Campgrounds near Port Jefferson Station offer diverse terrain across Suffolk County, from sandy beachfronts to wooded inland parks. The region features distinct camping environments across a 20-mile radius, with coastal options and pine-forested inland settings. Most campsite areas remain open April through October, with reduced services during shoulder seasons.
What to do
Beach access options: Wildwood State Park Campground sits on the Long Island Sound with walking paths to the water. "The beach is fairly clean and has a small boardwalk. Note - it is a downhill walk to the beach. There are hiking trails and you can walk to the beach," reports one visitor.
Water activities: Indian Island County Park provides kayaking access and shoreline exploration within minutes of campsites. "The beach was within walking distance, lots of little trails, and plenty of activities for the whole family," notes a camper who appreciated the convenient layout.
Explore nearby attractions: Vineyards and local farms surround several camping options. "It is right at the entrance to wine country on Long Island and has a beach on the Long Island Sound," mentions a regular visitor to Wildwood State Park, highlighting the versatility of the location for day trips.
Wildlife viewing: Several parks maintain natural habitats for deer and birds. "Wildlife: deer, rabbits, turtles" lists one visitor at Heckscher State Park, while another notes at Smith Point, "sweet deer. I watched a momma deer nursing two of her babies."
What campers like
Coastal camping environment: Smith Point County Park offers oceanfront camping rarely found elsewhere on Long Island. "Our 36ft motorhome backed up to a raised balcony overlooking the bay. Less than 100 feet from the front of our site was the beach and the Atlantic Ocean view," describes one visitor about the premium locations.
Wooded tent sites: Cathedral Pines County Park provides secluded tent camping in forest settings. "Wooded sites are lovely. RV sites in large field," notes a camper, highlighting the separation of camping styles within the park.
Accessible trails: Multiple parks feature well-maintained walking paths connecting camping areas with water features. At Southaven County Park, "They have quite a few walking, hiking and biking trails nearby. I definitely took advantage of the hiking trails, and would recommend looking up some hikes that suite your ability."
Modern facilities: Several parks maintain well-equipped bathhouses and camping amenities. At Indian Island, "Bathrooms and showers were a good size. Rangers were driving around often." Another camper added, "Shore power was without any problems and park has clean heated bathroom and bike station near dump site."
What you should know
County residency benefits: Suffolk County parks offer significant discounts to residents. At Blydenburgh County Park, a camper advises, "If your going to be on Long Island, Suffolk county is really only RV friendly place. Worth buying green key card for resident access. 200 but you'd spend that 4 nights regardless."
Reservation requirements: Most parks require advance bookings, especially during summer. "We visited in late July. Park was excellent. Grounds were as advertised. Family friendly," notes a Blydenburgh visitor, emphasizing the need to plan ahead.
Park regulations: Some facilities maintain specific rules regarding noise and activities. "Ranger drove around a few times to say hi. Trails were awesome. Not a party or for party site as alcohol is not allowed but I believe if your an adult your good to have an adult beverage. If your playing beer pong I think it would be strictly enforced."
Site spacing variations: Proximity to neighbors varies significantly between parks and specific sites. At Smith Point, "Sites are great overlooking the bay. I also like the corner sites as they are bigger." However, at Watch Hill on Fire Island, a visitor noted, "some sites are not private meaning some site will have your neighbor right behind you."
Tips for camping with families
Playground accessibility: Heckscher State Park Campground includes dedicated recreation areas for children. "There is a playground just for the campground. Bring a bicycle or scooper and you can ride the loop around to the beach; you can also drive to the beach," explains a frequent visitor.
Protected swimming areas: Several parks offer swimming options with varying safety features. At Southaven County Park, one visitor highlights it as the "Perfect place to take the little ones has a beautiful lake and a really nice playground highly recommended."
Seasonal activities: Special events occur at many campgrounds throughout summer. "On one visit there was a magician performing for the camp goers. I've even been there while there was a philharmonic concert near the campground," recalls an Heckscher camper, noting the extra entertainment options.
Wildlife education: Several parks incorporate nature learning opportunities. At Smith Point, deer frequently visit campsites, with one camper noting, "At nite an ice cream truck comes by, you get visits from the nearby deer."
Tips from RVers
Site selection priorities: At Watch Hill Fire Island Campground, specific sites offer significant advantages. "You can get a permit to backcountry camp instead of reserving a designated campground spot. Just walk down to the beach after check-in and walk east until you see a pole with a tent symbol on it," advises an experienced visitor seeking more privacy.
Power and water considerations: Service availability varies seasonally across parks. At Indian Island County Park, one RVer noted, "Nice location but previous campers did not clean up after their visit. Shore power was without any problems and park has clean heated bathroom and bike station near dump site."
Access limitations: Physical constraints affect certain camping areas. Some parks have "a limit of 2 cars per site. This helped support a feeling of secluded tranquility campers only from forest camping rather than feild camping. Additional cars can park in guest parking lot."
Seasonal availability: Utilities may be limited in shoulder seasons. "Site was level, pretty spacious and easy to back into. No sewers sites that I could tell, and water was off because we were a week shy of the season opening," explains a spring visitor to Indian Island County Park.
