Tent camping near Bohemia, New York offers access to both coastal and inland experiences within relatively short driving distances. The area sits on Long Island's south shore with elevations typically below 50 feet, experiencing humid subtropical summers that average 82°F in July and August. Mosquitoes can be particularly problematic at coastal sites during summer months, especially in the evening hours.
What to do
Wildlife viewing: At Croton Point Park, campers can spot the numerous rabbits that inhabit the park grounds. One camper noted, "There are lots of bunnies!" making it a fun place for animal enthusiasts to observe wildlife in a semi-natural setting.
Hiking trails: Ward Pound Ridge Reservation features over 40 miles of trails varying in difficulty. A visitor mentioned, "The best part of this campsite are the endless trails in the area... I believe there are over 40 miles of trails in this area." The trail system accommodates hikers of all skill levels and includes routes for horseback riders.
Beach swimming: Access restricted swimming areas at coastal campgrounds when lifeguards are present. At Croton Point Park, visitors can enjoy "a private beach which is opened from Wednesday to the weekend with life guards on duty!" The designated swimming areas typically have buoys marking safe zones.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many tent campers appreciate the spacing at certain campgrounds. At Battle Row Campground, "Each site is set back off a common area so there is plenty of privacy." This layout allows for a more secluded camping experience despite being in a relatively developed area.
Lean-to shelter options: Several campgrounds near Bohemia offer lean-to structures as alternatives to standard tent sites. According to one camper at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, "The shelter sites are large and private with access to hiking trails and make for a unique experience." These structures provide protection from unexpected weather.
Clean facilities: Campground cleanliness varies by location, but some receive high marks. At Battle Row Campground, visitors noted "I was amazed at how clean the sites were & quiet the campground was... the showers were amazing and also so clean!" Well-maintained facilities enhance the camping experience, particularly for tent campers who rely on shared amenities.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance planning. For Fire Island National Seashore, "Make sure to get a reservation if you're going in between march 15 and labor day." Some parks require in-person reservations while others offer phone booking.
Fire restrictions: Rules about campfires vary significantly between locations. Battle Row Campground allows fires but "you must have a fire container or bucket for your fire off of the ground," while Fire Island National Seashore prohibits fires entirely.
Insect preparation: Coastal locations especially require proper insect protection. At Watch Hill Fire Island Campground, campers warn to "come with deet repellent as mosquitos are vicious." Another visitor described the mosquitoes as "extremely potent and plentiful."
Transportation logistics: Some campgrounds require ferry access. Watch Hill requires "about 20 min drive and 30 min ferry trip" to reach the campground, adding complexity to the tent camping experience near Bohemia.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer play areas for children. Croton Point Park has "a playground within sight of our camper," allowing parents to supervise children while at camp. This provides convenient entertainment for younger campers.
Ranger programs: Educational opportunities exist at certain parks. Watch Hill offers ranger-led activities as "there are park rangers on site and have excellent programs for kids," providing structured learning experiences about local ecology.
Consider noise levels: Some campgrounds experience noise issues. Croton Point Park campers report "a train depot right outside and you can hear them shunting trains all night," which might disturb light sleepers or young children who need quiet for sleeping.
Beach activities: Mountain Lakes Park provides lake access for recreation. "The area, as the name implies, is home to several lakes which can be used for various recreational purposes," offering swimming and water play options for families seeking tent camping near Bohemia.
Tips from RVers
Site sizes and hookups: RVers should research site dimensions before booking. At Croton Point Park, visitors can find "a mix of w/e (6 sites) and FHU sites" though the "FHU sites were back-to-back and although there were trees separating the sites, they were close together."
Gate access procedures: Some campgrounds have security measures requiring keys or codes. At Croton Point Park, "we had to write down our credit card number on a slip of paper before we were given a key that opened the gate to the campground," a procedure some campers found concerning from a security perspective.
Leveling requirements: Most RV sites in the region are relatively level. One camper at Croton Point Park noted, "We had a loosely defined gravel pad that was level. All sites appeared level," making setup easier for RVers camping near Bohemia.
