Suffolk County campgrounds provide varied camping experiences around Miller Place, New York. The region features a mix of densely wooded sites and open field camping areas within a 30-minute drive radius. Most campgrounds in the area operate from May through October, with a few offering year-round options. Winter temperatures average 25-40°F while summer camping season sees averages of 70-85°F.
What to do
Hiking trails: Cathedral Pines County Park offers wooded walking paths through mature pine forests. "Wooded sites are lovely. RV sites in large field," notes Karen R. about the Cathedral Pines County Park.
Beach access: Smith Point County Park provides direct beach access from campsites. "Great first experience. Had onsite bathrooms and showers that were clean. 1 minute walk over the dune to the Atlantic ocean," reports Michael about Smith Point County Park.
Water activities: Rocky Neck State Park features both beach and water access points. "Every campsite has its own fire pit with a grill attachment and a picnic table. Beach is a short drive on site and the showers were one site over," explains Carli V. about the facilities at Rocky Neck State Park Campground.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: Many campers appreciate the deer sightings at Smith Point County Park. "You get visits from the nearby deer. It is paradise," writes Tim M. The park's location between bay and ocean creates unique wildlife viewing opportunities.
Larger sites at corners: Some campgrounds offer more spacious corner spots. "10 would be better. I also like the corner sites as they are bigger," notes Stephen P. about sites at Smith's Point.
Clean facilities: Bathroom and shower quality receives consistent positive feedback. "Restrooms are clean and spacious. Showers are great. Whoever planned this campground is/was a camper," reports Diane R. about Lake Compounce Campground.
What you should know
Site boundaries: Several campgrounds lack defined site boundaries. "The campgrounds are named after water fowl: Crane, Egret, Osprey, Heron etc... Sites include one paved parking spot (ours was very muddy) a fire pit and a picnic table," explains Nita D.
Fire pit requirements: Not all parks provide fire pits. "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," writes katrina M. about Battle Row Campground.
Limited electric sites: Some parks have restricted availability of electric hookups. "Was a pretty spacious park, very quiet, nice people, but not very many electric sites," notes Junior D. about Cathedral Pines County Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Heckscher State Park offers dedicated playground facilities. "They have replaced all of the picnic tables. There are also plans to install a playground within the campground beginning this Fall," mentions a review from the park staff.
Group camping options: Some parks specialize in accommodating larger family gatherings. "This 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 have lots of sun," says Giselle P. about Heckscher State Park Campground.
Kid-friendly activities: Multiple parks offer events specifically for children. "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," reports another Heckscher State Park camper.
Tips from RVers
Stopover convenience: Some rv parks near Miller Place, New York work well for shorter stays. "This was good for an overnight stop on our way south. We couldn't find much else along our route, but this wasn't too bad. The sites were long so even though you face your neighbor, the sites were long enough that our door wasn't directly across from our neighbor," notes Tina about Lake Compounce Campground.
Small but well-maintained: The more compact rv parks around Miller Place provide efficient services. "Small campground with good electrical, clean water, sewer and a friendly owner. Each site has grass and a picnic table," writes Tara N. about Totoket Valley RV Park.
Seasonal timing: Some RV parks operate on limited schedules. Several parks in the region close for winter months, typically reopening in April or May, with North Fork Cottages & RV Resort operating specifically from May through November.
