Long Island's north shore offers rustic cabin accommodations within a short drive from Manorville, New York. The area experiences mild summers with average temperatures around 75°F and cooler evenings ideal for campfires. Cabin options range from basic state park shelters to fully furnished waterfront cottages with heating systems, providing year-round accessibility for campers seeking shelter from Long Island's variable coastal climate conditions.
What to do
Beach activities at Rocky Neck: Located about 45 minutes from Manorville, Rocky Neck State Park offers cabin accommodations with beach access. "My family has camped at Rocky Neck every year since i was a child. Every site had a central bathhouse and they have a variety of tree covering options for each campers preferences. The campsite is only a short walk from the beach and available mountain bike and hiking trails," notes Mauricio R.
Birdwatching along Long Island Sound: The north shore offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. At Wildwood State Park Campground, one reviewer explains, "The North Shore and South Shore are pretty different. This site gives you the North Shore experience with high bluffs, sandy calm beaches along the Long Island Sound, and views of CT across the water... pine barrens and hardwood forest to explore, lots of deer, pretty good birding."
Backcountry camping on Fire Island: For more adventurous cabin campers, Watch Hill Fire Island Campground offers a unique experience. "You can get a permit to backcountry camp instead of reserving a designated campground spot. Just walk down to the beach after check-in and walk east until you see a pole with a tent symbol on it. After that you can choose where you want to set up camp," advises Emily S.
What campers like
Waterfront cabin views: Heckscher State Park offers elevated cabin accommodations. "The highlight of Heckscher State Park is the newly constructed heated cottages located on the shore of Nichol's & Great South Bays. The cottages are fully furnished, with a full kitchen and large bathroom with a walk in shower. The cottages are a short walk from the beach and also include a fire pit with Adirondack chairs and an outdoor shower on the exterior each property," reports Ellen C.
Proximity to town and beaches: Niantic KOA provides cabin options with convenient access to local attractions. "This place in Niantic Connecticut very close to downtown and the beach which they have a shuttle for. The staff is very friendly, courteous and knowledgeable of the area. Plenty activities for adults and kids," writes Jason A.
Seasonal activities and programs: Many campgrounds near Manorville offer organized events throughout the camping season. "They had activities for the kids on weekends and holidays. They are close to local beaches and hiking trails. Our site was roomy and for the most part all functioned as it was supposed to," notes Matthew at Riverdale Farm Campsites.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most cabin facilities require advance planning. At Hammonasset State Park Campground, "The campgrounds are clean and spacious but very open, being a beach there are a few campers who enjoy staying up quite late and listening to music. The beach is a short walk away from the camping site, but the camp sites do fill up FAST over the summer up until school starts back up so if you plan to camp, BOOK AHEAD!" advises Bianca M.
Insect preparation: Bug protection is essential for cabin camping in this region. At Watch Hill Fire Island Campground, reviewers warn: "Expect to be eaten alive... it was nearly impossible to enjoy ourselves because we were getting attacked by mosquitoes and horseflies the entire weekend. When we first arrived to the campground, we were immediately getting attacked so we doused ourselves in deet. Even with the bug spray, the relief didn't last long."
Cabin amenity variations: Facilities differ significantly between locations. "Most sites don't have hook ups so you have to run off battery and water storage tanks if you have a RV. Nice thing is it is fairly inexpensive and there's several beaches to choose from," notes Jason B. about Kettletown State Park Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. At Heckscher State Park, "This place is the best around for group and family camping. The entire campground is one flat open space where some sites are full in the shade and other sites (lower numbers) have lots of sun. There is a shop at the entrance to get supplies if you need it and you can rent firepits and buy firewood. The ice cream trucks comes by as well. There is a playground just for the campground," according to Giselle P.
Child-friendly terrain: When selecting a cabin site, consider the layout. "The reason why I said that place is perfect kids? It has a huge land of campsite that the kids can run around until their energy out for the night! Plus you would see awesome stars during the nighttime!" shares Jennifer H. about Kettletown State Park.
Educational programs: Some parks offer learning opportunities for younger campers. At Watch Hill Fire Island Campground, "There are park rangers on site and have excellent programs for kids," mentions Inocencia O. These ranger-led activities often include nature walks and wildlife identification appropriate for various age groups.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for privacy: When booking cabin accommodations near Manorville, choosing the right location matters. At Kettletown State Park Campground, "Sites are close together so recommend reserving two for more space. Well maintained and secure. Staff patrols for safety. Good place for families and large groups," advises Melynda M.
Utility considerations: Many cabin facilities offer limited utilities. "Unmaintained roadways. The main one was once paved but has not been maintained; others were dirt (and mud after a rain). No sewer hook up, but they do provide a honey wagon pump service, once, free of charge," notes Bernie C. about Niantic KOA.
Shower facilities: Bathroom quality varies significantly at different cabin locations. "The bathhouse could be a little bit warmer. The bathhouses and toilets are always kept clean and stocked and there are a ton of watering spots," reports Taylor C. about Kettletown. This information is particularly valuable for cabins without private facilities.
