Best Campgrounds near Medford, NY
Suffolk County on Long Island provides several established campgrounds near Medford, New York, within a short drive of the Atlantic Ocean. Campers can choose from Cathedral Pines County Park in Middle Island, Southaven County Park in Brookhaven, and Smith Point County Park in Shirley. Most campgrounds in this coastal region accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several also offering cabin options. Fire Island National Seashore and Watch Hill Fire Island Campground provide more secluded experiences accessible by ferry, with both tent sites and limited cabin accommodations.
Reservations are essential for most Suffolk County parks, especially during the peak season from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Many campgrounds remain open year-round but offer reduced services during winter months. The coastal location means campers should prepare for variable weather conditions and coastal breezes. Electric hookups are available at most developed sites, though availability varies by campground. Campers should note that some facilities have specific requirements for advance booking. According to one visitor, "Beware and prepare for ticks. Very wooded," highlighting the importance of proper preparation for the natural environment.
The proximity to beaches represents a significant draw for most campgrounds in the region. Smith Point County Park provides direct beach access, with sites backing up to views of the bay and Atlantic Ocean. Watch Hill on Fire Island offers a particularly unique experience, with campers reporting the sounds of crashing waves while sleeping. Wildlife sightings are common throughout the area, with several visitors mentioning interactions with local deer populations. The developed campgrounds generally provide amenities including showers, restrooms and picnic areas. Cathedral Pines County Park receives positive reviews for its spacious wooded sites, though a camper noted, "The further camps are very far from facilities and the ones closer to the bathrooms are usually louder and taken up." Most campgrounds provide fire pits, though Fire Island National Seashore prohibits open fires for conservation purposes.
