RV Road Trip: New York City
We take a bite out of the Big Apple with these RV-friendly stops in and around the city that never sleeps.
Image Caption: Image Courtesy of Getty
The madness of the holiday season is finally over, so it’s time to get back to exploring. How about camping in New York City in January? Be prepared for some quizzical looks when you propose this idea. But NYC is a great RV destination all year.
Driving on the East Coast takes a little extra planning and research. Don’t make the mistake my family did by blindly following the GPS to the campground. The directions from Connecticut steered us through Manhattan with our 32-foot trailer! Yikes. We managed to find a new route before we hit the center of town, but I gained a few new gray hairs in the process. Also, beware that your GPS may direct you the shorter route into the city over the George Washington Bridge. Try the Tappan Zee Bridge instead. It is worth the extra mileage to avoid the less RV-friendly route. Once you arrive, leave your vehicle at the campground to avoid driving headaches. Use one of the great forms of public transportation to get you quickly into the city.
Whether you can get away just for a weekend, are on the road full time, are a family on the go, or are simply an RVer enjoying the retired life, we’ve got you covered.
Image courtesy of Getty
Weekend Warrior
Must-Do
When you take the ferry to the Statue of Liberty (and you must), include a stop at Ellis Island. The enormous National Immigration Museum walks you through the path that more than 12 million immigrants followed on their way to their new life and the American Dream.
Off the Beaten Path
Instead of taking a traditional bus, try a new way of seeing the city on The Ride. The tour features music, lights, and stadium seating so everyone has a great view of street performers that pop up along the route.
Image Courtesy of Julie Perry Nelson
On the Menu
Sip a cocktail from your own private igloo at 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar. The clear enclosures keep you warm while allowing a spectacular skyline view.
Stay Here
Location, location, location is the draw for Liberty Harbor RV. Adjacent to the ferry terminal, it doesn’t get much easier than this to get into the city. Be warned that the narrow drive through Jersey City to get to the campground can be challenging.
Image Courtesy of Getty
Family RVers
Must-Do
Where can you ice skate, let your kids drool at LEGOs, and relive the piano scene from the movie Big? Rockefeller Center can satisfy all three with their famous ice rink, the LEGO store and FAO Schwarz’s new location.
Off the Beaten Path
The Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum will wow the whole family. Not only can you tour the massive Intrepid aircraft carrier, the museum also features the space shuttle Enterprise, the submarine Growler and the Concorde.
Image courtesy of Serendipity
On the Menu
It may be chilly outside, but it is still worth trying Serendipity 3’s signature Frrrozen Hot Chocolate (parents can try the spiked version.) A fun atmosphere with a kid-pleasing menu and lots of desserts make Serendipity 3 a family favorite.
Stay Here
Black Bear Campground’s buildings are closed in winter, but the facilities are open year-round on a limited basis, and they offer full hookups and Wi-Fi, a necessity these days. The campground is a Good Sam Campground and is located 60 miles from Manhattan and close to the famed Appalachian Trail.
Image Courtesy of Getty
Retired RVer
Must-Do
Gaze at world-class modern and contemporary art at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum. Frank Lloyd Wright’s distinctive architectural style is evident in the museum design that reminds one of a spiraling apple peel.
Off the Beaten Path
Go underground at the New York Transit Museum housed in an old subway station. The museum is an entire city block and features vintage subway cars that are available to tour Fridays through Sundays.
Image Courtesy of Tavern on the Green
On the Menu
For an elegant meal, try Tavern on the Green, a New York staple since 1934. It is hard to believe the beautiful building once housed Central Park’s sheep in the late 1800’s. Reserve early for a window-side table that looks out onto the park.
Stay Here
For a peaceful getaway from the big city, Battle Row Campground is a good escape. Located east of NYC on Long Island, the thick woods make you feel like you are out in the country in your spacious camp spot.
Image Courtesy of Getty
Full-Time RVer
Must-Do
The Empire State building just finished a four-year renovation that is interactive and well worth seeing. Updates include an impressive museum with giant movie screens that make you feel as if you are one of the workers constructing the scaffolding. Or you can get surprised by King Kong peeking through a window and take a picture caught in his giant hand.
Off the Beaten Path
For the cheapest tourist ride in town, take the bright-red Roosevelt Island Tramway to a large island in the middle of the East River. The views are worth the small cost of a MetroCard, which you’ll need to purchase from automated machines at either tram station. The tram runs every 5-7 minutes from 59th Street and Second Avenue in Manhattan to Tramway Plaza on Roosevelt Island. Operating hours are 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. Sundays–Thursdays, and 6 a.m. to 3:30 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Image Courtesy of Julie Perry Nelson
On the Menu
Pizza in NYC is a must and where better than Lombardi’s Coal Oven Pizza located near Little Italy? Lombardi’s was opened in 1905 by Italian immigrant Gennaro Lombardi and was America’s first pizzeria and where it is said New York style pizza originated.
Stay Here
Relax at Fla-Net park’s rustic campground and heat up near the wood stove in the rec room. The Good Sam Campground is conveniently located near a train station that can take you into the city.
