34 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"The beach is in a walking distance. You can swim or fish there. This camp site has a relatively new and clean facility. There are many farms near by where you can get fresh veggies and fruits."
"However there are too many loud families and the sites are too close in proximity for me."
from $24 - $250 / night
Check Availability"Literally steps to the beach."
"A short walk from the ocean to the bay, both accessible by walking from your campsite. No shade so be prepared to wake early if you’re in a sweltering tent. Staff has been great, no complaints."
"Recently went camping in our pull behind, met some old friends and had a great time. Rangers have a hardon for people screwing up tho. Think they're all that and then some..."
"Great Location Clean Park."
from $33 / night
Check Availability"just a great place to get away from home"
"The group camping on the fox sites is accessible by a dirt drive in. I felt like I was suddenly transported upstate when in fact I had only driven 2 towns over, (about 20 minutes from home.)"
"* cottages far enough away from each other
- fire ring with Adirondack chairs
- dumpster and recycling within walking distance
- lots of bone dry firewood around for campfire
- walkable beach"
"Overall my experience was positive. Camping Sites
Each camping site has a picnic table and barbeque grill."
from $24 - $320 / night
Check Availability"Beautiful location steps away from the beach. Listen to the waves crashing as you sleep and stargaze over the clear ocean. Not ready for full on camp-life? No problem!"
"Camping gets you away from the bustle. It is a little less than a half mile walk from the ferry dock and located behind the dunes which offer some protection. Take a quick walk down to the beach."
from $35 - $337 / night
Check Availability"Campsites are located close enough to the beach/marsh. Multiple playgrounds for the kids although they were closed due to Covid."
"The beach was within walking distance, lots of little trails, and plenty of activities for the whole family. The bathrooms were mostly clean, and the shower was hot."
from $25 / night
Check Availability
ScoutI was in the area and needed a location to hook up. Temperature at 7:00 p.m. was 85 in July which is expected. They're able to get me in for the night. Quick and easy. Had smoke from the Canadian Wildfire which made for a good sunset
TravelerTo start, Andrew was phenomenal. I arrived at 6:40 PM and he was able to hook us up with the last campground and was so patient and friendly when answering our questions. Overall staff was great, I saw someone picking up trash after campers checked out. Bathrooms are clean, 1 mile walk from campgrounds to beach area. Very spider and tick heavy if you don’t stay on the walking trail. Campers were very respectful and friendly, overall an amazing first time camping trip. Paid about $32 for a night. Drinking water on site.
ScoutVery nice family oriented, places the beach, which is great except for the birds watch out they come at you. They have a dog park basketball courts playground swimming just about everything.
TravelerCute Rv park. Very family friendly, the women who at the office are also incredibly nice and helpful! Seems like a lot of people either live full time or come on weekends but we were able to book a spot for a week.
ScoutBeautiful campsites! Lots of lean to sites with fireplaces in them. You have to go in person to make a reservation and pay. The camp area is beautiful, especially in the fall. Pet friendly and kid friendly with a playground available. Our favorite site is #25. Up a hill, totally private and has a lean-to.
ScoutMy wife and I love this campground. It is right at the entrance to wine country on Long Island and has a beach on the Long Island Sound. (A little rocky on the north shore)
ScoutAbsolute worst Camp Hosts. They cancel every event they schedule while receiving free beach camping all summer. They’re an embarassment and a constant disappointment for young children. Shame on you and shame on Hammonasset.
GuideI've been going to this campground every summer for at least 5 years. Recently they became very stringent about parking to vehicles at the site making it very difficult to visit with a family and 2 vehicles. I usually host group camping trips and the single vehicle rule makes that very difficult.
That aside, this is a very nice campground with various kinds of sites. You can find sites that are less wooded and better suited to group camping, as well as sites that are a little more secluded. This is one of my favorite campgrounds solely because there are platform sites so I can place my tent on a concrete or wooden platform. There is a separate area for RVs vs tents. There is also a store where you can get a cup of coffee in the morning and lots of goodies throughout the day.
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.
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. I've been there during a full on thunderstorm and watched as the trees swayed in the wind.
Lovely campground with lots of activities to entertain you.
GuideThis 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. I've been going here every summer since 2019 after it re-opened. Each site has a picnic table and grill. Water is also available near the sites.
You can come here in tents as well as RVs and the staff is very nice. They toilets are cleaned constantly, though they are not immaculate. 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.
Bring a bicycle or scooper and you can ride the loop around to the beach; you can also drive to the beach. There is a pool, but it has not been open for many years. There are also hiking trails and a place where you can rent a kayak.
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.
Park staff and rangers regularly patrol the campground and are diligent about cleaning up.
Suffolk County offers a variety of campsites near Medford, New York, with options ranging from oceanfront to wooded settings. Most campgrounds operate year-round, though with reduced amenities during winter months. The area features both inland and coastal camping options, with temperatures typically ranging from 30°F in winter to 85°F in summer.
Beach activities: 30-minute walk to shoreline at Wildwood State Park Campground, where you can enjoy the Long Island Sound. "It's a downhill walk to the beach. The beach is fairly clean and has a small boardwalk," notes Giselle P. Swimming areas can be rocky, so prepare accordingly.
Hiking trails: 7-mile loop around the lake at Blydenburgh County Park. "Great hiking, clean, close facilities and well maintained. Lake is great and only a short walk, but no swimming," says Michael G. The trails are well-marked and appropriate for most skill levels.
Kayaking: Rentals available at several parks, including Indian Island County Park. The calm waters of the bays provide excellent paddling opportunities for beginners. "You are a short walk from beach access and kayak launch," mentions Michael G., highlighting the easy water access.
Oceanfront views: Direct access to the Atlantic at Smith Point County Park. "A short walk from the ocean to the bay, both accessible by walking from your campsite," writes Ali O. Sites overlooking the water are particularly sought after.
Wildlife encounters: Regular deer sightings at many parks. At Smith Point, campers often have close encounters with local wildlife. "You get visits from the nearby deer. It is paradise," explains Tim M., describing the natural setting that many visitors appreciate.
Heated facilities: Modern bathrooms at Watch Hill Fire Island Campground provide comfort during cooler seasons. "Among the most modern bathrooms I've seen at a State Park campground," reports Amber A. about the North Shore facilities, making shoulder season camping more comfortable.
Limited privacy: Sites close together at most established campgrounds. "Sites had zero privacy and were all pull through," notes Michael G. about certain camping areas. For more seclusion, look for sites at the rear of campgrounds or consider backcountry options.
Mosquito preparation: Heavy insect activity especially at coastal sites. "Mosquitoes are vicious," warns Pedro R. about Watch Hill. Pack appropriate repellent with DEET and consider bringing a screened shelter for meals.
Seasonal restrictions: Permit requirements for specific activities like stargazing. "You have to buy a stargazing permit to be out on the beach after sunset, which is kind of strange but really helps prevent hooligans from taking over the beach," explains one camper about Wildwood State Park.
Playground access: Multiple options at Indian Island County Park. "It's nice for kids they have an open field with a playground for kids," reports Gino D. Some facilities close during off-season, so call ahead to confirm availability.
Entertainment options: Water parks nearby for day trips from certain campgrounds. "I stayed there one weekend and went to Splish Splash waterpark that's not far away," mentions Giselle P., referring to attractions accessible from Wildwood State Park.
Beach camping for kids: Easy access to water from designated family areas. "Kids of all ages are generally running and playing day and night in the loud and unreserved way they do," shares Ali O. about the family-friendly atmosphere at Smith Point County Park.
Hookup availability: Electric and water at most developed sites, with some offering full hookups. "RV pull through sites were fantastic. It was a great campground for maiden voyage in new rig," shares Lori R. about Wildwood State Park.
Site spacing: Variable by location with tighter quarters at popular parks. "Sites are great overlooking the bay. I also like the corner sites as they are bigger," advises Stephen P. about Smith Point County Park, suggesting specific site numbers for more space.
Dump station access: Central locations often shared by multiple campgrounds. "Nice location but previous campers did not clean up after their visit. Shore power was without any problems and park has clean heated bathroom and bike station near dump site," notes Frank P. about the facilities at Heckscher State Park Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Medford, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Medford, NY is Wildwood State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 24 reviews.
What parks are near Medford, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 parks near Medford, NY that allow camping, notably Fire Island National Seashore and Hop Brook Lake.
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