Suffolk County's campgrounds near Laurel, New York offer pet-friendly camping opportunities along the north and south shores of Long Island. The region features sandy beaches, wooded areas, and coastal access points that remain open throughout different seasons. Winter camping options exist at select parks that maintain year-round availability, while summer months bring higher visitor numbers at oceanfront locations.
What to do
Beach activities: Hither Hills State Park Campground offers direct beach access with opportunities for swimming and fishing. One camper noted, "Great view and nice beach. Nice place to run and also ride a road bike in the mornings."
Wildlife viewing: The coastal campgrounds provide opportunities to observe local wildlife, particularly deer. At Smith Point County Park, one visitor shared, "You get visits from the nearby deer. It is paradise."
Water sports: Multiple campgrounds offer access to both bay and ocean waters. At Shinnecock East County Park, visitors enjoy both environments: "The ocean is beautiful and we catch stripe bass. The bay is peaceful and we go crabbing."
What campers like
Proximity to attractions: Campers appreciate the location near Long Island attractions. At Wildwood State Park Campground, one reviewer mentioned, "Close to the Hampton's and Fire Island National Seashore. A great family campsite right on the Long Island Sound."
Variety of camping options: Different parks accommodate various camping preferences. One camper at Wildwood State Park noted, "You can find sites that are less wooded and better suited to group camping, as well as sites that are a little more secluded."
Recreational amenities: Many parks feature additional recreational facilities. A visitor at Hammonasset State Park Campground commented, "There is beach access, a playground, and a general store for things you may have forgotten."
What you should know
Site privacy varies: Many parks have limited privacy between sites. At Hammonasset State Park, one camper observed, "The campground is nothing special as it is basically wide open with little privacy."
Weather considerations: Summer heat can affect tent campers at exposed sites. At Smith Point County Park, a visitor warned, "No shade so be prepared to wake early if you're in a sweltering tent."
Reservation requirements: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially in summer. A Hither Hills camper advised, "Must reserve early in the year for summer spots." Some parks require Suffolk County residency or permits.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several parks feature playgrounds for children. At Smith Point County Park, one reviewer mentioned, "Kids of all ages are generally running and playing day and night in the loud and unreserved way they do."
Safety considerations: The family-friendly atmosphere extends to security. At Smith Point, a visitor noted, "Staff has been great, no complaints."
Educational opportunities: Sears Bellows County Park offers nature exploration options. A visitor explained, "The first night I stayed here my friends and I rented some rowboats and went on the water. It was a lot of fun, and the price of the rowboat was pretty cheap. The next morning we got up and did some hiking."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Different campgrounds offer varying levels of hookups. At McCann Campground, an RVer shared, "Everything you need is right here, and if you need something else, it's literally 5 mins away."
Generator restrictions: Some parks limit generator use. A Hither Hills camper noted, "Generator hours are limited. There are spigots located down the middle of the rows."
Site selection: RVers should research site specifics before booking. One Hither Hills visitor advised, "Go on google maps to find a spot near a spigot. Cell signal varies wildly by spot. B17 no prob at all. G14 spotty. F20 total dead zone."
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