Wildwood State Park Campground sits alongside Long Island Sound on New York's North Shore. The park's 600 acres include mixed hardwood forest and high bluffs overlooking a rocky beach. Seasonal camping runs primarily from April through October with peak summer temperatures averaging 80°F and periodic thunderstorms common during summer months.
What to do
Beach exploration along Long Island Sound: The beach at Wildwood State Park Campground features rocky shores and requires water shoes. "Beach is beautiful, very rocky, bring your water shoes, sunset scenery is beautiful!" notes camper Ossama B. The terrain offers distinctive North Shore coastal landscapes with sunset viewing opportunities.
Wine country touring: The campground provides easy access to Long Island's wine region. "My wife and I love this campground. 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)," shares James O. Most wineries operate daily from 11am-6pm with tasting fees ranging from $15-25.
Water activities in dual environments: Smith Point County Park offers both ocean and bay access for diverse water experiences. "Our 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," reports Patrick C. The park maintains designated swimming areas with occasional lifeguard supervision during summer months.
What campers like
Spacious RV accommodations: Wildwood State Park features designated RV areas with pull-through sites. "RV pull through sites were fantastic. It was a great campground for maiden voyage in new rig. Plenty of amenities," says Lori R. The campground includes electrical hookups, water connections, and sanitation dump stations.
Platform tent sites: Indian Island County Park offers unique camping surfaces. "This is one of my favorite campgrounds solely because there are platform sites so I can place my tent on a concrete or wooden platform," explains Giselle P. These elevated platforms keep tents dry during wet weather and provide a flat sleeping surface.
Year-round availability: Some Long Island glamping experiences operate beyond summer months. Indian Island County Park remains open throughout the year. "Wonderful weekend visit in the off season. Site was level, pretty spacious and easy to back into. Campsites are located close enough to the beach/marsh," reports Janelle G. Off-season camping offers quieter surroundings with reduced rates during winter months.
What you should know
Fire pit restrictions: Several campgrounds do not provide standard fire rings. "Lame not having a fire ring, you have to rent one or bring your own," mentions Ossama B. about Wildwood State Park. At Indian Island, campers note "The only reason I gave 4 stars is because the campsites don't come with a fire ring."
Bathroom conditions vary: Facility quality differs between campgrounds. West Point FMWR Round Pond Outdoor Recreation Area receives praise for "Bath houses are absolutely spotless," while Indian Island reviews mention "Bathrooms and showers were a good size." At Wildwood, one camper notes "The showers could be a little bit warmer."
Vehicle restrictions: Parking policies impact group camping experiences. "Recently they became very stringent about parking to vehicles at the site making it very difficult to visit with a family and 2 vehicles. I usually host group camping trips and the single vehicle rule makes that very difficult," explains a Wildwood camper. Verify parking policies when making reservations, especially for groups arriving in multiple vehicles.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Recreational areas provide entertainment for children. "It's nice for kids they have an open field with a playground for kids," notes Gino D. about Indian Island County Park. Wildwood features "Multiple playgrounds for the kids" according to visitor feedback, though availability may be affected by seasonal closures.
Activity proximity: Camp Glen Gray offers family-friendly hiking directly from campsites. "Cabins are always clean and stocked with firewood. Lots of hiking trails," reports Christopher M. The trading post stocks supplies and snacks, eliminating the need for frequent trips away from camp.
Wildlife encounters: Families can experience natural animal interactions. "At nite an ice cream truck comes by, you get visits from the nearby deer. It is paradise," shares Tim M. about Smith Point County Park. Deer sightings are common throughout Long Island campgrounds, especially at dawn and dusk.
Tips from RVers
Site privacy considerations: Campsite layout affects your experience. Mountain Lakes Park offers more secluded options compared to other locations. "Stayed here for two nights with my popup and was surrounded by large motor homes/RVs. sites had zero privacy and were all pull through," writes Michael G. about his Wildwood experience. Research specific site numbers when booking to secure preferred privacy levels.
Utility connections: Hookup availability changes seasonally. "Water was off because we were a week shy of the season opening. Needed to move to dump station prior to leaving (2 night visit) and had to drive to fill the fresh water tank once while there," notes Janelle G. about early season camping at Indian Island. Verify utility status when booking during shoulder seasons.
Level parking areas: Terrain varies between campgrounds and specific sites. Smith Point offers "Amazing sites with plenty of room" according to one camper, while Indian Island visitors note "Site was level, pretty spacious and easy to back into." Request information about specific site grades when making reservations, particularly for larger rigs.
