Suffolk County parks near Northport provide camping from April through November, with a few locations open year-round. Most campgrounds require advance reservations, particularly during summer weekends when availability becomes limited. The eastern shore of Long Island offers oceanfront access, while inland locations provide lake activities within a 30-minute drive of Northport.
What to do
Hiking through nature preserves: Blydenburgh County Park offers a 7-mile loop trail around the lake with opportunities for fishing. As one camper notes, "The hiking trails were quiet natural and and clean. The trails I explored were well marked." Another visitor adds that the park features "decent fishing" with "lots of horses and dogs on the trail."
Beach activities: Smith Point County Park provides immediate ocean access with camping sites overlooking both the bay and Atlantic Ocean. "A short walk from the ocean to the bay, both accessible by walking from your campsite," explains one reviewer. Sites on the bayside offer "fantastic direct bay views" according to another camper, who notes that "literally steps to the beach" makes this location especially convenient.
Stargazing on the shore: At Watch Hill Fire Island Campground, campers can participate in backcountry camping on the beach. One visitor recommends, "You can get a permit to backcountry camp instead of reserving a designated campground spot. Just walk down to the beach after check-in and walk east until you see a pole with a tent symbol on it." The rewards include being able to "stargaze over the clear ocean" as noted by another camper.
What campers like
Privacy and space: Battle Row Campground offers secluded tent sites set back from common areas. One visitor explains, "Each site is set back off a common area so there is plenty of privacy." Sites are well-maintained with amenities: "The sites have provided electric and water and are kept so clean."
Clean facilities: Many Suffolk County parks maintain their shower facilities regularly. A camper at Battle Row noted, "They have shower and restroom facilities, the showers were amazing and also so clean!" Cleanliness extends to the camping areas as well, with one visitor stating this is "definitely one of my top favorite campgrounds."
Wildlife viewing: Several campgrounds offer opportunities to observe local wildlife. At Smith Point County Park, campers report deer sightings near their sites. "You get visits from the nearby deer. It is paradise," explains one visitor. Another camper shares a more intimate wildlife experience: "I watched a momma deer nursing two of her babies."
What you should know
Insect protection is essential: The coastal environment creates ideal conditions for insects, particularly at Watch Hill Fire Island. One camper warns, "It was nearly impossible to enjoy ourselves because we were getting attacked by mosquitoes and horseflies the entire weekend." They recommend bringing "a shelter or a canopy with a mosquito net" for protection.
Ferry access requirements: Some locations require water transportation. Watch Hill Fire Island Campground is accessible only via ferry, with one camper noting, "You can get there by ferry. Very quiet and comfortable." The ferry ride takes approximately 30 minutes from the mainland.
Fire pit policies vary: Unlike many campgrounds nationally, some Long Island sites do not provide built-in fire pits. At Wildwood State Park Campground, campers must either rent or bring their own fire containers. One visitor mentions it's "lame not having a fire ring, you have to rent one or bring your own."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Heckscher State Park Campground includes dedicated play areas for children. "There is a playground just for the campground," one visitor points out. The park occasionally offers special programming, with another camper noting, "On one visit there was a magician performing for the camp goers."
Noise considerations: Family-friendly sites may have higher noise levels. At Smith Point, one camper observes, "This is not a quiet campground, campers stay up late drinking by the fire. Kids of all ages are generally running and playing day and night in the loud and unreserved way they do."
Ice cream availability: Several campgrounds feature ice cream service during summer months. Smith Point County Park has both a general store and ice cream availability: "At nite an ice cream truck comes by," mentions one reviewer. Heckscher State Park also provides this family favorite, with a camper noting, "The ice cream trucks comes by as well."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At Wildwood State Park Campground, RVers should note the distinct camping areas. "There is a separate area for RVs vs tents," explains one visitor. Another camper mentions that the "RV pull through sites were fantastic" and that it was a "great campground for maiden voyage in new rig."
Utility connections: Campgrounds vary in available hookups. Smith Point County Park offers comprehensive connections, with one RVer describing their experience: "Our 36ft motorhome backed up to a raised balcony overlooking the bay. Less than 100 feet from the front of our site was the beach and the Atlantic Ocean view."
Year-round options: While many campgrounds close during winter months, Blydenburgh County Park remains open year-round for RVers who wish to camp during off-season periods. One visitor recommends, "If your going to be on Long Island, Suffolk county is really only RV friendly place. Worth buying green key card for resident access."
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