Suffolk County campgrounds near Miller Place provide diverse camping options throughout the year. Located on the North Shore of Long Island approximately 60 miles from New York City, the area features a mix of forest and coastal environments with elevation ranging from sea level to 100 feet. Campsites in this region experience moderate temperatures ranging from 45°F to 85°F during camping season, with higher humidity levels near the shoreline locations.
What to do
Beach activities: Watch Hill Fire Island Campground offers unique oceanfront access. "Beautiful location steps away from the beach. Listen to the waves crashing as you sleep and stargaze over the clear ocean," notes Inocencia O. The campground requires a ferry ride to reach, creating a more secluded beach experience.
Water recreation: Blydenburgh County Park provides freshwater alternatives to ocean beaches. "Great park with a nice 7 mile loop around the lake with decent fishing. Lots of horses and dogs on the trail," shares Erik R. Rowboat rentals are available for exploring the lake.
Hiking trails: Cathedral Pines County Park maintains wooded pathways through pine barrens. "Wooded sites are lovely," mentions Karen R. The trails range from easy walking paths to longer routes through the pine forest ecosystem unique to Long Island.
Wildlife viewing: Smith Point County Park offers opportunities to observe local wildlife. "And sweet deer. I watched a momma deer nursing two of her babies," reports Patrick C. Dawn and dusk provide the best wildlife viewing times along the park's nature trails.
What campers like
Site spacing and layout: Wildwood State Park Campground gets high marks for diverse site options. "You can find sites that are less wooded and better suited to group camping, as well as sites that are a little more secluded," explains Giselle P. The platform sites allow tent placement on concrete or wooden platforms.
Accessibility to attractions: Indian Island County Park positions campers near regional destinations. "Close to the LI aquarium as well! Many stores and a golf course near by too!" remarks Janelle G. The campground serves as a good base for exploring eastern Long Island.
Beach proximity: Hammonasset State Park Campground provides oceanside camping across the Sound. "Beautiful Connecticut beach sits just steps away from your campsite. You can ride your bike from your site to the playground, store, beach, local ice cream shop, coffee shop, or our family favorite, meig's point nature center," writes Tiffany T.
Private atmosphere: Cathedral Pines County Park offers a more secluded camping experience. "The further camps are very far from facilities and the ones closer to the bathrooms are usually louder/taken up," notes Connor M. Sites at the park's perimeter provide better privacy than central locations.
What you should know
Seasonal variations: Heckscher State Park Campground operates within limited timeframes. "State park campgrounds typically operate seasonally, with sites available from May 26 to September 3," according to park information. Reservations should be made well in advance for holiday weekends.
Insect management: Mosquitoes present challenges at coastal sites, particularly Watch Hill Fire Island Campground. "We couldn't even enjoy our meals at camp because it was that bad. Def bring a shelter or a canopy with a mosquito net!!!" warns Rosie R. Bug pressure is highest during June-August, particularly at dawn and dusk.
Reservation requirements: Most county parks require a Green Key card for Suffolk County residents, which offers discounts. "You need a Green Key card membership for reservation which at least got me a 50% ($9) discount on beach parking," shares Dominick L. about Southaven County Park.
Site differences: Campground layouts vary significantly between parks. "Sites are open and fairly close would be only negative," notes Michael G. about Blydenburgh County Park, while Smith Point features both oceanfront and bayside options with varying levels of privacy.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Indian Island County Park offers dedicated play areas. "Perfect place to take the little ones has a beautiful lake and a really nice playground highly recommended," advises correl H. The playgrounds are centrally located and visible from many campsites.
Educational activities: Nature programs enhance family camping experiences. "You can ride your bike from your site to the playground, store, beach, local ice cream shop, coffee shop, or our family favorite, meig's point nature center," shares Tiffany T. about Hammonasset State Park.
Safety considerations: Campground security varies between locations. "Stayed here for two nights with my popup and was surrounded by large motor homes/RVs. Rangers came around checking on everyone often so it really did feel incredibly safe," reports Jessica C. about her Heckscher State Park experience.
Themed weekends: Some campgrounds offer special family events. "It also happened to be Trick or Treat weekend on the campground which really fun to see," mentions Chris A. about Smith's Point. Check campground calendars for scheduled activities when planning visits.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Southaven County Park provides essential services. "Sites had zero privacy and were all pull through. There was water, electric and sewer hookups at each site," reports Michael G., though he notes it can be "an expensive place to 'camp'."
Site selection strategy: Wildwood State Park Campground offers designated RV areas. "RV pull through sites were fantastic. It was a great campground for maiden voyage in new rig. Plenty of amenities," shares Lori R. Sites 1-50 provide the most level parking for larger vehicles.
Dump station access: Multiple parks offer sanitation facilities. "Nice clean campground with the usual NY State Park quality. Shore power was without any problems and park has clean heated bathroom and bike station near dump site," notes frank P. about Indian Island County Park. Most dump stations are accessible without requiring site changes.
Weather considerations: Be prepared for coastal conditions. "Bathrooms and showers were a good size. Site 130 was a camper we rented then I got 131 to have more room," explains Carolyn W. about Indian Island County Park, suggesting booking adjacent sites when traveling with multiple RVs.
