Suffolk County campgrounds near St. James offer opportunities for RV travel within forested areas and coastal locations. Temperatures range from 30-40°F in winter to 70-85°F during summer beach season. The area features both wooded inland sites and oceanfront camping options along the southern shore.
What to do
Beach access: Smith Point County Park provides direct ocean and bay access within walking distance of campsites. "A short walk from the ocean to the bay, both accessible by walking from your campsite. No shade so be prepared to wake early if you're in a sweltering tent."
Wildlife observation: Watch for local fauna throughout the camping season. At Smith Point, visitors report "you get visits from the nearby deer" and some campers mention that "the deer eat lettuce out of your hand."
Cycling: Bring bicycles to explore coastal areas and campground surroundings. At Heckscher State Park Campground, "you can ride the loop around to the beach; you can also drive to the beach."
What campers like
Proximity to water: Oceanfront camping provides memorable views. At Smith's Point, "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."
Clean facilities: Cathedral Pines County Park offers well-maintained wooded sites away from beachfront locations. "Wooded sites are lovely. RV sites in large field."
Family atmosphere: Many parks cater to families with activities and playgrounds. "The park is clean the bathrooms are well maintained and there is a playground for the kids," notes a visitor to Battle Row Campground.
What you should know
Winter limitations: Year-round RV parks in St. James, New York are limited. "North Fork Cottages & RV Resort in Greenport has big-rig friendly sites with full hookups, though the season runs only May through November."
Site boundaries: Some campgrounds lack clear site separation. At Heckscher State Park, "the sites are designated by printing on the roads and do not have clear boundaries between them" and "there aren't clear paths to the restroom building so it's not uncommon for people to cut through the edges of sites to get there."
Seasonal considerations: October camping offers unique advantages. "Being on the beach and camping in October is just awesome. The bugs are gone, the days are warm and the nights are chilly."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Eastern Long Island Kampground provides recreation options for children. "First time going, but best vacation ever according to kids," reported one family.
Evening entertainment: Some parks offer unexpected activities. Smith Point campers mention "it happened to be Trick or Treat weekend on the campground which really fun to see" during October visits.
Space considerations: Cathedral Pines offers good site spacing. "Usually every site has a decent fire pit/grill. Usually quiet, occasional deer. Be sure to lock food away as the raccoons are pretty invasive."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Smith Point, corner sites provide additional space. "Stayed on the bayside (site 30), which had a fantastic direct bay view. Although most sites have views of the bay, some are blocked by seagrass (for example site 28 - huge corner spot but the flat spot to park has an obstructed view)."
Booking requirements: Many rv parks near St. James, New York have residency rules. "ONLY DRAWBACKS, 1- YOU HAVE TO BE A RESIDENT OF SUFFOLK CO, NY, 2- ONE WEEK STAY AT A TIME. PERIOD."
Shower facilities: Shower quality varies between campgrounds. Smith Point County Park provides "showers were amazing and also so clean! Great water pressure and super HOT!!!" while some visitors to other parks opt to "wait and shower at home" due to maintenance issues.
