Cabins near Rockville Centre, New York provide access to the diverse coastal and woodland landscapes of Long Island and nearby New Jersey. Most cabin options sit within 30-60 miles of Rockville Centre, with elevations ranging from sea level to 300 feet in areas like Harriman State Park. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-85°F, with high humidity levels and increased demand for cabin facilities between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
What to do
Outdoor water activities: At Turkey Swamp Park, visitors enjoy boating on the 17-acre lake with multiple rental options. According to a reviewer, "Turkey Swamp is a great spot, a lot of different things to do. Fishing, Tent Camp, Van Camping, Open Field, BBQ, Kayaking, Canoeing. The list goes on. I've been here a few times, every time I'm here I barely touch my phone." The park offers four different boat styles for rent at reasonable rates.
Hiking trails: Croton Point Park offers walking paths throughout the peninsula property. While one reviewer noted, "There are walking paths outside of the campground that are located within the park," others mention the trails connect to beach areas. The park lies on a peninsula extending into the Hudson River with trails providing various river viewpoints.
Beach access: Watch Hill Fire Island Campground sits near ocean beaches accessible by short walks. A camper explained, "Beautiful location steps away from the beach. Listen to the waves crashing as you sleep and stargaze over the clear ocean." The campground requires ferry access but rewards visitors with direct beach proximity rarely found at other cabin locations.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many Turkey Swamp Park cabins feature natural separation from neighboring sites. A visitor noted: "Sites in Loops B-E all have pull-thru driveways. Sites are all level, very generous in size, and reasonably spaced apart for privacy. A lantern hook, picnic table, and fire ring complete each site." This arrangement provides more seclusion than many other regional options.
Winter cabin options: Allaire State Park cabins remain available through colder months. One reviewer shared their experience: "This may be my favorite spot. I have stayed in all the spots they offer, yurt, cabin and the pull up sites. Getting a cabin in the winter and going for a snowy hike is wonderful there." Another camper confirmed: "We found this campground one night when we were in NJ. It ended up snowing that night. The bathrooms were clean and warm."
Backcountry camping: Watch Hill Fire Island Campground offers remote camping options beyond designated sites. As one visitor explained: "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. After that you can choose where you want to set up camp."
What you should know
Insect preparation: Multiple campgrounds report significant insect populations, particularly at Watch Hill and Turkey Swamp Park. One Watch Hill camper warned: "It was absolutely gorgeous, don't get me wrong. However, it was nearly impossible to enjoy ourselves because we were getting attacked by mosquitoes and horseflies the entire weekend." Another at Turkey Swamp observed: "By the 2nd day I had 3 ticks on me. My dog had one and by the end my husband had 2."
Transportation logistics: Staten Island Gateway provides urban-adjacent camping with unique transportation considerations. A reviewer explained: "This place is awesome when it comes to finding an affordable place to stay while in NY, this camp ground isn't your usual forest camp sites, however there are some beautiful views, and it is located in the middle of staten island."
Kitchen equipment realities: At Sebago Cabin Camp, the cooking facilities require adjustment of expectations. A reviewer advised: "Ignore the hotplate and just cook on a fire out other outdoor set up." Similarly, another camper confirmed the cabins have "a full fridge and double hot plate outside a fire pit and grill with table" but recommended external cooking options.
Tips for camping with families
Recreation programs: Sebago Cabin Camp organizes family-friendly structured activities. One visitor shared: "Sebago has a ton of activities like outdoor movies and communal bonfires on weekends. I was told by ranger Joe they also do Karaoke nights too." These organized events typically run Friday and Saturday evenings during summer months.
Playground access: Wildwood State Park Campground provides family recreation areas near cabin sites. According to one visitor: "There is a playground within sight of our camper." Heckscher State Park also features playgrounds, though a reviewer noted: "Playground is driving distance not walking," making transportation planning necessary for families.
Beach safety considerations: Parents should note the variable swimming conditions at different parks. A Wildwood State Park Campground visitor observed: "It is right at the entrance to wine country on Long Island and has a beach on the Long Island Sound. (A little rocky on the north shore)." Rocky conditions may necessitate water shoes for children at several locations.
Tips from RVers
Parking limitations: Heckscher State Park Campground enforces strict vehicle policies at cabin sites. A visitor cautioned: "Recently they became very stringent about parking to vehicles at the site making it very difficult to visit with a family and 2 vehicles. I usually host group camping trips and the single vehicle rule makes that very difficult." Advance planning for multiple vehicles is essential.
Road conditions: Access to several parks involves unpaved roadways that affect RV travel. Regarding Turkey Swamp Park, one reviewer noted: "As soon as you turn off the main road to the park, all roads are dirt, which was a bit surprising. They were well-maintained and in dry weather, not a problem, but probably not if it was rainy."
Site spacing concerns: Croton Point Park RV areas have specific site arrangement considerations. A camper observed: "The FHU sites were back-to-back and although there were trees separating the sites, they were close together." This configuration affects privacy and outdoor living space for larger rigs.
