Camping near Merrick offers diverse options for outdoor enthusiasts looking to escape the suburban landscape of Long Island. Located within 90 minutes of New York City, the region provides access to both beachfront and forested camping destinations. Temperatures range from 75-85°F in summer months with higher humidity along coastal campsites compared to inland locations.
What to do
Beach exploration: Smith Point County Park features direct beach access from campsites. "A short walk from the ocean to the bay, both accessible by walking from your campsite," notes Ali O. The park's unique positioning allows campers to experience both the Atlantic Ocean and Great South Bay within minutes.
Mountain biking: Allaire State Park offers extensive trail systems ranging from beginner to advanced. "Mountain Biking from easy, paved trails to several miles of single track with everything in between," reports Beau B. The park maintains well-marked routes through varied terrain with rental options available seasonally.
Hiking to viewpoints: The highest elevation in Westchester County can be found at Mountain Lakes Park, where multiple trails connect camping areas to scenic outlooks. "A gorgeous piece of land that contains lakes, a lookout and Mt. Bailey, the highest point in Westchester County," describes Ben H. The park features several lean-tos along the trail network for primitive overnight stays.
What campers like
Year-round access: Several parks near Merrick maintain camping facilities throughout winter. At Allaire State Park, Lisa S. recommends "winter camping" noting "the bathrooms were clean and warm" despite snowy conditions. Four-season yurt camping near Merrick provides insulated shelter with wood stoves during colder months.
Wildlife viewing: The coastal camping areas attract diverse wildlife. At Smith Point County Park, Tim M. describes the experience: "You get visits from the nearby deer." Patrick C. adds, "I watched a momma deer nursing two of her babies."
Evening activities: Many campgrounds offer unique nighttime experiences. Smith Point campers mention "at night an ice cream truck comes by," according to Tim M., while Dan X. notes that at Allaire, "someone put a fullass drip coffee machine in one of the sinks" for communal morning coffee.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most parks require advance booking, especially during peak season. Smith Point County Park has specific residency restrictions. Tim M. cautions, "YOU HAVE TO BE A RESIDENT OF SUFFOLK CO, NY" and adds there's a "ONE WEEK STAY AT A TIME. PERIOD."
Site privacy concerns: Campgrounds vary significantly in terms of site spacing. At Wildwood State Park Campground, Courtney K. notes, "You will get very intimate with your neighbors. The other campers can be loud, so it's like a city of camping instead of the great outdoors."
Bathroom facilities: Quality ranges widely across parks. Amber A. describes Wildwood's facilities as "Among the most modern bathrooms I've seen at a State Park campground," while Michael G. found them "not really clean" during his visit, highlighting seasonal maintenance variability.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection guidance: When booking family sites, corner locations often provide more space. At Smith Point, Stephen P. advises, "I also like the corner sites as they are bigger," while Gianna notes, "Amazing sites with plenty of room, though they are close together."
Kid-friendly activities: Camp Glen Gray offers structured programming for families. Christopher M. shares, "This is our favorite family campsite. Cabins are always clean and stocked with firewood. Lots of hiking trails. Trading post is well stocked and volunteers are always friendly."
Safety considerations: Smith Point provides a secure environment for children. Ali O. reports, "Kids of all ages are generally running and playing day and night in the loud and unreserved way they do. People are friendly and it's a great place to spend your summer nights."
Tips from RVers
Hookup details: Collective Governors Island offers premium RV sites with limitations. While electric hookups are available, the site requires advance planning due to boat-in access restrictions and limited availability during peak season.
Site dimensions: Wildwood State Park accommodates larger rigs. Lori R. notes, "RV pull through sites were fantastic. It was a great campground for maiden voyage in new rig. Plenty of amenities." Sites can accommodate vehicles up to 40 feet with adequate turning radius at designated pull-through locations.
Beach access considerations: RVers at Smith Point appreciate the proximity to water. Michael C. explains the setup: "Our 36ft motorhome backed up to a raised balcony overlooking the bay. Less than 100 feet from the front of our site was the beach and the Atlantic Ocean view."
