RV campgrounds near Glen Head, New York are positioned within Nassau County on Long Island's North Shore, approximately 25 miles east of Manhattan. The region's coastal positioning creates moderate temperatures with summer averages of 80°F and winter lows around 25°F. Many camping options in the area remain open year-round due to the temperate climate, though reservation competition intensifies during summer months when temperatures are most favorable.
What to do
Beach access: 10-minute walk at Nickerson Beach Park Campground, which offers full hookup RV sites from April through November. "Very clean, friendly employees. Campsite allows dogs, however, the beach does not. They have a small dog run on the other side of the large beach parking lot," notes a camper.
Hiking trails: Multiple difficulties at Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground, located about an hour north of Glen Head. "Great hikes. The park rangers told us the plumbing had been re-done in the past year, so the water fountains and water spigots were in great shape and provided cold, clear water," a visitor shared.
Train access to NYC: 30-40 minutes from Croton Point Park. "The train station is right there! We came in October to celebrate Halloween in sleepy hollow! This is a great campsite and reasonably priced. Was close to Bear Mountain State Park," reports one camper who visited during fall.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Several campers appreciate the layout at Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park. "The biggest positive about Beaver Pond is how spread out it was. You definitely feel like you have your own space and are not camping on top of your neighbor. Many of the camping options were on platforms which is especially nice if it recently rained," one review noted.
Heated cottages: For those seeking more comfortable accommodations near Glen Head. "The highlight of Heckscher State Park is the newly constructed heated cottages located on the shore of Nichol's & Great South Bays. The cottages are fully furnished, with a full kitchen and large bathroom with a walk-in shower," explains a visitor who explored alternative lodging options.
Off-season quiet: Many campgrounds in the region offer peace during non-summer months. "We stayed here on a Thursday night in September prior to taking off backpacking. The campground was clean and quiet. Ranger said that during summer weekends the grounds fill up and can be quite noisy, but mid-week during the off-season it was great," reports a Beaver Pond camper.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most RV campgrounds near Glen Head demand advance planning, especially for holiday weekends. "This is a small beach campground. It's all but impossible to get an RV spot there from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Still, it is a clean and well run campground. Easy beach access," mentions a Nickerson Beach Park camper.
Site differences: Battle Row Campground in Old Bethpage has clear distinctions between tent and RV areas. "Each site is set back off a common area so there is plenty of privacy. It's great if you're local easy in and out," notes a camper who appreciated the layout.
Transportation logistics: Public transportation options vary widely between parks. At Croton Point Park, "Peaceful and gorgeous campsite, with plenty of space between sites. Great view of the Hudson, and playground within sight of our camper. Site does not have Wi-Fi and street address didn't work correctly with multiple GPS apps."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: RV parks with dedicated play areas provide entertainment options. "The park is clean the bathrooms are well maintained and there is a playground for the kids," writes a Battle Row Campground visitor. Another camper noted similar amenities at Croton Point Park, mentioning "playground within sight of our camper."
Beach swimming options: Heckscher State Park Campground combines camping with water activities. "The campsites were generously spaced, water spouts at almost every site. Beaches were a 5 min drive," reports one visitor who found the convenience ideal for family outings.
Group camping layouts: "This place is the best around for group and family camping. The entire campground is one flat open space where some sites are full in the shade and other sites have lots of sun. You can come here in tents as well as RVs and the staff is very nice," shares an Heckscher State Park visitor who regularly brings family groups.
Tips from RVers
Limited site availability: During peak summer months, finding RV spots requires planning. A Nickerson Beach camper explains: "Very plain & functional, no frills but right on the harbor & on the very edge of Jersey City, close to a ferry & the train that takes u across to New York City. Shopping & restaurants are right next door."
Satellite location selection: When staying at Skyline RV Camp, know that "Skyline RV Camp has moved to 50 Noble St, Brooklyn, NY 11222. The original property location at 2 Oak St was sold and is now private property. There no longer is a waterfront view of the NYC skyline when camping at Skyline RV. The website views are misleading."
RV navigation challenges: Larger rigs need careful planning to reach certain parks. "Getting in and out of the city is an adventure. Stay right off the highway to avoid the $30 tunnel toll. Follow RV life pro and not Waze," advises a Liberty Harbor RV Park camper, highlighting the importance of using RV-specific navigation tools rather than standard apps.
