Tent camping near Middle Island, New York places visitors within reach of both wooded inland sites and coastal beach camping options. The region sits on Long Island's glacial moraine, creating a varied landscape of forests, ponds, and nearby shorelines. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer more moderate camping conditions with temperatures between 50-70°F.
What to do
Hiking trails: Ward Pound Ridge Reservation offers over 40 miles of hiking trails through diverse terrain. "A gorgeous piece of land that contains lakes, a lookout and Mt. Bailey, the highest point in Westchester County. A dirt road loops through the property with trails off and through it," notes one camper at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation.
Beach activities: Spend time swimming and sunbathing at Fire Island. "Take a quick walk down to the beach," recommends a camper who visited Watch Hill Fire Island Campground. The campground provides direct beach access with sites situated behind protective dunes.
Kayaking: Several water-accessible campsites require boats to reach. "It's about a 20 minute paddle across the river to the island. If it's a nice day, you're going to encounter some wake from passing boats so make sure your gear is in waterproof bags," advises a visitor to Selden Neck State Park, which offers riverside tent camping accessible only by water.
Nature programs: Some campgrounds offer ranger-led activities. "There are park rangers on site and have excellent programs for kids," mentions a camper who visited Watch Hill Fire Island Campground, making it educational for younger visitors.
What campers like
Privacy levels: Many tent sites offer good separation from neighbors. "Each site is set back off a common area so there is plenty of privacy," writes a camper about Battle Row Campground, noting the layout provides seclusion despite being in a developed campground.
Shelter options: Several campgrounds offer alternatives to traditional tent sites. "The shelters are great for people who want to camp and not have to worry about unplanned weather," explains a visitor to Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, which features lean-to structures as an alternative to tent-only camping.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds maintain their amenities well. "The camp office workers are SO friendly and helpful. The sites have provided electric and water and are kept so clean. They have shower and restroom facilities, the showers were amazing and also so clean!" shares an enthusiastic Battle Row Campground visitor.
Water views: Coastal and riverside sites offer scenic camping. "The sunset view was amazing. There was a little noise at night from boat traffic but it didn't keep us up," reports a camper at Selden Neck State Park, highlighting the tradeoffs of waterfront locations.
What you should know
Reservation systems: Booking methods vary significantly between campgrounds. "There is no phone or internet reservations and has to be made in person at the office. I would recommend call earlier and come in few minutes earlier to 9 am when the office opens to find the best spots," advises a camper at Mountain Lakes Park.
Fire regulations: Rules about campfires differ between locations. "Two-night minimum on weekends, and no fires. You can bring charcoal to cook on the grills provided or camp stoves, though," explains a Watch Hill Fire Island visitor. At Battle Row, "There are NO fire pits, you must bring your own. Fires are allowed but you must have a fire container or bucket for your fire off of the ground."
Insect preparation: Coastal areas especially require bug protection. "Beautiful location steps away from the beach. Listen to the waves crashing as you sleep and stargaze over the clear ocean...One warning, however, the mosquitoes are extremely potent and plentiful. Take the good stuff," cautions a Watch Hill camper.
Store access: Many campgrounds lack nearby supplies. "Stores are not near by and had to drive into Bedford to grab food items and camping necessities!" notes a Ward Pound Ridge visitor, emphasizing the need to bring everything you'll need.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds have dedicated play areas. "The playground is new and centrally located. They also have a horseshoe pit," notes a visitor to Battle Row Campground, making it suitable for families with children who need activity options.
Beach camping with kids: Fire Island offers child-friendly beach access. "Favorite place ever. You can get there by ferry. Very quiet and comfortable. Birdsong in the morning and the sound of the waves," shares a camper at Watch Hill, though they remind visitors to "be prepared" for mosquitoes.
Camping close to home: For families new to camping, staying local reduces stress. "I have lived 6 miles from this campground for the last 20 years and never knew they had tent sites. The park is clean the bathrooms are well maintained and there is a playground for the kids...It's great if your local easy in and out," explains a Battle Row visitor.
Educational options: Some campgrounds offer learning opportunities. "Mountain Lakes park is a great place to camp within driving distance from NYC. 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," shares a camper from Hidden Lake Farm.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Not all campgrounds accommodate RVs well. "The sites have provided electric and water and are kept so clean," notes a Battle Row visitor about the amenities, though they caution that "This campground is old and there isn't much there, but it depends on why you're camping whether that matters to you."
Utility hookups: Electric and water availability varies by location. Battle Row Campground provides water hookups at central locations rather than at individual sites: "The water spigot and the gray-water dump are not right by the tent sites. Seems silly since the tents are the ones using them."
