Camping spots near Oyster Bay, New York offer varied terrain across Nassau and Suffolk counties with elevations ranging from sea level to 400 feet. Most campsites experience moderate temperatures from April through October, with summer highs around 85°F. During peak season, weekend reservations often require booking 3-4 months in advance, with county residents given priority access.
What to do
Hiking the 7-mile loop: At Blydenburgh County Park, a trail circles the lake with options for various skill levels. "Great park with a nice 7 mile loop around the lake with decent fishing. Lots of horses and dogs on the trail," notes Erik R., who found the park's trail system accommodating for both casual and serious hikers.
Water activities: The beaches at Nickerson Beach Park Campground provide direct ocean access for surfing and swimming. "Right on the beach! Great spot to camp at if the waves are pumping at Lido Beach on Long Island," says Michael K. The campground's location makes it ideal for water sports enthusiasts looking for convenient beach access.
Nature exploration: Ward Pound Ridge Reservation spans over 4,300 acres with more than 40 miles of marked trails. "This is a great place for camping. The shelters are great for people who want to camp and not have to worry about unplanned weather. The best part of this campsite are the endless trails in the area," explains Ethan K., highlighting the park's extensive trail system for day hikes.
What campers like
Proximity to NYC: Beaver Pond Campground provides camping within an hour of Manhattan. "About 30 minutes from sleepy hollow and tarrytown NY and only an hour to central park!! Deer running everywhere and surprisingly beautiful and quaint," reports Megan B., noting the contrast between urban proximity and natural surroundings.
Winter availability: Several campgrounds maintain year-round operations, unusual for the region. "This park is about 6 minutes away from our home. It's a small park. It's great if you have little ones. Dogs are welcome," explains Karen N. about Blydenburgh Park, one of the few options available during colder months.
Beachfront options: Camping spots with direct beach access are highly rated. "It's basically a parking lot, but it's steps away from some of the greatest waves on the east coast," Mackenzie B. observes about Nickerson Beach Park. The campground's oceanfront setting provides immediate access to water activities despite its urban character.
What you should know
Campsite privacy concerns: Many campers note the open layout at several parks. "The sites are designated by printing on the roads and do not have clear boundaries between them," explains Thorin J. about Heckscher State Park Campground, where sites lack defined borders.
Fire regulations vary: Several campgrounds require elevated fire containers. "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," advises Ellen C. at Heckscher State Park, highlighting the need to check regulations beforehand.
Reservation systems: Booking processes differ between county and state parks. "There is no phone or internet reservations and has to be made in person at the office. I would recommend call earlier and come in few minutes earlier to 9 am when the office opens to find the best spots," suggests Anil S. about Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, emphasizing the importance of early arrival.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and activities: Croton Point Park offers family-friendly amenities. "There is a model airplane air field and a decent playground for young kids," Andrew A. mentions, noting the additional entertainment options beyond standard camping.
Shaded sites: Look for tree cover during summer months. "My site had good shade coverage and was free of rocks and other hazards," reports Thorin J. about Heckscher State Park, which provides natural protection from summer heat.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Several parks offer chances to observe local animals. "Wildlife: deer, rabbits, turtles," lists W L. at Heckscher State Park, pointing out the natural encounters available even at more developed campgrounds.
Tips from RVers
Urban RV parking: Liberty Harbor RV Park offers RV camping with city access. "Location, Location, location. This is all about location. The closest RV park to NYC. It's basically a parking lot with a dump station," explains Keith and Tia S., emphasizing the convenience despite basic amenities.
Hookup availability: Electric and water connections vary between parks. "We had a loosely defined gravel pad that was level. All sites appeared level. The FHU sites were back-to-back and although there were trees separating the sites, they were close together," Lee D. observes about Croton Point Park's layout.
Size restrictions: Many campgrounds can't accommodate larger rigs. "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 M. about Battle Row Campground, highlighting that site selection should prioritize needs over amenities.
