5 Parks to See In Your 4WD Camper Within a Short Drive of New York City
What are you planning on doing while you are visiting New York City? Discovering history at Ellis Island? Going to the top of the Empire State Building? Exploring the hidden paths of Central Park? While these are all great activities and well worth your time, you might want to think about getting off the beaten track a bit.
A lot of people don’t realize this, but there are actually some beautiful nature parks not too far away from New York City. With a rented 4WD camper or motorhome, you can drive to these destinations and enjoy a break from the crowds. Here are a few to consider.
1. Harriman State Park and Dater Mountain Nature County Park
Driving about an hour and a half north of New York City, you will find Harriman State Park and Dater Mountain Nature County Park. At these parks, there are two beaches and 31 lakes along with more than 200 miles of trails to explore. There are also a couple of campgrounds where you can stay. If you want, you can also go boating or even ice skating, depending on the time of year.
2. Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Northwest of New York City, you can drive a couple hours to reach Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. The valley is 1,000 feet deep, and the park measures an astounding 70,000 acres. Twenty-eight miles of the Appalachian Trail run through the park. There are numerous species of ferns, flowers, and trees here along with a variety of wildlife. You also can explore historical structures and roads which give you a glimpse into the past. Because there is so much to see and do in this extensive park, it is well worth planning to spend at least a couple of days here.
3. Green Mountain and Finger Lakes National Forests
Willing to go for a longer drive? Head north for around four and a half hours and slightly east. Passing through Springfield, Massachusetts, and not far from Albany, New York, you will find the Green Mountain National Forest. Alternately, head four and a half hours northwest of NYC, and you will come to Finger Lakes National Forest.
These are the only public federally managed national forests in Vermont and New York. As a result, they tend to be grouped together in discussions (they share a Forest Service website) despite their disparate locations.
Finger Lakes National Forest is of course where the famous Finger Lakes are located. You will find a lot to do in this area. There are gorges, waterfalls, vineyards, and hiking trails throughout the area which are well worth seeing. One highly recommended destination is Watkins Glen State Park, a really cool narrow canyon featuring beautifully eroded rocks, high bridges, and delicate falls.
At Green Mountain, you can hike the Bald Mountain Trail or go boating or fishing at the Grout Pond Recreation Area. Don’t miss out on the Robert Frost Interpretive Trail or the Hapgood Pond Recreation Area. Plan to spend a lot of time here—it is a big park!
4. High Peaks Wilderness
Head even further upstate in New York, and you will reach High Peaks Wilderness. If you are here in July or August, be forewarned that the park can be very busy. During the rest of the year, it is less crowded. This is a fascinating region because it features incredibly diverse terrain. You will find everything from low swamps to soaring forested mountain peaks.
Be sure to dress in layers and bring a coat, even if you are warm when you arrive. With rapidly changing microclimates at the higher elevations, you may be surprised at the different temperatures you encounter as you explore.
5. Wharton State Forest
One more park to think about visiting while you are in NYC is Wharton State Forest in New Jersey. You will need to drive around two hours south to reach it. This park is a great place to come with 4WD, because there are extensive unpaved roads which you can take through the gorgeous scenery. You’ll also find opportunities for hiking, biking, boating and bird-watching. Be on the lookout for bald eagles, ospreys, marsh hawks, red-tailed hawks, owls, hummingbirds, and others. You may also spot wildlife such as beavers, otters, deer, and foxes.
Who would have thought so much beautiful parkland exists so close to New York City? Enjoy exploring these lovely destinations in your motorhome, campervan or 4WD camper!
