Camping options near Riverhead span across Suffolk County, NY and extend into neighboring Connecticut, with most sites operating between April and October when temperatures average 60-80°F. During summer months, campers should prepare for frequent humidity with occasional thunderstorms, particularly in July when the area receives approximately 4 inches of rainfall. Many campgrounds require advance reservations at least 3-4 weeks before peak summer weekends.
What to do
Beach exploration: Wildwood State Park Campground offers direct access to Long Island Sound beaches with distinctive rocky shorelines ideal for collecting beach glass. "The North Shore and South Shore are pretty different. This site gives you the North Shore experience with high bluffs, sandy calm beaches along the Long Island Sound, and views of CT across the water," notes Amber A.
Wine tasting: Smith Point County Park provides a convenient base for exploring Long Island's wine region with many vineyards within 15-30 minutes by car. "This campground is right at the entrance to wine country on Long Island and has a beach on the Long Island Sound," explains James O., highlighting the strategic location for wine enthusiasts.
Water sports: Rocky Neck State Park Campground offers multiple ways to enjoy the water, from swimming to kayaking along protected shorelines. A visitor mentions, "My family has camped at Rocky Neck every year since I was a child. Every site had a central bathhouse and they are a short walk from beach access and available mountain bike and hiking trails."
What campers like
Convenient location: Indian Island County Park balances natural settings with proximity to attractions. One camper explains, "There are dog friendly which was very nice. It is a lil tight from each site but you have the beach and a little hiking trails that makes it worth it."
Wildlife viewing: Smith Point County Park provides opportunities for deer watching and bird spotting. "I watch[ed] a momma deer nursing two of her babies. This is paradise," shares Patrick C., highlighting the unexpected wildlife encounters available even at popular camping areas.
Structured activities: Riverdale Farm Campsites regularly schedules organized events for all ages. A repeat visitor mentioned, "We did bingo and it was a blast. It was a beautiful day on the beach pond. They had great prizes for cheap cost. I spent 2 dollars for 10 long rounds of bingo with 4 cards."
Off-season tranquility: Wildwood State Park Campground offers a different experience during shoulder seasons. "I've been going to this campground every summer for at least 5 years. Recently they became very stringent about parking two vehicles at the site making it very difficult to visit with a family and 2 vehicles," notes Giselle P., highlighting policy changes that affect the camping experience.
What you should know
Reservation challenges: Niantic KOA and most area campgrounds require booking well ahead during summer months. "This is the weekend before Labor Day and they were vanishing point the owner/shuttle driver, John, asked us if we would want to move on Sunday after a bunch of people moved out," explains one camper, showing how flexibility might help secure better sites.
Site privacy considerations: Many campgrounds in the Riverhead area feature more open layouts. One camper at Rocky Neck State Park Campground observed, "It's a fun campground, has a great beach & great bathroom facilities. It doesn't have that much of the camping feel, though, as there's not many trees in the campsite area and the sites are so close together."
Road conditions: Several campgrounds have challenging access roads. A visitor to Niantic KOA noted, "It had rained for a few days before our arrival and that did not help our first impression as we drove on the rutted and muddy road to our site."
Facility variations: Shower availability and quality vary significantly between campgrounds. At Smith Point County Park, "A general store, complete with an ice cream shop window, on the grounds was a treat," while another camper at Wildwood State Park mentioned, "a little bit of a bummer on the rental for a firepit but the bathrooms are big and spacious. The showers could be a little bit warmer."
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Rocky Neck State Park Campground provides family-oriented outdoor experiences. "Great for kids! Every campsite has its own fire pit with a grill attachment and a picnic table," shares Jean V., highlighting the family-friendly amenities.
Amenity considerations: Glamping in Riverhead, New York often means trading privacy for convenience. A visitor to Indian Island County Park pointed out, "It's nice for kids they have an open field with a playground for kids. There are dog friendly which was very nice."
Weather preparation: Summer storms can impact camping experiences across Suffolk County. "I've been there during a full on thunderstorm and watched as the trees swayed in the wind," recalls Giselle P. about her stay at Wildwood State Park Campground, emphasizing the importance of proper tent setup and rain gear.
Neighborhood awareness: Lake Compounce Campground provides luxury camping near Riverhead with specific site considerations. "You will face your neighbor door to door but enough room between you don't feel invaded. Restrooms are clean and spacious. Showers are great. Whoever planned this campground is/was a camper," notes Diane R.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Wolf's Den Family Campground accommodates various RV sizes with certain limitations. "Really long or tall RV will need to stay close to the front of the campground, as typical older campground is not designed for 40 foot long or 10 foot high campers," advises Kevin J.
Utility connections: While many campgrounds advertise full hookups, availability varies. A Lake Compounce Campground visitor noted, "None of the sites have sewer, but there is a dump station on the way out. The staff were very friendly and they had some activities like bingo and corn hole the weekend we were there."
Road navigation: Some glamping sites near Riverhead have challenging access roads for larger rigs. "This campground has tons of amenities, but it was a little weird for us since there were so many seasonals there," mentions Laura L. about Wolf's Den Family Campground, highlighting the mixed-use nature of many area campgrounds.
