summer vacation in NYC About This Page:

[cburke]

we are looking for a place to campout at in NYC. does anyone know of any places to camp at around NYC. Plus what places would you suggest to go see and places to eat? any tips or advice will be greatly appreciated.
we love the free things to do so please let us know if you know any secrets of free things to do or try including food to.

[dwonderz]

Well... Some of my favorite "free" things to do would be...
-Staten Island Ferry
It's FREE - google it and you'll get more information. But basically it goes to staten island and back and you pass by the statue of liberty
-Central Park
One of the best parks around - take in the scenery, the buildings - it's one of the only "sanctuaries" in new york!
ChinaTown
It's not exactly "free" but they have tons of cheap - and tasty - food down there. It is mostly chinese - but authentic chinese! It's really good - and a whole part of another world down there!
-Apple Store
Just a side note - there are tons of apple stores in the city (one on the upper west side, one on 5th avenue, one in Soho) and they all have computers which you can access your e-mail, facebook, etc. for FREE

Sorry I don't have too much else. There are TONS of things to do though!

Now camping in new york would not be an option - no where in the five boroughs could you go camping. Your best bet is across the river in New Jersey or in Upstate New York.

Hope this helps!

[cburke]

thanks dwonderz that really helps.


could anyone give me good places to eat other than chinese food?
I found this site of a campground Liberty Harbor Marina RV PARK: closest to Manhattan and New York City Area
I would like some insight if anyone knows how this place is or if you think this is a safe place to camp at?

[DebiDebiDebi]

We were in NYC for the first time in December 2009. We "ate local", in other words, we tried to find places that didn't necessarily cater to tourists. We ate some great food, and felt we had more of a local experience. We usually just wandered around neighborhoods until we found a deli or small eatery that had a fair amount of people inside (if the place is full, we figured the locals knew it was good). We also would ask local folk where to eat. I would encourage you to try this; we enjoyed trying places the normal tourist wouldn't visit. One of our favorites was a small pizzeria near our hotel. It was a tiny little dive, not fancy at all, but man, they served a great slice of pizza!!!! As a bonus, we found eating in these places to be somewhat cheaper than hitting the chain restaurants, so be adventurous!!!

[dwonderz]

Well - other than Chinese (sorry I wanted to comment again - hope you don't mind )
Like DebiDebiDebi said try to scout out the local places! There are tons of diners and we do have chain restaurants - McDonald's, Subway, Burger King, etc. Also in midtown there are lots of places where they do soup and salad - lunch-y type stuff! Also our pizza is pretty good ! New York is really an explorer's paradise- see what you stumble on!

Now onto the campsite - it's located in Jersey City which is right across the river in New Jersey - it's a generally safe city (it's a big city - not huge - but a city not a town ... wait you probably can tell by the name!!!). You might want to search for reviews! You can drive over in the tunnel, take the bridge over, or the PATH train...

Sorry if I am saying too much - feel free to ask any more questions if you have (or PM me) I love my city !

[Dale_Loves_Mickey]

No advice here. Just wanted to wish you good luck with planning your trip.

[Huntermom]

My sister lives in Rockland County, about a half hour north of the city. Just north of the NY Turnpike is quite rural and I'm sure there are many more campgrounds. You can easily take day trips to the city, even using park and ride lots.

My DD and I went into the Bronx zoo just before Christmas and it took less than a half hour, even in bad weather.

Edited to add:staying a half hour or so out of the city may be much more comfortable too-a little cooler and a lot less polluted.
Diane

[Irene]

Lots to do in the City ...... Go to the Disney Store

If you want to eat at a cool place its called Ellens Stardust Diner ... 50's the girls wear poodle shirts. The hamburgers are good as well as the cherry cokes. The wait staff sings and dances while you eat and while taking your order. Cool place.

Right across the street is Mars 2112 (?) The last time I went it was a little run down but it use to be fune with the kids.

On the way to the diner, stop at Hershey store and on the way back stop at the M&M store.


China Grill is another excellent place. The fried spinach is really yummy.

Walk thru Central Park

FAO Schwartz Toy Store walk through it its amazing.

Toys R Us

Look on the web and see what is covered by the citypass. You may be able to make your own schedule.

Rockefeller Center ... you don't have to do the Top of the Rock but you can walk around the area of the Christmas Tree.

Do you have girls with you. The American Girl Store is a treat ... all the little girls and a few dads scattered in the mix. The little boys are promised a toy I'm sure.

If you have budget, see a play go to the ticket place to get two for the price of one. The selection can be limited but sometimes you can luck out.

[cburke]

thanks alot everyone. i love all the help and keep them coming

[akleos]

I live in Jersey, about 15 miles outside of NYC. I do not recommend camping in Jersey City. If I were you, I would camp further upstate - about 20 miles outside of the city at Bear Mountain. You can drive in to the city, or stop along one of the NJTransit station stops, like Ramsey, and commute in like the locals! The camping is better, safer, and if you drive in the to the city, Palisades Parkway is a straight shot in, or if you're going to take the train, RT-17 to Ramsey station (large parking structure and express trains to Manhattan).
Bear Mountain State Park - NYS Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation

The museums are great ways to spend your days and while most of the have a "suggested donation" many of them have $5.00 days. If this is your one and only trip to NYC spend the money to tower of the city at the Empire State Building, and the Statue of Liberty. My favorite free thing to do in NYC: Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge!!!

[akleos]

PS. here is the link to NJ Transit. If you decide to commute via train, get to know the schedule: you'll take the BERGEN LINE, with a stop in Ramsey.
New Jersey Transit - Home

[akleos]

Sorry I keep posting!!!
Two more tips:
1. Invest in the Eyewitness guide. It is the best NYC guide out there and has maps, train schedules, free things to do and offers you a whole slew of pictures.
2. See if you can catch the Lion King with Disney discounts, cashing in on Disney Movie Rewards points, or the TKTS booth (1/2 price tickets day of show) in Times Square!

Any more questions: PM me!