Sears Bellows County Park provides equestrian camping options near North Babylon, New York, with facilities designed for horse owners. The campground sits within Suffolk County's 3,500-acre pine barrens ecosystem, where sandy soil and pine-oak forests create ideal terrain for riding. Water is available at each site, though campers should note the absence of electrical hookups requires self-sufficiency for extended stays.
What to do
Trail riding opportunities: The network of trails at Shinnecock East County Park offers varied terrain for equestrians. "The bay is peaceful" notes Anthony M., while the "ocean is beautiful" for those wanting to combine riding with water views.
Fishing excursions: Bellows Pond and surrounding waterways provide fishing spots accessible from horseback or on foot. At Shinnecock, campers report successful catches: "We catch stripe bass. The bay is peaceful and we go crabbing," according to Anthony M.
Family recreation: The playground facilities complement the equestrian focus. "The playground is really nice and big has a lot of slides," reports Gino D. about Sears Bellows, making it suitable for families with both riders and non-riders.
What campers like
Natural setting: The wooded environment creates a peaceful atmosphere away from urban noise. A camper at Sears Bellows County Park describes it as a "beatiful well kept & maintained campground with spacious sites, a lake with kayaking access, and trails for bike riding and hiking."
Water access: Multiple water features enhance the camping experience. Vivian T. notes that Sears Bellows is "so peaceful and great biking and hiking," with the nearby pond providing cooling opportunities for horses during summer months.
Privacy between sites: The layout offers sufficient space between camping areas. Lexis N. describes Sears Bellows as "perfect for a peaceful and quiet weekend/week stay," with sites separated enough to accommodate horses without crowding other campers.
What you should know
Hookup limitations: While water is available, power options are restricted. As Vivian T. simply states about Liberty Harbor RV Park, "the only down fall no electricity," which applies to many equestrian-friendly sites in the region.
Reservation requirements: Advance booking is essential, particularly during peak seasons. Suffolk County parks operate on a reservation system with specific policies for equestrian campers.
Vehicle requirements: Some beach-adjacent areas require appropriate transportation. At Shinnecock East County Park, Lisa M. advises that "4x4 a must, air down a must" when accessing certain camping areas with horse trailers.
Tips for camping with families
Multiactivity planning: Combine riding with other recreational options. Nadia V. recommends water activities at Sears Bellows: "The first night I stayed here my friends and I rented some rowboats and went on the water. It was a lot of fun, and the price of the rowboat was pretty cheap."
Wildlife observation opportunities: The diverse ecosystem supports bird and animal watching. Multiple trails allow for nature exploration beyond horseback riding.
Playground access: Dedicated play areas provide entertainment for younger family members. Gino D. notes that the playground at Liberty Harbor Marina and RV Park "is really nice and big has a lot of slides," offering recreation options when not riding.
Tips from RVers
Generator policies: Check rules regarding power generation at equestrian sites. One camper notes that Sears Bellows "does not have an electric hook up but generators are allowed," which proves essential for longer stays with horses.
Site selection strategy: Consider proximity to water and facilities when choosing spots. Keith and Tia S. suggest to "pick one of the larger end row sites to get a little extra elbow room," which benefits those with horse trailers requiring additional space.
Dump station logistics: Plan waste management carefully for extended stays. While sanitary dump stations are available, their accessibility varies by location and may require scheduling around busy checkout times.