Cabin camping near Port Jefferson Station offers rustic and modern options within a 30-mile radius. Situated on the north shore of Long Island, campers can experience the diverse coastal terrain where the Long Island Sound and Atlantic Ocean influence the region. Most cabin accommodations remain open from April through October, with peak season bringing higher rates and stricter minimum-stay requirements during summer weekends.
What to do
Beach activities: At Wildwood State Park Campground, visitors can access the Long Island Sound shoreline directly from the campground. "A little bit of a bummer on the rental for a firepit but the bathrooms are big and spacious. The showers could be a little bit warmer," notes Megan B. The beach requires water shoes as it's quite rocky, but offers excellent sunset views.
Wine tasting: North shore cabins provide convenient access to Long Island wine country. "My wife and I love this campground. It is right at the entrance to wine country on Long Island and has a beach on the Long Island Sound," shares James O. Most wineries operate year-round with expanded summer hours and tastings typically ranging from $15-25 per flight.
Wildlife observation: Kettletown State Park Campground offers excellent opportunities for nature watching. "There are hiking trails, a fishing area and a swimming hole," mentions Elaine C. Visitors commonly spot deer, rabbits, and various bird species throughout the wooded areas.
What campers like
Proximity to water: Campers appreciate cabins with direct beach or water access. At Heckscher State Park Campground, "The highlight is the newly constructed heated cottages located on the shore of Nichol's & Great South Bays. The cottages are a short walk from the beach and include a fire pit with Adirondack chairs and an outdoor shower," reports Ellen C.
Well-equipped kitchens: Many cabins come with cooking necessities. "Modern facility with full kitchen accessories (coffee maker, plates, wine opener, can opener, silverware, pots, pans, cooking utensils, toaster, oven), sponge/dish liquid. Microwave," writes W L. about their cabin stay, adding that they "have everything but bedding, food, drinks, and personal items."
Recreational options: Hammonasset State Park Campground offers numerous activities beyond the cabin. "You can ride your bike from your site to the playground, store, beach, local ice cream shop, coffee shop, or our family favorite, meig's point nature center," shares Tiffany T., highlighting the variety of options within biking distance.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Most cabin facilities operate April through October. "The season runs May 26 to September 4," notes reservation information for many state parks. Always check specific opening dates when booking as shoulder season availability varies by location.
Fire policies: Rules regarding fires vary significantly between properties. "There are no fire pits on any of the sites, although they do allow you to bring your own metal fire pit as long as it is elevated off the ground," explains Ellen C. about Heckscher State Park. Some locations provide fire rings while others require rental.
Insect preparation: Watch Hill Fire Island Campground and other coastal locations can have significant insect activity. "We couldn't even enjoy our meals at camp because it was that bad. Definitely bring a shelter or a canopy with a mosquito net," warns Rosie R. Multiple reviewers emphasize bringing effective repellent.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Family-oriented activities keep children engaged. At Riverdale Farm Campsites, "we did bingo and it was a blast. It was a beautiful day on the beach pond. They had great prizes for cheap cost. I spent 2 dollars for 10 long rounds of bingo with 4 cards," explains Nick H., noting the value for families on a budget.
Playground access: Several cabin locations feature play facilities for children. "There is a playground just for the campground," mentions Giselle P. about Heckscher State Park, providing a dedicated area for younger campers to burn energy close to cabin accommodations.
Beach safety: When swimming with children, check for lifeguards and water conditions. "The beach is a downhill walk to the beach. The beach is fairly clean and has a small boardwalk," notes Giselle P. about Wildwood State Park, while others mention that some beach areas require water shoes due to rocky conditions.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Croton Point Park, "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," reports Lee D. When booking, request specific site details or locations away from high-traffic areas.
Bathroom facilities: Restroom quality varies significantly between parks. "Clean but a bit dated. No shelves or hooks for toiletries," mentions Lee D. Many RV campers recommend using on-board facilities when possible, particularly during busy summer weekends when maintenance may struggle to keep up with demand.
