Long Island's North Shore offers diverse glamping options near Jamesport, New York, where the terrain varies from coastal bluffs to wooded inland areas. Seasonal considerations affect visitor experiences, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and frequent coastal breezes. Fall temperatures drop to 55-65°F, making it ideal for campfire gatherings at sites that permit open fires.
What to do
Beach exploration: Smith Point County Park features both ocean and bay beaches within easy walking distance from camping areas. "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," notes one visitor at Smith Point County Park.
Sunrise hiking: Morning trails offer spectacular views at Indian Island County Park. "The beach was within walking distance, lots of little trails, and plenty of activities for the whole family. The bathrooms were mostly clean, and the shower was hot," explains a camper. The trails are particularly accessible for both casual walkers and more experienced hikers.
Wine country access: Multiple vineyards are within 15-30 minutes of Wildwood State Park Campground. As one visitor mentions, "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)." Several wineries offer tastings between $15-25 per person.
Kayaking options: Water sports thrive along the northern coastline where multiple launch points exist. Riverhead area offers kayak rentals averaging $45 for half-day excursions. According to a visitor at Indian Island County Park, "You are a short walk from beach access and kayak launch."
What campers like
Diverse shorelines: Different beach experiences appeal to various preferences. At Rocky Neck State Park Campground, "Beautiful campground right near the beach. Hiking trails along the coast line." The park features a mix of sandy and rocky coastal areas for different types of shoreline exploration.
Wildlife viewing: Natural habitats support various coastal species. Early morning and dusk offer prime viewing times. "Lots of other nice state parks in the area plus all the usual Long Island attractions... Swimming, long walks on the beach, shady camp sites, pine barrens and hardwood forest to explore, lots of deer, pretty good birding," reports a visitor to Wildwood State Park.
Convenient amenities: Store access reduces the need for off-site shopping trips. Multiple campers note the availability of essentials at Wildwood State Park: "There is also a store where you can get a cup of coffee in the morning and lots of goodies throughout the day."
Scenic sunsets: Evening vistas particularly impress visitors to northern shore sites. "Beach is beautiful, very rocky, bring your water shoes, sunset scenery is beautiful!" explains a camper. Photography enthusiasts should prepare for optimal lighting around 7:30-8:00 PM during summer months.
What you should know
Site privacy varies: Spacing between sites differs considerably across campgrounds. At Indian Island County Park, "All the camping spots are pretty much right next to each one with hardly any space, packed like Sardines." Weekdays generally offer more seclusion than weekends.
Fire ring policies: Not all sites provide fire rings automatically. "The only reason I gave 4 stars is because the campsites don't come with a fire ring. Not sure if this is because of maintenance, but it just wasn't super apparent until we got there," explains a visitor to Indian Island County Park. Some parks charge $8-10 for fire ring rentals.
Beach conditions: Rocky shorelines require appropriate footwear. At Wildwood State Park, multiple visitors note the rocky nature of the beach: "Beach is beautiful, very rocky, bring your water shoes." Water shoes or sturdy sandals are strongly recommended.
Seasonal bookings: Peak periods require advance planning. Most campgrounds fill completely during summer weekends and holidays, with bookings opening 3-9 months in advance depending on the facility.
Tips for camping with families
Multiple playgrounds: Activity areas keep children engaged throughout the day. At Riverdale Farm Campsites, "It's nice for kids they have an open field with a playground for kids. There are dog friendly which was very nice." Some playgrounds feature water elements during summer months.
Kid-friendly programming: Scheduled activities occur regularly at many locations. "Nice activities for kids. The bathrooms were clean and there was a cafe on site," notes one visitor about Riverdale Farm. Activities typically run from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekends.
Swimming options: Water access varies by location with some offering both pool and natural swimming. Rocky Neck State Park provides "a great family campsite right on the Long Island Sound. A little bit of a bummer on the rental for a firepit but the bathrooms are big and spacious."
Space considerations: Site selection matters for family comfort. "Sites were large and loud, but I hope that was only exceptional nights!" notes a visitor at Wildwood State Park. Corner sites and those labeled "premium" typically offer more space for families with multiple tents or outdoor equipment.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Service levels vary significantly between parks. At Niantic KOA, "Nice stop. Nice campground, friendly people and staff. Really nice that you can walk to the trails/beach and Rocky Neck. Bathrooms could be nicer, but not bad." Many sites offer electric-only hookups, requiring water fills and dump station visits.
Site leveling: Terrain considerations affect comfort in larger rigs. "RV pull through sites were fantastic. It was a great campground for maiden voyage in new rig. Plenty of amenities," reports a visitor to Wildwood State Park. Many sites require blocks for proper leveling.
Size restrictions: Length limits apply at older campgrounds. Sites accommodating larger rigs typically require advance booking, with most limiting total length to 35-40 feet. Full-service sites for larger rigs often command premium pricing at $65-90 per night.
