Cabin camping options near Hauppauge span across Long Island Sound to the mainland Connecticut shore. These locations typically operate from late spring to early fall, with most facilities closing by mid-September. Sites range from basic platform tent setups to fully furnished cottages with modern amenities, depending on price point and location.
What to do
Beach access: Wildwood State Park offers hiking trails leading to the Long Island Sound shoreline. "The North Shore experience with high bluffs, sandy calm beaches along the Long Island Sound, and views of CT across the water" provides distinctive landscapes compared to South Shore beaches, according to one visitor to Wildwood State Park Campground.
Hiking options: Multiple trail networks exist throughout regional parks. Kettletown State Park has "beautiful trails, flat & hilly" making it suitable for varied hiking abilities, even with its main camping operation sometimes closed.
Water activities: Several campgrounds feature swimming areas with seasonal lifeguard supervision. At Hammonasset State Park Campground, a visitor noted it has "nice beaches with a short walk to the beach" from most campsites, making it convenient for families with young children.
Wildlife viewing: Many parks support diverse ecosystems for animal observation. "Wildlife: deer, rabbits, turtles" can be regularly spotted at cabin locations according to reviewers, particularly in the early morning or evening hours.
What campers like
Ferry-accessible sites: Watch Hill Fire Island Campground offers a unique island camping experience. "You can get there by ferry. Very quiet and comfortable. Birdsong in the morning and the sound of the waves," notes one visitor, highlighting the secluded nature of this location.
Platform sites: Some campers specifically seek raised tent platforms. "This is one of my favorite campgrounds solely because there are platform sites so I can place my tent on a concrete or wooden platform," explains a regular visitor to Wildwood State Park.
Group facilities: Certain parks excel at accommodating 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 have lots of sun," notes a visitor to Heckscher State Park Campground.
Proximity to attractions: Multiple cabins serve as convenient bases for regional activities. "There are lots of stores nearby as well as orchards to pick your own fruits. I stayed there one weekend and went to Splish Splash waterpark that's not far away. There is also a Tanger Outlet nearby."
What you should know
Mosquito preparation: Insect activity varies significantly by location, with waterfront sites typically experiencing more issues. At Watch Hill, a camper warns: "the mosquitoes are extremely potent and plentiful. Take the good stuff."
Reservation timing: Most cabin facilities require advanced booking, especially for summer weekends. "It's a great park with a great beach & great bathroom facilities" but "you will get very intimate with your neighbors" at some locations, as noted by a visitor to Wildwood.
Site boundaries: Several parks have poorly defined site boundaries. "The sites are designated by printing on the roads and do not have clear boundaries between them," explains a camper at Heckscher State Park, noting that "there aren't clear paths to the restroom building so it's not uncommon for people to cut through the edges of sites."
Seasonal considerations: Parks often have different operating rules by season. "Pets are not allowed in the summer" at Croton Point Park, an important consideration for dog owners planning cabin stays during peak season.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple parks feature dedicated play areas for children. "There is a playground just for the campground" at Heckscher State Park, allowing parents to stay close to their sites while children play.
Safety features: Parks with regular patrol schedules create secure environments. "Rangers came around checking on everyone often so it really did feel incredibly safe," notes a solo female camper, an important consideration for families with young children.
Entertainment options: Some locations organize regular activities. At Riverdale Farm Campsites, "they had great prizes for cheap cost. I spent 2 dollars for 10 long rounds of bingo with 4 cards. Who can beat that!!?? My son won a game prize worth 5 times that."
Beach accessibility: Beach proximity varies by campground. "Beautiful Connecticut beach sits just steps away from your campsite" at Hammonasset State Park, though other locations may require short drives to reach swimming areas.
Tips from RVers
Hookup options: Full-service sites with water, electric and sewer connections are limited but available. At Kettletown State Park Campground, "there are varied sites, you can tent camp, use a camper, or they also have a few cabins you can rent," providing flexibility for different camping styles.
Vehicle restrictions: Several campgrounds limit the number of vehicles per site. "Recently they became very stringent about parking to vehicles at the site making it very difficult to visit with a family and 2 vehicles," notes a regular visitor to Wildwood State Park.
Pull-through availability: Some parks offer easier access sites for larger rigs. "RV pull through sites were fantastic. It was a great campground for maiden voyage in new rig," reports a first-time RVer at Wildwood State Park, a crucial consideration for those new to RV camping.
Dump station access: Not all parks with RV camping offer on-site dumping. "There are water, electric and sewer hookups at each site" at some locations, while others require using off-site facilities or portable tanks.
