40 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Eastern Long Island's coastal region surrounding Center Moriches, New York features a variety of camping options within a short drive. Suffolk County parks and New York state facilities provide the primary camping infrastructure, with notable locations including Smith Point County Park in Shirley and Wildwood State Park in Wading River. Most campgrounds in this area offer a mix of tent sites, RV spaces with hookups, and in some cases, cabin rentals or glamping accommodations. The camping landscape is characterized by proximity to beaches, with many sites situated either on the Atlantic Ocean or Long Island Sound shorelines, creating distinct camping experiences based on water access and surrounding environments.
Reservations are essential during the peak season from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with many campgrounds booking up months in advance. As one camper noted about Sears Bellows County Park, "This hidden gem is located right in Hampton Bays and is perfect for anyone looking to camp off the grid." Transportation considerations are important for RV campers, as several reviewers mention challenges with height restrictions on New York's parkways. Weather patterns create distinct camping seasons, with most facilities operating from April through October, though some county parks like Indian Island and Southaven remain open year-round. Insect protection is frequently mentioned in reviews, with ticks and mosquitoes being particularly prevalent in wooded areas and near water.
Beach access represents the defining feature of camping in this region, with Fire Island National Seashore offering unique experiences accessible by ferry. According to one visitor at Watch Hill Fire Island Campground, "Beautiful location steps away from the beach. Listen to the waves crashing as you sleep and stargaze over the clear ocean." Site privacy varies considerably between campgrounds, with some locations like Heckscher State Park described as having "campsites very close together without any defining borders." Facilities typically include restrooms with showers, picnic tables, and fire rings, though amenity quality varies by location. Water activities feature prominently in visitor experiences, with opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and swimming complementing the camping experience throughout the region.
"The beach is in a walking distance. You can swim or fish there. This camp site has a relatively new and clean facility. There are many farms near by where you can get fresh veggies and fruits."
"However there are too many loud families and the sites are too close in proximity for me."
from $20 - $225 / night
Check Availability"Literally steps to the beach."
"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. Staff has been great, no complaints."
"Recently went camping in our pull behind, met some old friends and had a great time. Rangers have a hardon for people screwing up tho. Think they're all that and then some..."
"Great Location Clean Park."
from $33 / night
Check Availability"Campsites are located close enough to the beach/marsh. Multiple playgrounds for the kids although they were closed due to Covid."
"The beach was within walking distance, lots of little trails, and plenty of activities for the whole family. The bathrooms were mostly clean, and the shower was hot."
"Beautiful location steps away from the beach. Listen to the waves crashing as you sleep and stargaze over the clear ocean. Not ready for full on camp-life? No problem!"
"Camping gets you away from the bustle. It is a little less than a half mile walk from the ferry dock and located behind the dunes which offer some protection. Take a quick walk down to the beach."
from $35 - $197 / night
Check Availability"This hidden gem is located right in Hampton Bays and is the perfect campground for anyone looking to camp off the grid."
"Is good for dogs to the trails are nice and big"
from $25 / night
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ScoutVery nice family oriented, places the beach, which is great except for the birds watch out they come at you. They have a dog park basketball courts playground swimming just about everything.
ScoutCamped early in the season mid week, and it was nice and quiet. The "new" park rangers are take their jobs delightfully serious.
Our site had plenty of sun for solar but in seagull loop there is loads of shade
TravelerCute Rv park. Very family friendly, the women who at the office are also incredibly nice and helpful! Seems like a lot of people either live full time or come on weekends but we were able to book a spot for a week.
ScoutPicked up a one way rental RV on the way to Florida. I arrived early afternoon and was met quickly and shown to my spot and helped with all the hookups and “lay of the land” Very easy and helpful.
GuideSo much going on! They will give free shuttle rides to 3 beaches & downtown Niantic, CT.
We had tried to get a deluxe location and not completely booked. This is the weekend before Labor Day and they were vanishing point the owner / shuttle driver, John, asked us if we would want to move on Sunday after a bunch of people moved out. And we said absolutely because we're going to be here for 3 more nights.
And it is huge and amazing! If you want to pay a little extra for the deluxe request slot 92!
ScoutWe love this campground because the beach is steps away
ScoutMy wife and I love this campground. 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)
LegendCharming, full of wonderful amenities and nice extras. Nice staff, fun coin scavenger hunt, great pool, well stocked store, wide sites, lots of grass/trees and space to stretch out. Missing full hook ups but the staff and overall vibe more than make up for it. Community garden was something we hadn’t seen before - super fun.
ScoutAbsolute worst Camp Hosts. They cancel every event they schedule while receiving free beach camping all summer. They’re an embarassment and a constant disappointment for young children. Shame on you and shame on Hammonasset.
Suffolk County offers several camping sites near Center Moriches, New York that range from coastal beaches to wooded inland areas. The region sits at sea level with sandy soil and maritime forests typical of Long Island's eastern shore. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during camping season, with cooler nights near water locations requiring extra layers.
Beach activities: Smith Point County Park has direct ocean access with minimal walking. "A short walk from the ocean to the bay, both accessible by walking from your campsite," notes Ali O., highlighting the convenient beach proximity.
Kayaking: Southaven County Park offers affordable boat rentals for water exploration. "If you like water activities and hiking, then chances are you will probably like this campground. I like both, and really enjoyed my stay here. One great thing is that they do have some items you can rent- I rented a rowboat," shares Kari M.
Hiking: Cathedral Pines County Park features wooded trails through pine forests. "Wooded sites are lovely," explains Karen R., emphasizing the natural setting that makes this park distinct from coastal options.
Stargazing: Watch Hill Fire Island Campground provides exceptional night sky viewing. "Listen to the waves crashing as you sleep and stargaze over the clear ocean," describes Inocencia O. about this unique camping location.
Privacy levels: Wildwood State Park Campground offers various site arrangements. "This is a very nice campground with various kinds of sites. You can find sites that are less wooded and better suited to group camping, as well as sites that are a little more secluded," notes Giselle P.
Water views: Bay-facing sites at Smith's Point provide direct water views. "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," Patrick C. explains.
Wildlife encounters: The local deer population interacts with campers at several parks. "You get visits from the nearby deer. It is paradise," mentions Tim M. when describing Smith's Point, while another camper noted watching deer nursing their young.
Off-grid experience: Sears Bellows County Park appeals to those seeking basic camping. "Perfect campground for anyone looking to camp off the grid. Tucked away in the woods is a beautiful well kept & maintained campground with spacious sites, a lake with kayaking access, and trails," states Lexis N.
Reservation requirements: Suffolk County parks typically require a Green Key membership for county residents. "You have to be a resident of Suffolk Co, NY," Tim M. notes about Smith Point, though many parks do accommodate non-residents with day-use fees.
Mosquito preparation: Multiple campgrounds report significant insect activity, especially near water. "Come with deet repellent as mosquitos are vicious," warns Pedro R. about Watch Hill, while another camper described being "eaten alive" despite using repellent.
Site proximity: Many campgrounds feature closely spaced sites. "Close sites with no privacy. Short walk to beach," Karen R. explains about Smith Point County Park, highlighting the tradeoff between beach access and site seclusion.
Fire pit variations: Not all campgrounds provide fire rings. "A little bit of a bummer on the rental for a firepit," Megan B. mentions about Wildwood State Park, while at Indian Island "the campsites don't come with a fire ring," according to Maxime T.
Playgrounds: Indian Island County Park features multiple play areas. "It's nice for kids they have an open field with a playground for kids," reports Gino D., making this park particularly suitable for younger children.
Water safety: Ocean beaches have varying swimming conditions. "The beach is fairly clean and has a small boardwalk," notes Giselle P. about Wildwood State Park, though she mentions "it is a downhill walk to the beach" which parents should consider with small children.
Group activities: Several campgrounds accommodate larger family gatherings. "I usually host group camping trips and the single vehicle rule makes that very difficult," mentions Giselle P., indicating Wildwood State Park has restrictions families should know about when planning multi-family outings.
Ice cream access: Smith Point features seasonal treats. "At nite an ice cream truck comes by," shares Tim M., mentioning an amenity particularly appreciated by families with children.
Site leveling: Most RV sites require minimal adjustment. "RV pull through sites were fantastic. It was a great campground for maiden voyage in new rig. Plenty of amenities," describes Lori R. about Wildwood State Park.
Hookup availability: Water and electric connections vary by campground. "There are sites with electric, water but those fill up fast," Michael G. explains about Indian Island County Park, indicating the need to book well in advance.
Campground layout: Smith Point County Park divides camping areas by the bay and ocean. "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," advises Gianna.
Parking restrictions: Vehicle limits apply at most campgrounds. "Recently they became very stringent about parking to vehicles at the site making it very difficult to visit with a family and 2 vehicles," notes Giselle P. about Wildwood State Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Center Moriches, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Center Moriches, NY is Wildwood State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 24 reviews.
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