Glamping in the Lakeview, New York region offers a strategic location between Long Island Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. Most glamping sites sit within 60 miles of Manhattan, making them accessible weekend retreats from the city. The area experiences moderate coastal temperatures with summer highs rarely exceeding 85°F and winter lows typically staying above 25°F.
What to do
Archery adventures: Turkey Swamp Park provides dedicated archery facilities where visitors can practice their skills. According to a camper, "We go every year. It has everything the outdoorsman could ask for. Bring your bow and shoot at the hay barrels. Ice skate on the lake in the winter or just enjoy a gorgeous walk in the woods."
Multi-season water activities: Smith Point County Park features dual water access with both bay and ocean options within walking distance. A visitor noted, "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."
Winter outdoor sports: The region supports year-round outdoor recreation. During winter months, frozen lakes become natural ice skating rinks. Seasonal campers can enjoy the contrast between summer swimming and winter ice activities at several parks, with dedicated winter-ready cabins available at sites like Camp Glen Gray.
What campers like
Private wooded spaces: Turkey Swamp Park offers secluded campsites with substantial tree coverage for privacy. A reviewer shared, "Sites in Loops B-E all have pull-thru driveways. Sites are all level, very generous in size, and reasonably spaced apart for privacy. A lantern hook, picnic table, and fire ring complete each site."
Short travel from urban centers: The proximity to New York City makes these glamping options practical weekend getaways. As one camper at Mountain Lakes Park noted, "Mountain Lakes park is a great place to camp within driving distance from NYC. A fun option available at Mountain lakes is to rent a yurt to camp in."
Diverse nature encounters: The varied ecosystem supports numerous wildlife viewing opportunities. Deer sightings are particularly common, with one visitor to Smith Point County Park sharing, "You get visits from the nearby deer. It is paradise."
What you should know
Site privacy varies significantly: Campgrounds in the region range from densely packed to well-spaced. One camper at Wildwood State Park Campground observed, "It doesn't have that much of the camping feel, though, as there's not many trees in the campsite area and the sites are so close together. You will get very intimate with your neighbors."
Insect preparedness: Ticks are present throughout the region, particularly in wooded areas. A Turkey Swamp Park visitor warned, "By the 2nd day I had 3 ticks on me. My dog had one and by the end my husband had 2. That was so crazy because we were just sitting by our camper."
Booking windows vary: Most glamping facilities operate seasonally from early spring through late fall. Booking requirements differ by park, with county parks often requiring residency. As one Smith Point camper explained, "ONLY DRAWBACKS, 1- YOU HAVE TO BE A RESIDENT OF SUFFOLK CO, NY, 2- ONE WEEK STAY AT A TIME. PERIOD."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Many parks feature dedicated children's areas. A visitor to Turkey Swamp Park shared, "There are age-appropriate playgrounds both in the campground and by the office."
Bug management for kids: Some parks have fewer insect issues than others, which can be crucial for family comfort. A parent noted, "We went camping with our 2- and 3-year-old kids. We were worried about bugs, but we didn't even use mosquito repellent and didn't get a single bite!"
Family-friendly water options: Parks with calm water access provide safer swimming for children compared to ocean beaches. Turkey Swamp Park offers a lake with rentals that families appreciate: "Kayaking, Canoeing. The list goes on. I've been here a few times, every time I'm here I barely touch my phone."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Be prepared to level your RV at some parks. A reviewer at Allaire State Park mentioned, "Some sites unlevel. Bring a LONG water hose."
Pull-through availability: Many parks offer convenient pull-through sites for larger rigs. According to one RVer at Wildwood State Park, "RV pull through sites were fantastic. It was a great campground for maiden voyage in new rig. Plenty of amenities."
Hookup options: Electric and water connections vary widely between parks. At Collective Governors Island, glampers should note that while electric is available, traditional RV hookups aren't present, as this is primarily a glamping-focused property where, according to a visitor, you can experience "feeling close to nature, relaxing and enjoying a peaceful space, away from the noise of the city."
