3 small tents

w

wen

December 2025

Tent

2 nights at Paradise Valley Homestead

A very enjoyable camping trip, with clean toilets and friendly hosts.

R

Riley

December 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Paradise Valley Homestead

Great place beautiful road lots of trees. Definitely going back at some point!

N

Nicholas

December 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Paradise Valley Homestead

I loved hot tent camping on Kathleen’s land! It was so much fun, peaceful and beautiful scenery. Kathleen was very kind, informative and welcoming. I stayed busy enjoying the hikes and exploring on the property. If you like off roading, it’s so much fun on the trails to get to the property and to get to the site. Also if you’re worried about space and clearance to get to the site I stayed at, my truck is a 8ft bed and i did just fine getting up and making turns, if this helps anyone. Thanks you so much Kathleen for the amazing getaway, i will definitely be back!!

S

Simo

December 2025

Tent

1 night at Paradise Valley Homestead

Stayed at Site 3 – Paradise Valley Homestead on December 15th during about 5 inches of snow, and the experience exceeded expectations. The site was peaceful, scenic, and felt private even with winter conditions, Despite the snow, everything was manageable and clearly well thought out. If you’re looking for a quiet, well-run campsite with a host who actually cares about their guests, this place delivers. Would absolutely stay here again—snow or no snow.

D

Danzie

December 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Paradise Valley Homestead

Site 3 was peaceful and offered more privacy compared to the other sites. It was close to the bathroom and the place where you can purchase firewood. I'm definitely going back in the winter.

D

Daniel

November 2025

30 ft travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at Paradise Valley Homestead

It's a beautiful, remote location in a state where every county is considered urban. Kathleen is a wonderful host. We arrived in the dark and were the only campers, so we just did the best we could and slept. We moved to site 3 the next morning. It was a drive-through, but tight fit (due to trees and some pavers) with our 30' 11" travel trailer, but we got in and out without damage. If we return, we will stick with site 1 which is wide open and big enough to maneuver our rig. For site 3, I'd say definitely under 30' (which the listing states). Probably 25'-27' max. The road in is gravel and rough, but we Vermonters are used to bumpy dirt roads.

C

Carens

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Paradise Valley Homestead

Our campsite was beautiful and clean as always. Especially greatful that our campsite had a chopping block making it easy for us to split logs for our wood stove. We’ll definitely be returning soon.

Mordechai

November 2025

Tent

1 night at Paradise Valley Homestead

Another great trip to Kathleen’s property. Was surprised to wake up to snow on the ground. But how pretty, definitely recommend you check it out even if it’s winter time it’s beautiful. Plenty of firewood to keep your warm.

T

Tiffany

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Paradise Valley Homestead

Only 1.5 hours from NYC but you truly feel like you’re away from the city and in the quiet serene woods. Kathy was an amazing host and checked in on us to make sure we were comfortable. We were on site 9 which was very isolated and spacious enough to fit all of our needs. Everything was also clean and the trails were marked and easy to follow. There’s also firewood for purchase if needed. I would highly recommend and will be coming back!

A

Asher

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Paradise Valley Homestead

We had a wonderful 2 night stay in early November. And really affordable too! Kathleen met us at the entrance and led us to site 10. She was welcoming, entertaining, and helpful, and also answered my call and gave directions when I was lost the first evening. As mentioned in the description, we certainly needed a SUV (Mazda with 7.5 inches of ground clearance) to get to the site and made sure to take it slow and drive our wheel over rather than straddling big rocks. Site 10 is extremely secluded past all the other ones, with a beautiful view of the ridge since the leaves have fallen off the trees near the site. It was large with a nice flat part up at the top where one of us camped, and a stone campfire pit and space for several more tents and tables. It was very peaceful and beautiful and we could hear the waterfall. The outhouse was a couple of mins walk away and was very nice. Having wood to purchase at the entrance was nice too. One of my favorite parts was exploring the beautiful trails around the property. Make sure to check out the waterfall and also take a right at that sign and check out the pond and more! We hope to be back again soon! What a wonderful place and time we had!

Z

Zahava

November 2025

Tent

2 nights at Paradise Valley Homestead

Kathy was an incredible host and her land is a true haven - a real paradise. I felt so safe and comfortable able to deeply relax amongst the trees. She was so attentive and caring but also made sure I had the most quiet peaceful alone time that I needed. Already looking forward to coming again and experiencing other spots too each one felt so special and unique. So much gratitude for my time there.

J

Jerry

November 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Paradise Valley Homestead

It was a beautiful trip for some RTT camping with the pups. The site was clear and prepped and well cared for. Wood was plentiful and the scene so quiet and peacefull. Would definitely recommend 👌

T

Tracie

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Paradise Valley Homestead

Kathleen was so welcoming and as our first Hipcamp booking, years ago, we were happy to be back ! She greeted us upon arrival and acknowledging our return visit, provided us with a homemade wooden “plaque” kit to leave our name, address, and personal message so it could be displayed on the site. We will absolutely be back!

M

Max

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Paradise Valley Homestead

Everything was perfect and Kathleen was extremely kind and helpful. I could write more but I’d be repeating the other 100 stellar reviews for the site

S

Shaun

October 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Apothecary Gardens NY

Our night in the Tipi was such an amazing and unique experience. Cold weather ruined our original camping trip and I was able to book Lauren’s Tipi pretty much last minute. It was so comfy, and furnished perfectly. She had fresh water, wood, fire starters, blankets, chairs, everything we could possibly need. Even the composting toilet was welcoming. No complaints here, except for the cloudy skies. Thanks again!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best camping near Staten Island with horseback riding guide

Where to go

The Edge of Staten Island

Start your camping trip right on the end of the borough. Part of The Gateway National Recreation Area, Great Kills Park is where hiking trails meet beaches and a salt marsh, so campers can meet the campsite of their dreams. See: your Staten Island camping trip will keep you on your toes, whether they’re barefoot or in hiking boots.

Along the NJ Coast

Continue your camping adventure with a trip to New Jersey. Not far from Staten Island, Sandy Hook offers some of the best beach camping in the tri-state area. Pitch a tent that fits the whole family, wander along the shore, swim in the waves, or simply stare out at the NYC skyline. From your campground with a view, bad days cease to exist.

Inland, Toward Wildlife

Once you’ve had your fill of water, head inland. New Jersey’s Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is a great starting point for all the flora and fauna of your camping dreams. Opt for an idyllic campsite near New Vernon’s wilderness trails and keep your eyes peeled for soaring hawks and even bald eagles. The range of wildlife offers a nice change of pace from NYC’s trademark pigeons.

When to go

Gauge your camping timeline by the weather. Summer is best for beach visits and tent camping, when the waves beckon to boogie-boarders and sunbathers alike. However, fall and spring can be just as fun options, so long as you plan accordingly—and perhaps book a campsite with electricity and a roof. The Gateway Recreation Area remains open year-round, so no matter when you visit, you’re certain to glimpse nature in its element.