Port Jefferson Station sits on Long Island's north shore where campers face unique coastal challenges. RV camping options cluster between Long Island Sound and the Atlantic Ocean, creating distinct microclimate effects. Summer temperatures range from 65-85°F, while spring and fall bring cooler 45-65°F conditions with frequent coastal breezes.
What to do
Beach activities at Smith Point County Park: Located in Shirley, this oceanfront campground offers both bay and ocean beach access. "Short walk to beach," reports one camper, while another mentions "sites are great overlooking the bay." The park provides direct beach access from most campsites.
Hiking at Cathedral Pines County Park: This Middle Island park offers wooded trails through mature pine forests. "Beautiful walking trails. Wooded sites are lovely," notes one reviewer. The trails are well-maintained and suitable for all skill levels.
Fishing from Kettletown State Park: Though located in Connecticut, this park is accessible for a day trip and offers freshwater fishing opportunities. One camper mentions the park has "a fishing area and a swimming hole," making it versatile for water activities. Note that swimming availability depends on water quality testing.
What campers like
Fire restrictions vary by location: Skyline RV Camp prohibits fires entirely, while other parks have specific fire regulations. As one reviewer cautions about Skyline: "The campground was pretty hard to find. We almost gave up before we found someone local who could point us to the right place."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Smith Point County Park offers unique wildlife encounters. A visitor shares, "At nite an ice cream truck comes by, you get visits from the nearby deer. It is paradise." Wildlife sightings are common throughout the camping season.
Playground access for families: Battle Row Campground features "a playground for the kids" that's "centrally located," making it convenient for families. Another camper adds, "The park is clean the bathrooms are well maintained and there is a playground for the kids."
What you should know
Varied site spacing and privacy: Campground layouts differ significantly. At Heckscher State Park Campground, "The campsites are very close together without any defining borders so everybody just walks across each other site's to get to a different one, a path, the bathroom, etc."
Site quality and maintenance: Cathedral Pines County Park offers varying site conditions. One reviewer noted it was "a pretty spacious park, very quiet, nice people, but not very many electric sites." Another mentioned, "Was a pleasant experience. Still tho, was a pleasant experience."
Bathroom facilities: Facilities vary widely between parks. At Heckscher, one camper reported, "The toilet building itself is in decent shape and has a large amount of toilet stalls and about five showers," while at Skyline RV Camp, "There was only 1 bathroom with small shower for all guests."
Tips for camping with families
Tent site selection matters: At Battle Row Campground, "Each site is set back off a common area so there is plenty of privacy." Another camper recommends, "Ours was #59, well shaded and spacious." Families should book early for the most desirable sites.
Kid-friendly activities: Kettletown State Park Campground provides excellent space for children. "The reason why I said that place is perfect kids? It has a huge land of campsite that the kids can run around until their energy out for the night! Plus you would see awesome stars during the nighttime!"
Environmental awareness: Teach children about local wildlife but maintain safe distances. At Kettletown, one visitor warns, "One thing that I have to say to watch out for raccoons and skunk, they love to find food. Be sure put foods in the car!"
Tips from RVers
Site limitations for large rigs: Most rv parks near Port Jefferson Station, New York have size restrictions. At Totoket Valley RV Park, "Small campground with good electrical, clean water, sewer and a friendly owner. Each site has grass and a picnic table."
RV-specific amenities: Smith Point County Park offers premium waterfront RV camping with full hookups. One RVer reports, "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."
Reservation recommendations: For rv camping near Port Jefferson Station, reserve well in advance, especially for holiday weekends. At Heckscher State Park, note that "sites aren't marked and the tables and BBQs are trashed," according to one reviewer, so research specific site numbers before booking.
