Suffolk County offers various campground options within 30 miles of Holtsville, New York. The area sits at relatively low elevation with a coastal climate that brings warm summers and mild winters. Most campgrounds in this region are situated either along the shoreline or within wooded county parks, creating distinct camping environments with different seasonal considerations.
What to do
Beach access at Smith Point County Park: Located in Shirley, campers can enjoy oceanfront and bay views with sites just steps from the water. "My 36ft motorhome backed up to a raised balcony overlooking the bay. Less than 100 feet from the front of our site was the beach and the Atlantic Ocean view," notes a visitor to Smith Point County Park.
Wildlife viewing: Many local campgrounds offer opportunities to observe local fauna. At Smith's Point, "the deer eat lettuce out of your hand. Shhhh- not supposed to feed the deer," writes one camper who stayed in October when "the bugs are gone, the days are warm and the nights are chilly."
Cycling and hiking trails: Cathedral Pines County Park in Middle Island provides wooded pathways for outdoor recreation. "Beautiful walking trails. Wooded sites are lovely. RV sites in large field," mentions a camper at Cathedral Pines County Park.
What campers like
Hot showers and clean facilities: Many campers appreciate the well-maintained bathhouses. "10 stars to guys and girls in charge of maintaining such a busy place!!! You guys really do a great job- and those showers!!! Best ever...great water pressure and super HOT!!!" writes a reviewer at Smith's Point.
Seasonal events: Some campgrounds organize special activities throughout the year. A camper at Heckscher State Park noted, "It also happened to be Trick or Treat weekend on the campground which really fun to see."
Convenient NYC access: For those wanting to combine urban exploration with camping, Totoket Valley RV Park offers proximity to transportation. "It's a perfect campground for seeing the local area or even catching the train to New York City," shares a visitor to Totoket Valley RV Park.
What you should know
Site boundaries vary by campground: At some locations, spaces between sites are not clearly marked. "There are no distinguishing separation between each site nor a designated driveway for your car- you merely pull up on the grass," explains a camper at Heckscher State Park Campground.
Fire pit policies differ: Not all campgrounds provide fire pits. At Heckscher State Park, "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."
Space constraints at oceanfront sites: Waterfront locations often have tighter spacing. At Smith's Point, a camper advised to "be prepared for narrow campsites and book early," adding that "since it so tight, people failed to respect their neighbors as far as noise is concerned."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Battle Row Campground offers family-friendly amenities. "The playground is new and centrally located. They also have a horseshoe pit," notes a visitor to Battle Row Campground.
Food storage: Wildlife encounters require proper precautions. At Cathedral Pines County Park, one camper warns to "be sure to lock food away as the raccoons are pretty invasive."
Children's activities: Some campgrounds naturally accommodate kids' play. Heckscher State Park is described as "great for families who want a safe space to camp" where "there's a playground just for the campground" and "the ice cream trucks comes by as well."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for views: When RV camping near Holtsville, New York, choosing the right site can maximize the experience. At Smith Point, "Stayed on the bayside (site 30), which had a fantastic direct bay view. Although most sites have views of the bay, some are blocked by seagrass (for example site 28 - huge corner spot but the flat spot to park has an obstructed view)."
Practice runs for new RVers: Local campgrounds can serve as testing grounds. "RV pull through sites were fantastic. It was a great campground for maiden voyage in new rig," shares a camper who used local facilities to familiarize themselves with a new vehicle.
Seasonal considerations: Most RV campgrounds in the region have different operating schedules. Cathedral Pines County Park operates year-round with "a decent fire pit / grill" at most sites, though a visitor notes there are "not very many electric sites."
