Ross Dock Picnic Area — Attraction in Fort Lee

I read through the first few dozen reviews and saw nothing about the history of Ross Dock. The name comes from a previous owner. In the late 1800s to early 1900s it was a rock quarry, then, in the 1920s a "camp colony," meaning people, often families from an overcrowded NYC, would come for a few days to weeks and live in canvas tents, arriving by ferry. When construction of the GW was set to begin the Port Authority inked a deal w/the Palisades Park Commission to house bridge construction workers here. After completion of the bridge in 1931, it was turned into a camp colony once again and cabins were added to meet public desire for improved accommodations. Then came WWII and it was shut down for the duration of the war and thus ended its heyday. Eventually it evolved into what we see today, the Palisades Park's most popular picnic area with all the cabins gone. Here is a great little history w/some black and white photos of the cabins from the Palisades Park Commission blog: https://www.njpalisades.org/campColony.html

I only arrive here when paddling and pull up at the northside beach, which can be extremely muddy and shallow...

The park itself is nice. Zero amenities but a fantastic view of the bridge. Seemed overwhelming guarded by several park rangers, SUV’s and patrols. Not sure for a Friday later afternoon gathering. Started unloaded my car, greeted my friends, and walked back to my car just as the park ranger was pulling up to my vehicle. I said I was having trouble with the app, he said you can pay at the pay station. I walked to the pay station and, since it was already almost 5:45p, paid for the time to 6pm when the meter ends. As I was walking back to my car the office got out and out a ticket on my rear window. The difference between my parking receipt and the ticket was 1 minute! Definitely will not be returning and it’s a shame because outdoor spaces are so important. However, they just made it too expensive to visit. Seriously just coming around, to ticket people in a public park, as they unload their food on a weekday,...

Ross Dock Picnic Area is a large scenic riverfront picnic area just north of the George Washington Bridge in Fort Lee, New Jersey. It is also the site of Carpenter’s Grove and the Hazard’s Ramp boat-launching ramp.

At the southern end of Henry Hudson Drive, Ross Dock features picnic tables, some grills (visitors may bring their own), restrooms, water, and waste receptacles, as well as access for fishing and crabbing and to our trail system.

Our largest picnic area juts into the river just north of the George Washington Bridge (talk about a million-dollar view!), with a large playground and lots of open space. But it’s also our busiest park area — plan to come early in the day if you can!

In the 1930s, Ross Dock was set up as the park’s “Camp Colony,” with big tents families could rent for all or part of the summer. Later, small cabins built by the WPA were even added...