Suffolk County campgrounds near Laurel, New York offer diverse camping experiences on both the north and south shores of Long Island. Most camping spots operate seasonally from April through October with varying fee structures. Visitors can expect sandy terrain with minimal shade at most locations, and should be prepared for insects, particularly ticks, which are common in wooded areas throughout the region.
What to do
Beach exploration: At Wildwood State Park Campground, visitors can walk directly to the Long Island Sound. "There are hiking trails and you can walk to the beach. Note - it is a downhill walk to the beach. The beach is fairly clean and has a small boardwalk," reports one visitor.
Crabbing and fishing: The calm waters at Smith Point County Park provide ideal conditions for crabbing in the bay, while more adventurous anglers can try for larger catches in the Atlantic. "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," notes a camper who enjoyed the amenities.
Wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds offer opportunities to observe local wildlife. Smith Point County Park visitors mention regular deer sightings: "And sweet deer. I watched a momma deer nursing two of her babies." Wildwood State Park has "lots of deer, pretty good birding."
Water recreation: Sears Bellows County Park provides access to Bellows Pond where visitors can rent rowboats at reasonable rates. The pond also offers fishing opportunities with reports of successful catches by campers.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campers appreciate the site layout at Sears Bellows County Park, describing it as "a beatiful well kept & maintained campground with spacious sites, a lake with kayaking access, and trails for bike riding and hiking." The park strikes a balance between accessibility and wilderness experience.
Family-friendly atmosphere: Multiple campgrounds prioritize family activities. At Wildwood State Park, "Kids were roaming freely and safe!" One visitor noted their multi-generational appeal: "We make it a point to spend at least a week here every summer!"
Proximity to attractions: Beyond the immediate camping experience, visitors value how campgrounds provide access to regional attractions. "There are lots of stores nearby as well as orchards to pick your own fruits. I stayed there one weekend and went to Splish Splash waterpark that's not far away. There is also a Tanger Outlet nearby."
Clean facilities: Many campers specifically mention the quality of bathrooms and showers. At Hither Hills State Park, one visitor noted the facilities were "cleaner than my gym in the city."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Popular campgrounds book quickly, especially during summer months. For Hither Hills State Park, campers advise: "Must reserve early in the year for summer spots." Another notes, "We ended up luckily getting a spot because a friend had cancelled the reservation."
Site privacy varies significantly: Some campgrounds offer more seclusion than others. At Indian Island County Park, visitors report sites "pretty much right next to each one with hardly any space, packed like Sardines."
Fire pit policies: Fire rings are not automatically provided at all campgrounds. At Wildwood State Park, campers note it's "a little bit of a bummer on the rental for a firepit." Similarly, at Hither Hills: "bring your own fire pit, there is no pit at the sites."
Insects and ticks: Suffolk County camping areas can have significant insect activity. At Sears Bellows, one camper warns: "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!"
Generator restrictions: At campgrounds without electric hookups, generator hours may be limited. At Hither Hills, "Generator hours are limited. There are spigots located down the middle of the rows. Go on google maps to find a spot near a spigot."
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with playgrounds: Multiple county parks feature well-designed playgrounds. At Hammonasset State Park, "The campgrounds are clean and spacious but very open... Kids of all ages are generally running and playing day and night in the loud and unreserved way they do."
Consider seasonal timing: For quieter family experiences, aim for shoulder seasons. "The campground is very nice. Everything you need is right here, and if you need something else, it's literally 5 mins away," notes a visitor to McCann Campground in Greenport.
Plan for shade needs: Most beachside campgrounds lack natural shade. "No shade so be prepared to wake early if you're in a sweltering tent," warns a Smith Point County Park visitor. Bringing portable shade structures is recommended during summer months.
Look for educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer nature programs. At Hammonasset, families can visit "meig's point nature center," which one camper notes is their "family favorite."
Tips from RVers
Navigating site selection: When booking RV sites, consider proximity to water access. At Hither Hills, "Cell signal varies wildly by spot. B17 no prob at all. G14 spotty. F20 total dead zone."
Hookup availability: Many Suffolk County parks offer partial hookups with varying amenities. North Fork Cottages & RV Resort provides "Easy access to water and electric," while Smith Point offers "Electric and water is nice for pop up."
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds operate from spring through fall, with varying opening dates. "We were a week shy of the season opening. Needed to move to dump station prior to leaving (2 night visit) and had to drive to fill the fresh water tank once while there."
Bayside vs. oceanside positioning: At Smith Point County Park, site positioning affects your experience. "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."
