Cabins near Mastic Beach, New York offer access to both the Atlantic Ocean and Long Island Sound with accommodations generally available from spring through fall. Long Island's coastal camping zones feature distinct weather patterns with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and cooler nights. Most rental cabins in the region require advance planning, especially those with beach proximity.
What to do
Beach activities at Long Island Sound: Wildwood State Park Campground features a beach along the Long Island Sound with distinctive bluffs. "A great family campsite right on the Long Island Sound. A little bit of a bummer on the rental for a firepit but the bathrooms are big and spacious," notes a visitor.
Hiking at Kettletown: Located 2 hours from Mastic Beach, Kettletown State Park Campground offers multiple trail options. "The shorter hiking trails in the area were really beautiful," reports one camper who visited during a river stream reconstruction project.
Ferry exploration: Access Watch Hill Fire Island Campground by ferry for a different camping 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," describes one visitor who enjoyed the seclusion.
What campers like
North Shore views: Campers appreciate the distinctive geography at Wildwood State Park. "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," explains one visitor.
Private cabin setups: Heckscher State Park Campground features newly constructed heated cabins. "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," describes one camper.
Beachfront access: Rental cabins directly on the beach provide immediate water access. "Beautiful location steps away from the beach. Bring a bicycle or scooper and you can ride the loop around to the beach; you can also drive to the beach," notes a visitor at Heckscher State Park.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Demand for cabins exceeds supply in peak season. "Future potential? We generally only stay in KOAs or similar RV parks when we need showers, laundry, or a dump station. This one was in a convenient location plus many campgrounds had not yet opened for the year when we were there," explains a camper at Niantic KOA.
Insect preparation: Multiple campgrounds report significant insect activity. "We were immediately getting attacked so we doused ourselves in deet. Even with the bug spray, the relief didn't last long. We couldn't even enjoy our meals at camp because it was that bad. Def bring a shelter or a canopy with a mosquito net," warns a Watch Hill Fire Island visitor.
Bathroom conditions: Facility quality varies between campgrounds. "The toilets are cleaned constantly, though they are not immaculate. While the bathroom building itself is in decent shape and has a large amount of toilet stalls and about five showers, the condition of women's room was absolutely ghastly inside," notes a camper at Heckscher State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Activities beyond camping: Hammonasset State Park Campground offers numerous family-friendly options. "You can ride your bike from your site to the playground, store, beach, local ice cream shop, coffee shop, or our family favorite, meig's point nature center. We make it a point to spend at least a week here every summer," shares a regular visitor.
Ranger programs: Fire Island locations feature educational opportunities. "There are park rangers on site and have excellent programs for kids. On one visit there was a magician performing for the camp goers. I've even been there while there was a philharmonic concert near the campground," mentions a Heckscher State Park guest.
Cabin convenience: Cabin rentals simplify camping with young children. "Modern facility with full kitchen accessories (coffee maker, plates, wine opener, can opener, silverware, pots, pans, cooking utensils, toaster, oven), sponge/dish liquid. This was a last-minute booking for us and we were delighted with the beachside cottage, with enough amenities that mom and dad did not worry," explains a Heckscher State Park visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Assess campground layout before booking. "I've been going to this campground every summer for at least 5 years. You can find sites that are less wooded and better suited to group camping, as well as sites that are a little more secluded. There is a separate area for RVs vs tents," notes a Wildwood State Park visitor.
Hookup availability: Check utility connections before arrival. "RV pull through sites were fantastic. It was a great campground for maiden voyage in new rig. Plenty of amenities," reports a visitor to Wildwood State Park.
Off-season considerations: Several cabin rental facilities near Mastic Beach close during winter months. "The price was definitely fair for unlimited wi-fi, electricity and water. There is an on-site store for convenience. The nearest grocery store was in another town more than 5 miles away," explains a Niantic KOA visitor who stayed during early season.
