Cabins near Northport, New York accommodate visitors from basic tent platforms to full rental homes with varying beach access. Located along the north shore of Long Island, most lodging options sit on the Long Island Sound coastline where rocky beaches and high bluffs characterize the terrain. Seasonal rentals typically operate from April through November, with winter restrictions at most facilities.
What to do
Beach swimming access: At Wildwood State Park, the beach requires a short downhill walk from the campground area. "The beach is fairly clean and has a small boardwalk," notes a visitor to Wildwood State Park Campground who stayed during summer months.
Stargazing permits: Fire Island National Seashore offers unique night sky viewing opportunities with proper planning. "You have to buy a stargazing permit to be out on the beach after sunset, which is kind of strange but really helps prevent hooligans from taking over the beach and destroying the serenity," explains a camper at Hammonasset State Park Campground.
Water sports: Several cabin rental locations offer kayaking and swimming options during summer months. "There is a swimming pond, and river access for fishing and swimming," reports a guest at Riverdale Farm Campsites, located about an hour from Northport.
Waterpark proximity: For families seeking additional entertainment beyond cabin camping, Wildwood State Park provides convenient access to regional attractions. "I stayed there one weekend and went to Splish Splash waterpark that's not far away. There is also a Tanger Outlet nearby," shares a Wildwood State Park camper.
What campers like
Platform tent options: Some locations provide raised platforms for tent placement, improving the tent camping experience. "This is one of my favorite campgrounds solely because there are platform sites so I can place my tent on a concrete or wooden platform," mentions a regular visitor to Wildwood State Park Campground.
Backcountry beach options: For more seclusion, Fire Island offers permit camping beyond designated sites. "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," describes a camper at Watch Hill Fire Island Campground.
Dining options: Some cabin accommodations include meal plans for those seeking a less hands-on experience. "One highlight was having meals cooked by the stellar chef. The lake is very peaceful, and home to beavers we watched from the dining hall patio," shares a visitor to The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center.
Ferry access: Several cabin locations require boat transportation, adding to the experience. "This is accessible by public transportation. There is a shuttle run by the campsite to and from Tuxedo Park Train Station (reservations on shuttle required)," explains a camper at Harriman Outdoor Center regarding transportation options.
What you should know
Wildlife concerns: Insect protection is essential when booking cabins near Northport during summer months. "Def bring a shelter or a canopy with a mosquito net! We spent a lot of time inside our tent, needless to say. We tried spending more time up at the beach to get some relief, but the horseflies were out of control!!" warns a camper at Watch Hill Fire Island Campground.
Security measures: Some locations have specific entry procedures. "When we checked in, we had to write down our credit card number on a slip of paper before we were given a key that opened the gate to the campground," notes a visitor to Croton Point Park.
Noise issues: Train proximity affects some cabin locations. "Only downside is there is a train depot right outside and you can hear them shunting trains all night," reports a camper at Croton Point Park about ambient noise.
Reservation requirements: Many cabins near Northport require advance booking, especially for weekend stays. "They have recently become very stringent about parking to vehicles at the site making it very difficult to visit with a family and 2 vehicles," explains a Wildwood State Park camper regarding parking limitations.
Tips for camping with families
Playground availability: Many Northport area cabin locations include recreational facilities for children. "There is a playground just for the campground," notes a visitor to Heckscher State Park Campground, adding that "an ice cream truck comes by as well."
Entertainment options: Some campgrounds offer organized activities. "I've been there during a full on thunderstorm and watched as the trees swayed in the wind. Lovely campground with lots of activities to entertain you," shares a regular Wildwood State Park camper.
Group camping considerations: Several locations accommodate larger family gatherings with specific site arrangements. "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 a Wildwood State Park visitor regarding site selection.
Open camping terrain: For families with young children, some locations provide wide-open camping areas. "The entire campground is one flat open space where some sites are full in the shade and other sites (lower numbers) have lots of sun," reports an Heckscher State Park camper who values this layout for group and family camping.
Tips from RVers
Site privacy concerns: RV sites vary significantly in their spacing and privacy levels. "Stayed here for two nights with my popup and was surrounded by large motor homes/RVs. Sites had zero privacy and were all pull through," explains a camper at Wildwood State Park regarding the RV area layout.
Hookup availability: When booking cabins near Northport with RV access, utility connections vary by location. "There was water, electric and sewer hookups at each site, but this was an expensive place to 'camp'," notes a Wildwood State Park visitor about RV facility costs.
Pull-through access: Some locations provide easier access for larger vehicles. "RV pull through sites were fantastic. It was a great campground for maiden voyage in new rig. Plenty of amenities," shares a camper at Riverdale Farm Campsites about their RV experience.
RV-designated areas: Many campgrounds separate RV and tent camping sections. "There is a separate area for RVs vs tents," explains a Wildwood State Park visitor, which helps maintain different camping experiences within the same facility.