RVing in New York City might not immediately come to mind when planning a trip with your motorhome. Typically, visions of secluded campgrounds, national parks, and tranquil retreats dominate the RV enthusiast’s imagination. However, the bustling metropolis of New York City surprisingly accommodates RV travelers, offering a unique urban adventure alongside the more traditional, nature-centric RV escapades.
Liberty Harbor RV Park, located in Jersey City, presents an excellent base for exploring New York City with your RV. Despite being technically situated in Jersey City, the park offers breathtaking views of the New York City skyline, thanks to its prime location just across the water. Accessibility to the city is straightforward and efficient via the PATH train, making it a viable option for those willing to embrace a short commute. The surrounding area of Jersey City itself is vibrant and inviting, adding another layer of exploration to your urban RV adventure.
During our stay, which lasted about 10 days, we ventured into the city daily, finding the journey from Liberty Harbor to NYC surprisingly manageable. However, travelers should be prepared for the PATH train to become crowded, especially during evening commute hours. This is a minor inconvenience when weighed against the convenience and excitement of staying so close to NYC.
Before you set off for Liberty Harbor, there are several considerations to keep in mind. Navigating a big city in an RV can present challenges, such as clearance issues for larger vehicles. To mitigate this, investing in an RV-specific GPS can be invaluable. These devices allow you to input your vehicle’s dimensions, ensuring you avoid routes that could lead to complications. This tool is not just useful but essential for a hassle-free experience when RVing in or around any major city. The one that I use has been extremely helpful. It’s a good size, and isn’t overly expensive when it comes to this type of device.
One aspect of Liberty Harbor to note is the seasonal availability of water hookups. The park disables individual water faucets at each site following the first freeze of the season, although a fill station remains available for replenishing your water supply. This limitation is primarily a concern during the colder months, and services resume as the weather warms up.
While the park provides a general dump station, individual sites do not offer this amenity. For longer stays, consider bringing a portable waste container to avoid the inconvenience of moving your RV each time you need to empty its tanks.
Pet owners should be aware that the park lacks grassy areas, though pets are welcome. While this may require some adjustment, nearby pavements and gravel areas, along with sparse patches of grass, are available for walks. Our dogs adapted well to the environment, reflecting the city’s overall pet-friendly attitude.
Lastly, while the rates at Liberty Harbor RV Park may seem steep compared to more remote RV parks, they are significantly more affordable than staying in a comparable hotel in the area. The convenience of having your personal space and belongings close at hand cannot be overstated, providing a comforting retreat after a day’s exploration in the city.
For those intrigued by the prospect of an urban RV adventure, Liberty Harbor offers a compelling option. With careful planning and the right tools, RVing in New York City can be an unforgettable experience that combines the best of urban exploration with the freedom and flexibility of RV travel.
Wow, that was quite the urban campsite!
Absolutely! I’ve stayed in a few but this one was pretty unique!
The views from Liberty Park are spectacular. I bet they’re amazing at night, too. I’m glad to see the PATH is still running, took it many times in the (now distant) past, to Greenwich Village and Penn Station (midtown), both of which are interesting to explore.
This is great information, it never occurred to me that New York would have camping. Good to know.