Cabin camping options near Bay Shore, New York span across several state parks and recreation areas on Long Island. The region sits at sea level along the shores of the Great South Bay and Long Island Sound, with mild summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F. Most camping cabins in this coastal region require advance planning, especially for summer reservations.
What to do
Beach activities at Wildwood State Park: Hike down to the shoreline from your campsite and explore the Long Island Sound beaches. The north shore offers a different experience from the south shore with "high bluffs, sandy calm beaches along the Long Island Sound, and views of CT across the water" according to Amber A. at Wildwood State Park Campground.
Water sports and fishing: Most cabin locations provide access to water recreation. At Heckscher State Park, one visitor notes, "There are hiking trails and a place where you can rent a kayak." The water access points vary by location with some beaches being rockier than others. "Beach is beautiful, very rocky, bring your water shoes," advises Ossama B.
Hiking trails for all levels: The wooded areas around most cabin sites offer various walking paths. At Kettletown State Park Campground, "the shorter hiking trails in the area were really beautiful," according to Justin P. Though located in neighboring Connecticut, the park provides a different landscape than Long Island's coastal setting.
What campers like
Privacy levels vary by location: At Watch Hill Fire Island Campground, campers appreciate the secluded feeling. Emily S. reports, "You can get a permit to backcountry camp instead of reserving a designated campground spot... It felt like we had the entire beach to ourselves because there was no one else even close to around us."
Bathroom facilities: Restroom quality differs significantly between parks. Thorin J. at Heckscher State Park found "The restroom building is in the middle of the campground and was clean and had plenty of stalls." Compare this with Kristin's experience at Kettletown: "Speaking of bathhouse - this one is really just in dire need of updating. CT should really invest in better quality bath houses."
Wildlife viewing: Many campers enjoy the natural surroundings and animal encounters. At Heckscher State Park Campground, one cabin visitor listed seeing "wildlife: deer, rabbits, turtles" among the pros of staying there. Similarly, at Croton Point Park, campers report regularly seeing rabbits and other small wildlife.
What you should know
Transportation requirements: Most cabin locations require a vehicle. As Thorin J. notes about Heckscher, "A car is an absolute must for this part - the entrance is directly off of Southern State Parkway with no pedestrian access. Train stations are nearby so you could take the train most of the way and rent a car from there."
Insects can be problematic: Mosquitoes are frequently mentioned in reviews. At Watch Hill Fire Island Campground, Rosie R. warns, "It was absolutely gorgeous, don't get me wrong. However, it was nearly impossible to enjoy ourselves because we were getting attacked by mosquitoes and horseflies the entire weekend... Even with the bug spray, the relief didn't last long."
Rental supplies vary widely: Each cabin location has different amenities. Justin P. reports about Kettletown: "there isn't a kitchen or bathroom in the cabins!" This contrasts sharply with facilities at other parks, so checking specific amenity lists is essential.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some cabin areas have dedicated play areas. At Heckscher State Park, Giselle P. notes, "There is a playground just for the campground." However, not all cabins are close to play facilities. One cabin reviewer mentioned: "playground is driving distance not walking."
Group camping considerations: Certain areas work better for family gatherings. At Croton Point Park, Andrew A. reports, "It's a good park/camp for groups. They have cabins and RV sites." For families seeking more structured activities, he adds, "There is a model airplane air field and a decent playground for young kids."
Safety and supervision: Park ranger presence varies by location. Jessica C. at Heckscher notes, "Rangers came around checking on everyone often so it really did feel incredibly safe." This regular monitoring makes some parks better suited for families with young children who want extra security.
Tips from RVers
Hookup options: RV sites with cabins nearby offer varying levels of service. At Wildwood State Park, Michael G. found that "sites had zero privacy and were all pull through. There was water, electric and sewer hookups at each site." This allows for mixed groups where some stay in cabins while others use RVs.
Site spacing and layout: Consider the proximity to other campers if planning a mixed cabin/RV trip. Paul K. at Croton Point Park observes, "Both the tenting section and RV sites are each very clustered together, and quite crowded," which might not provide the separation some groups desire.
