Smith Point County Park provides direct beach access for oceanfront camping within the Long Island area, often referred to as "camping on the beach with all the amenities." Sites are arranged along both the bay and ocean sides with varying levels of privacy. Many camping spots have views of either the Atlantic Ocean or the Great South Bay, with some oceanside sites positioned just 100 feet from the shoreline.
What to do
Water activities at Smith Point: The park offers both bay and ocean access for swimmers, paddlers, and anglers. "A short walk from the ocean to the bay, both accessible by walking from your campsite," notes one camper, who adds that "kids of all ages are generally running and playing day and night in the loud and unreserved way they do."
Sunset viewing at Wildwood State Park Campground: The north shore location provides distinctive sunset views over the Long Island Sound. "The North Shore and South Shore are pretty different. This site gives you the North Shore experience with high bluffs, sandy calm beaches along the Long Island Sound, and views of CT across the water," reports one visitor.
Hiking trails at local parks: Most camping areas feature moderate trails suitable for families. "There are hiking trails and you can walk to the beach. Note - it is a downhill walk to the beach," explains one Wildwood camper. Paths vary from shoreline routes to wooded terrain, with most being relatively flat and well-marked.
What campers like
Full hook-up options: Many sites offer complete utility connections. At Smith Point County Park, "our 36ft motorhome backed up to a raised balcony overlooking the bay. Less than 100 feet from the front of our site was the beach and the Atlantic Ocean view," shares a camper, highlighting the practical amenities and prime location.
Beach proximity: Several campgrounds feature walkable beach access. One Wildwood visitor notes, "It's a fun campground, has a great beach & great bathroom facilities," though cautioning that "it doesn't have that much of the camping feel, though, as there's not many trees in the campsite area."
Yurt camping in Bayport, New York area: For those seeking alternatives to traditional tent or RV camping, yurt accommodations provide a unique option. "A fun option available at Mountain Lakes Park is to rent a yurt to camp in. The area, as the name implies, is home to several lakes which can be used for various recreational purposes," explains one visitor who enjoyed this form of glamping.
What you should know
Reservation restrictions: Some parks have specific booking limitations. "ONLY DRAWBACKS, 1- YOU HAVE TO BE A RESIDENT OF SUFFOLK CO, NY, 2- ONE WEEK STAY AT A TIME. PERIOD," notes one Smith Point camper, indicating the strict policies that can affect planning.
Campsite density varies: Privacy levels differ significantly between parks. "Close sites with no privacy. Short walk to beach," reports one Smith Point visitor, while another at Wildwood adds, "You will get very intimate with your neighbors. The other campers can be loud, so it's like a city of camping instead of the great outdoors."
Seasonal availability: Operating schedules differ among the parks. At Indian Island County Park, "No sewers sites that I could tell, and water was off because we were a week shy of the season opening. Needed to move to dump station prior to leaving and had to drive to fill the fresh water tank once while there," explains a visitor highlighting off-season limitations.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Most parks include play areas for children. "There are multiple playgrounds for the kids although they were closed due to Covid," mentions an Indian Island visitor, noting that even during their visit, "nice neighbors, dog friendly, people obeyed the quiet hours."
Noise levels: Family campgrounds can be lively, especially during peak season. At Riverdale Farm Campsites, "great place to hang with friends and family, lots of activities, clean bathrooms," reports one camper, while another adds that they "did bingo and it was a blast... I spent 2 dollars for 10 long rounds of bingo with 4 cards."
Beach considerations: Ocean and sound beaches have different characteristics. "The beach is fairly clean and has a small boardwalk," shares a Wildwood visitor, while another notes that the North Shore beaches tend to be "a little rocky on the north shore."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Different sections cater to various camping styles. "RV pull through sites were fantastic. It was a great campground for maiden voyage in new rig. Plenty of amenities," explains a Wildwood visitor, highlighting the convenience for newer RV owners.
Utility availability: Hookup options vary seasonally. "I usually host group camping trips and the single vehicle rule makes that very difficult. That aside, this is a very nice campground with various kinds of sites. You can find sites that are less wooded and better suited to group camping, as well as sites that are a little more secluded," reports another Wildwood camper, noting the park's layout considerations.
Site levelness: Terrain varies across campgrounds. "Our site was level, pretty spacious and easy to back into," shares an Indian Island visitor, providing practical information for those bringing larger rigs.
