Cabin camping near Cold Spring Harbor, New York provides convenient access to Long Island Sound and the northeastern woodlands of Long Island. The region sits at the north shore of Long Island with elevations ranging from sea level to around 400 feet at nearby hills. Most cabins in this area operate seasonally, with limited wintertime availability except at year-round facilities like Croton Point Park.
What to do
Beach access and swimming: At Wildwood State Park Campground, the Long Island Sound shoreline provides rocky beaches with sunset views. "A great family campsite right on the Long Island Sound... The beach is fairly clean and has a small boardwalk," notes a visitor. The beach requires a short downhill walk from the camping area.
Hiking nearby trails: Kettletown State Park Campground offers varied terrain within an hour's drive. "Beautiful trails, flat & hilly," mentions one camper. Some visitors recommend exploring during cooler months as summer brings intense mosquito activity in wooded areas.
Ferry adventures: Access Watch Hill Fire Island Campground via a 30-minute ferry ride from Patchogue. "You can get a permit to backcountry camp instead of reserving a designated campground spot. Just walk down to the beach after check-in and walk east until you see a pole with a tent symbol on it," explains one visitor who enjoyed beach camping with more privacy than the main campground.
What campers like
Waterfront views: The cabins at Croton Point Park sit on a peninsula jutting into the Hudson River. "Beautiful campsite, with plenty of space between sites. Great view of the Hudson, and playground within sight of our camper," reports one visitor. The park offers year-round cabin rentals that accommodate families.
Military-only facilities: Active and retired military personnel can stay at West Point FMWR Round Pond Outdoor Recreation Area which offers additional amenities. "We've been coming here for at least 13 years. We love that it's a place specifically for Vets and active Military. Everyone is amazingly respectful of each other and the caretakers take such care of the grounds," shares a regular visitor.
Platform camping options: Some locations offer elevated platforms that protect tents from ground moisture. "You can rent canoes and take them out on the lake for an afternoon activity," notes one camper about The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center. Another visitor mentions, "They have both cabins for rent and camping spots on platforms which are great, especially when it rains."
What you should know
Noise levels vary significantly: Many campgrounds near Cold Spring Harbor handle weekend crowds differently. At Wildwood State Park, some campers note that "It doesn't have that much of the camping feel, though, as there's not many trees in the campsite area and the sites are so close together."
Seasonal concerns: Bug protection is essential during summer months. At Watch Hill, one camper warned, "We couldn't even enjoy our meals at camp because it was that bad. Definitely bring a shelter or a canopy with a mosquito net!"
Site selection matters: At Croton Point Park, the tent sites and RV areas have different characteristics. "Tent site is after the RV site, so use their LX before you get to site if you can. The site was very loud (dance music) until after 11pm. Quiet time at 10pm."
Transportation limitations: Several campgrounds require special transportation arrangements. Round Pond has limited cell service, with one visitor noting, "Just a hop in the car or a quick walk down the mountain for 5G service near the entrance off the main road."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Finding sites near play areas helps with younger children. At Croton Point Park, one camper mentioned "playground within sight of our camper," allowing parents to supervise from their site.
Structured activities: Some parks offer organized family events. Wildwood State Park hosts seasonal activities, and as one camper notes, "There is also a Tanger Outlet nearby. I've been there during a full on thunderstorm and watched as the trees swayed in the wind."
Lake swimming options: Many families prefer lake swimming over ocean beaches for younger children. At Sebago Cabin Camp, visitors recommend, "Don't expect to swim on site - go to Lake Welch near by!"
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many parks offer chances to observe local animals. A camper at Heckscher State Park spotted "wildlife: deer, rabbits, turtles" near their beachside cottage.
Tips from RVers
Utility hookups: Wildwood State Park offers comprehensive connections for RVs. "RV pull through sites were fantastic. It was a great campground for maiden voyage in new rig. Plenty of amenities," reports one RVer about their first trip.
Proximity to services: Most cabin and RV sites near Cold Spring Harbor are within 15-20 minutes of shopping areas. Kettletown State Park visitors note convenience to nearby towns, with one mentioning, "There are a ton of watering spots" throughout the campground.
Seasonal availability: Most RV sites in the region have limited cold weather availability. Round Pond Recreation Area visitors note that "due to our early start in the camping season the weather did not allow us to enjoy fishing or the beach or water hook ups."