Cabin accommodations in the Long Island area provide a middle ground between tent camping and resort stays. Cabin options near Great River, New York are within driving distance of beaches along both the Atlantic Ocean and Long Island Sound. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F with higher humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions with fewer insects.
What to do
Beach access: Walkable paths at Wildwood State Park Campground connect campers to the Long Island Sound. "The beach is fairly clean and has a small boardwalk," notes a reviewer. The park features hiking trails and a downhill walk to the beach with rockier terrain than south shore options.
Bird watching: Nature center visits are available at Hammonasset State Park. "Great hiking and bird watching. Friendly staff. Amazing sunset scene," shares one visitor. The park provides multiple observation points for migratory shorebirds throughout spring and fall.
Urban exploring: Historic structures are accessible at Staten Island Gateway. A reviewer mentions, "There are abandoned buildings here and you can do urban exploring. There are rangers taking you on a trek and exploring the abandoned building." This makes for a unique alternative to traditional forest camping experiences.
What campers like
Group-friendly layout: Open camping areas at Heckscher State Park Campground facilitate larger gatherings. "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 (lower numbers) have lots of sun," reports one regular visitor who has returned annually since 2019.
Backcountry beach camping: Remote sites at Watch Hill Fire Island Campground provide more solitude than standard campgrounds. "You can get a permit to backcountry camp instead of reserving a designated campground spot. Just walk down to the beach after check-in and walk east until you see a pole with a tent symbol on it. After that you can choose where you want to set up camp," explains a visitor who found the experience allowed them to feel like they "had the entire beach to ourselves."
Beach-view cottages: Premium accommodations offer direct water access. "The cottages are fully furnished, with a full kitchen and large bathroom with a walk in shower. The cottages are a short walk from the beach and also include a fire pit with Adirondack chairs and an outdoor shower on the exterior each property," notes a reviewer detailing the higher-end options available.
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Summer booking challenges affect cabin availability. "The cabins look amazing, all booked, you gotta book a year in advance," mentions one Wildwood visitor. Most cabins in the region require reservations 9-12 months in advance for summer weekends.
Insect preparation: Severe mosquitoes plague certain coastal locations. "Expect to be eaten alive... We were getting attacked by mosquitoes and horseflies the entire weekend. Even with the bug spray, the relief didn't last long. We couldn't even enjoy our meals at camp because it was that bad," warns a camper about Watch Hill. Bring shelter with mosquito netting for dining areas.
Transportation logistics: Ferry access for Watch Hill Fire Island Campground — Fire Island National Seashore requires planning. "Fire Island is a great spot in the summer, but can be busy. Camping gets you away from the bustle. It is a little less than a half mile walk from the ferry dock and located behind the dunes which offer some protection," explains a visitor. Pack light or bring collapsible wagons for transporting supplies from the dock.
Tips for camping with families
Bicycle-friendly environments: Extensive paths encourage alternative transportation. "Bring a bicycle or scooper and you can ride the loop around to the beach; you can also drive to the beach," recommends an Heckscher camper. Many coastal parks feature dedicated cycling paths connecting camping areas to beaches and facilities.
Safety considerations: Regular ranger patrols provide security in Kettletown State Park Campground. "Staff patrols for safety. Good place for families and large groups," notes a visitor. The 5-acre park offers supervised activity areas for children during peak season.
Entertainment options: Seasonal programming enhances family stays. "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 a reviewer about special events at Heckscher. Check park calendars for scheduled activities during your planned visit.
Tips from RVers
Pull-through site selection: Ample spaces at Wildwood accommodate larger rigs. "RV pull through sites were fantastic. It was a great campground for maiden voyage in new rig. Plenty of amenities," reports a first-time visitor. Sites 15-30 offer the best combination of shade and level parking for larger vehicles.
Hookup limitations: Variable utilities affect planning. North Fork Cottages & RV Resort (formerly Eastern Long Island Kampground) provides "easy access to water and electric" according to a recent camper. However, most cabins in the region have limited hookups, so verify specific amenities when booking.
Bathroom considerations: Facility quality varies between parks. "Some of the screens were missing from the bathroom so it was full of bugs. If you are in a camper and it has a bathroom, this will not be an issue for you," explains a North Fork visitor. Self-contained RVs provide the most consistent bathroom experience across Long Island cabin accommodations.
