Best Camping near Kings Park, NY

Kings Park, NY is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Kings Park is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Discover great camping spots near Kings Park, reviewed by campers like you.

Best Camping Sites Near Kings Park, NY (42)

    Camper-submitted photo from Wildwood State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildwood State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildwood State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildwood State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildwood State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildwood State Park Campground

    1. Wildwood State Park Campground

    22 Reviews
    64 Photos
    216 Saves
    Wading River, New York

    Take the Virtual Tour! - WILDWOOD STATE PARK

    Wildwood State Park comprises 600 acres of undeveloped hardwood forest, terminating on the high bluff overlooking Long Island Sound. Swimmers can take advantage of the cool waters of the Sound, and picnickers can relax at shaded picnic tables as their children enjoy the nearby playground. Visitors can fish and use the hiking and cross-country ski trails, making this an enjoyable place to camp and be outdoors in any season. Geography: Wildwood State Park is located near Long Island Sound, on the north shore of Long Island, in Suffolk County. Recreation: Considered a flagship facility, visitors can enjoy the beach, biking, camper recreation programs, fishing, hiking, picnicking, and cross-country skiing. During July and August, movies are shown weekly, and once a week, campers can enjoy an evening of line or square dancing. Facilities: The park has 2 miles of beach on the Long Island sound for fishing and swimming. Each campsite has a picnic table, and dumping stations are nearby. There are 10 cottages, each with a fire ring, screened-in patio, and are available for rent through mid-November. The campground recycles newspaper and cardboard. Other amenities include food concessions, a nature trail, twelve miles of marked hiking trails, a picnic area, basketball courts, ball fields, a playground, and showers. Firewood is for sale at the park; bring your own barbecue or metal fire container.

    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Blydenburgh County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Blydenburgh County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Blydenburgh County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Blydenburgh County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Blydenburgh County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Blydenburgh County Park

    2. Blydenburgh County Park

    10 Reviews
    29 Photos
    94 Saves
    Hauppauge, New York
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Heckscher State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Heckscher State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Heckscher State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Heckscher State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Heckscher State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Heckscher State Park Campground

    3. Heckscher State Park Campground

    8 Reviews
    31 Photos
    75 Saves
    Great River, New York

    Heckscher State Park was once the 19th century estates of George C. Taylor and J. Neal Plum. William Nicoll, founder of the Town of Islip, originally built his estate on this property. The park was bought by the State of New York using a donation by the affluent August Heckscher with strong opposition from wealthy local residents. It was one of Robert Moses' most difficult fights to obtain land for public recreation on Long Island. Only with assistance and support from then Governor Alfred E. Smith was Moses able to close the deal on this beautiful property fronting the Great South Bay.

    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $18 - $22 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Hammonasset State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hammonasset State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hammonasset State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hammonasset State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hammonasset State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hammonasset State Park Campground

    4. Hammonasset State Park Campground

    38 Reviews
    71 Photos
    288 Saves
    Clinton, Connecticut

    Hammonasset Beach State Park is the largest of Connecticut’s shoreline parks. Two-mile beach, facilities for swimming, camping (third weekend in May to Columbus Day), picnicking, saltwater fishing, scuba diving, hiking and boating; concessions. Nature center and interpretive programs. Bicycle rentals available through Labor Day, rates begin at $10 per hour and range up to $75 per week, with discounts for children. Helmets provided free to use and are mandatory for riders 15 and younger. Note: Lifeguards on duty on Wednesday through Sunday. Pricing: Weekdays: free for CT vehicles; $15/out-of-state $7 after 4:00 pm. Weekends and holidays: free for CT vehicles; $22/out-of-state $7 after 4:00 pm William F. Miller Campground. 558 open sites. Concession, dumping station, bathrooms, showers. Saltwater swimming and fishing. Individual fireplaces not provided. No pets.

    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Trash

    $20 - $45 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Smith Point County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Smith Point County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Smith Point County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Smith Point County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Smith Point County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Smith Point County Park

    5. Smith Point County Park

    9 Reviews
    24 Photos
    97 Saves
    Mastic Beach, New York

    Smith Point, on the Fire Island barrier beach, is a haven for sportsmen, surfers and beach lovers. An extremely popular facility, the park's white sands, rolling Atlantic surf and adjoining camping facility attract Suffolk County residents and tourists each summer season. Reservations are required for all the sites in the campground. All sites have water, and many have electric hookups and sewers. Outer beach camping is available on first come, first served basis, beach conditions permitting.

    A nationally recognized team of lifeguards makes Smith Point its home base, providing ocean visitors with an extra-special safety feature.

    Off-road vehicles, with permit only, may drive on the eastern portion of the outer beach. All beach-goers are advised to respect the marked, protective fencing around the nest sites of endangered shorebirds inhabiting the ocean and bay beaches.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Watch Hill Family Campground — Fire Island National Seashore
    Camper-submitted photo from Watch Hill Family Campground — Fire Island National Seashore
    Camper-submitted photo from Watch Hill Family Campground — Fire Island National Seashore
    Camper-submitted photo from Watch Hill Family Campground — Fire Island National Seashore
    Camper-submitted photo from Watch Hill Family Campground — Fire Island National Seashore
    Camper-submitted photo from Watch Hill Family Campground — Fire Island National Seashore

    6. Watch Hill Family Campground — Fire Island National Seashore

    7 Reviews
    38 Photos
    99 Saves
    Bayport, New York

    The family campground at Watch Hill provides a camping experience like no other.

    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Cabins
    • Tent Cabin
    • Glamping
    Camper-submitted photo from Southaven County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Southaven County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Southaven County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Southaven County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Southaven County Park

    7. Southaven County Park

    7 Reviews
    5 Photos
    47 Saves
    Shirley, New York

    The Carmans River flows through this scenic, pine-oak forested park. Southaven is a popular picnicking site, containing group areas capable of accommodating up to 1,000 people. Southaven's 1,356 acres also offer a bicycle hostel. Boating and freshwater fishing are permitted. Camping is also available, with sites for tents and trailers.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $33 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park

    8. Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park

    40 Reviews
    148 Photos
    484 Saves
    Pomona, New York

    Beaver Pond offers campsites, some with a raised platform, for up to two tents and six persons per site; select sites can accommodate a trailer or RV up to 30 ft. long. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring with flip top grill, and there are shared full-service bathrooms centrally located. Located in Harriman State Park and adjacent to Lake Welch, the campground offers convenient access to swimming beaches, hiking trails, and neighboring state park facilities. Visitors can experience the natural beauty of the Lower Hudson Valley, while having the ease of access to local shops, historic sites, and countless seasonal events.

    *Please be advised that there are no electrical hook ups for trailers at this campground.

    Alcohol is not permitted at Beaver Pond Campgrounds.

    No Pets Permitted.

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $15 - $22 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Battle Row Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Battle Row Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Battle Row Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Battle Row Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Battle Row Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Battle Row Campground

    9. Battle Row Campground

    4 Reviews
    6 Photos
    72 Saves
    Old Bethpage, New York

    Comprising 44 acres of campground and dense woods, Battle Row Campground is an ideal place to relax with family and friends. Battle Row has 64 campsites ranging in length from 40 to 45 feet as follows: 52 sites have water and electricity (31 sites with 30amp/125-volt electric hookups and 21 with 50 amp/125 volt); and 12 tent sites (must be 21 years of age or older to reserve).

    A comfort station is equipped with restrooms and private showers. The campground also offers swings, a recreational field, a rally field for club group camping. Leisure Pass holders receive resident rate.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $5 - $60 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Cathedral Pines County Park

    10. Cathedral Pines County Park

    4 Reviews
    1 Photo
    44 Saves
    Middle Island, New York
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
Showing results 1-10 of 42 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Kings Park

Recent Reviews in Kings Park

303 Reviews of 42 Kings Park Campgrounds


  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Croton Point Park
    Oct. 18, 2024

    Croton Point Park

    Not too much to offer

    General: A county park with a mix of w/e (6 sites) and FHU sites plus about a dozen tent sites near a capped dump! There is a lodge and cabins close to the end of the point, but they appeared to be part of a group camp experience. They all appeared to be closed for the season (or because no one was renting at the time; they reminded me of places I used to take youth groups for weekend camps). The reservation process is a bit wonky. You need to call (no online reservations) and then wait for an e-mail, but the e-mail does not tell you your assigned site; you have to wait until you check in to find out your site.

    Site Quality: We had a loosely defined gravel pad that was level. All sites appeared level. The FHU sites were back-to-back and although there were trees separating the sites, they were close together. No one was in the tent sites, but they did have new picnic tables.

    Activities/Amenities: Other than a playground and a basketball court, there did not seem to be any activities to partake in. There used to be a pool but from the looks of it, it hasn’t been in use for many years. There are walking paths outside of the campground that are located within the park, but we did not have time to explore them. 

    Bath/Shower house: Clean but a bit dated. No shelves or hooks for toiletries. I was surprised the door was left open all night long. There was a sign warning that the toilets were slow flushing, but I think this may have been fixed because the flush was so powerful that the water splashed over the top of the seat! 

    Because it was on a point on the Hudson, I had hoped for views from the campground but there were too many trees to see the water. I was perplexed by the signs throughout saying no trespassing/fishing prohibited. I get the no fishing part but the trespassing? When we checked in, we had to write down our credit card number on a slip of paper before we were given a key that opened the gate to the campground. When we checked out, we asked for the paper or to watch it get shredded but were told they had to keep it on file which concerned us.

  • Prashant M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Island County Park
    Oct. 17, 2024

    Indian Island County Park

    Very Busy! Close quarters! Can be loud and neighbors are ignorant of rules

    Stayed at this campground this past weekend and yes it was a long weekend so the campground was packed. All the camping spots are pretty much right next to each one with hardly any space, packed like Sardines. Neighbors are loud and some of them are ignorant of the park rules. Staying on the phones in the middle of the night while talking so loud that all camping neighbors can hear their whole story

    Its a pity that they take a nice park and remove the fun out of camping. 

    However the walk to the beach area was very serene, especially early morning before sunrise and didn't feel like we live in dense suburbia and sunrise from the beach was worth the trip

    Camp site itself was pretty flat, had a water station, bathrooms were well kept , no fire ring (BYOFP)

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Heckscher State Park Campground
    Oct. 11, 2024

    Heckscher State Park Campground

    Great for families, not for solitude

    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, lots of music, I mean it’s basically a party. I didn’t realize this when I made my reservations. The place is great for families who want a safe space to camp and it’s a typical Long Island campground. Rangers came around checking on everyone often so it really did feel incredibly safe. I had a pick up truck w/ tinted windows follow me in the park for quite a while which was rather creepy and I couldn’t shake them. When I biked into the campground itself, the pick up truck couldn’t get past the check in area. Everyone I met was friendly and there’s a little shop in the front of the campgrounds that sells various items. I personally wouldn’t stay here again unless I was meeting up with friends or something and wasn’t trying to have more solitude. This is no fault of the park itself though, I’m just more of a woods girl.

  • Jacob D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park
    Sep. 19, 2024

    Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park

    Very nice and relaxed

    Perfect place to get away and be in the calm nature. Only sound I’ve heard is the birds in the trees. Very open area with many sites with bear lockers, picnic tables and fire pits. We called ahead yesterday and they said it’s walk-in, so we will go register now because we came in late. Only $20 for out of state!! That’s the cheapest I’ve seen across all New England lol

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Kettletown State Park Campground
    Sep. 10, 2024

    Kettletown State Park Campground

    Great location, but not a good experience

    Camping Review:

    This campsite is beautifully located in the woods, offering a peaceful and serene environment. There are no busy roads nearby, which ensures a quiet setting during the day.

    However, there are several downsides to consider. The camping spots are uneven, making it challenging to set up tents or campers. Additionally, swimming at the nearby beach is restricted to residents of the village, so visitors are not allowed to swim there.

    During our stay, there were multiple large groups, including a Christian group that preached (screamingly) and played loud music until midnight, despite the designated quiet hours. Unfortunately, the management did nothing to enforce the rules, which was disruptive.

    Another significant issue was the state of the sanitary facilities. They were extremely dirty, with feces present in various places. It took a long time before anything was cleaned, which obviously kept us from using the facilities.

    Overall, while the location is beautiful, the poor management, noise issues, and dirty sanitary facilities seriously detract from the experience.

  • Cynthia K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Hammonasset State Park Campground
    Aug. 29, 2024

    Hammonasset State Park Campground

    Connecticut

       I had a hankering for East Coast seafood, so I picked Hammonesett Beach State Park for Connecticut. Our 2nd state of 5.

        Hammonesett Beach has a huge campground. They divide the loops with names. I unfortunately chose Pequot. This loop has THE WORST bathrooms/showers on the South side of the campground. Looks like they were built in 1950s with rotten wood siding. Dirty. The showers were outside the bathroom- there was a bench & hooks OUTSIDE! We found out all the other loops had modern bathhouses.

     My first impression of this campground is it's loud, crazy busy & there's traffic noise from the beach road. I actually liked it! This is a fun campground for families. There were kids on bikes, scooters, skateboards,roller blades. Watch your speed! They don't always watch out for your car.

      I found out most people stay through Sunday & leave on Monday. There were still lots of campers left. Lots of tent campers. 

       I chose site 14 on the Pequot Loop because I thought I would have a view of one of the ponds. There was tall vegetation, so that was out.

     The sites on the other side of the loop were right by the main beach road. Noisy during the day, but quiet at night. 

      There are some sites with shade, but most are sunny. 

       There's no electricity at most of the sites. Our site was full sun(yay for the solar panel!). On Beach Road in the campground there's 2 rows of full hookup sites, but they go FAST! I tried.

    NO PETS! Including dogs.

       No WiFi, but there's cell service. At least 5 dump stations. 

     The beach was popular. 

      There was a stream running from a pond that kids were playing in. 

     They have a beautiful Nature Center. A couple of easy hikes through one of the preserves.

      This was a good base camp for the area. Gillette Castle & other state parks are within driving distance. Connecticut is a beautiful state!!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Skyline RV Park
    Aug. 27, 2024

    Skyline RV Park

    Skyline RV Camp Has Moved

    Be advised that Skyline RV Camp has moved to:

    50 Noble St, Brooklyn, NY 11222

    The original property location at 2 Oak St was sold and is now private property.

    Google Maps coords are 40.730491531436556,-73.9577966772486

    There no longer is a waterfront view of the NYC skyline when camping at Skyline RV. The website views are misleading.

  • Shelby
    Camper-submitted photo from Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park
    Aug. 4, 2024

    Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park

    Book your stay elsewhere!

    If you would like a peaceful, clean campground skip this place. This was the worst campground we’ve stayed at. The bathrooms are very outdated and not cleaned often enough. The sites are too close together with very little trees between sites allowing zero privacy. Their picnic tables also are disgusting, bring a table cloth! They have a lot rules one being “no amplifying speakers allowed” that they clearly do not enforce. It sounded like a rave throughout the night even after calling the ranger station and complaining. Guests were playing loud music until about 1:30 AM and starting up again right as quiet hours ended at 7 AM. There then was a religious service happening at 8 AM with a whole amp system we could hear clearly on the other side of campground. We absolutely will not be back.

  • K
    Camper-submitted photo from Croton Point Park
    Jul. 7, 2024

    Croton Point Park

    First time campers, loved it

    I took my 5 year old-son and wife, all of us first time campers. this place was great. The site was very nice, all the people friendly and area beautiful.

  • G
    Camper-submitted photo from Smith Point County Park
    Jun. 14, 2024

    Smith Point County Park

    Lovely campsite

    Truly great spot. Amazing sites with plenty of room, though they are close together. But was worth it for the amenities and fantastic views. 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 (for example site 28 - huge corner spot but the flat spot to park has an obstructed view). Literally steps to the beach.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Suffolk County Sears Bellows County Park
    Jun. 2, 2024

    Suffolk County Sears Bellows County Park

    Tick Kingdom

    This is a nice campground - not crowded and centrally located. However, I cannot walk ANYWHERE without picking up ticks. Even on the large sand paths, going to and from the bathroom I find ticks. It’s amazing!

  • VThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park
    May. 8, 2024

    Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park

    May weeknight and no one in sight

    The staff person at Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park is so sweet! She picked a site for us suitable to our vehicle and, with so few people in the campground, away from other folks but close to the bathroom. Going for a hike here in the morning before heading out.

  • aThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Skyline RV Park
    Apr. 18, 2024

    Skyline RV Park

    It is not as lovely as it looks in the pictures

    There was only 1 bathroom with small shower for all guests, however they are in the process of adding 5 more. The only bathroom did have toilet paper, a garbage can and hand soap for the sink, but no paper towels to dry your hands and no shelves, hooks, or benches to put your things while you shower.

    The campground was pretty hard to find. We almost gave up before we found someone local who could point us to the right place. One of the reasons is that their sign is half gone, small, and very hard to read.  

    The views of the city are spectacular, but the place itself is what I would call very rustic/primitive/not lovely.

    The host was helpful but the administration seemed a little unorganized. When we tried to check in, they told us we were a day too early. I had booked through the Dyrt and there was a mixup. A day later, two days later, they texted us that we were late checking in. They had another mixup. On checkout day, we didn't check out on time and they didn't contact us until it was so late we had to pay for and stay another night. It was our fault, but a reminder of checkout time would have been helpful.

    I have pictures I would add if there was a way to do that.

  • F
    Camper-submitted photo from Collective Governors Island
    Mar. 4, 2024

    Collective Governors Island

    Franciscmplin

    The article also mentions the benefits of camping on Governor Island, such as feeling close to nature, relaxing and enjoying a peaceful space, away from the noise of the city. The language is easy to understand, not too technical, suitable for those who love traveling and camping. driving directions

    I found your article to be a good and engaging article, helping readers have an overview and details about the campground at Governor's Island. I hope my review is helpful to you.

  • CM M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildwood State Park Campground
    Mar. 3, 2024

    Wildwood State Park Campground

    Proceed With Caution

    Perhaps it was the weekend we went but this was an extremely unpleasant trip. The bathroom facilities are wonderful as is the beach but the crowd stayed awake playing music all night very loudly. I think the cabins here are the way to go.

  • CM M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park
    Mar. 3, 2024

    Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park

    Know When to Go

    This is my "home" campsite and the one I return to most frequently because of the convenience of location. I enjoy the beach/lakefront, option for platform sites, and regularly cleaned bathroom and shower facilities. HOWEVER, I DO NOT recommend going on holiday weekends or peak summer seasons. It will be noisy, there will be generators, there will be loud music. When I plan my trip around the spring, fall, or summer weekends that look sparse it is quiet, clean, and the others that are at the sites are nature lovers enjoying the scenery.

  • @HomegrownRV 😎.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Liberty Harbor RV Park
    Jan. 5, 2024

    Liberty Harbor RV Park

    Close to NYC!

    This RV park is literally just a parking lot and quite expensive for what it is.

    The location is great, but the surrounding streets may be hard to maneuver with an RV if you’re a newbie. You can see the Statue of Liberty from the park, and there were several cafes and restaurants within walking distance.

    If you’re looking for actual amenities, this probably isn’t the park for you. But if you just need a base camp for doing tourist activities in NYC then this place will do.

    There is 24 hour security which is nice as well. We felt safe while we were there, but it was also fairly empty too.

  • Paul R.
    Camper-submitted photo from Ward Pound Ridge Reservation
    Dec. 5, 2023

    Ward Pound Ridge Reservation

    Well maintained and friendly

    Ive been coming here for years. They have great sights and are open all year round. Ive stayed in hammocks, tents, leantos, and even did a good share of car camping. They have many sites and a tone of hiking trails. All of the shelters have fire pits and some have interior fireplaces. The one downside is that you need to book in person but it can be done well in advance if need be.

  • c
    Camper-submitted photo from Hammonasset State Park Campground
    Sep. 17, 2023

    Hammonasset State Park Campground

    Wunderschöne Natur

    Der Camping Platz ist in der wunderschönen Natur gelegen. Das Personal ist sehr freundlich und die Camping Plätze sind grosszügig und gut gepflegt. Das Preis Leistungsverhältniss ist ebenfalls sehr gut. Einziger Nachteil: in den Waschräumen brennt die ganze Nacht das Licht und es gibt keine Türen. Damit wird aus den Waschräumen ein zu Hause für Moskitos und Ungeziefer…

  • P
    Camper-submitted photo from Smith Point County Park
    Sep. 9, 2023

    Smith Point County Park

    Paradise

    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. A stones throw away was one of several shower and rest room buildings. Clean and well lit. Our site had a trex picnic table on a cement patio. An on site firepit was cozy at night. A general store, complete with an ice cream shop window, on the grounds was a treat. And sweet deer. I watcheda momma deer nursing two of her babies. This is paradise.

  • T
    Camper-submitted photo from Heckscher State Park Campground
    Sep. 5, 2023

    Heckscher State Park Campground

    Good Campsite For Families And Weekend Trips

    I camped here solo on Friday and Saturday over the Labor Day weekend. Overall my experience was positive.

    Camping Sites

    Each camping site has a picnic table and barbeque grill. The sites are designated by printing on the roads and do not have clear boundaries between them. My site had good shade coverage and was free of rocks and other hazards. 

    I had enough space that I didn't feel like I was intruding on my neighbors and vice-versa. That said, there aren't clear paths to the restroom building so it's not uncommon for people to cut through the edges of sites to get there. In my experience I (and others I saw) tried not to go right through the middle people's setups to do so.

    If you're looking for privacy, the sites at the rear seemed to be less-densely packed, even though every site was occupied. Quiet hours are generally adhered to but not enforced - there were some campers that had noise running later.

    Amenities

    The restroom building is in the middle of the campground and was clean and had plenty of stalls.

    Potable water is available at regular intervals, about at the corners of each group of four campsites.

    Cell phone reception is limited - I had data but it was very slow which led to my phone's battery draining quickly.

    Access

    A car is an absolute must for this part - the entrance is directly off of Southern State Parkway with no pedestrian access. Train stations are nearby so you could take the train most of the way and rent a car from there.

  • R
    Camper-submitted photo from Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area
    Sep. 1, 2023

    Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area

    Beautiful beaches , terrible roaches

    We are local and have spent most of our beach days at Sandy hook. It’s one of our all time favorite places in the world. So naturally we wanted to spend an entire night down there. The campsites sell out early in the season, but we realized people cancel pretty frequently and we found availability on the night the blue moon was up. We set up camp and went to the beach across the street for sunset. When we got back I noticed the bear boxes were infested with roaches, but we didn’t think too much of it. Fast forward to the morning and we wake up to our tent and everything left out of the tent covered in roaches. We spent 1.5 hours shaking everything out after we went to watch the sunrise, although I ended up having to throw out my tent because it had hundreds of bugs on it and I couldn’t risk infesting my home. I thought I had gotten them all but they were crawling around my car as I was driving home and when I got home, the outside of my car still had a bunch on it. $30/night was a misleading price as I’ll have to replace my tent and get our cars detailed. I had never seen a roach at Sandy hook beaches, and we’ll continue to go back for day trips, but that was a one and done camping excursion. Really sad because it was a nice set up and it would have been fun to camp by the beach.

  • gab C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area
    Aug. 24, 2023

    Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area

    awesome beaches, birding, historical sites & trail for biking, but ROACHES!

    We had a breezy afternoon check-in with the fantastic & knowledgeable forest service ranger. Parking close to the campsites, but helps to use the provided wheelbarrows to get everything to your personal site. The power is currently out for a major reconstruction. our campsite had 10-15 holes in the ground with what appeared to be sand wasps flying in and around the holes. they have never caused me any trouble, they are just large and surprising. We knew they’d be sleeping at night. after camp set up, we used the bikes we brought to ride the well-kept trail about 2 miles to Beach D, spent a great afternoon sanding & swimming and a little ice cream at the carvel truck. Biked back and bought a few bundles of firewood to cook & get ready for the evening.

    our campsite backed right up to a communal water source. when I went over to get some additional water once dark, roaches scurried when I turned on a light at the faucet tap. not totally surprised (people were washing food off pots there) but then when I walked back to my picnic table, I was ACTUALLY surprised to find HUNDREDS of roaches everywhere ….all over our equipment on the table, on our bikes, even on the marshmallow stick resting on the lit fire pit  … I mean everywhere. It’s like once it was dark they all came out, in numbers I have never seen anywhere. Am planning on giving feedback to the rangers as well in case the were not aware of the extent of the problem. We weren’t able to stay overnight in that environment unfortunately because everything else was truly super pleasant.



Guide to Kings Park

Camping near Kings Park, New York, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are several campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Enjoy the scenic trails at Harriman State Park - Beaver Pond. One visitor mentioned, "I enjoy the beach/lakefront, option for platform sites, and regularly cleaned bathroom and shower facilities."
  • Beach Access: Spend a day at the beach at Hammonasset State Park Campground. A camper shared, "The beach was popular, and there was a stream running from a pond that kids were playing in."
  • Exploring Nature: Check out Clarence Fahnestock State Park for its beautiful trails. One reviewer said, "The NYS Parks has done a lot of work on the surrounding trails."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Beaver Pond Campground. A happy visitor noted, "I like the platform sites that are available, the location close to the lake and beach, and the clean shower and bathroom facilities."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Many families enjoy Hammonasset State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "This is a fun campground for families. There were kids on bikes, scooters, skateboards, roller blades."
  • Secluded Sites: Campers at Clarence Fahnestock State Park appreciate the privacy of some sites. A visitor shared, "Some sites are grouped in open areas. These lack privacy."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Be aware that some campgrounds can get noisy, especially on weekends. A camper at Hammonasset State Park Campground warned, "When I plan my trip around the spring, fall, or summer weekends that look sparse it is quiet, clean."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For example, Cheesequake State Park Campground has older facilities. A visitor noted, "The bathroom/shower facility is old, filthy and needs to be torn down."
  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. A camper at Bear Creek Campground at Lake Compounce advised, "If you are looking for a site it’s best to book far in advance."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Hammonasset State Park Campground, which has activities for kids. One parent said, "There was a stream running from a pond that kids were playing in."
  • Pack for Fun: Bring games and outdoor toys to keep kids entertained. A visitor at Bear Creek Campground at Lake Compounce mentioned, "They had some activities like bingo and corn hole the weekend we were there."
  • Plan for Quiet Hours: Make sure to respect quiet hours to ensure everyone has a good time. A camper at Clarence Fahnestock State Park noted, "It was so quiet at night—not a sound after 11pm during my visit."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Liberty Harbor RV Park said, "Getting in and out is not for someone in a brand new 45' travel trailer."
  • Use Public Transport: If you're near Liberty Harbor RV Park, take advantage of the nearby ferry to NYC. A visitor mentioned, "There’s a ferry 100-yards away that takes you to Wall Street M-F."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Amenities: Some parks may not have full amenities. A camper at Cheesequake State Park Campground noted, "There are no electric hookups despite what some pages may state."

Camping around Kings Park, NY, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions