Cathedral Pines County Park in Middle Island offers tent and RV camping within a wooded setting accessible year-round. Located about 25 miles from Northport, the Suffolk County facility provides electric hookups and water access across flat terrain. Smith Point County Park requires advance reservations, particularly during summer when their waterfront sites fill quickly.
What to do
Beach access at Smith Point: Cross the dunes for ocean swimming at Smith Point County Park, where campsites position visitors between the bay and Atlantic Ocean. "A short walk from the ocean to the bay, both accessible by walking from your campsite. No shade so be prepared to wake early if you're in a sweltering tent," notes a recent visitor to Smith Point County Park.
Hiking trails throughout Harriman: Explore the extensive trail system within Harriman State Park, including sections of the Appalachian Trail and historical paths dating to Revolutionary times. A camper at Beaver Pond Campground observed that "the trails in the area are friendly to hikers, bikers, and the non arthritic kneers, as most are rated moderate to challenging." The park also offers trails rated as easy and accessible for those with mobility limitations.
Swimming at Canopus Lake: Visit Fahnestock State Park for water activities on their open-water beach. "This park has a nice open beach on Canopus Lake with a concession area and bathhouse, which we found to be quite clean! They even have boat rentals - or you can bring your own boat to launch," reported a visitor to Clarence Fahnestock State Park.
What campers like
Proximity to NYC transportation: Liberty Harbor RV Park positions campers for easy city exploration without driving into Manhattan. "This is a prime location for visiting the city or heading down the shore. The light rail is a block away, and the path train is about 8," notes a reviewer at Liberty Harbor RV Park. Many visitors appreciate the location despite the tight spacing of sites.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Multiple parks near Northport offer chances to observe local fauna, especially deer. At Smith Point County Park, one camper mentioned, "At nite an ice cream truck comes by, you get visits from the nearby deer. It is paradise." Another visitor reported, "I watched a momma deer nursing two of her babies."
Off-season tranquility: While summer brings crowds, shoulder-season camping provides quieter experiences. "We stayed here on a Thursday night in September prior to taking off backpacking. The campground was clean and quiet," notes a Beaver Pond visitor. Similarly, Fahnestock State Park reviewers mention, "Weekends - this park is FULL! Make sure to reserve at least two weeks out. Weekdays? You should be in luck!"
What you should know
Campsite privacy varies significantly: Many rv camping areas near Northport offer limited separation between sites. At Cathedral Pines County Park, "Wooded sites are lovely. RV sites in large field," indicating the contrast in site privacy. Beaver Pond Campground offers better spacing: "The biggest positive about Beaver Pond is how spread out it was. You definitely feel like you have your own space."
Fire restrictions differ by location: Not all campgrounds provide fire pits or allow ground fires. Heckscher State Park does not include fire pits, with one camper noting: "I was unaware there were no fire pits at the site so I would just bring your own." At Battle Row Campground, "Fires are allowed but you must have a fire container or bucket for your fire off of the ground."
Bathroom maintenance inconsistent: Facilities range widely in cleanliness and upkeep. A Battle Row Campground visitor mentioned, "The bathrooms are run down and not well kept," while another stated, "The showers were amazing and also so clean!" This variation appears common across multiple parks in the region.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds include dedicated play areas for children. Battle Row Campground offers "a playground for the kids" that is "centrally located" according to reviews. Similarly, Beaver Pond has facilities designed with families in mind, with one visitor noting it's a "great place for kids" with a "playground, showers, bathroom."
Beach camping with kids: Heckscher State Park provides family-friendly camping near beach areas. "This place is great for families who want a safe space to camp and it's a typical Long Island campground. Rangers came around checking on everyone often so it really did feel incredibly safe," reports one visitor. The campground includes a playground specifically for campers.
Special events during summer: Some parks offer seasonal entertainment for families. A camper at Heckscher mentioned, "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." These unexpected activities can enhance family camping trips.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookups at county parks: Most Suffolk County parks provide basic electric and water connections but limited full-hookup sites. At Skyline RV Camp, campers noted, "There no longer is a waterfront view of the NYC skyline when camping at Skyline RV. The website views are misleading," indicating research before arrival helps set expectations.
Dump station access varies: Not all rv camping facilities near Northport provide sanitary dump stations. Liberty Harbor has one but reviewers found it inconvenient: "There is a dump station, but not the easiest to use." When traveling with larger rigs, verify dump station availability and accessibility before arrival.
NYC-adjacent parking fees: When selecting rv camping near Northport with plans to visit New York City, factor in additional transportation costs. A Liberty Harbor camper advised, "Getting in and out of the city is an adventure. Stay right off the highway to avoid the $30 tunnel toll."
