Campgrounds and RV parks near Paterson, NJ

Paterson sits in northern New Jersey's Passaic County, roughly 20 miles west of Manhattan and within an hour's drive of some of the region's most-used state parks and public campgrounds. RV renters basing a trip here can reach the Ramapo Mountains, the New Jersey Highlands, Harriman State Park across the New York line, and the Atlantic shore of Brooklyn all inside a two-hour window. Options range from primitive backcountry sites at Camp Wyanokie in the Norvin Green State Forest area to full-hookup urban parking at Liberty Harbor RV Park in Jersey City. Beaver Pond Campground - Harriman State Park has no electrical hookups and select sites can accommodate a trailer or RV up to 30 feet long. Wawayanda State Park in Vernon Township adds group camping in the Highlands, and Floyd Bennett Field - Gateway National Recreational Area gives access to New York City beaches and airfield history. Most sites in this radius are seasonal, tent-oriented, and reserved through state or federal systems rather than private booking apps.

Different agencies run each option, so RV renters should plan for more than one booking account. Online reservations for Wawayanda State Park are handled through camping.nj.gov, the New Jersey state parks portal. Beaver Pond Campground - Harriman State Park uses ReserveAmerica: reservations can be made up to nine months in advance, with sites becoming available at 8 AM on weekdays and 9 AM on weekends from March 15 through Labor Day. Floyd Bennett Field - Gateway National Recreational Area camping is administered by the National Park Service through Gateway's authorized operator; check the current listing on recreation.gov or the Gateway park page for status. Liberty Harbor RV Park is a private urban park and takes reservations directly through its own website. For summer weekends and holiday periods, book as soon as the window opens. Weekday arrivals and shoulder-season dates in May, September, and early October are easier to secure.