Near Bohemia, New York, campers find a mix of county and state parks offering varying levels of amenities and access to both bay and ocean shores. The elevation throughout the region remains relatively flat, with most camping areas situated within 100 feet above sea level. Weather conditions vary seasonally, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and frequent coastal breezes affecting camping comfort.
What to do
Beach access from camp: Smith Point County Park provides direct beach access with minimal walking required. According to one camper, "Literally steps to the beach. Although most sites have views of the bay, some are blocked by seagrass."
Wildlife viewing: Cathedral Pines County Park offers nature encounters in wooded surroundings. "Usually quiet, occasional deer. Be sure to lock food away as the raccoons are pretty invasive," notes one visitor.
Family recreation: Many parks include playgrounds and open spaces for family activities. At Heckscher State Park Campground, "There is a playground just for the campground... There are also hiking trails and a place where you can rent a kayak."
What campers like
Ocean proximity: Many campers appreciate waterfront sites. 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."
Clean facilities: When campgrounds maintain their amenities, visitors notice. One camper mentioned, "The bathroom building is in the middle of the campground and was clean and had plenty of stalls. Potable water is available at regular intervals, about at the corners of each group of four campsites."
Weather variations: Shoulder seasons offer advantages. "The bugs are gone, the days are warm and the nights are chilly. All in all it a great place to camp," writes a camper about Smith Point in October.
What you should know
Site boundaries: Many campgrounds in the area have undefined boundaries. At Heckscher State Park Campground, "The sites are designated by printing on the roads and do not have clear boundaries between them... there aren't clear paths to the restroom building so it's not uncommon for people to cut through the edges of sites to get there."
Reservation requirements: Most parks require advance booking. At Smith Point County Park, restrictions apply: "ONLY DRAWBACKS, 1- YOU HAVE TO BE A RESIDENT OF SUFFOLK CO, NY, 2- ONE WEEK STAY AT A TIME. PERIOD."
Fire pit policies: Fire regulations vary by location. Battle Row Campground has specific rules: "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."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Battle Row Campground provides family-friendly amenities: "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."
Entertainment options: At Heckscher State Park, special events occur seasonally: "On one visit there was a magician performing for the camp goers. I've even been there while there was a philharmonic concert near the campground."
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds have a social atmosphere. A camper noted about Smith Point: "Not EVERYBODY likes the same music as you do! It also happened to be Trick or Treat weekend on the campground which really fun to see."
Tips from RVers
NYC access from RV sites near Bohemia, New York: Liberty Harbor RV Park in Jersey City offers the closest RV camping to Manhattan. "The light rail is a block away, and the path train is about 8... Having a view of Lady Liberty out your window is priceless."
Navigation challenges: Large RVs require careful route planning. One RVer advised, "Getting in and out of the city is an adventure. Stay right off the highway to avoid the $30 tunnel toll. Follow RV life pro and not Waze."
Site spacing: RV parks in the region often have limited space between sites. A visitor to Liberty Harbor RV Park remarked, "This is a prime location for visiting the city or heading down the shore... Sites kind of level and very close. Power and water, and convenient dump station if staying and needing to dump."
Partial hookups: At North Fork Cottages & RV Resort, "Grassy and flat for our tent. Easy access to water and electric. There were tons of campers that were there for the season and kids playing together."
