Situated at the north shore of Long Island, Great Neck camping options span Nassau County and extend into neighboring regions with elevations ranging from sea level to 400 feet in some areas. The climate typically features warm summers with average highs of 80°F and mild winters around 40°F, creating varied seasonal camping conditions. Most yurt camping accommodations near Great Neck remain open from April through October, with limited year-round options.
What to do
Hiking trails and wildlife viewing: At West Point FMWR Round Pond Outdoor Recreation Area, trails provide access to woodland habitats and lake views. "Plenty of room in tent site area. One challenge was to know there was no clear separation in sites. Small camp ground but easy to move around," notes camper Casey G. The surrounding area offers additional hiking options with moderate elevation changes.
Beach activities: Smith Point County Park provides direct ocean access with sites that face either the bay or Atlantic. "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," shares Patrick C. The park features both swimming areas and fishing opportunities.
Biking opportunities: Allaire State Park offers extensive biking routes ranging from beginner to advanced. "Great canp ground and State Park. Very clean with professional staff. Lots to do in the area! Mountain Biking from easy, paved trails to several miles of single track with everything in between," reports Beau B. The park maintains dedicated cycling paths separate from hiking trails.
What campers like
Year-round yurt camping options: Yurt accommodations near Great Neck provide sheltered camping regardless of season. "I have stayed in all the spots they offer, yurt, cabin and the pull up sites. It is well maintained with numerous trails to hike. Getting a cabin in the winter and going for a snowy hike is wondrful there," explains Patrick M. about Allaire State Park.
Proximity to NYC: West Point FMWR Round Pond Outdoor Recreation Area offers convenience for weekend trips. "Love the proximity to NYC - I always look for areas that are not too far, but not too close to NY. Beautiful but small-ish tent sites. Lots of great hiking in the area in addition to beautiful Cold Spring, NY for the small-town charm," says Becky G.
Camping platforms: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation features raised platforms for tent placement. "There is electric and water hookups for your RV which is great! And at the campgrounds there is a platform where you can pitch your tent," notes Paulene-Amanda M. These platforms keep tents dry during wet conditions and provide level sleeping surfaces.
What you should know
Military-only facilities: Some campgrounds restrict access to military personnel. "Unfortunately for me, Round Pond is camping reserved for active and retired military personnel only. We drove through and the whole space is rather large. There are several signs everywhere making it clear that it is only for military," explains Ethan K.
Seasonal availability: Most yurt camping near Great Neck operates on limited schedules. "The campground is beautiful and the staff was wonderful! We started our camping season off right with a quick weekend stay at Round Pound. Unfortunately, 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," reports Jacey H.
Proximity to highways: Camp Glen Gray and other sites may experience road noise. "Great Camp!!! One rustic place with many hiking trails to choose from. Camp also provides trucking of gear weather permitting. No vehicles allowed to drive through camp," notes Jose N. This restriction limits noise within the campground itself.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Moon Valley Campground offers unique accommodations for families. "This was a great campsite nestled in the foothills of Northern NJ on the NY border. Small, clean with great views and great location for hiking, cruising etc. Bring your tent or use the existing glamping tents," suggests Bob F. The domes provide a novel experience for children.
Playground access: Several campgrounds maintain dedicated play areas. "We were very impressed with the playground on site! Unfortunately, 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, however all areas looked well maintained," says Jacey H. about West Point FMWR Round Pond.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Smith Point County Park offers wildlife encounters. "At nite an ice cream truck comes by, you get visits from the nearby deer. It is paradise," explains Tim M. The deer populations are accustomed to campers but should not be approached or fed.
Tips from RVers
Parking limitations: Many sites restrict vehicle numbers. "I've been going to this campground every summer for at least 5 years. Recently they became very stringent about parking to vehicles at the site making it very difficult to visit with a family and 2 vehicles," explains Giselle P. about Wildwood State Park Campground.
Water access considerations: Hose lengths vary between sites. "Website lists water hook ups at long distances but they have hose reels to help with that. Our site (15) said 75' however the 50' hose reel made it to our rv connection," notes a camper at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation. Bringing extra hose lengths remains advisable.
Leveling requirements: RV sites may require adjustment. "Easy to navigate our 38 ft. RV. Easy to dump and fill. Peaceful. Close to train to N. Y. City," reports Nancymike K. The terrain around Great Neck typically requires minimal leveling compared to more mountainous regions.
