New York Mets RV Camping Guide
New York City is one of the most famous cities in the world and the Mets have been part of it since 1962. If you’re a fan, head to Citi Field for a game on Long Island.
Event information
The New York Mets have always been the New York Mets and have not changed their name since their inception in 1962. In their blue and orange uniforms, the Mets always look snazzy and have had some major names such as Yogi Berra, Nolan Ryan, and Willie Mays.
The team's mascot, Mr. Met, has been with them since 1963. The giant fan with a baseball for a head is a superstar in the baseball league. In fact, he was named America’s Favorite Mascot in 2012. He likes to throw t-shirts, cracker jacks, and other items to the crowd during games.
Mr. Met also has a kid’s club that includes all kinds of fun perks like free and half-price tickets, activity books, a bracelet, lunch bag, and tons of activities. Being in the kid’s club also gives kids, and their parents access to special activities like the Mr. Met Dash on Sundays, signatures and pictures with the players, and a free scoreboard message.
If you get hungry during the game, head to one of the many concession stands or clubs around the stadium. Kids are special fans and get treated as such with special meals that include a hot dog, popcorn, juice, and a special surprise with the onsite vendors.
In some sections, you can get food and beverages brought to you, with no need to get out of your seats. Regardless of where you are, you can get just about whatever you want at Citi Field during a Mets game. Pack up your campervan and head out for a road trip to New York City and sightsee your way through Eastern New York or the Atlantic Coast along the way.
Tickets
No matter how hard you try, you might not find an MLB game for a better price than at Citi Field for a Mets game. In recent years, tickets have been found just under $10. It depends on the time of year, where you want to sit, and who is playing. Season passes, VIP or Club seating, and post-season games typically range from $100 to over $5,000.
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Transportation
Driving
Just off of I-678, Mets fans will find Citi Field in Queens, New York. Traffic in the borough of Queens in New York City is notorious for being hectic, especially on weekdays during rush hour. No matter what time you are heading to the game, leave early. Just over a mile from Queens Zoo, the Unisphere, and the New York Hall of Science, you can stay busy before and after the game without having to go far.
Toll roads and bridges will be part of your travels as you approach the region and especially so if you plan to drive within any of the five boroughs that make up New York City. Staten Island, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx also provide curious travelers with history and adventure at every turn, so plan your time and pick a few favorites to enjoy on your RV road trip.
Parking areas
Citi Field has quite a few parking lots in and around the park. However, if you are driving an RV, the only place you can park is the Bus and Oversized Vehicle Parking Lot, which is also known as Pork Chop Hill. This lot is just north of the park to the west of the Shea Road intersection and opens up three hours before the game is scheduled to begin.
Consider a smaller campervan for travel if you plan to drive onto Long Island or within the New York City region for much of your trip. If you prefer a larger RV, it may be best to park your rig on the edge of the city and take public transportation to the game. Parking anywhere outside of Mets Stadium can be elusive and costly for even smaller vehicles.
Public Transportation
Citi Field can be reached from just about anywhere in and around New York City by the Q48 bus. You can also take the 7 Train at Grand Central Station from inside or outside the city to the park. If you are coming from New Jersey, the NJ Transit will take you to Penn Station, which takes you to Long Island Railroad, or LIRR, and Citi Field.
Where to stay
Onsite
Although Citi Field does not have any type of camping on the grounds, there are several campgrounds in the area. Whether you are in town for just one Mets game or if you are staying in the area for a few weeks, you will have several options available.
Nearby
You will be happy to learn that there are a few campgrounds within 30 miles of Citi Field that can accommodate RVs. Always be prepared to dry camp when in the area just in case travel plans change unexpectedly. Neighboring New Jersey may also be a great nearby option for camping, parking, or ferrying to your desired locations in New York City.
Liberty Harbor RV Park puts you close to the Statue of Liberty and sits about 20 miles from the stadium (about an hour's drive depending on traffic) with offerings for water and electric. Camp Gateway, Brooklyn is about the same distance away, offering primitive sites near Rockaway Park.
Some spots may have picnic tables and campfire rings with grates for cooking. With such a limited number of places, though, it is important to book your spot well in advance near New York City.
Getting around
Wear comfortable walking shoes because there are no shuttle services available in the park. The park provides wheelchair services and assistance for those with mobility issues. You can get assistance by calling the Mets hotline number or guest services. In addition, wheelchairs are available for those who need it. Strollers are welcome as long as they are not in the way of other seats or walkways. Public transportation is plentiful throughout New York City and might be your best source of local movement when not on foot.
What to pack
Clothing
Because New York gets pretty warm in the summer, which is when most of the Mets games are played at Citi Field, pack cool clothing. The usual attire at the field includes baseball jerseys and t-shirts, jeans, and shorts. Also, a Mets baseball hat would be great to keep the sun out of your eyes and off your face. Comfy shoes are a must, along with your favorite orange and blue wardrobe additions.
Gear
Due to security reasons, backpacks are no longer allowed at Citi Field during Mets games. However, you can bring diaper bags, soft-sided coolers, and small messenger-style bags. All bags must be no larger than 16x16x8 inches. Remember, though, the less you bring, the less you have to carry around with you. No glass bottles, fireworks, weapons, or drugs are permitted. You will need your tickets, wallet with ID, debit or credit cards, and cash for those vendors who might not accept plastic.
Health & Safety
You will need water and are allowed to bring one sealed bottle of water or an empty refillable water bottle (not glass), which you are welcome to refill at the water fountains or restrooms. It is also a good idea to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun and use sunblock with a hefty SPF, especially on your face. The sun can be brutal during the summer, and there is very little shade in many of the seating areas.
Where to eat
Cooking
Fans can enjoy tailgating in the Citi Field parking lots, but there are rules, of course, like no open flames. However, camp stoves and gas grills with sealed burners are allowed. You can only tailgate in front of or behind your parking site, not in the parking spaces. No alcohol is permitted. There are no trash cans, so be prepared to bag up your trash and dispose of it elsewhere. Cooking at your camp depends on where you stay since some places have utilities while others do not. It is a good idea to come prepared with a grill or camp stove anyway, just in case.
Restaurants
If you do not find what you would like to eat at Citi Field or you just want to go offsite for a meal, there are several places nearby to entice your taste buds. Just across from the ball field, you can find a burger joint, sports bar, and sandwich shop. If you want to drive into town, there are several fine dining choices as well as fast food, seafood, Italian, and pizza places in North Corona, and an Argentinian Restaurant in Corona, just two miles from the park.
Vendors
The smell of the food will make you hungry even before you get to the field, so make sure you come on an empty stomach. You want to have plenty of room to try out all of the various yummy food choices they have scattered around the park. Besides the usual baseball fare of hot dogs, popcorn, and crackerjacks, you can find pizza balls, veggie rolls, dumplings, churros, and gourmet popsicles. And if you want to pick out something for a friend who could not come, there are dozens of souvenir vendors around the park as well.
Safety
Security
You’ll see plenty of security at the park, including both NYPD and Queens County police officers. They are there to make sure everyone keeps the peace while having fun. In addition, you and your belongings will be searched upon entering the field. There are metal detectors and security personnel at each gate, so make sure to give yourself plenty of time to get to your seat if you bring anything in a regulation size bag.
Weather
Expect temperatures to stay in the mid to upper 80s throughout the summer in Queens, New York. However, it is not unusual for the highs to jump into the upper 90s at certain times of the year such as late July and August. The lows range from the upper 60s to lower 70s. Rain and thunderstorms are likely in May and June so pack a small umbrella if you are planning your trip in the late spring or early summer.
Medical
Citi Field has a first-aid station across from the Hyundai Club entrance by third base on the Field Level. If you or anyone around you is feeling ill or needs medical attention, please contact a staff or security member if you cannot get to the first aid station. In addition, there are more than a dozen urgent care facilities and three hospitals within five miles of the park. It is also a good idea to have a first aid kit with you in your RV at all times.
