Tent camping options near Hempstead, New York center around county and state parks within 1-2 hours of the area. Most sites are seasonal, operating from April through October, though a few remain open year-round. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during peak camping months, with moderate humidity making early spring and fall ideal for more comfortable camping conditions.
What to do
Hiking trails: At Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, over 40 miles of trails accommodate various skill levels. "The property and hikes are magical. No car noise or nonsense," notes one visitor. Multiple difficulty levels suit everyone from families to experienced hikers.
Water activities: Watch Hill Fire Island Campground offers direct beach access with swimming opportunities. "Beautiful location steps away from the beach. Listen to the waves crashing as you sleep and stargaze over the clear ocean," reports one camper. Swimming is limited to designated areas with lifeguards present.
Urban exploration: Staten Island campgrounds provide unique historical features. "There are abandoned buildings here and you can do urban exploring," notes one reviewer. Rangers occasionally lead guided treks through these structures, offering educational context about the area's military history.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: The tent sites at Battle Row Campground offer surprising seclusion. "Each site is set back off a common area so there is plenty of privacy," explains one camper. The wooded surroundings create natural barriers between camping areas.
Unique accommodation options: At Mountain Lakes Park, visitors can rent yurts instead of traditional tent sites. "A fun option available at Mountain lakes is to rent a yurt to camp in," notes one reviewer. This provides a middle ground between tent camping and cabin rentals.
Beach proximity: Campers appreciate the quick access to sandy shores. "Short walk to the beach," notes a Sandy Hook visitor. Several campgrounds offer beach access within walking distance, allowing campers to easily split time between wooded sites and shoreline activities.
What you should know
Wildlife considerations: At Sandy Hook, food storage is a significant concern. "Sites also have metal storage units for locking up foodstuffs to protect them from being pilfered by the numerous and bold raccoons," warns one camper. Several sites require proper food storage containers.
Transportation logistics: At Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area, "No cars are permitted in the campground, so you will have to lug your gear to your spot so choose wisely," advises a visitor. Some campgrounds provide wheelbarrows to transport equipment from parking areas.
Limited facilities: Many sites have minimal amenities. One visitor to Croton Point Park notes, "Dumpster and water near sites. The site was very loud (dance music) until after 11pm. Quiet time at 10pm." Most campgrounds lack full hookups, with many offering only basic toilets without shower facilities.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Croton Point Park features family-friendly facilities. "There is a playground within sight of our camper," mentions one reviewer. Several campgrounds include playgrounds centrally located near tent sites.
Insect preparation: Watch Hill campers warn about persistent insects. "It was nearly impossible to enjoy ourselves because we were getting attacked by mosquitoes and horseflies the entire weekend," reports one visitor. Bring insect repellent and consider mesh shelters for eating areas.
Educational opportunities: Several parks offer ranger-led programs. "There are park rangers on site and have excellent programs for kids," notes a Watch Hill camper. These structured activities provide learning experiences about local ecosystems and wildlife.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV accessibility: Many campgrounds near Hempstead restrict RV access or have very few suitable sites. At The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center, "No RV and campers allowed. The parking for your car is 1/4 mile away but they allow you to unload and give you a wagon to take stuff to your site."
Backup power needs: Most sites lack hookups for RVs. One reviewer at Battle Row notes, "There are lots of RVs but not close to tent sites." When RV spots are available, they typically offer only basic water connections without sewer or reliable electrical service.
Reservation requirements: RV sites fill quickly during peak season. Plan at least 2-3 months in advance for weekend reservations, especially between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Some campgrounds require in-person reservations rather than online booking systems.
