Long Island's north shore features several state and county parks offering yurt and canvas tent glamping options beyond the traditional camping experience. Located near Quogue, New York, these campgrounds are situated on both the Long Island Sound and Atlantic Ocean shorelines. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F with cooler evenings, while spring and fall camping brings temperatures between 55-70°F and fewer crowds.
What to do
Beach exploration: Visit the Long Island Sound shoreline at Wildwood State Park Campground, where rocky beaches create unique swimming opportunities. "The beach is fairly clean and has a small boardwalk," reports one visitor. The north shore beaches differ significantly from south shore beaches with "high bluffs, sandy calm beaches along the Long Island Sound, and views of CT across the water."
Wine country visits: Travel to nearby vineyards from multiple campgrounds in the region. "It is right at the entrance to wine country on Long Island and has a beach on the Long Island Sound," notes a reviewer about Wildwood State Park. Local wineries offer tastings throughout the camping season, with most open daily from 11am-5pm.
Fruit picking: Access local orchards near Smith Point County Park. Many visitors enjoy "pick your own fruits" at nearby farms. Apple picking starts in early September, while strawberry season typically runs from late May through June. Most orchards charge by container size or weight.
What campers like
Direct ocean views: Waterfront campsites at Smith Point County Park provide immediate beach access. One visitor notes, "Short walk to beach. Our site was tent only and you couldn't pull your car up to the site so unloading and loading was a hassle." The sites offer both sunrise and sunset views across the water.
Quiet settings: Natural surroundings create peaceful environments at many Long Island campgrounds. "Clean, green campground; beautiful beach," explains a camper at Rocky Neck State Park Campground. Despite proximity to populated areas, these parks maintain natural buffers from urban noise.
Wildlife viewing: Abundant natural habitat supports diverse wildlife throughout the region. "There are hiking trails and you can walk to the beach. Note - it is a downhill walk to the beach," shares a Wildwood visitor. Morning and evening hours offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities, with common sightings including deer, waterfowl, and various shorebirds.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Plan months ahead for weekend yurt camping near Quogue. Most glamping sites open reservations 9 months in advance and fill quickly, especially for summer weekends. Midweek stays typically have better availability, even when booking 2-3 months ahead.
Limited shade: Many beachfront sites lack tree coverage. "No shade so be prepared to wake early if you're in a sweltering tent," warns a visitor to Smith Point County Park. Bringing portable shade structures is recommended from June through August.
Site spacing variations: Campground layouts differ significantly between parks. At Indian Island County Park, "All the camping spots are pretty much right next to each one with hardly any space, packed like Sardines." Site maps are available online to select more spacious options when possible.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple play areas provide recreational options for children. "It's nice for kids they have an open field with a playground for kids," notes a visitor to Indian Island County Park. Most campgrounds maintain playgrounds suitable for ages 5-12 with standard equipment.
Educational opportunities: Visit nearby nature centers with interactive displays. "Riverhead Aquarium, Greek restaurants, farmer's markets, etc." are mentioned as family-friendly attractions near Wildwood State Park. Many facilities offer junior ranger programs during summer months.
Activity planning: Scheduled campground events keep children engaged throughout stays. Niantic KOA receives praise for its "icecream socials, wagon rides and a coin hunt." Check activity calendars when checking in as most family programs run Friday through Sunday during peak season.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Choose level locations for easier setup. "Our 36ft motorhome backed up to a raised balcony overlooking the bay," notes a visitor about their experience at Smith Point County Park. Call campgrounds directly to confirm site dimensions and grade before booking larger rigs.
Hookup variations: Check utility availability at each campground. Riverdale Farm Campsites offers "large and level" sites with complete hookups. Most glamping yurts near Quogue, New York have electrical service but may lack water connections, requiring visitors to use centralized facilities.
Seasonal restrictions: Verify operating dates before planning trips. While some campgrounds like Smith Point County Park remain "open all year," others have limited seasons. Many yurt facilities close during winter months, typically operating from April through October.
