Camping options near Ridge, New York consist primarily of county park facilities with basic amenities for tent and RV visitors. The area sits within Suffolk County on eastern Long Island, characterized by a mix of pine barrens and coastal environments at elevations near sea level. Seasonal considerations include humidity during summer months and restricted access to some camping areas during winter.
What to do
Water activities at Bellows Pond: Sears Bellows County Park offers rowboat rentals for exploring the pond. "The first night I stayed here my friends and I rented some rowboats and went on the water. It was a lot of fun, and the price of the rowboat was pretty cheap," notes Nadia V.
Fishing opportunities: Anglers can catch various fish species in the area waters. At Shinnecock East County Park, "The ocean is beautiful and we catch stripe bass. The bay is peaceful and we go crabbing," reports Anthony M.
Trail exploration: Wooded paths provide recreational options beyond water activities. "The trails were beautiful, and the flowers were in bloom. There were people who were also biking on these trails, which looked like so much fun!" shares Nadia V. about Sears Bellows.
What campers like
Off-grid experience: Campers appreciate the disconnected feeling at some locations. "This hidden gem is located right in Hampton Bays and is the perfect campground for anyone looking to camp off the grid," writes Lexis N. about Sears Bellows County Park.
Beach proximity: Direct oceanfront access ranks highly among visitor preferences. One camper notes about Shinnecock East, "camping directly on the beach at one of the nicest beaches in the world. You cannot find another place like this!!"
Natural setting: The wooded environment at some campgrounds provides a peaceful atmosphere. "It is so peaceful and great biking and hiking," mentions Vivian T. regarding her grandchildren's experience at Sears Bellows.
What you should know
Vehicle requirements: Beach camping has specific access conditions. For Shinnecock East, "4x4 a must, air down a must. Beautiful on the bay or ocean side. They also have a hill top section," advises Lisa M.
Limited electrical hookups: Many sites operate without electrical connections. According to Vivian T., at Sears Bellows "the only down fall no electricity," though generators are permitted at some locations.
Accommodation restrictions: Not all camping types are allowed at each location. Shinnecock East offers "Dry camping in an RV no tents," as Lisa M. points out, limiting options for tent campers.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Children have recreational options beyond natural features. Gino D. shares that at Sears Bellows, "The playground is really nice and big has a lot of slides," providing entertainment for younger campers.
Multiple-day itineraries: Allow sufficient time to experience various activities. "I would love to come back here someday, but stay maybe a day or two longer to do more things- I would also bring my bike and fishing pole to do more outdoor activities," suggests Nadia V.
Seasonal planning: Consider timing your visit to coincide with favorable weather conditions, typically late spring through early fall when facilities are fully operational and temperatures are moderate.
Tips from RVers
Water hookup availability: While electrical hookups may be limited, water access exists at some locations. Lexis N. notes that at Sears Bellows, "Each camp site spot has a provided water hook up."
Bathroom facility layout: Be aware of facility arrangements when planning your stay. According to Gino D., "The bathrooms are in one area and the showers are in another area," which may affect site selection preferences.
Alternative equestrian camping: While equestrian camping near Ridge, New York is limited with no dedicated horse corrals at the primary parks, visitors with horses should contact Suffolk County Parks directly for potential equestrian camping permits and seasonal trail riding opportunities in the broader region.
