Suffolk County offers several camping spots near Ocean Beach, New York beyond those mentioned in conventional guides. The region features a mix of wooded inland campgrounds and coastal options, with sites available from April through November at most locations. Most campgrounds experience high humidity in summer months with temperatures averaging 75-85°F, making spring and fall more comfortable for tent campers.
What to do
Explore hiking trails: Blydenburgh County Park features a 7-mile loop around the lake that's popular with hikers and dog walkers. "The hiking trails were quiet natural and clean. The trails I exposed were well marked," notes one visitor about Blydenburgh County Park.
Rent watercraft: Several campgrounds offer boat rentals for fishing or recreation. "There is a 7 mile loop around the lake with decent fishing. Lots of horses and dogs on the trail," mentions one camper at Blydenburgh.
Visit local attractions: Wildwood State Park provides convenient access to Long Island's wine country. "It is right at the entrance to wine country on Long Island and has a beach on the Long Island Sound," explains one camper at Wildwood State Park Campground.
Attend ranger programs: Watch Hill offers educational activities led by park staff. "There are park rangers on site and have excellent programs for kids," shares a visitor to Watch Hill Fire Island Campground.
What campers like
Beach proximity: Smith Point County Park offers oceanfront sites with direct beach access. "Our 36ft motorhome backed up to a raised balcony overlooking the bay. Less than 100 feet from the front of our site was the beach and the Atlantic Ocean view," describes a camper at Smith Point County Park.
Wildlife encounters: Deer sightings are common at several campgrounds. "Wildlife: deer, rabbits, turtles," lists a visitor who stayed in the cottages at Heckscher State Park Campground.
Backcountry beach camping: For those seeking more solitude than established sites provide, Watch Hill offers primitive camping options. "You can get a permit to backcountry camp instead of reserving a designated campground spot. Just walk down to the beach after check-in and walk east until you see a pole with a tent symbol on it," explains a camper at Watch Hill Fire Island Campground.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathroom facilities. "The bathroom building is in the middle of the campground and was clean and had plenty of stalls. Potable water is available at regular intervals, about at the corners of each group of four campsites," notes a visitor to Heckscher State Park Campground.
What you should know
Mosquito preparation: Insect repellent is essential, particularly at coastal sites. "Come with deet repellent as mosquitos are vicious," warns a camper about Watch Hill.
Transportation logistics: Some campgrounds have vehicle restrictions. "A car is an absolute must for this part - the entrance is directly off of Southern State Parkway with no pedestrian access," explains a visitor to Heckscher State Park.
Fire pit policies: Not all campgrounds provide fire rings. "There are NO fire pits on any of the sites, although I learned afterwards that they do allow you to bring your own metal fire pit as long as it is elevated off the ground," notes a visitor to Heckscher.
Reservation requirements: Smith Point County Park has residency restrictions. "ONLY DRAWBACKS, 1- YOU HAVE TO BE A RESIDENT OF SUFFOLK CO, NY, 2- ONE WEEK STAY AT A TIME. PERIOD," cautions a camper at Smith Point.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and activities: Some campgrounds offer recreational facilities specifically for children. "There is a playground just for the campground," notes a visitor to Heckscher State Park Campground.
Beach access considerations: Cathedral Pines provides a woodsy alternative for families concerned about beach crowds. "Wooded sites are lovely," shares a visitor to Cathedral Pines County Park.
Site selection strategy: At Blydenburgh, group camping areas provide a more secluded experience. "Group camping on the fox sites is accessible by a dirt drive in. I felt like I was suddenly transported upstate when in fact I had only driven 2 towns over," explains a camper at Blydenburgh County Park.
Seasonal programming: Some campgrounds offer special events during holiday periods. "It also happened to be Trick or Treat weekend on the campground which really fun to see," mentions a visitor about Smith Point County Park.
Tips from RVers
Site layouts: Wildwood State Park maintains separate areas for different camping styles. "There is a separate area for RVs vs tents," notes a visitor to Wildwood State Park.
Utility hookups: Battle Row Campground offers basic amenities for smaller RVs. "The sites have provided electric and water and are kept so clean," reports a visitor to Battle Row Campground.
Beach RV restrictions: Nickerson Beach Campground only accommodates RVs, not tent camping. "Nickerson Beach only offers camping for RVs," mentions a visitor who was unable to stay overnight there.
Parking limitations: Some campgrounds restrict the number of vehicles allowed at each site. "Recently they became very stringent about parking to vehicles at the site making it very difficult to visit with a family and 2 vehicles," shares a regular visitor to Wildwood State Park Campground.
