RV campgrounds near Ocean Beach, New York primarily cluster along the south shore of Long Island, with most facilities located within Suffolk County. The coastal location means campsites experience moderate temperatures year-round, though summer humidity can be high. Most campgrounds require advance reservations, with many Suffolk County parks requiring special permits for non-residents.
What to do
Beach access options: Smith Point County Park offers direct beach access for campers. "A short walk from the ocean to the bay, both accessible by walking from your campsite," notes one visitor. Another adds that sites have "a fantastic direct bay view" and are "literally steps to the beach."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Deer sightings are common at several campgrounds in the region. At Smith Point County Park, one camper mentions, "you get visits from the nearby deer," while another notes seeing "a momma deer nursing two of her babies."
Hiking trails: Blydenburgh County Park offers extensive hiking options around its lake. "Hiking trails are beautiful," writes one visitor, while another mentions "a nice 7 mile loop around the lake with decent fishing." The trails are described as "quiet, natural and clean" by a third reviewer.
What campers like
Waterfront views: Heckscher State Park offers beachfront cottages with excellent water views. One visitor describes them as "newly constructed heated cottages located on the shore of Nichol's & Great South Bays" that are "a short walk from the beach and also include a fire pit with Adirondack chairs."
Convenient transportation: Liberty Harbor RV Park provides easy access to New York City. "The light rail is a block away, and the path train is about 8," reports one camper. Another notes that it's "very easy to hop on transit to get to New York City" and a third mentions "a ferry 100-yards away that takes you to Wall Street M-F."
Clean facilities: While bathroom quality varies across campgrounds, several receive positive comments about cleanliness. One camper at Liberty Harbor says "The bath house was above average and heated," while a Smith Point visitor notes "shower and rest room buildings" that are "clean and well lit."
What you should know
Permit requirements: Suffolk County parks require resident permits or additional fees for non-residents. A visitor to Blydenburgh County Park advises it's "Worth buying green key card for resident access. 200 but you'd spend that 4 nights regardless."
Site spacing and privacy: Most campgrounds feature sites positioned close together. At Cathedral Pines County Park, "Wooded sites are lovely. RV sites in large field," reports one camper. Heckscher State Park has "no distinguishing separation between each site nor a designated driveway for your car- you merely pull up on the grass."
Reservation challenges: Summer months see high demand for campsites. For Nickerson Beach Park Campground, online booking can be confusing. One visitor shares a frustrating experience where "the online reservation system is clunky and shows no photos or have much detail."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Battle Row Campground features a newer playground centrally located in the campground. One visitor describes it as having "a new and centrally located playground" and notes that "They also have a horseshoe pit." Another mentions "a playground for the kids."
Summer entertainment: Some parks offer family-friendly entertainment during peak season. At Heckscher State Park, one visitor recalls "on one visit there was a magician performing for the camp goers" and notes "I've even been there while there was a philharmonic concert near the campground."
Ice cream accessibility: Several campgrounds feature ice cream options during summer months. A Smith Point visitor notes "At nite an ice cream truck comes by," while an Heckscher camper mentions "The ice cream trucks comes by as well."
Tips from RVers
Navigation challenges: RVs face specific routing issues when traveling to Ocean Beach area campgrounds. For Liberty Harbor RV Park, one visitor advises: "Getting in and out of the city is an adventure. Stay right off the highway to avoid the $30 tunnel toll. Follow RV life pro and not Waze."
Water and electric hookups: Skyline RV Camp offers electric hookups including both 30-amp and 50-amp service, but campers should be aware that "There was only 1 bathroom with small shower for all guests" though they were "in the process of adding 5 more." The campground has relocated from its original waterfront location, and a visitor notes "There no longer is a waterfront view of the NYC skyline when camping at Skyline RV. The website views are misleading."
Dump station access: While several campgrounds offer dump stations, their convenience varies. At Liberty Harbor, a camper reports "There is a dump station, but not the easiest to use."
