Camping near Old Westbury, NY

Camping spots near Old Westbury, New York offer diverse overnight options across Nassau and Suffolk counties, with peak season running May through October when temperatures range from 65-85°F. Most campgrounds in the region feature grassy sites with partial shade and minimal elevation change due to Long Island's relatively flat topography. Several parks maintain restrictions on alcohol consumption and have specific pet policies that differ from upstate camping areas.

What to do

Hiking around a lake: At Blydenburgh County Park in Smithtown, campers can enjoy a 7-mile loop trail around the water. "Great park with a nice 7 mile loop around the lake with decent fishing. Lots of horses and dogs on the trail," notes reviewer Erik R.

Beach activities and surfing: Lido Beach offers ocean access at Nickerson Beach Park Campground, where campers can enjoy the Atlantic shoreline. "Right on the beach! Great spot to camp at if the waves are pumping at Lido Beach on Long Island," reports Michael K. The campground also features a "fantastic path that goes all the way down to the beach area so you don't have to walk on the sand for so long," according to Ethan K.

Urban exploration: For campers seeking proximity to New York City, the Liberty Harbor RV Park in Jersey City provides convenient access. "We spent 3 nights here last week. I was in NYC for business and we took our RV. Very convenient location. My wife visited Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island," shares Kevin A. The park offers water and electric hookups within viewing distance of the Statue of Liberty.

What campers like

Clean facilities: Many campsites maintain well-kept restrooms and shower facilities. At Heckscher State Park Campground, "The restroom building is in the middle of the campground and was clean and had plenty of stalls," according to Thorin J. Another camper noted "Facilities (bathroom/showers) were clean, campsites were generously spaced, water spouts at almost every site."

Space and privacy: Several campgrounds offer sites with adequate spacing. "The sites are designated by printing on the roads and do not have clear boundaries between them. My site had good shade coverage and was free of rocks and other hazards. I had enough space that I didn't feel like I was intruding on my neighbors," reports a camper at Heckscher State Park.

Natural settings: Despite suburban surroundings, some campgrounds provide surprisingly natural environments. At Blydenburgh County Park, campers appreciate the unexpectedly rustic setting. "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)," states Linda A.

What you should know

Site-specific features: Campgrounds vary significantly in amenities and setup. At Beaver Pond Campground, "The campground offers several different sites, from platform tent spaces to those for 25' trailers. All sites have a standard picnic table and fire ring," explains Steve W. Many sites have raised platforms which are "especially nice if it recently rained or if you are expecting rain during your stay," according to Ethan K.

Fire regulations: Fire rules differ between campgrounds. Heckscher State Park requires campers to bring their own equipment, as "There are NO fire pits at the site so I would just bring your own. We made due with our charcoal grill provided at the site," reports Elizabeth D.

Reservation challenges: During peak season, securing a spot can be difficult. At Nickerson Beach, "It's all but impossible to get an RV spot there from Memorial day to Labor day. Still, it is a clean and well run campground," according to Michael M.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Several campgrounds provide play areas for children. Blydenburgh County Park offers family-friendly amenities as noted by Karen N.: "It's great if you have little ones. Dogs are welcome. There's a large dog run so the fur babies will have a great time too."

Beach proximity: Families appreciate campgrounds with nearby water access. At Sandy Hook, "The ocean is close with lifeguards. Good fishing and pleasant people," reports Stanley S. The site also features "a trail that runs parallel to the beach making it a scenic ride," according to Maggie A.

Wildlife encounters: Children often enjoy spotting local animals. At Beaver Pond Campground, families should be prepared for wildlife as Steve W. notes: "you may find a few visitors, not necessarily on two legs, but always a delight."

Tips from RVers

Park location considerations: For RVers seeking urban proximity, Liberty Harbor RV Park offers convenient city access but with limitations. "This is all about location. The closest RV park to NYC. It's basically a parking lot with a dump station. Not much else. Pick one of the larger end row sites to get a little extra elbow room," advises Keith and Tia S.

Height restrictions: RVers should plan routes carefully when traveling to Long Island. At Nickerson Beach, one camper discovered parkway challenges: "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."

Seasonal considerations: Some campgrounds offer resident discounts. For Suffolk County parks, "Worth buying green key card for resident access. 200 but you'd spend that 4 nights regardless," recommends Maria P. at Blydenburgh County Park, noting the substantial savings for frequent campers.