Wildwood State Park Campground offers visitors a diverse range of camping experiences on 600 acres along Long Island's north shore. The campground features tent sites, RV spots, and specialty accommodations across varying terrain, from more wooded areas to open sections. Located within day-trip distance of Middle Island, the park provides direct access to the Long Island Sound with a rocky shoreline beach for swimming during summer months and nearby hiking trails connecting to natural habitat areas.
What to do
Fishing and water activities: The Long Island Sound provides fishing opportunities year-round along the shore. At Wildwood State Park Campground, visitors access both beach and water recreation. "My 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)," notes James O.
Visit local attractions: Many campgrounds provide convenient access to regional points of interest. "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," explains Giselle P.
Explore trails and nature areas: The region features multiple parks with walking paths. "There are hiking trails and you can walk to the beach. Note - it is a downhill walk to the beach," a camper mentions. During autumn, many trails offer foliage viewing opportunities through forested sections.
What campers like
Platform camping sites: Unique to some local campgrounds are elevated platform sites for tent setup. "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," reports a visitor at Smith Point County Park.
Beach proximity: Many campers appreciate shoreline access. "Short walk to beach," notes Karen R. about Smith Point County Park, while another camper elaborates: "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."
Yurt camping options: For those seeking alternative accommodations, yurt camping near Middle Island, New York provides a popular option. Mountain Lakes Park features yurt rentals in a natural setting. "A fun option available at Mountain lakes is to rent a yurt to camp in. The area, as the name implies, is home to several lakes which can be used for various recreational purposes," reports Ethan K.
What you should know
Campsite variations: Site amenities and layouts differ significantly across local campgrounds. At Indian Island County Park, "Bathrooms and showers were a good size. Rangers were driving around often but had no issues with drink in red cups," notes one camper, while another points out: "The only reason I gave 4 stars is because the campsites don't come with a fire ring."
Beach conditions: Long Island beaches vary in quality and accessibility. "The beach is fairly clean and has a small boardwalk," reports a visitor about Wildwood State Park, while others note rocky conditions: "Beach is beautiful, very rocky, bring your water shoes, sunset scenery is beautiful!"
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds in the region operate from spring through fall. For instance, Rocky Neck State Park operates "May 26 to September 29," while Wildwood State Park runs "April 1 to October 10." Weekend bookings fill quickly during summer months, especially for waterfront sites.
Tips for camping with families
Playground accessibility: Multiple campgrounds offer recreational facilities for children. "This is a nice family campground just a mile or so off I-95 in Clinton, CT. There is a playground, game room, 'adult' lounge, a laundry, a swimming pond, and river access for fishing and swimming," notes Joel R. about Riverdale Farm Campsites.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Local parks provide chances to observe native animals. "You get visits from the nearby deer," mentions Tim M., while another camper shares: "I watched a momma deer nursing two of her babies."
Organized activities: Some campgrounds schedule regular events for children. "They have activities for the kids on weekends and holidays," notes a visitor. Families should check individual campground calendars for movie nights, nature programs, and seasonal events.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: RV campers should research specific site dimensions before booking. At Rocky Neck State Park Campground, "Sites include one paved parking spot (ours was very muddy) a fire pit and a picnic table. No water or electric hookup," warns Nita D.
Hookup availability: Water and electric connections vary by campground. "There is water, electric and sewer hookups at each site, but this was an expensive place to 'camp'," notes Michael G., while another camper recommends: "Only electric 30 or 50A, and water; but there are a few dumpstations around in the camp."
Road considerations: Access roads can present challenges for larger rigs. "Really long or tall RV will need to stay close to the front of the campground, as typical older campground is not designed for 40 foot long or 10 foot high campers," advises Kevin J.
