Glamping options near Bayville, New York range from oceanfront to wooded settings within a 45-mile radius. The Long Island area features sandy shores along the Atlantic Ocean and Long Island Sound with several parks offering premium tent alternatives. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-85°F with cooler evenings around 65-70°F, making spring through fall the ideal camping season.
What to do
Beach exploration: Smith Point County Park offers direct ocean access with glamping sites positioned near both bay and ocean. A recent visitor noted, "A short walk from the ocean to the bay, both accessible by walking from your campsite." The beach area features a sandy shoreline with boardwalk areas.
Hiking trails: West Point FMWR Round Pond Outdoor Recreation Area provides woodland trails suitable for day hikes. According to a camper, "We've been coming here for at least 13 years... Beautiful views, clean bathrooms, and nice trails." Most trails are moderate difficulty and suitable for casual hikers.
Water activities: Indian Island County Park combines kayaking opportunities with beach access. "The beach was within walking distance, lots of little trails, and plenty of activities for the whole family," states one reviewer. Kayak launches are available on-site for those bringing their own equipment.
What campers like
Yurt camping: Mountain Lakes Park offers yurt accommodations near Bayville, New York surrounded by multiple lakes. A camper shared, "A fun option available at Mountain lakes 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."
Oceanfront views: At Smith Point County Park, sites feature direct water views. "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," explains one visitor.
Sunrise watching: Indian Island County Park provides early morning viewing opportunities. A camper noted, "The walk to the beach area was very serene, especially early morning before sunrise and didn't feel like we live in dense suburbia and sunrise from the beach was worth the trip."
What you should know
Site privacy levels: At Indian Island County Park, sites are positioned close together. "All the camping spots are pretty much right next to each one with hardly any space, packed like Sardines," explains one reviewer. Weekend visits tend to be more crowded than weekdays.
Fire pit requirements: Multiple parks require campers to bring their own fire pits or rent them. One visitor to Wildwood State Park Campground noted, "A little bit of a bummer on the rental for a firepit but the bathrooms are big and spacious."
Military access restrictions: Several campgrounds near Bayville restrict access to military personnel. A visitor to West Point FMWR Round Pond Outdoor Recreation Area stated, "Round Pond is camping reserved for active and retired military personnel only."
Weather considerations: Spring camping may encounter muddy conditions. A Mountain Lakes Park visitor commented, "When we were there it was right after a rain storm and everything was a bit muddy and slippery."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Camp Glen Gray provides kid-friendly amenities. A camper shared, "Trading post is well stocked and volunteers are always friendly and able to answer any questions." The site includes multiple play areas.
Beach safety: Smith Point County Park offers supervised swimming areas during summer months. One reviewer stated, "The park police are a bunch of over masculine jerks and take their duty a little too far with the drinking. Otherwise, it's perfect."
Evening entertainment: Special treats make camping memorable for children. A Smith Point visitor mentioned, "At nite an ice cream truck comes by, you get visits from the nearby deer. It is paradise."
Morning wildlife viewing: Indian Island County Park offers nature observation opportunities. Early mornings provide the best chance for quiet wildlife viewing when fewer campers are active on the grounds.
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Most sites at Indian Island County Park feature level parking areas. A camper noted, "Site was level, pretty spacious and easy to back into."
Hookup variations: Water access may be seasonal at some campgrounds. One RVer at Indian Island stated, "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."
Pull-through availability: Wildwood State Park Campground offers convenient RV sites. A visitor commented, "RV pull through sites were fantastic. It was a great campground for maiden voyage in new rig."
Cell service limitations: Some campgrounds have spotty coverage. A visitor to West Point FMWR Round Pond Outdoor Recreation Area noted, "Just a note to other campers with T-Moblie, we did not have any service on the campsite, however just a hop in the car or a quick walk down the mountain for 5G service near the entrance off the main road."
