Suffolk County offers a variety of camping spots near Fort Salonga, New York, with options extending from coastal sites to inland forest settings. The region features predominantly sandy soil with pine barrens dominating inland areas and tidal marshes along shorelines. Weather remains temperate from April through October with average summer highs in the mid-80s and overnight lows rarely dropping below 60°F during peak camping season.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Southaven County Park provides year-round access to freshwater fishing on its lake. "I rented a rowboat, and used that for a large part of the morning. They also have some kayaks available to rent as well," notes one visitor. The park maintains several well-maintained walking, hiking and biking trails nearby.
Beach activities: At Smith Point County Park, campsites sit between bay and ocean waters. "A short walk from the ocean to the bay, both accessible by walking from your campsite," reports one camper. The oceanfront beach area provides swimming access during summer months when lifeguards are present.
Stargazing: Beach locations offer excellent night sky viewing. "Listen to the waves crashing as you sleep and stargaze over the clear ocean," notes a visitor to Watch Hill Fire Island Campground. Permits are required for beach access after sunset at some locations.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Cathedral Pines County Park offers secluded camping in a pine forest setting. "Wooded sites are lovely. RV sites in large field," notes one camper. The park maintains separate camping areas for tents versus RVs to accommodate different camping styles.
Wildlife viewing: Multiple parks feature resident wildlife populations. "Wildlife: deer, rabbits, turtles" reports a camper at Heckscher State Park. At Smith Point County Park, many visitors mention deer encounters: "You get visits from the nearby deer. It is paradise."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds maintain regular bathroom cleaning schedules. At Wildwood State Park Campground, "Bathrooms and showers were clean, campsites were generously spaced, water spouts at almost every site," according to one visitor. Most parks feature multiple comfort stations throughout camping areas.
What you should know
Permit requirements: Suffolk County parks require Green Key cards for resident discounts. "Worth buying green key card for resident access. $200 but you'd spend that 4 nights regardless," notes a visitor to Blydenburgh County Park. Non-residents pay higher fees at most county parks.
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes can be particularly problematic in coastal areas. "Come with deet repellent as mosquitos are vicious," advises a Watch Hill Fire Island camper. Ticks are also common throughout the region, particularly in wooded areas and tall grass.
Fire restrictions: Fire rings are not standard at all campgrounds. "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. Some locations require rental of fire rings or prohibit ground fires.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Heckscher State Park Campground features dedicated play areas. "There is a playground just for the campground," notes one reviewer. Smith Point also receives praise from families: "Perfect place to take the little ones has a beautiful lake and a really nice playground."
Entertainment options: Some parks provide scheduled activities. "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," reports an Heckscher State Park visitor. Rangers at Watch Hill offer programs specifically designed for children.
Security considerations: Most parks maintain regular security patrols. "Rangers came around checking on everyone often so it really did feel incredibly safe," according to one Heckscher State Park visitor. Quiet hours are typically enforced but intensity varies by location and season.
Tips from RVers
Parkway restrictions: Navigation presents challenges for larger vehicles. "There are height restrictions on the parkways so RVs cannot travel on them without risk of crashing into bridges. Google Maps doesn't have an option for large vehicles so I made my way manually and the trip took an extra hour," cautions a visitor to Nickerson Beach Park Campground. Use commercial GPS or mapping apps with RV mode enabled.
Utility connections: Wildwood State Park provides full-service sites. "There was water, electric and sewer hookups at each site," notes one RVer. Many parks offer both partial and full hookup options with varying amperage availability.
Campsite spacing: Site sizes and privacy vary considerably between parks. "RV pull through sites were fantastic. It was a great campground for maiden voyage in new rig," reports a Wildwood State Park visitor, while others note some locations have "narrow campsites" requiring careful positioning.
