Campgrounds surrounding Hempstead, New York range from basic tent facilities to waterfront RV parks, with most locations requiring reservations during peak season from May through September. The coastal position influences camping conditions, with overnight temperatures rarely dropping below 50°F in summer months but cooling significantly in spring and fall. Nassau County camping facilities typically enforce strict noise regulations after 10 PM, with ranger patrols maintaining order at established campgrounds.
What to do
Paddle the waterways: Blydenburgh County Park offers access to a scenic lake perfect for non-motorized boating. "There is a fantastic 7 mile loop around the lake with decent fishing. Lots of horses and dogs on the trail," notes one visitor to Blydenburgh County Park.
Bike the coastal trails: Sandy Hook offers paved paths adjacent to beach areas that accommodate recreational cyclists. "There is even a trail that runs parallel to the beach making it a scenic ride," according to a camper at Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area.
Urban exploration: For those interested in historic structures, Staten Island's Gateway area provides access to abandoned buildings with ranger-led tours. "There are abandoned buildings here and you can do urban exploring. There are rangers taking you on a trek and exploring the abandoned building," explains a visitor.
Wildlife viewing: Deer, rabbits, and turtles are commonly spotted in camping areas closer to the Great South Bay. Nature enthusiasts should bring binoculars and maintain proper food storage to avoid attracting wildlife to campsites.
What campers like
Waterfront access: Liberty Harbor RV Park provides direct views of Manhattan and easy water access. "Having a view of Lady Liberty out your window is priceless," writes a camper at Liberty Harbor RV Park.
Proximity to NYC attractions: Most campgrounds within 30 miles of Hempstead serve as bases for city exploration rather than wilderness immersion. "This is a prime location for visiting the city or heading down the shore. The light rail is a block away, and the path train is about 8," notes a visitor.
Family-friendly facilities: Heckscher State Park provides dedicated recreation areas for children. "There is a playground just for the campground. Bring a bicycle or scooper and you can ride the loop around to the beach; you can also drive to the beach," states a review from Heckscher State Park Campground.
Clean bathrooms: Several campsites maintain well-serviced facilities despite high usage. "The bathroom building itself is in decent shape and has a large amount of toilet stalls and about five showers," reports one camper, though cleanliness varies by location and season.
What you should know
Limited privacy: Most campgrounds in the region feature open layouts with minimal separation between sites. "The sites can be a bit tight, at times and you may find a few visitors, not necessarily on two legs, but always a delight," writes a camper at Beaver Pond Campground.
Fire pit restrictions: Several campgrounds near Hempstead require campers to bring their own elevated fire containers. "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," notes a visitor.
Transit challenges: Reaching campgrounds with larger RVs can be difficult due to parkway restrictions. "There are height restrictions on the parkways so RVs and semis cannot travel on them without a high risk of crashing into the bridges and getting the tops ripped off like a tin can," warns one camper.
Urban noise: The proximity to metropolitan areas means most campgrounds experience road noise and limited stargazing opportunities. "There is a constant buzz in the air of conversation, music, laughter and shrieking toddlers. Quiet time at night is laughable," reports one review.
Tips for camping with families
Book platform sites: When available, elevated tent platforms provide drier camping during wet weather. "Many of the camping options were on platforms which is especially nice if it recently rained or if you are expecting rain during your stay," notes a visitor to Beaver Pond Campground.
Consider beach cottages: For families new to camping, Heckscher State Park offers heated cottages with full amenities. "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," describes one reviewer.
Choose open-field camping: Families with younger children often prefer the open layouts at Battle Row Campground for easier supervision. "Each site is set back off a common area so there is plenty of privacy. It's great if your local easy in and out," writes a visitor.
Pack entertainment: Most campgrounds near Hempstead lack natural features for exploration, requiring families to bring their own recreational equipment. "The playground is new and centrally located. They also have a horseshoe pit," notes one camper about Battle Row.
Tips from RVers
Size considerations: Most campgrounds near Hempstead accommodate smaller to mid-sized RVs but have limited facilities for larger rigs. "Sites kind of level and very close. Power and water, and convenient dump station if staying and needing to dump," reports a visitor to Liberty Harbor RV Park.
Electrical hookups: Availability varies significantly between campgrounds, with most offering only 30-amp service. "Spent 2 weeks here while in assignment this spring. Clean, quiet. Very close to everything," notes a camper at Nickerson Beach Park Campground.
Off-season advantages: RV campers report better experiences visiting mid-week during shoulder seasons. "We stayed here on a Thursday night in September prior to taking off backpacking. The campground was clean and quiet. RV hook-ups, tent platforms, and rustic tent sites were available," shares a visitor.
Beach proximity premium: Waterfront RV sites command significantly higher rates but provide direct beach access. "Nickerson Beach only offers camping for RVs. They recently installed a path that goes all the way down to the beach area so you don't have to walk on the sand for so long," explains a reviewer.
