Tent camping near Greenlawn, New York offers diverse camping environments within a 30-mile radius. The Long Island region features a mix of coastal and wooded camping options with elevations generally below 400 feet. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F with higher humidity near coastal sites, while spring and fall bring milder conditions ideal for tent campers seeking less crowded experiences.
What to do
Beach exploration: Fire Island National Seashore provides opportunities for swimming, beachcombing, and wildlife observation. Campers can access backcountry camping areas for a more remote experience. "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," notes Emily S.
Hiking trail access: Ward Pound Ridge Reservation offers over 40 miles of marked trails through varied terrain. "It's a great place for camping. The shelters are great for people who want to camp and not have to worry about unplanned weather. The best part of this campsite are the endless trails in the area," explains Ethan K.
Water activities: The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center has lake-based recreation including canoeing and swimming. "You can also rent canoes and take them out on the lake for an afternoon activity. Highly recommend if you are in the area!" says Ethan K.
Wildlife watching: Morning and evening hours offer the best opportunities for wildlife spotting. "The lake is very peaceful, and home to beavers we watched from the dining hall patio," notes Ilya F. at Harriman Outdoor Center.
What campers like
Tent site privacy: Battle Row Campground provides secluded tent sites away from RV areas. "This was my first time camping here and I was amazed at how clean the sites were & quiet the campground was," reports Lexis N. "I have lived 6 miles from this campground for the last 20 years and never knew they had tent sites," adds Michael M.
Ocean views: Tent campers at Watch Hill on Fire Island enjoy coastal scenery and sounds. "Beautiful location steps away from the beach. Listen to the waves crashing as you sleep and stargaze over the clear ocean," says Inocencia O.
Food options: Several campgrounds offer meal plans or nearby food options. At Harriman Outdoor Center, Ilya F. highlights that "One highlight was having meals cooked by the stellar chef."
Public transportation access: Tent camping options accessible without a car exist in the region. "This campsite is accessible by public transportation. There is a shuttle run by the campsite to and from Tuxedo Park Train Station (reservations on shuttle required)," mentions Ilya F. about Harriman Outdoor Center.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds require advance booking, especially during summer months. "A maximum of eight people in two tents are allowed at each site," notes Ming R. about Ward Pound Ridge Reservation.
Fire regulations: Rules vary significantly between campgrounds. At Sandy Hook, fires are permitted at designated sites, while at Battle Row "There are NO fire pits, you must bring your own. Fires are allowed but you must have a fire container or bucket for your fire off of the ground," explains Katrina M.
Insect preparation: Coastal sites require serious insect protection. "It was absolutely gorgeous, don't get me wrong. However, it was nearly impossible to enjoy ourselves because we were getting attacked by mosquitoes and horseflies the entire weekend," warns Rosie R. about Watch Hill.
Distance to facilities: Comfort stations may be far from tent sites. At Ward Pound Ridge, "The sites are much farther away from the comfort stations than most campgrounds we have been to. But there are port-a-potties very close to the sites," explains Ming R.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with designated play areas. "The playground is new and centrally located. They also have a horseshoe pit," notes Katrina M. about Battle Row Campground.
Educational programs: Ranger-led activities provide learning opportunities. "There are park rangers on site and have excellent programs for kids," mentions Inocencia O. about Watch Hill on Fire Island.
Mountain Lakes Park offers yurts for families wanting a camping experience with more comfort. "A fun option available at Mountain lakes is to rent a yurt to camp in. The area, as the name implies, is home to several lakes which can be used for various recreational purposes," explains Ethan K.
Bathroom proximity: Consider sites with nearby bathroom facilities when camping with children. "It's a bit of a walk to the comfort stations," notes a camper about Ward Pound Ridge, making portable toilets valuable amenities for families.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV sites: Croton Point Park has a small number of hookup sites that book quickly. "They have cabins and RV sites and now that the Tapan Zee bridge work is done most of them are now open again as the bridge workers have moved out," explains Andrew A.
Site selection: RV campers should research site specifics before booking. "We had a loosely defined gravel pad that was level. All sites appeared level. The FHU sites were back-to-back and although there were trees separating the sites, they were close together," notes Lee D. about Croton Point Park.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds have nearby transportation infrastructure. "Only down side is there is a train depot right outside and you can hear them shunting trains all night," warns Andrew A. about Croton Point Park.
Hookup availability: Electric and water hookups vary widely between campgrounds near Greenlawn. "The sites have provided electric and water and are kept so clean," reports Lexis N. about Battle Row.
