Smith Point County Park offers glamping in Hampton Bays, New York with direct beach access on both the ocean and bay sides. Sites at this Suffolk County facility include electric and water hookups suitable for luxury canvas tents and RVs. The campground features clean shower facilities and sits on a narrow barrier island with the Atlantic Ocean to the south and Moriches Bay to the north, creating a unique coastal glamping environment in eastern Long Island.
What to do
Beach exploration: Walking distance to both bay and ocean. At Indian Island County Park, visitors can enjoy the shoreline during different times of day. "Sunrise from the beach was worth the trip," notes one camper, mentioning the "serene" early morning atmosphere. The park includes small hiking trails for nature walks between beach sessions.
Kayaking: Launch points at multiple locations. The parks provide water access for paddlers, with Indian Island offering a dedicated kayak launch area. "You are a short walk from beach access and kayak launch," explains one reviewer who found the location convenient for weekend water activities near Hampton Bays.
Wine tasting: Visit Long Island vineyards. Wildwood State Park Campground puts glampers at "the entrance to wine country on Long Island," according to a reviewer. Numerous vineyards and tasting rooms are within 10-20 minute drives, making this an ideal day trip for adult glampers seeking local flavors.
What campers like
Space and facilities: Enough room for gathering. At Smith Point County Park, "sites are great overlooking the bay" with "plenty of room" for social activities. A reviewer appreciated that "sites include one paved parking spot, a fire pit and a picnic table," providing a stable foundation for luxury glamping setups.
Sunrise views: Early morning water spectacles. Glampers report exceptional morning views. One Smith Point visitor described their site as having a "fantastic direct bay view," while noting that some sites have views "blocked by seagrass." Selecting the right site location matters for optimal sunrise viewing.
Wildlife encounters: Natural inhabitants nearby. Campers at Smith Point mentioned deer sightings. "You get visits from the nearby deer," one reviewer noted, adding an unexpected wildlife element to the glamping experience. Bird watching opportunities exist along the shorelines and marsh areas throughout these coastal parks.
What you should know
Fire policies vary between parks. Some locations require bringing or renting equipment. At Indian Island County Park, visitors noted "no fire ring (BYOFP)" and mentioned they "luckily had our camp stove." Another camper stated they needed to rent a fire ring for "$8 per day so bring yours!"
Site privacy levels differ significantly. Rocky Neck State Park Campground offers "a variety of tree covering options for each campers preferences," while Smith Point has "sites with zero privacy" as one camper noted they were "close together" despite being spacious.
Seasonal timing affects experience. Indian Island campers found visiting during off-season beneficial. One mentioned a "wonderful weekend visit in the off season" with "level, pretty spacious" sites that were "easy to back into." However, they noted that "water was off because we were a week shy of the season opening," requiring adaptation.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds: Multiple options for children. Indian Island features "an open field with a playground for kids" as noted by one visitor. Another mentioned "multiple playgrounds for the kids" throughout the park, providing recreation spaces beyond the beach areas.
Beach accessibility: Consider walking distances. Wildwood State Park provides beach access, but campers should note the terrain. "It is a downhill walk to the beach. The beach is fairly clean and has a small boardwalk," explained one visitor, important information for families with young children or mobility concerns.
Alternative activities: Options beyond beaches. Families staying near Hampton Bays can find additional entertainment. A Wildwood visitor shared, "I stayed there one weekend and went to Splish Splash waterpark that's not far away. There is also a Tanger Outlet nearby," providing options during inclement weather or for breaks from beach activities.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Verify before booking. Niantic KOA offers partial hookups but requires planning. "No sewer hook up, but they do provide a honey wagon pump service, once, free of charge," explained a camper, adding that additional pumps cost extra and service isn't daily.
Site dimensions: Check for larger rigs. At Wildwood State Park, "RV pull through sites were fantastic" according to one reviewer who found it "a great campground for maiden voyage in new rig." The park separates tent and RV camping areas, with the latter providing more space for larger vehicles.
Dump station logistics: Plan accordingly. An Indian Island visitor noted they "needed to move to dump station prior to leaving" during their two-night stay and "had to drive to fill the fresh water tank once." RVers should factor this into their glamping setup and breakdown schedules.
