Best Tent Camping near Montauk, NY
Tent camping options near Montauk, New York include several waterfront sites accessible by boat along the Connecticut River. Selden Neck State Park Campground offers a unique tent camping experience on an island with four designated campsites accessible only by kayak or boat. Gillette Castle State Park Campground provides tent-only camping with river views and multiple access options including boat-in and walk-in tent sites. Chapman Pond Preserve features primitive tent camping with platforms and basic facilities for those seeking a more rustic experience. These locations provide alternatives for tent campers looking to explore the broader Long Island Sound region.
Most tent campsites in the area require specific access methods and preparation. Selden Neck State Park requires a 20-minute paddle across the Connecticut River from Deep River Landing, where parking permits are required during summer months. Campers should secure gear in waterproof bags due to boat wake. Sites typically include fire pits and picnic tables, but limited amenities beyond that. Chapman Pond Preserve offers tent platforms but minimal facilities. Water access is limited at most locations, so tent campers should bring sufficient supplies. Weather conditions can change rapidly, particularly with morning fog on the river, which may delay departure times.
Tent-only camping experiences in this region center around water views and natural settings. According to reviews, Selden Neck provides "flat areas to pitch a tent, nice picnic tables and fire pits" with private outhouses at each site. Low tide reveals small beaches for exploration. Campers noted that Gillette Castle State Park offers "amazing views of the CT River and being able to watch the sunrise and sunset." Chapman Pond Preserve was described as a "middle of nowhere site" with "good tent platforms, picnic tables and outhouse" with river views. The relative isolation of these backcountry tent camping locations provides quieter experiences than more developed campgrounds, though occasional boat traffic noise may occur at waterfront sites. For tent campers seeking solitude, these locations offer primitive settings with basic amenities and natural surroundings.