Suffolk County features several tent and RV camping options within 30 minutes of Islip Terrace, New York. The area sits near the southern shore of Long Island with salt marshes and pine barrens forming a diverse coastal landscape. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-85°F with cooler 60-70°F nights, making May through September the prime camping season.
What to do
Beach access: Smith Point County Park in Shirley provides direct access to ocean beaches. "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. Literally steps to the beach," notes one camper at Smith Point County Park.
Wildlife viewing: Cathedral Pines County Park offers wooded trails for spotting local wildlife. "Usually quiet, occasional deer. Be sure to lock food away as the raccoons are pretty invasive," mentions a visitor of Cathedral Pines County Park.
Playground access: Heckscher State Park features a dedicated playground for campers. "There is a playground just for the campground... Bring a bicycle or scooper and you can ride the loop around to the beach; you can also drive to the beach," reports a recent guest.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Battle Row Campground maintains well-kept bathroom facilities. "This campground is old and there isn't much there, but it depends on why you're camping whether that matters to you. The bathroom was very clean and well stocked," notes one visitor to Battle Row Campground.
Wildlife encounters: Smith's Point offers unique wildlife interactions. "The deer eat lettuce out of your hand. Shhhh- not supposed to feed the deer," shares one camper at Smith's Point.
Hot showers: Several campgrounds prioritize shower quality. "Lastly, 10 stars to guys and girls in charge of maintaining such a busy place! And those showers! Best ever...great water pressure and super HOT," reports a Smith's Point camper.
What you should know
Site privacy varies: Campgrounds offer different levels of privacy between sites. "The campsites are very close together without any defining borders so everybody just walks across each other site's to get to a different one, a path, the bathroom, etc. No solitude, lots of families with kids," explains a visitor to Heckscher State Park Campground.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds can be lively, especially during peak season. "Not a quiet campground, campers stay up late drinking by the fire. Kids of all ages are generally running and playing day and night in the loud and unreserved way they do," reports a Smith Point camper.
Fire restrictions: Fire rules vary between parks. "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," notes a Battle Row visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds: Some campgrounds have dedicated play areas. "There is a shop at the entrance to get supplies if you need it and you can rent firepits and buy firewood. The ice cream trucks comes by as well. There is a playground just for the campground," shares a visitor at Heckscher State Park.
Entertainment options: Smith Point offers seasonal activities. "It also happened to be Trick or Treat weekend on the campground which really fun to see," mentions one camper about their October visit.
Site selection for shade: At Heckscher State Park, "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," advises a regular camper at Liberty Harbor RV Park.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing: RV sites at some campgrounds can be tight. "Sites are great overlooking the bay. Bathroom lights are bright. I also like the corner sites as they are bigger," advises an RVer at Smith Point County Park.
Utility connections: Not all RV campgrounds near Islip Terrace offer full hookups. "Small campground with good electrical, clean water, sewer and a friendly owner. Each site has grass and a picnic table," notes a visitor to Totoket Valley RV Park, which serves as an alternative option for those willing to drive further.
Beach access with larger units: Several RV campgrounds offer direct beach access that accommodates larger rigs. "First time going, but best vacation ever according to kids," shares a visitor about their experience at North Fork Cottages & RV Resort.
