The best mountainous camping near Staten Island

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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.

94% (1.1K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Waterfall near the campsites

1. Paradise Valley Homestead

99%
(1691)
38mi from Staten Island · 12 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Oak Ridge, NJ
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
Jenny Jump Mountain

2. Jenny Jump Mountain

98%
(95)
48mi from Staten Island · 1 site · Tent · Mountain Lake, NJ
Over 26 acres of woods for you to choose where and how you would like to set up camp. There is only one reservation allowed at a time, so the entire property is yours to enjoy. There is an established campsite at the back of the property that is a 0.18 mile walk from the end of the driveway. Or you can set up camp anywhere you’d like! This property sits off of a very quiet back round with limited traffic. This property connects to over four thousand acres of State Land that can be explored as you please. Fourteen miles of hiking trails offer magnificent views of the mountains and scenic Mountain Lake. The UACNJ Observatory at Jenny Jump is a short drive, or a nice hike, from the property where free lectures and observing are open to the public every Saturday evening from April through October. The famous Shades of Death Road and Ghost Lake are also a short drive from the campsite.
Pets
Campfires
from 
$60
 / night
Moon Valley Campground

3. Moon Valley Campground

92%
(12)
47mi from Staten Island · 5 sites · Tents, Lodging · Vernon, NJ
Located 50 miles from midtown Manhattan (approx 1:08 minutes) is our brand new campsite located right off the Appalachian Trail. The camp is at the base of Wawayanda mountain right between the iconic hikes "Stairway to Heaven" and "Pochuck Boardwalk" on the Appalachian Trail. Hike right from camp up to "Pinwheel Vista" (named one of NJ's best viewpoints!) At the entrance to the property is the Valley Farmers Cooperative that sells local grass fed meats and artisanal farm goods. You can walk two minutes to Heaven Hill Farm which has plenty of goods, produce, and fun fall activities like pumpkin picking and haunted hayrides. Drive your car from route 94 directly to your campsite nestled in the woods with a great view of the valley. A perfect getaway from the city with plenty to offer. About 10 minutes down 94 is the beautiful town of Warwick or about 4 minutes in the opposite direction is the town of Vernon. Warwick is a quaint small town with plenty of great restaurants and bars, and famous for its apple picking. Vernon has plenty to offer as well including the popular ski resort/waterpark Mountain Creek and Minerals Spa (Located just under 10 minutes away.) The quiet charm of Wawayanda State Park appeals to hikers, campers, swimmers and boaters. Forested hills surround Lake Wawayanda creating a restful backdrop for canoeists and fisherman, while steep mountains challenge casual as well as serious hikers. A twenty-mile stretch of Appalachian Trail runs through the park, while the top of Wawayanda Mountain offers sensational views. More than sixty miles of trails are marked in the park.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$40
 / night
MEDITATION AREA

8. Historical Lake Front Barn

91%
(22)
28mi from Staten Island · 1 site · Tent, RV · Mendham, NJ
Nestled in the mountainside in Morris County this 10 acre farm estate is home to a plethora of wildlife, small lake, and large brook that runs through the property. The lake is home to native wildlife and the brook is loaded with trout. There are a couple of professionally maintained landscaping areas perfect for camping and firepit. It comes with a firepit, and everything you need for an amazing night out in the wilderness. There are beautiful hiking trails on site as well as right across the way adjacent to the property that are highly regarded in the state. The most secluded property you can imagine, it is home to some truly magnificent wildlife. There is no littering, and absolutely no hunting. As a nature lover, the respect I have shown these animals, is the reason why they love it here. Who knows what you may see! Firewood is available for purchase at the top of the driveway. It is handcut and seasoned for 3 years and stored in a custom hutch. $5 a compartment money goes in the mailbox.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
$119
 / night

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.

94% (1.1K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Waterfall near the campsites

1. Paradise Valley Homestead

99%
(1691)
38mi from Staten Island · 12 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Oak Ridge, NJ
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
Jenny Jump Mountain

2. Jenny Jump Mountain

98%
(95)
48mi from Staten Island · 1 site · Tent · Mountain Lake, NJ
Over 26 acres of woods for you to choose where and how you would like to set up camp. There is only one reservation allowed at a time, so the entire property is yours to enjoy. There is an established campsite at the back of the property that is a 0.18 mile walk from the end of the driveway. Or you can set up camp anywhere you’d like! This property sits off of a very quiet back round with limited traffic. This property connects to over four thousand acres of State Land that can be explored as you please. Fourteen miles of hiking trails offer magnificent views of the mountains and scenic Mountain Lake. The UACNJ Observatory at Jenny Jump is a short drive, or a nice hike, from the property where free lectures and observing are open to the public every Saturday evening from April through October. The famous Shades of Death Road and Ghost Lake are also a short drive from the campsite.
Pets
Campfires
from 
$60
 / night
Moon Valley Campground

3. Moon Valley Campground

92%
(12)
47mi from Staten Island · 5 sites · Tents, Lodging · Vernon, NJ
Located 50 miles from midtown Manhattan (approx 1:08 minutes) is our brand new campsite located right off the Appalachian Trail. The camp is at the base of Wawayanda mountain right between the iconic hikes "Stairway to Heaven" and "Pochuck Boardwalk" on the Appalachian Trail. Hike right from camp up to "Pinwheel Vista" (named one of NJ's best viewpoints!) At the entrance to the property is the Valley Farmers Cooperative that sells local grass fed meats and artisanal farm goods. You can walk two minutes to Heaven Hill Farm which has plenty of goods, produce, and fun fall activities like pumpkin picking and haunted hayrides. Drive your car from route 94 directly to your campsite nestled in the woods with a great view of the valley. A perfect getaway from the city with plenty to offer. About 10 minutes down 94 is the beautiful town of Warwick or about 4 minutes in the opposite direction is the town of Vernon. Warwick is a quaint small town with plenty of great restaurants and bars, and famous for its apple picking. Vernon has plenty to offer as well including the popular ski resort/waterpark Mountain Creek and Minerals Spa (Located just under 10 minutes away.) The quiet charm of Wawayanda State Park appeals to hikers, campers, swimmers and boaters. Forested hills surround Lake Wawayanda creating a restful backdrop for canoeists and fisherman, while steep mountains challenge casual as well as serious hikers. A twenty-mile stretch of Appalachian Trail runs through the park, while the top of Wawayanda Mountain offers sensational views. More than sixty miles of trails are marked in the park.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$40
 / night
MEDITATION AREA

8. Historical Lake Front Barn

91%
(22)
28mi from Staten Island · 1 site · Tent, RV · Mendham, NJ
Nestled in the mountainside in Morris County this 10 acre farm estate is home to a plethora of wildlife, small lake, and large brook that runs through the property. The lake is home to native wildlife and the brook is loaded with trout. There are a couple of professionally maintained landscaping areas perfect for camping and firepit. It comes with a firepit, and everything you need for an amazing night out in the wilderness. There are beautiful hiking trails on site as well as right across the way adjacent to the property that are highly regarded in the state. The most secluded property you can imagine, it is home to some truly magnificent wildlife. There is no littering, and absolutely no hunting. As a nature lover, the respect I have shown these animals, is the reason why they love it here. Who knows what you may see! Firewood is available for purchase at the top of the driveway. It is handcut and seasoned for 3 years and stored in a custom hutch. $5 a compartment money goes in the mailbox.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
$119
 / night

Camper favorites near Staten Island

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best mountainous camping near Staten Island 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.