35 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping options near Islip, New York range from developed campgrounds to beachfront sites across Suffolk County. Heckscher State Park Campground in East Islip provides tent, RV, and cabin accommodations with picnic tables and grills at each site. Other nearby options include Blydenburgh County Park in Smithtown, Watch Hill Fire Island Campground on Fire Island National Seashore, and Battle Row Campground in Old Bethpage. These established campgrounds offer varying levels of amenities from basic tent sites to fully equipped cabins with waterfront views.
Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, with peak availability from spring through early fall. Heckscher State Park operates from May through September, while county parks like Blydenburgh often remain open year-round. A camper noted, "We visited in late July. Park was excellent. Grounds were as advertised. Family friendly. Lots of long haulers it seemed around the sites." Reservations are strongly recommended during summer months when campgrounds fill quickly, particularly on weekends. Many sites require Suffolk County residency or a Green Key Card for access to county parks at reduced rates. Cell phone coverage varies but is generally available throughout the region, though sometimes limited within campgrounds themselves.
Beachfront and waterfront camping experiences distinguish several sites in the region. The cottages at Heckscher State Park receive particularly strong reviews for their amenities and location. According to one review, "The highlight of Heckscher State Park is the newly constructed heated cottages located on the shore of Nichol's and Great South Bays." For tent campers, many note that sites are often arranged in open areas without significant privacy barriers between neighbors. Several campgrounds feature access to hiking trails, boating facilities, and fishing opportunities. Those seeking more privacy might prefer sites at the edges of camping areas or during off-peak periods when crowds are smaller. Many campgrounds have bathhouses with showers, drinking water access, and picnic facilities, though amenities vary significantly between locations.
"just a great place to get away from home"
"The group camping on the fox sites is accessible by a dirt drive in. I felt like I was suddenly transported upstate when in fact I had only driven 2 towns over, (about 20 minutes from home.)"
"* cottages far enough away from each other
- fire ring with Adirondack chairs
- dumpster and recycling within walking distance
- lots of bone dry firewood around for campfire
- walkable beach"
"Overall my experience was positive. Camping Sites
Each camping site has a picnic table and barbeque grill."
from $24 - $320 / night
Check Availability"Beautiful location steps away from the beach. Listen to the waves crashing as you sleep and stargaze over the clear ocean. Not ready for full on camp-life? No problem!"
"Camping gets you away from the bustle. It is a little less than a half mile walk from the ferry dock and located behind the dunes which offer some protection. Take a quick walk down to the beach."
from $35 - $337 / night
Check Availability"You can take bike rides , and relax outside with a nice amount of space to yourself ."
from $5 - $60 / night
Check Availability"Literally steps to the beach."
"A short walk from the ocean to the bay, both accessible by walking from your campsite. No shade so be prepared to wake early if you’re in a sweltering tent. Staff has been great, no complaints."
"The beach is in a walking distance. You can swim or fish there. This camp site has a relatively new and clean facility. There are many farms near by where you can get fresh veggies and fruits."
"However there are too many loud families and the sites are too close in proximity for me."
from $24 - $250 / night
Check Availability"Recently went camping in our pull behind, met some old friends and had a great time. Rangers have a hardon for people screwing up tho. Think they're all that and then some..."
"Great Location Clean Park."
from $33 / night
Check Availability"It’s basically a parking lot, but it’s steps away from some of the greatest waves on the east coast. Showers are clean, there’s a dog park nearby, and the island is very bikable to get around."
"Very close to everything."
ScoutI was in the area and needed a location to hook up. Temperature at 7:00 p.m. was 85 in July which is expected. They're able to get me in for the night. Quick and easy. Had smoke from the Canadian Wildfire which made for a good sunset
GuideThe park was open but camping was not. After a little extra digging they do have a few sites, but hike in only.
TravelerTo start, Andrew was phenomenal. I arrived at 6:40 PM and he was able to hook us up with the last campground and was so patient and friendly when answering our questions. Overall staff was great, I saw someone picking up trash after campers checked out. Bathrooms are clean, 1 mile walk from campgrounds to beach area. Very spider and tick heavy if you don’t stay on the walking trail. Campers were very respectful and friendly, overall an amazing first time camping trip. Paid about $32 for a night. Drinking water on site.
ScoutVery nice family oriented, places the beach, which is great except for the birds watch out they come at you. They have a dog park basketball courts playground swimming just about everything.
ScoutI love this location. Close to public transportation, great staff, and site security.
ScoutBeautiful campsites! Lots of lean to sites with fireplaces in them. You have to go in person to make a reservation and pay. The camp area is beautiful, especially in the fall. Pet friendly and kid friendly with a playground available. Our favorite site is #25. Up a hill, totally private and has a lean-to.
GuideA little intimidating driving in to a nondescript gate at the end of a narrow street but the overall experience exceeded expectation. It’s essentially a spacious parking lot with electrical pedestals but the view of the skyline across the water is spectacular and there’s a metro station within a 10-minute walk. The area feels safe and is pedestrian friendly, even at night (we were there Halloween night and we took our kids out trick-or-treating just outside the gate). During the day, I saw another RV patron walking to do their laundry just outside the complex on the next street over (I didn’t ask where exactly). On-site bathrooms were warm and clean. There were portable showers available but beware the broken shower head holders and lack of shelving/hooks for towels & clothing. This was a minor issue considering the convenience of RV accommodations so easily accessible within the NYC region, would definitely recommend. I couldn’t find a map prior to my booking but would suggest requesting the highest number site available for best direct views.
RangerVery plain & functional, no frills but right on the harbor & on the very edge of Jersey City, close to a ferry & the train that takes u across to New York City. Shopping & restraunts are right next door. We brought scooters & had a great stay! Plus you can see the Statue of Liberty from there!
ScoutGave us a welcome folder with lots of helpful info, can walk to get food up the street, short drive to Liberty Park where we got out and walked at night to admire the city skyline and Statue of Liberty at night. They have hook ups and big laundry room.
Suffolk County camping spots near Islip, New York typically operate seasonally with peak accessibility from April through October. Waterfront sites require advance planning, especially for holiday weekends when reservations fill 2-3 months ahead. The eastern Long Island climate creates moderate summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping months, with cooler evening temperatures near coastal sites.
Hiking trails: Blydenburgh County Park offers a 7-mile loop trail around the lake with varied terrain. According to Erik R., "Great park with a nice 7 mile loop around the lake with decent fishing. Lots of horses and dogs on the trail." The trail system accommodates different experience levels.
Water activities: Smith Point County Park provides direct beach access with swimming and fishing opportunities. A camper noted, "A short walk from the ocean to the bay, both accessible by walking from your campsite." Surfboards and fishing equipment rentals available seasonally at nearby shops.
Wildlife viewing: Cathedral Pines County Park features wooded sites with frequent wildlife sightings. "Usually quiet, occasional deer. Be sure to lock food away as the raccoons are pretty invasive," warns Connor M. Early mornings offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
Beach proximity: Watch Hill Fire Island Campground campers appreciate direct beach access. "Beautiful location steps away from the beach. Listen to the waves crashing as you sleep and stargaze over the clear ocean," reports Inocencia O. The beach area remains accessible year-round, though facilities have limited operation seasons.
Spacious sites: Southaven County Park receives positive feedback for site layouts. "Places to eat are very close, and a 15 minute drive to Smith's Point beach was a plus," notes Dominick L. Sites include standard picnic tables and fire rings.
Clean facilities: Wildwood State Park Campground maintains well-kept amenities. A recent visitor mentioned, "Bathroom and shower facilities were clean, campsites were generously spaced, water spouts at almost every site." Most campgrounds provide potable water and restroom facilities with varying levels of maintenance.
Reservation requirements: Many Suffolk County parks require a Green Key card for residents. Maria P. explains about Blydenburgh County Park: "Worth buying green key card for resident access. 200 but you'd spend that 4 nights regardless."
Seasonal variations: Fire Island campgrounds have significant insect populations in summer. A Watch Hill camper warned, "We couldn't even enjoy our meals at camp because it was that bad. Def bring a shelter or a canopy with a mosquito net!"
Site-specific needs: Battle Row Campground requires campers to bring their own 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," explains Katrina M.
Playground access: Nickerson Beach Park Campground offers multiple recreational areas. Mackenzie B. notes, "Allows dogs, children's playground, beach, programs like movie nights throughout the summer." Most family-friendly campgrounds provide organized weekend activities during summer months.
Secluded options: For quieter family experiences, Linda A. suggests specific sites at Blydenburgh: "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."
Beach camping considerations: Smith Point sites lack shade structures. "No shade so be prepared to wake early if you're in a sweltering tent," advises Ali O. Bringing portable shade canopies helps families manage heat during daytime hours.
Site selection: Heckscher State Park Campground offers various hookup options but requires careful site selection. "RV sites in large field," notes a reviewer about Cathedral Pines County Park, highlighting the need to research specific sites.
Utility details: Wildwood provides comprehensive hookups. James O. explains, "RV pull through sites were fantastic. It was a great campground for maiden voyage in new rig. Plenty of amenities." Most RV sites include water and electric, though limited sites offer full hookups with sewer.
Access routes: Long Island parkways have vehicle height restrictions. "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," cautions Matt S. RVs should use designated truck routes to access campgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Islip, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, Islip, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 35 campgrounds and RV parks near Islip, NY and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Islip, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Islip, NY is Blydenburgh County Park with a 4.1-star rating from 11 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Islip, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Islip, NY.
What parks are near Islip, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 parks near Islip, NY that allow camping, notably Fire Island National Seashore and Gateway National Recreation Area.
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