Camping opportunities near Centereach, New York include several county and state parks within 30 miles. The region has a coastal climate with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winter temperatures often dropping below freezing. Most campgrounds in this area are situated on relatively flat terrain with elevations ranging from sea level to about 100 feet, creating varied camping environments from inland forests to coastal settings.
What to do
Kayak on the lake: Blydenburgh County Park offers multiple water activities including kayaking and rowboats. "The fox 9 site was a long enough walk I needed to plan my trips to the bathroom. Other sites were spaced enough to allow a true feeling of escaping into the woods," notes a camper about the group camping area.
Beach activities: Smith Point County Park provides direct access to both bay and ocean beaches for swimming and sunbathing. "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," explains one visitor.
Hiking trails: Indian Island County Park features well-maintained hiking paths with views of Flanders Bay. "The walk to the beach area was very serene, especially early morning before sunrise and didn't feel like we live in dense suburbia and sunrise from the beach was worth the trip," shares a recent visitor.
Wine country visits: Multiple vineyards are located within a 30-minute drive of Wildwood State Park. "My 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," mentions one camper.
What campers like
Beach camping atmosphere: Watch Hill Fire Island Campground provides a coastal camping experience. "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! There are shops, a restaurant and a bar a 10 minute walk away," notes an experienced camper.
Wildlife encounters: Several campgrounds feature opportunities to see local animals. "Sweet deer. I watched a momma deer nursing two of her babies. This is paradise," explains a visitor to Smith Point County Park, while many campgrounds report frequent deer sightings.
Off-season tranquility: Cathedral Pines County Park offers year-round camping with more solitude in colder months. "Wooded sites are lovely. RV sites in large field," notes a camper about the distinct camping areas available.
Year-round access: Blydenburgh County Park remains open throughout all seasons. "If your going to be on Long Island, Suffolk county is really only RV friendly place. Worth buying green key card for resident access. 200 but you'd spend that 4 nights regardless. Very clean campgrounds lots of space," advises one camper.
What you should know
Green Key requirement: Suffolk County parks require a Green Key card for camping reservations. "You need a Green Key card membership for reservation which at least got me a 50% ($9) discount on beach parking," explains a Southaven County Park visitor.
Limited privacy at some campgrounds: Heckscher State Park Campground has an open layout. "Each camping site has a picnic table and barbeque grill. The sites are designated by printing on the roads and do not have clear boundaries between them," notes a recent camper.
Fire pit policies vary: Many campgrounds don't provide fire pits. "No fire pits on any of the sites, although I learned afterwards that they do allow you to bring your own metal fire pit as long as it is elevated off the ground," reports a visitor to Heckscher State Park.
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes can be problematic, especially at coastal sites. "It was absolutely gorgeous, don't get me wrong. However, it was nearly impossible to enjoy ourselves because we were getting attacked by mosquitoes and horseflies the entire weekend," warns a Watch Hill visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several parks offer recreational facilities for children. "It's nice for kids they have an open field with a playground for kids. There are dog friendly which was very nice," mentions an Indian Island County Park visitor.
Beach proximity: Fire Island locations offer family-friendly beach access. "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. Literally steps to the beach," notes a Smith Point camper.
Entertainment options: Wildwood State Park Campground provides nearby attractions for families. "There are lots of stores nearby as well as orchards to pick your own fruits. I stayed there one weekend and went to Splish Splash waterpark that's not far away. There is also a Tanger Outlet nearby," shares a regular visitor.
Food options: Some campgrounds have ice cream and food available. "There is a general store, complete with an ice cream shop window, on the grounds was a treat," mentions a Smith Point camper, while other parks report ice cream trucks making regular visits.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Some parks better accommodate RVs than others. "RV pull through sites were fantastic. It was a great campground for maiden voyage in new rig. Plenty of amenities," advises a Wildwood State Park visitor.
Hook-up availability: Utility connections vary by campground. "Site was level, pretty spacious and easy to back into. No sewers sites that I could tell, and water was off because we were a week shy of the season opening. Needed to move to dump station prior to leaving (2 night visit) and had to drive to fill the fresh water tank once while there," reports an Indian Island visitor.
Site spacing considerations: Campgrounds differ in how RVs are arranged. "Stayed here for two nights with my popup and was surrounded by large motor homes/RVs. sites had zero privacy and were all pull through. There was water, electric and sewer hookups at each site," shares a Wildwood visitor noting the layout.
