Glamping accommodations near Hauppauge offer convenient access to Long Island's diverse coastal and woodland environments. Situated on the north shore of Long Island, these sites provide easy access to both Long Island Sound and the Atlantic Ocean, with elevations rarely exceeding 400 feet above sea level. The region experiences a humid subtropical climate with warm summers and mild winters, allowing for an extended camping season from April through October.
What to do
Beach exploration: At Wildwood State Park Campground, visitors can walk down to the rocky north shore beaches. "The North Shore experience with high bluffs, sandy calm beaches along the Long Island Sound, and views of CT across the water" offers a different experience than south shore beaches, according to one camper.
Wine country tours: Multiple nearby vineyards make for excellent day trips from your glamping base. "It is right at the entrance to wine country on Long Island and has a beach on the Long Island Sound. (A little rocky on the north shore)," notes a visitor to Wildwood State Park.
Local attractions: The area provides convenient access to popular destinations. One camper mentioned, "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."
Hiking trails: Mountain Lakes Park offers extensive hiking options directly from camp. "There are also many hikes which can be trekked straight from the campgrounds which is always a huge plus in my mind," shares one visitor. The park contains "lakes, a lookout and Mt. Bailey, the highest point in Westchester County."
What campers like
Unique waterfront settings: The proximity to both bay and ocean at Smith Point County Park creates a special environment. "Truly great spot. Amazing sites with plenty of room, though they are close together. But was worth it for the amenities and fantastic views. Stayed on the bayside (site 30), which had a fantastic direct bay view," explains one camper.
Modern amenities: The glamping options provide comfort not typically found in standard camping. "At nite an ice cream truck comes by, you get visits from the nearby deer. It is paradise," reports a visitor about Smith Point County Park.
Family activities: Indian Island County Park provides structured recreation options. "We had a great time at Indian Island, even if it was just for a short stay. The beach was within walking distance, lots of little trails, and plenty of activities for the whole family."
Wildlife viewing: Natural encounters enhance the camping experience at most Long Island sites. "You get visits from the nearby deer" is common feedback, with several parks noting regular wildlife sightings during evening hours.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Securing glamping accommodations requires advance planning. Wildwood State Park glamping sites are often completely booked well in advance of summer.
Campsite spacing: Many Long Island campgrounds have sites positioned close together. At Indian Island County Park, "All the camping spots are pretty much right next to each one with hardly any space, packed like Sardines."
Seasonal variations: Spring and fall offer less crowded experiences with milder temperatures. During summer, Long Island beaches and campgrounds fill quickly. "Quiet and peaceful" in shoulder seasons contrasts with peak summer activity.
Beach conditions: The north and south shores offer different experiences. "The beach is fairly clean and has a small boardwalk" at Wildwood, while Smith Point offers both bay and ocean access. One visitor notes that the Long Island Sound beaches tend to be "a little rocky on the north shore."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Many parks feature recreational facilities for children. Riverdale Farm Campsites offers "a great family campground close to beach" with "the kids who work here are so friendly and the playground is nice."
Organized activities: Weekend events keep children entertained. "Great Value and Nice Family owned business. The lake is perfect, the river needs work. But this an awesome small campground...They did a show on the beach one night that was fun too. We did bingo too."
Safety considerations: Most glamping sites provide secure environments. One camper at Wildwood noted, "Kids were roaming freely and safe!" This allows families more flexibility during their stay.
Yurt options: For families seeking alternative glamping near Hauppauge, yurt camping provides a unique experience. Mountain Lakes Park offers yurts as "a fun option available at Mountain lakes is to rent a yurt to camp in."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Indian Island County Park provides various hookup options. "Site was level, pretty spacious and easy to back into. Campsites are located close enough to the beach/marsh. No sewers sites that I could tell, and water was off because we were a week shy of the season opening."
Site navigation: Access roads can present challenges for larger rigs. "The road into the campground is narrow and winding, so larger RV may have trouble, but there were several of them there when we were there."
Pull-through options: Wildwood State Park offers convenient pull-through sites for larger vehicles. "RV pull through sites were fantastic. It was a great campground for maiden voyage in new rig. Plenty of amenities."
