Several RV campgrounds near Ridge, New York operate throughout different seasons, with varying amenities and accessibility options. The eastern Long Island region features both county and state park camping facilities within a 25-mile radius of Ridge. While Suffolk County parks enforce stricter permit requirements, state parks often allow greater flexibility for non-residents seeking camping accommodations.
What to do
Beach access opportunities: Smith Point County Park provides direct beach access with Atlantic Ocean frontage. "The park is big rig friendly with pull-through sites available" and "a short walk over the dune to the Atlantic ocean."
Hiking and walking trails: Cathedral Pines County Park offers wooded walking paths through pine forests. A visitor noted, "Wooded sites are lovely. RV sites in large field," making it suitable for those wanting both natural surroundings and open space.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple water bodies surround Ridge camping options. At Heckscher State Park Campground, campers can fish in Nichol's and Great South Bays. "Wildlife: deer, rabbits, turtles" can be spotted throughout the park, according to one reviewer.
What campers like
Spacious waterfront sites: North Fork Cottages & RV Resort in Greenport offers premium waterfront locations. Despite mixed reviews about bathrooms, campers appreciate the outdoor setting: "My wife and I went on our first camping trip together. The staff was extremely nice and helpful. The sites were exactly what we needed."
Wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds offer opportunities to observe local fauna. At Smith's Point, one camper mentioned, "Sweet deer. I watched a momma deer nursing two of her babies. This is paradise."
Variety of accommodations: Aces High RV Park provides "both water front back in sites as well as large pull throughs" with "large grassy areas around it," giving campers flexibility in site selection based on their needs.
What you should know
Bathroom conditions vary significantly: Quality and cleanliness of facilities differs widely between parks. At North Fork Cottages & RV Resort, a camper noted, "Some of the screens were missing from the bathroom so it was full of bugs. If you are in a camper and it has a bathroom, this will not be an issue for you."
Permit requirements differ by jurisdiction: Suffolk County imposes specific regulations for campers. At Smith Point County Park, a reviewer explained the limitations: "ONLY DRAWBACKS, 1- YOU HAVE TO BE A RESIDENT OF SUFFOLK CO, NY, 2- ONE WEEK STAY AT A TIME. PERIOD."
Weekend reservations essential: Securing spots for summer weekends requires advance planning. "The park is big rig friendly with pull-through sites available," but competition for these premium spots can be intense during peak periods.
Tips for camping with families
Recreation options for children: Many parks offer kid-friendly amenities. At Kettletown State Park Campground, a reviewer shared, "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!"
Safety considerations: Parks maintain varying levels of security presence. At Kettletown, "Staff patrols for safety. Good place for families and large groups."
Wildlife awareness: Teach children about local wildlife interactions. One camper at Kettletown advised, "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 surface considerations: RV campgrounds Ridge, New York offers varying pad materials. At Aces High RV Park, "Sites and roads are a pea gravel material and each site has large grassy areas around it," providing stable parking for larger rigs.
Utility hookup reliability: Quality of connections differs between parks. One Aces High RV Park camper appreciated that "Utility hookups were in great condition and everything worked as it should (other parks should come and take a look at how to do this right)."
Propane availability: Limited on-site propane services exist in the area. One visitor to Aces High RV Park mentioned, "Propane is available at the store," which can be important for extended stays when refills become necessary.
