42 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping near Old Bethpage, New York encompasses a mix of suburban and coastal options within reasonable driving distance of New York City. Battle Row Campground, located directly in Old Bethpage, serves as the area's primary established campground, offering year-round accommodations for both tent and RV campers. Within a 30-mile radius, campers can access additional options including Heckscher State Park Campground in East Islip, Nickerson Beach Park Campground in Lido Beach, and Blydenburgh County Park in Smithtown. These facilities provide varying levels of amenities while maintaining proximity to Long Island's beaches, parks, and urban attractions.
Most campgrounds in the Old Bethpage area require reservations, with peak season running from late spring through early fall. New York parkways present navigation challenges for RVs due to height restrictions, requiring alternate routes when traveling with larger vehicles. According to one visitor, "There are height restrictions on the parkways so RVs cannot travel on them without risk of crashing into bridges." Weather conditions vary seasonally, with humid summers and occasional coastal storms in fall. Most campgrounds maintain standard quiet hours, though enforcement varies by location. Cell phone reception is generally available but may be limited at certain sites.
The camping experience varies significantly between inland and coastal locations. Inland sites like Battle Row offer more traditional wooded settings with standard amenities including electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings. Coastal options such as Nickerson Beach provide beach access but typically feature more open, less shaded sites. Heckscher State Park offers both tent camping and cabin rentals, with beachfront cottages providing upscale accommodations. Campers report that sites at most Long Island campgrounds tend to be relatively close together, making them better suited for social camping than wilderness solitude. Family amenities are common, with many parks featuring playgrounds, swimming areas, and ranger-led programs during summer months.
"just a great place to get away from home"
"The group camping on the fox sites is accessible by a dirt drive in. I felt like I was suddenly transported upstate when in fact I had only driven 2 towns over, (about 20 minutes from home.)"
"You can take bike rides , and relax outside with a nice amount of space to yourself ."
from $5 - $60 / night
Check Availability"It’s basically a parking lot, but it’s steps away from some of the greatest waves on the east coast. Showers are clean, there’s a dog park nearby, and the island is very bikable to get around."
"Very close to everything."
"* cottages far enough away from each other
- fire ring with Adirondack chairs
- dumpster and recycling within walking distance
- lots of bone dry firewood around for campfire
- walkable beach"
"Overall my experience was positive. Camping Sites
Each camping site has a picnic table and barbeque grill."
from $20 - $285 / night
Check Availability"Beautiful location steps away from the beach. Listen to the waves crashing as you sleep and stargaze over the clear ocean. Not ready for full on camp-life? No problem!"
"Camping gets you away from the bustle. It is a little less than a half mile walk from the ferry dock and located behind the dunes which offer some protection. Take a quick walk down to the beach."
from $35 - $197 / night
Check Availability"Very plain & functional, no frills but right on the harbor & on the very edge of Jersey City, close to a ferry & the train that takes u across to New York City."
"Very easy to hop on transit to get to New York City. People were friendly."
from $145 - $180 / night
Check Availability"The beach is in a walking distance. You can swim or fish there. This camp site has a relatively new and clean facility. There are many farms near by where you can get fresh veggies and fruits."
"However there are too many loud families and the sites are too close in proximity for me."
from $20 - $225 / night
Check Availability"15 dolares la noche para los que viven en el Estado de New York o New York city .. si es fuera del estado son $5 dolares mas!!"
"Drive-in tent campgrounds. Adequate restroom facilities sprinkled amongst tent sites. Some campsites have raised platforms. All sites have picnic tables and fire ring with flip-top grill."
from $17 - $20 / night
Check Availability"Boat from New York City."
"Once you are there, you can walk right across the street to a bayside inlet and sandy shore that is not highly trafficked because no one can park there except those using the campground."
from $30 - $50 / night
Check Availability
GuideBasic clean older campground. No hookups. Water dump flush toilets and showers available. Very limited on campsites allowing dogs. Nice setting but traffic noise can be heard. Calms down later in evening. Generators ok and our quieter than road noise. Lots of mosquitos and bugs so bring your spray!
ScoutVery nice family oriented, places the beach, which is great except for the birds watch out they come at you. They have a dog park basketball courts playground swimming just about everything.
GuideThis was by far the worst campground we have ever stayed at. First of all, the campground is basically just a large open field where everyone is on display. There is absolutely no privacy. If that's not enough and you want even more attention, choose a site near the playground, where you'll have a constant audience. The bathrooms were also extremely dirty and poorly maintained, which only added to the overall disappointing experience. The biggest issue, however, is the complete lack of quiet hours enforcement. Until at least 1:00 AM, there were screaming children, loud groups of intoxicated adults, and nonstop noise. It felt more like a chaotic party zone than a campground. There seemed to be no rules, no supervision, and no consideration for people who actually came to relax. The sites farther back in the woods offer a little more privacy, but don't expect peace and quiet there either. This campground may be fine if your goal is to drink and party outdoors, but if you're looking for a relaxing camping experience, I would strongly recommend staying elsewhere. The only positive part of our stay was seeing a few baby deer wandering through the campground. They were adorable and ended up being the highlight of our trip.
ScoutI love this location. Close to public transportation, great staff, and site security.
TravelerGoing back for Memorial Day weekend my 3rd time going and always had a great time nice place ,clean Bathroom & Shower with hot water 👍🏽convenient location easy access to campground and lake
ScoutBeautiful campsites! Lots of lean to sites with fireplaces in them. You have to go in person to make a reservation and pay. The camp area is beautiful, especially in the fall. Pet friendly and kid friendly with a playground available. Our favorite site is #25. Up a hill, totally private and has a lean-to.
GuideA little intimidating driving in to a nondescript gate at the end of a narrow street but the overall experience exceeded expectation. It’s essentially a spacious parking lot with electrical pedestals but the view of the skyline across the water is spectacular and there’s a metro station within a 10-minute walk. The area feels safe and is pedestrian friendly, even at night (we were there Halloween night and we took our kids out trick-or-treating just outside the gate). During the day, I saw another RV patron walking to do their laundry just outside the complex on the next street over (I didn’t ask where exactly). On-site bathrooms were warm and clean. There were portable showers available but beware the broken shower head holders and lack of shelving/hooks for towels & clothing. This was a minor issue considering the convenience of RV accommodations so easily accessible within the NYC region, would definitely recommend. I couldn’t find a map prior to my booking but would suggest requesting the highest number site available for best direct views.
RangerVery plain & functional, no frills but right on the harbor & on the very edge of Jersey City, close to a ferry & the train that takes u across to New York City. Shopping & restraunts are right next door. We brought scooters & had a great stay! Plus you can see the Statue of Liberty from there!
ScoutGave us a welcome folder with lots of helpful info, can walk to get food up the street, short drive to Liberty Park where we got out and walked at night to admire the city skyline and Statue of Liberty at night. They have hook ups and big laundry room.
Camping opportunities near Old Bethpage, New York cluster within Nassau and Suffolk counties at elevations between 60-100 feet above sea level. The region's humid subtropical climate brings average summer temperatures between 75-85°F, ideal for outdoor recreation from May through October. The terrain transitions from the flatter western sections toward more wooded eastern areas, with several waterfront camping options offering Long Island Sound or Atlantic Ocean access.
Hiking trails with water views: Blydenburgh County Park offers a scenic 7-mile loop around its lake with opportunities for wildlife viewing. "The hiking trails were quiet natural and clean. The trails I exposed were well marked," notes Linda A., adding that the area provides "a true feeling of escaping into the woods."
Beach activities at ocean sites: Watch Hill Fire Island Campground provides direct ocean access for swimming and surfing. According to Inocencia O., "Beautiful location steps away from the beach. Listen to the waves crashing as you sleep and stargaze over the clear ocean." For backcountry enthusiasts, Emily S. shares, "You can get a permit to backcountry camp instead of reserving a designated campground spot... After that you can choose where you want to set up camp."
Fishing opportunities: Several campsites near Old Bethpage offer fishing options. Erik R. describes Blydenburgh County Park as having a "nice 7 mile loop around the lake with decent fishing. Lots of horses and dogs on the trail." Christopher S. adds that "Row boat for fishing was great" at the park, providing a different way to experience the water.
Convenient beach access: Many campers value waterfront proximity. At Nickerson Beach Park Campground, Michael K. notes it's "Right on the beach! Great spot to camp at if the waves are pumping at Lido Beach on Long Island." The campground allows for easy beach activities without driving.
Proximity to NYC attractions: For campers wanting to balance outdoor time with city visits, multiple campgrounds offer this flexibility. Clifford explains that Nickerson Beach Campground is "Close to amenities, shopping, and anything else you need," adding, "Very close to everything" after spending two weeks there.
Heated cottage options: Heckscher State Park Campground provides upscale camping accommodations. According to W L., "This was a last-minute booking for us and we were delighted with the beachside cottage, with enough amenities that mom and dad did not worry we had their cutie with us for camping." The cottages include "modern facility with full kitchen accessories... WiFi access, bathroom with shower, large screened in porch."
Fire rules vary by campground: Not all campgrounds allow traditional fire pits. Katrina M. shares about Battle Row Campground, "There are NO fire pits, you must bring your own. Fires are allowed but you must have a fire container or bucket for your fire off of the ground." At Heckscher State Park, Ellen C. observed a similar situation: "There are no fire pits on any of the sites, although I learned afterwards that they do allow you to bring your own metal fire pit as long as it is elevated off the ground."
Site privacy varies significantly: Some campgrounds offer more secluded spots than others. Michael M. says about Battle Row Campground, "Each site is set back off a common area so there is plenty of privacy." In contrast, Jessica C. notes about Heckscher State Park, "The campsites are very close together without any defining borders so everybody just walks across each other site's to get to a different one, a path, the bathroom, etc."
Insect preparation essential: Mosquitoes can be problematic, particularly at certain campgrounds. Rosie R. warns about Watch Hill Fire Island Campground: "We were immediately getting attacked so we doused ourselves in deet. Even with the bug spray, the relief didn't last long." Igor K. reinforces this, stating, "Lots of mosquitoes, be prepared."
Playground access: Wildwood State Park Campground offers family-friendly amenities including play areas. Ossama B. shares, "Kids were roaming freely and safe!" The campground layout allows for family activities within sight of campsites.
Beach camping with amenities: Several options combine beach access with facilities families need. Lexis N. says about Battle Row Campground: "The camp office workers are SO friendly and helpful. The sites have provided electric and water and are kept so clean. They have shower and restroom facilities, the showers were amazing and also so clean!"
Groups with children: For larger family gatherings, Giselle P. recommends Heckscher State Park, calling it "the best around for group and family camping. 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." She adds, "There is a playground just for the campground... On one visit there was a magician performing for the camp goers."
Height restrictions for travel: RVers must navigate parkway limitations when traveling to campsites near Old Bethpage. Matt S. shares his experience heading to Nickerson Beach: "I drove down from Connecticut to Long Island to find the main routes to the campsite all went through New York's parkways. There are height restrictions on the parkways so RVs and semis cannot travel on them without a high risk of crashing into the bridges and getting the tops ripped off like a tin can."
Off-peak stays recommended: Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area offers unique camping experiences, though with some limitations. Craig M. notes it's "rustic with no showers or electricity. Tenting only, with all gear needing to be carried to the site. No vehicles allowed at the campsite." For RVers looking for hookups, Wildwood State Park provides water, electric and sewer connections but James O. recommends visiting during less crowded periods.
Utility connections: RVers should research hookup availability before arrival. Michael G. points out that Wildwood State Park Campground has "water, electric and sewer hookups at each site, but this was an expensive place to 'camp'." Bathrooms and showers might be less maintained at RV-focused areas since "most people used their personal bathroom/shower in their RV."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Old Bethpage, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, Old Bethpage, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 42 campgrounds and RV parks near Old Bethpage, NY and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Old Bethpage, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Old Bethpage, NY is Blydenburgh County Park with a 4.1-star rating from 11 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Old Bethpage, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Old Bethpage, NY.
What parks are near Old Bethpage, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 parks near Old Bethpage, NY that allow camping, notably Fire Island National Seashore and Gateway National Recreation Area.
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