Fire Island National Seashore camping areas combine coastal maritime environments with pitch pine forests. The barrier island stretches over 30 miles along Long Island's southern shore, with Atlantic Ocean beaches on one side and Great South Bay on the other. Camping options range from developed campgrounds to more remote beach areas where campers might encounter local wildlife including deer, which frequently visit campsites.
What to do
Beach activities and swimming: Smith Point County Park offers direct access to both bay and ocean environments within a short walk. "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," notes Ali O. Sites with ocean views are particularly popular, with one camper mentioning, "Sites are great overlooking the bay. Bathroom lights are bright. 10 would be better. I also like the corner sites as they are bigger. The 230-70 overlook the ocean which is great."
Hiking and trail exploration: Blydenburgh County Park features a 7-mile loop trail around a lake with diverse wildlife viewing opportunities. "Hiking trails are beautiful. Dog friendly. Clean bathrooms," reports one camper. The hiking experience varies by season, with another camper adding, "Trails were awesome. Row boat for fishing was great."
Stargazing opportunities: The beaches at several dog friendly campgrounds near Fire Island National Seashore provide excellent night sky viewing. At Wildwood State Park, one visitor noted you need "to buy a stargazing permit to be out on the beach after sunset, which is kind of strange but really helps prevent hooligans from taking over the beach and destroying the serenity."
What campers like
Proximity to both bay and ocean: Camping at Smith Point County Park puts you between two distinct water environments. "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," writes Patrick C. The dual water access is consistently mentioned as a highlight by reviewers.
Wildlife encounters: Multiple campgrounds offer opportunities to observe local fauna. "You get visits from the nearby deer. It is paradise," says Tim M. about Smith Point, while another camper mentions, "I watched a momma deer nursing two of her babies."
Clean facilities: Southaven County Park receives consistent praise for maintenance. "Perfect place to take the little ones has a beautiful lake and a really nice playground highly recommended," notes one camper. The park is described as "clean" by multiple reviewers, with one adding, "Our site had good shade coverage and was free of rocks and other hazards."
What you should know
Resident restrictions at some campgrounds: Some Suffolk County parks have special requirements. One camper at Smith Point notes the "ONLY DRAWBACKS, 1- YOU HAVE TO BE A RESIDENT OF SUFFOLK CO, NY, 2- ONE WEEK STAY AT A TIME. PERIOD."
Bug preparation is essential: Mosquitoes are prevalent throughout the region, especially near water. At Watch Hill Fire Island Campground, one camper advises, "Favorite place ever. You can get there by ferry. Very quiet and comfortable. Birdsong in the morning and the sound of the waves. There are showers, toilets and a café. For those who want to be at one with nature. Lots of mosquitoes, be prepared."
Permit requirements: Many dog friendly campgrounds at Fire Island National Seashore require permits for various activities. At Cupsogue County Park, "A 4x4 is required. You must also purchase an outer beach permit for your vehicle. For local residents, it's worth the purchase. It can be pricey for out-of-towners."
Fire ring availability: Several campgrounds don't provide fire rings. At Indian Island County Park, a visitor noted, "The only reason I gave 4 stars is because the campsites don't come with a fire ring. Not sure if this is because of maintenance, but it just wasn't super apparent until we got there."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Indian Island County Park has facilities specifically 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," shares Gino D. Another camper mentions, "Multiple playgrounds for the kids although they were closed due to Covid."
Educational programs: Watch Hill offers ranger-led activities for younger visitors. "There are park rangers on site and have excellent programs for kids," notes one reviewer who visited the dog friendly campground at Fire Island National Seashore.
Entertainment options: Heckscher State Park occasionally provides special events. "On one visit there was a magician performing for the camp goers. I've even been there while there was a philharmonic concert near the campground," shares one visitor.
Ice cream access: Several campgrounds feature ice cream service. At Smith Point, "At nite an ice cream truck comes by," while Heckscher State Park has "a shop at the entrance to get supplies if you need it and you can rent firepits and buy firewood. The ice cream trucks comes by as well."
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: At Wildwood State Park, RV sites have specific characteristics. "RV pull through sites were fantastic. It was a great campground for maiden voyage in new rig. Plenty of amenities," notes Lori R. However, another camper cautions, "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."
Hookup availability: Different campgrounds offer varying levels of service. At Smith Point, sites include full hookups, with one camper noting, "Electric and water is nice for pop up." Another visitor at Indian Island mentions, "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."
Space considerations: While many campgrounds accommodate RVs, privacy can vary. "Sites are close together with no privacy. Short walk to beach," notes one visitor to Smith Point County Park.
