Equestrian camping near Calverton, New York offers access to wooded trails and coastal riding opportunities within Suffolk County. The region experiences seasonal weather patterns with warm summers averaging 80°F and mild winters with temperatures around 40°F. Horseback riding trails connect multiple county parks through hardwood forests and coastal wetlands.
What to do
Horseback riding on woodland trails: At Sears Bellows County Park, riders can explore extensive trail systems. "The trails are nice and big," notes Gino D., who appreciated the spacious paths suitable for dogs and horses alike.
Fishing for local species: Multiple fishing opportunities exist across nearby parks. Anthony M. enjoyed the variety available at Shinnecock East County Park, stating "The ocean is beautiful and we catch stripe bass. The bay is peaceful and we go crabbing."
Kayaking on freshwater ponds: Water activities complement the riding opportunities. Nadia V. describes her experience: "The first night I stayed here my friends and I rented some rowboats and went on the water. It was a lot of fun, and the price of the rowboat was pretty cheap."
What campers like
Natural wooded settings: Campers appreciate the forested environment. According to Lexis N., Sears Bellows is a "hidden gem" with a "beatiful well kept & maintained campground with spacious sites, a lake with kayaking access, and trails for bike riding and hiking."
Family-friendly atmosphere: The parks offer amenities that appeal to all ages. Vivian T. shares, "My grandkids love camping here, it is so peaceful and great biking and hiking," making it ideal for multi-generational equestrian camping trips.
Beach access for riders: Some parks offer unique coastal riding opportunities. Kayla G. describes Shinnecock East as the "Best place ever" with "camping directly on the beach at one of the nicest beaches in the world."
What you should know
Limited electrical services: Most campgrounds in the area have minimal or no electrical hookups. Vivian T. notes that at Sears Bellows, "the only down fall no electricity," which requires planning for battery-powered equipment.
Vehicle requirements for beach access: Beach areas often require specialized vehicles. Lisa M. cautions about Shinnecock East: "4x4 a must, air down a must. Beautiful on the bay or ocean side."
Seasonal considerations: Some facilities operate with limited services during off-peak times. The camping season generally runs from April through October, with peak demand during summer months when water activities complement riding opportunities.
Tips for camping with families
Playground facilities: Some parks offer dedicated play areas for children. Gino D. mentions that at Sears Bellows "The playground is really nice and big has a lot of slides," providing entertainment options when not riding.
Varied activity options: Families benefit from diverse recreation choices. Nadia V. recommends bringing additional equipment: "I would also bring my bike and fishing pole to do more outdoor activities."
Multiple-day stays recommended: Allow sufficient time to experience all available activities. "I would love to come back here someday, but stay maybe a day or two longer to do more things," suggests Nadia V. after her visit to Sears Bellows.
Tips from RVers
Water hookup availability: Most sites provide water access. Lexis N. notes that at Sears Bellows "Each camp site spot has a provided water hook up," which is essential for horse owners requiring water for their animals.
Generator policies: Policies vary between parks. According to Lexis N., Sears Bellows "does not have an electric hook up but generators are allowed," which helps RVers maintain necessary power for longer stays.
Site selection considerations: Topography affects the camping experience. Lisa M. points out that Shinnecock East has "a hill top section" in addition to oceanfront sites, offering alternatives depending on weather conditions and preference.
