Coastal camping options near Bellmore, New York provide diverse accommodations within an hour's drive of this south shore Nassau County community. The area's barrier islands and north shore bluffs offer contrasting camping experiences with Long Island Sound and Atlantic Ocean waterfront access. Most sites operate seasonally from April through October, with limited year-round options due to the region's cold, wet winters.
What to do
Beach exploration: At Wildwood State Park Campground, visitors can walk to rocky beaches along Long Island Sound. According to Megan B., it's "a great family campsite right on the Long Island Sound," though she notes there's "a little bit of a bummer on the rental for a firepit."
Wine country visits: Campers at Wildwood State Park are positioned at the gateway to Long Island's vineyard region. James O. mentions, "It is right at the entrance to wine country on Long Island and has a beach on the Long Island Sound. (A little rocky on the north shore)."
Historical attractions: Mountain Lakes Park offers yurt camping with access to several lakes and hiking trails. Ethan K. notes, "Mountain Lakes park is a great place to camp within driving distance from NYC. A fun option available at Mountain lakes is to rent a yurt to camp in."
Hiking: Trails throughout the region range from easy paved paths to challenging single-track routes. At Allaire State Park, Beau B. points out there's "Mountain Biking from easy, paved trails to several miles of single track with everything in between. Working village and antique train are available most of the year."
What campers like
Proximity to water: Many campsites offer direct access to either Long Island Sound or Atlantic Ocean beaches. At Smith Point County Park, Ali O. describes, "A short walk from the ocean to the bay, both accessible by walking from your campsite. No shade so be prepared to wake early if you're in a sweltering tent."
Wildlife viewing: Deer sightings are common throughout Long Island camping areas. Another Smith Point camper, Tim M., shares, "At nite an ice cream truck comes by, you get visits from the nearby deer."
Yurt accommodations: Bellmore area yurt camping options provide alternative shelters for those seeking more comfort. At Mountain Lakes Park, Ethan K. highlights, "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."
Winter camping opportunities: Some locations remain open during colder months. Lisa S. reports about Allaire State Park, "We found this campground one night when we were in NJ. It ended up snowing that night. the bathrooms were clean and warm. There is a lot to do in the area."
What you should know
Residency requirements: Some local campgrounds restrict reservations to county residents. Tim M. warns about Smith Point County Park, "ONLY DRAWBACKS, 1- YOU HAVE TO BE A RESIDENT OF SUFFOLK CO, NY, 2- ONE WEEK STAY AT A TIME. PERIOD."
Campsite privacy varies: Many campgrounds feature open layouts with limited separation between sites. Courtney K. describes Wildwood State Park: "It doesn't have that much of the camping feel, though, as there's not many trees in the campsite area and the sites are so close together. You will get very intimate with your neighbors."
Fire pit policies: Some parks require rentals rather than providing permanent fire rings. Ossama B. notes about Wildwood, "Nice size camp site, bathrooms are descent, lame not having a fire ring, you have to rent one or bring your own."
Highway noise: Some campgrounds experience traffic sounds due to proximity to major roads. At Camp Glen Gray, José N. explains: "Great Camp!!! One rustic place with many hiking trails to choose from. Camp also provides trucking of gear weather permitting. No vehicles allowed to drive through camp."
Tips for camping with families
Beach selection: Choose north shore beaches for calmer waters ideal for children. Amber A. describes Wildwood State Park as offering "high bluffs, sandy calm beaches along the Long Island Sound, and views of CT across the water. Lots of other nice state parks in the area plus all the usual Long Island attractions."
Off-season advantages: Consider shoulder season visits for fewer crowds. Patrick M. says of Allaire State Park, "This may be my favorite spot. I have stayed in all the spots they offer, yurt, cabin and the pull up sites. Getting a cabin in the winter and going for a snowy hike is wonderful there."
Cabins for comfort: For families seeking yurt camping near Bellmore, New York without tent setup, cabin options provide convenience. Christopher M. shares about Camp Glen Gray: "Cabins are always clean and stocked with firewood. Lots of hiking trails. Trading post is well stocked and volunteers are always friendly."
Playgrounds and amenities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated children's areas. Dwight D. mentions that Allaire State Park has a "Playground. Campground sells firewood."
Tips from RVers
Pull-through availability: Many sites accommodate larger vehicles with dedicated RV sections. Lori R. states about Wildwood State Park: "RV pull through sites were fantastic. It was a great campground for maiden voyage in new rig. Plenty of amenities."
Hookup options: Most RV sites near Bellmore offer electric, water, and some have sewer connections. Stephen P. notes at Smith Point County Park: "Electric and water is nice for pop up. Little pricey compared to nys parks."
Site selection considerations: When booking an RV spot, request bayside or oceanfront views when available. Gianna reports from Smith Point: "Stayed on the bayside (site 30), which had a fantastic direct bay view. Although most sites have views of the bay, some are blocked by seagrass."
Parking limitations: Be aware of vehicle restrictions at some locations. Giselle P. cautions about Wildwood State Park: "Recently they became very stringent about parking to vehicles at the site making it very difficult to visit with a family and 2 vehicles. I usually host group camping trips and the single vehicle rule makes that very difficult."
