Suffolk County offers several camping destinations within a 30-mile radius of Huntington, New York. Most campgrounds in this region sit at elevations under 100 feet above sea level, with mixed forest and coastal environments. Winter camping options remain limited, with temperatures averaging 25-40°F from December through February, while summer brings warm 70-85°F weather ideal for outdoor activities.
What to do
Beach exploration: 5-minute drive from Wildwood State Park Campground to Long Island Sound shores. The park features "high bluffs, sandy calm beaches along the Long Island Sound, and views of CT across the water," according to a reviewer. While the beach is "a little rocky on the north shore," it provides excellent sunset viewing and swimming opportunities.
Fishing: Year-round options at Blydenburgh County Park with a 7-mile loop trail around the lake. "Great park with a nice 7 mile loop around the lake with decent fishing. Lots of horses and dogs on the trail," notes one camper. While swimming isn't permitted in the lake, fishing access remains popular with park visitors.
Stargazing: Special permit required at some beaches for after-sunset access. At Heckscher State Park, "You can also drive to the beach" where "you can rent a kayak" during daytime hours. The park has restrictions on nighttime beach access, as one visitor explained: "You have to buy a stargazing permit to be out on the beach after sunset, which is kind of strange but really helps prevent hooligans from taking over the beach and destroying the serenity."
What campers like
Site privacy: Varied by location with Ward Pound Ridge Reservation offering exceptional seclusion. "The shelter sites are large and private with access to hiking trails and make for a unique experience," writes one reviewer. Another notes, "The fox 9 site was a long enough walk I needed to plan my trips to the bathroom. Other sites were spaced enough to allow a true feeling of escaping into the woods."
Water proximity: Ocean and sound access at Watch Hill Fire Island Campground, requiring ferry transportation. "Beautiful location steps away from the beach. Listen to the waves crashing as you sleep and stargaze over the clear ocean," shares one camper. For backcountry beach camping, "You can get a permit to backcountry camp instead of reserving a designated campground spot. Just walk down to the beach after check-in and walk east until you see a pole with a tent symbol on it."
Local escapes: Under 1-hour drive from NYC metropolitan areas. Campers appreciate the quick access to outdoor experiences without extensive travel time. As one camper at Beaver Pond Campground noted, it's "A stones throw from NYC this beautiful area combines Lake Welch and Harriman State Park. This camp ground is laid back away from the busy activity of the big city."
What you should know
Reservation systems: In-person only at some locations. At Harriman State Park Beaver Pond, sites range from $15-25 nightly. One visitor shared: "Ward Pound Ridge is very well known to the locals as a great place for sled-riding in winter (Pell Hill area) and a place for big group gatherings. The many different trails are frequented by the locals as well." However, some parks require appearing in person for bookings.
Wildlife encounters: Black bears present in certain areas. "Welcome to Bear Mountain" grumbles the park ranger as he sits in complete darkness! He is in his ranger hut, checking in the late evening arrivals to the campground... and gives us the run down on bear activity in the area." In other parks, "The wildlife do roam around your campsite so be mindful of putting food and garbage away before sleeping."
Insect preparation: Heavy mosquitoes at coastal sites, particularly Fire Island. "It was absolutely gorgeous, don't get me wrong. However, it was nearly impossible to enjoy ourselves because we were getting attacked by mosquitoes and horseflies the entire weekend," warns one Watch Hill visitor. Another advises: "Def bring a shelter or a canopy with a mosquito net!!!"
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple options at Nickerson Beach Park Campground, though pets face beach restrictions. "Campsite allows dogs, however, the beach does not. They have a small dog run on the other side of the large beach parking lot," notes one visitor. For families, the "childrens playground" and "programs like movie nights throughout the summer" provide entertainment options.
Group camping: Reserve adjacent sites for larger family gatherings. At Heckscher State Park, "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 (lower numbers) have lots of sun." For families, the "playground just for the campground" and "ice cream trucks comes by as well" add to the experience.
Cabin alternatives: Heated structures available at some parks for less rustic experiences. For families with small children, Heckscher offers "Modern facility with full kitchen accessories (coffee maker, plates, wine opener, can opener, silverware, pots, pans, cooking utensils, toaster, oven), sponge/dish liquid. Microwave." One family found it "perfect" because "mom and dad did not worry we had their cutie with us for camping. She's too little for backpacking into the woods but finally got to stay overnight and help with the campfire!"
Tips from RVers
Site spacing: Open layouts at most Suffolk County campgrounds. At Battle Row Campground, "This campground is old and there isn't much there, but it depends on why you're camping whether that matters to you. We wanted to be by the beach and we were." RVers should note that "There are lots of RVs but not close to tent sites."
Hookup availability: Limited full-service sites at most locations. Blydenburgh County Park provides water, electric, and sewer connections, though availability varies by season. "If your going to be on Long Island, Suffolk county is really only RV friendly place. Worth buying green key card for resident access. 200 but you'd spend that 4 nights regardless. Very clean campgrounds lots of space."
Access restrictions: Parkway height limits affect RV routing to coastal areas. At Nickerson Beach, one RVer noted: "I drove down from Connecticut to Long Island to find the main routes to the campsite all went through New York's parkways. 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."
