Camping sites near Bohemia, New York primarily feature Suffolk County parks with varying terrain from wooded areas to coastal beaches. Located on Long Island, these campgrounds generally sit at elevations under 100 feet above sea level with a humid subtropical climate that brings warm summers and mild winters. Most camping facilities operate year-round with peak season running from May through September when temperatures average 75-85°F during the day.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Blydenburgh County Park offers a 7-mile loop trail around a lake with decent fishing spots. One visitor noted, "Great park with a nice 7 mile loop around the lake with decent fishing. Lots of horses and dogs on the trail" while another mentioned you can rent "row boats for fishing."
Hiking trails: Cathedral Pines County Park features wooded sites with extensive walking paths. A camper mentioned, "The hiking trails were quiet natural and clean. The trails I exposed were well marked." Some trails make you feel like you've been "suddenly transported upstate when in fact I had only driven 2 towns over."
Beach access: The shoreline at Smith Point County Park provides both bay and ocean swimming. According to a camper, "A short walk from the ocean to the bay, both accessible by walking from your campsite." Another visitor added that it's "less than 100 feet from the front of our site was the beach and the Atlantic Ocean view."
What campers like
Family-friendly spaces: Battle Row Campground receives praise for its open layout and amenities. A reviewer stated, "The park is clean the bathrooms are well maintained and there is a playground for the kids. Each site is set back off a common area so there is plenty of privacy."
Group camping areas: Heckscher State Park Campground provides open spaces ideal for larger gatherings. One camper shared, "This place is the best around for group and family camping. The entire campground is one flat open space where some sites are full in the shade and other sites have lots of sun."
Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate the maintenance level at local campgrounds. At Southaven County Park, a visitor noted, "10 stars to guys and girls in charge of maintaining such a busy place!!! You guys really do a great job- and those showers!!! Best ever...great water pressure and super HOT!!!"
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Suffolk County campgrounds often require a Green Key card for reservations. At Southaven County Park, a camper mentioned, "You need a Green Key card membership for reservation which at least got me a 50% ($9) discount on beach parking."
Fire regulations: Fire pits aren't provided at several campgrounds. At Battle Row, "There are NO fire pits, you must bring your own. Fires are allowed but you must have a fire container or bucket for your fire off of the ground."
Insect precautions: Mosquitoes can be problematic, particularly at Watch Hill Fire Island Campground. One camper warned, "We were getting attacked by mosquitoes and horseflies the entire weekend. Even with the bug spray, the relief didn't last long."
Tips for camping with families
Platform tent sites: For families with young children, Wildwood State Park offers elevated areas for tents. A camper shared, "This is one of my favorite campgrounds solely because there are platform sites so I can place my tent on a concrete or wooden platform."
Nearby attractions: Consider campgrounds close to other activities. According to one visitor, "I stayed there one weekend and went to Splish Splash waterpark that's not far away. There is also a Tanger Outlet nearby."
Wildlife viewing: Smith Point provides opportunities for kids to observe deer up close. A camper mentioned, "Oh and the deer eat lettuce out of your hand. Shhhh- not supposed to feed the deer." While another noted, "You get visits from the nearby deer."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Wildwood State Park Campground has dedicated RV sections with full utilities. A visitor mentioned, "RV pull through sites were fantastic. It was a great campground for maiden voyage in new rig. Plenty of amenities."
Site layouts: RV campers should note the varying privacy levels. At Wildwood, "Sites had zero privacy and were all pull through. There was water, electric and sewer hookups at each site, but this was an expensive place to 'camp'."
Seasonal considerations: Fall camping offers unique advantages for RVers. One camper at Smith Point shared, "Being on the beach and camping in October is just awesome. The bugs are gone, the days are warm and the nights are chilly."