Cabin camping near Port Washington, New York provides access to Long Island Sound beaches and wooded retreats within an hour's drive. The area combines coastal settings with forest environments where temperatures range from summer highs around 85°F to winter lows near 25°F. Most cabin facilities remain open from April through October, though some sites like Croton Point Park maintain year-round availability.
What to do
Beach access and swimming: At Wildwood State Park Campground, visitors can walk directly to the beach along the Long Island Sound. "Short walks on the beach, shady camp sites, pine barrens and hardwood forest to explore, lots of deer, pretty good birding," notes one reviewer. The North Shore beaches feature high bluffs and calm sandy beaches.
Seasonal activities: Plan a Halloween celebration at Croton Point Park for unique seasonal activities. "We came in October to celebrate Halloween in sleepy hollow! This is a great campsite and reasonably priced. Was close to Bear Mountain State Park and the train station is right there!" A fall visit combines camping with regional events.
Water recreation: Watch Hill Fire Island Campground offers direct beach access from campsites. "There are shops, a restaurant and a bar a 10 minute walk away," explains a camper. Visitors can obtain backcountry permits for more isolated beach camping: "Just walk down to the beach after check-in and walk east until you see a pole with a tent symbol on it."
What campers like
Morning sounds: The natural soundscape at Watch Hill Fire Island Campground creates a peaceful environment. "Birdsong in the morning and the sound of the waves. There are showers, toilets and a café. For those who want to be at one with nature," writes a reviewer. The beachside setting offers a rare escape from urban noise.
Wildlife viewing: Croton Point Park provides opportunities to observe local wildlife near camp. "There is a model airplane air field and a decent playground for young kids," reports one visitor, while another notes the area has "plenty of space between sites" and "packs of fearless racoons at night" that require proper food storage.
Platform camping sites: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation offers unique tent platforms that elevate the camping experience. "They have these 12x12 platforms to put your tent on. This was pretty cool especially since some of the sites are all gravel with surrounding dirt," explains a camper. These platforms help keep tents dry and comfortable in various weather conditions.
What you should know
Insect preparation: Watch Hill campground requires serious insect protection. "Expect to be eaten alive... We were getting attacked by mosquitoes and horseflies the entire weekend. Even with the bug spray, the relief didn't last long. We couldn't even enjoy our meals at camp because it was that bad. Def bring a shelter or a canopy with a mosquito net!" warns one camper.
Shower facilities: Campground shower quality varies significantly between locations. At Croton Point Park, "Bathrooms with shower is near by and has plenty porta potties all around," though another camper notes "Only one or two bathrooms in the whole place so be prepared to go for a walk when you have to go." At Watch Hill, showers "are not covered no curtains."
Fire regulations: Fire restrictions differ between campgrounds. Some require fire pit rentals, while others provide them. At Wildwood, a reviewer noted the "bummer on the rental for a firepit," while at Camp Glen Gray, "Cabins are always clean and stocked with firewood." Check rules before arriving as some sites prohibit ground fires entirely.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and activities: Heckscher State Park Campground offers family-specific amenities. "This place is great for families and weekend trips... There is a playground just for the campground," notes a reviewer. The park occasionally hosts special events: "On one visit there was a magician performing for the camp goers."
First-time campers: Croton Point Park works well for introducing children to camping. "I took my 5 year-old son and wife, all of us first time campers. This place was great. The site was very nice, all the people friendly and area beautiful," shares one visitor. The established sites reduce first-timer anxiety.
Group camping options: For larger family gatherings, Heckscher State Park provides open spaces for multiple tents. "This place is the best around for group and family camping. The entire campground is one flat open space where some sites are full in the shade and other sites (lower numbers) have lots of sun," according to a review.
Tips from RVers
Site utilities: At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, RV hookups include convenient features. "Website lists water hook ups at long distances but they have hose reels to help with that. Our site (15) said 75' however the 50' hose reel made it to our rv connection," reports a visitor. The campground provides dump stations with flush hose points.
RV navigation: RV site accessibility varies by location. At Mahlon Dickerson, campers note it's "easy to navigate our 38 ft. RV. Easy to dump and fill," while Wildwood has sites that are "all pull through" with "water, electric and sewer hookups at each site." For larger rigs, verify site dimensions before booking.
