Tent camping near Old Westbury, New York requires advanced planning due to the limited number of dedicated tent sites in Nassau County. Most campgrounds in the region sit at low elevations below 500 feet, resulting in humid summer conditions with temperatures averaging 80-85°F during peak camping season from June through September. Winter camping is available at some locations but requires proper cold-weather gear as temperatures can drop below freezing.
What to do
Hiking trails with lake views: At Croton Point Park, campers can access several walking paths within the park property. "The site is beautiful with plenty of space between sites. Great view of the Hudson, and playground within sight of our camper," notes Thomas.
Beach activities with lifeguards: Sandy Hook offers swimming opportunities with safety measures in place. "Ocean is close with lifeguards. Good fishing and pleasant people. Boat from New York City," reports Stanley at Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area.
Urban exploring: Staten Island's Gateway National Recreation Area provides unique historical experiences. "There is abandoned buildings here and you can do urban exploring. There are rangers taking you on a trek and exploring the abandoned building," shares Phillip, adding that it's "great if you live in New York City and don't want to drive really far from the city to go camping."
Winter activities: Some parks offer year-round camping with seasonal activities. During winter months, Ward Pound Ridge Reservation becomes popular for sledding, particularly at the Pell Hill area, while maintaining camping access.
What campers like
Private tent sites: For the best tent camping near Old Westbury, many campers appreciate the privacy at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation. "The sites are much farther away from the comfort stations than most campgrounds we have been to. But there are port-a-potties very close to the sites, which is very important when you have young kids," mentions Ming at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation.
Beach proximity: Campers value the oceanside locations. "Tent camping near the water - great for Jersey Shore adventures. Make sure to check out the lighthouses nearby!!" suggests Becky about Sandy Hook.
Stargazing opportunities: The open spaces at some campgrounds provide excellent night sky viewing. "There's elevation gain, creeks, and open fields for stargazing. You have the options of a lean to here," notes Seth about Mountain Lakes Park.
Clean facilities: Many campers mention well-maintained bathroom facilities. At Croton Point Park, "Clean but a bit dated. No shelves or hooks for toiletries," reports Lee, providing specific details about the shower house condition.
What you should know
Noise considerations: Train noise can affect sleep quality at some locations. "Only down side is there is a train depot right outside and you can hear them shunting trains all night," warns Andrew about Croton Point at Croton Point Park.
Fire restrictions: Fire rules vary significantly by campground. 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," explains Katrina.
Reservation systems: Each campground has different booking requirements. Ward Pound Ridge requires in-person reservations. "There is no phone or internet reservations and has to be made in person at the office," notes Anil.
Wildlife encounters: Beyond raccoons, campers should prepare for various wildlife. "There are tons of feral cats wandering and sometimes even begging for food," reports Jill about Battle Row Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. "The playground is new and centrally located. They also have a horseshoe pit," mentions Katrina about Battle Row.
Educational programs: Some parks offer nature programs specifically for younger campers. "There are park rangers on site and have excellent programs for kids," reports Inocencia about Watch Hill Fire Island Campground.
Space considerations: When camping with larger groups, table space becomes important. "If you really do have a party of eight, one picnic table seems to be inadequate," notes Ming about Ward Pound Ridge.
Secure food storage: Especially important with children, proper food containment prevents wildlife issues. "You can also rent canoes and take them out on the lake for an afternoon activity," suggests Ethan about The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center.
Tips for RVers
Limited RV options: RV camping near Old Westbury is restricted to specific campgrounds. "This campground is old and there isn't much there, but it depends on why you're camping whether that matters to you," notes Katrina about Battle Row.
Site spacing: RV sites tend to be closer together than tent areas. At Croton Point Park, "The FHU sites were back-to-back and although there were trees separating the sites, they were close together," observes Lee.
Accessibility issues: Some campgrounds have restrictions on vehicle size and access. "They have rustic cabins. These do not have plumbing or heat. It is a step up from cabin camping," notes Adaly about Sebago Cabin Camp, indicating the primitive nature of even the upgraded accommodations in the region.
