The Long Island area near Cold Spring Harbor sits approximately 40 miles east of Manhattan, featuring mixed hardwood forests with elevations ranging from sea level to 400 feet above sea level. The region's camping season typically runs from April through October, with July and August temperatures averaging 75-85°F. Most campgrounds in this area feature a mix of wooded inland sites and coastal options with beach access.
What to do
Beach recreation at Smith Point County Park: The shoreline at Smith Point County Park offers swimming, beachcombing, and fishing opportunities. A camper explains, "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."
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings provide excellent opportunities to spot local deer families that frequent campground areas. According to a visitor at Smith Point, "You get visits from the nearby deer. It is paradise." Deer are most active at dawn and dusk.
Hiking network: The trail system at Mountain Lakes Park includes multiple lake views and Mt. Bailey, the highest point in Westchester County. One hiker noted, "A gorgeous piece of land that contains lakes, a lookout and Mt. Bailey, the highest point in Westchester County. A dirt road loops through the property with trails off and through it."
Water sports: Multiple parks offer boat launches for kayaks and canoes, particularly at Indian Island County Park where the calm waters of the bay provide safer paddling conditions than the open ocean. As one visitor mentioned, "You are a short walk from beach access and kayak launch."
What campers like
Multiple water bodies: Indian Island County Park features unique positioning between bay and ocean waters. A camper shares, "Sites close to water are nice. They offer more to see and feel a little more like camping. You are a short walk from beach access and kayak launch."
Proximity to attractions: Wildwood State Park's location provides convenient access to regional highlights. A visitor notes, "It is right at the entrance to wine country on Long Island and has a beach on the Long Island Sound." Many glamping sites near Cold Spring Harbor serve as convenient base camps for exploring the area.
Family-friendly facilities: Several campgrounds feature playgrounds and open fields for children. According to one Indian Island County Park visitor, "It's nice for kids they have an open field with a playground for kids. There are dog friendly which was very nice."
Sunset views: Waterfront sites offer exceptional sunset viewing opportunities, particularly from bayside locations. A Smith Point camper described their experience: "Sites are great overlooking the bay. Literally steps to the beach."
What you should know
Site privacy varies significantly: Many campgrounds in the area feature closely spaced sites with limited vegetation barriers. A visitor to Wildwood State Park Campground observed, "You will get very intimate with your neighbors. The other campers can be loud, so it's like a city of camping instead of the great outdoors."
Fire ring policies: Several parks require campers to either rent or bring their own fire rings rather than providing them. One camper noted, "Lame not having a fire ring, you have to rent one or bring your own. Beach is beautiful, very rocky, bring your water shoes."
Seasonal availability: Camping accessibility varies throughout the year, with many facilities closing during winter months. Wildwood State Park operates from April 1 to October 10, while other facilities like Indian Island County Park remain open year-round with reduced amenities during colder months.
Residency requirements: Some Suffolk County parks have strict residency rules. A Smith Point reviewer cautioned, "YOU HAVE TO BE A RESIDENT OF SUFFOLK CO, NY" and "ONE WEEK STAY AT A TIME. PERIOD."
Beach conditions: Expect varying shoreline characteristics. The North Shore beaches along Long Island Sound tend to be rockier than ocean beaches. A camper advised, "Beach is beautiful, very rocky, bring your water shoes."
Tips for camping with families
Early bookings essential: Popular family-friendly sites at West Point FMWR Round Pond Recreation Area fill quickly, especially for summer weekends. A visitor noted, "Beautiful but small-ish tent sites. Lots of great hiking in the area in addition to beautiful Cold Spring Harbor, NY for the small-town charm."
Pack shade solutions: Many beachside glamping sites near Cold Spring Harbor lack natural shade. One Smith Point camper advised, "No shade so be prepared to wake early if you're in a sweltering tent."
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds maintain a more social atmosphere with later quiet hours. A Smith Point reviewer mentioned, "This is not a quiet campground, campers stay up late drinking by the fire. Kids of all ages are generally running and playing day and night in the loud and unreserved way they do."
Weather preparedness: Long Island's coastal weather can change quickly with afternoon thunderstorms common in summer. Bring appropriate rain gear and extra tarps for tent sites.
Tips from RVers
Site levelness: Most RV sites at Camp Glen Gray require minimal leveling. Campgrounds like Indian Island County Park feature relatively flat terrain that accommodates most recreational vehicles without extensive setup work.
Hookup variations: Water services may be seasonal at some parks. An RVer at Indian Island County Park reported, "Shore power was without any problems and park has clean heated bathroom and bike station near dump site."
Parking restrictions: Vehicle limitations affect group camping logistics. According to one camper, "Recently they became very stringent about parking to vehicles at the site making it very difficult to visit with a family and 2 vehicles."
Pull-through availability: Many parks offer specialized RV areas with pull-through sites. A Wildwood State Park visitor confirmed, "RV pull through sites were fantastic. It was a great campground for maiden voyage in new rig. Plenty of amenities."
