Several campgrounds near Old Bethpage offer seasonal camping options, with most sites operating from April through November. Suffolk County parks require residency permits, while state parks are open to all visitors. Winter camping is limited to Smith Point County Park, which maintains year-round operations though with reduced services during colder months.
What to do
Hiking at Harriman State Park: Access miles of trails including sections of the Appalachian Trail near Beaver Pond Campground. "Great location and quick to get to from NYC. 45 minute drive and location has a lot of amenities. Hike trails are all over the place and the lake is nearby," notes Kelvin.
Beach activities at Smith Point: Walk from your campsite to both ocean and bay at Smith Point County Park. "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," shares Ali O.
Urban exploration from Jersey City: Use public transit to reach NYC attractions from Liberty Harbor RV Park. "Two blocks away from NJ Path train into Manhattan or take the ferry to Wall Street!" reports Keith and Tia S., while John G. adds, "This is a great spot with views of Manhattan, Statue of Liberty, etc. Expect to pay between $35-50 for a Lyft to get to Brooklynn."
What campers like
Wildlife encounters: Multiple campgrounds feature deer sightings. At Smith Point, one camper observed "a momma deer nursing two of her babies," while Patrick C. describes seeing "sweet deer" throughout the grounds.
Clean shower facilities: Heckscher State Park receives praise for its facilities. "While the bathroom building itself is in decent shape and has a large amount of toilet stalls and about five showers," notes one visitor, while another mentions, "Facilities (bathroom/showers) were clean, campsites were generously spaced."
Private wooded sites: Cathedral Pines County Park offers secluded camping options. "Wooded sites are lovely. RV sites in large field," notes Karen R. Another camper adds it's "a pretty spacious park, very quiet, nice people."
What you should know
Reservations essential: Most campgrounds require advance booking, particularly Smith Point which limits stays to one week per reservation. "ONLY DRAWBACKS: 1- YOU HAVE TO BE A RESIDENT OF SUFFOLK CO, NY, 2- ONE WEEK STAY AT A TIME. PERIOD," explains Tim M.
Height restrictions on parkways: Routes to campgrounds around Old Bethpage often include parkways with low bridges. Matt S. warns about navigation: "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."
Site differences: Nickerson Beach Park offers concrete RV pads while Battle Row provides more rustic sites. At Smith Point, "Sites are great overlooking the bay. Bathroom lights are bright. 10 would be better. I also like the corner sites as they are bigger."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Battle Row Campground features a central playground. "The playground is new and centrally located. They also have a horseshoe pit," explains katrina M., adding "Our site was #59, well shaded and spacious."
Bring own fire containers: Some campgrounds have specific fire policies. At Battle Row, "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."
Seasonal events: Campgrounds often host special activities for families. At Smith Point, one camper noted, "It also happened to be Trick or Treat weekend on the campground which really fun to see."
Tips from RVers
Premium pricing for NYC access: Expect high rates at Liberty Harbor. "This is a pricey park, but options are limited. As in almost non existent. This is a prime location for visiting the city or heading down the shore," notes Joe R.
Limited big rig accommodations: Many rv campgrounds near Old Bethpage, New York have size restrictions. Several campers note tight quarters, with one stating that Smith Point has "narrow campsites and book early."
Water and electric availability: Most campgrounds offer partial hookups. At Heckscher State Park, sites include "electric, water, and sewer connections" while Battle Row provides water hookups only with no electric connections available.
