Several campgrounds and RV parks operate within a 40-mile radius of Sayville, New York, offering tent and RV camping options along both the Great South Bay and Atlantic Ocean shorelines. The region experiences typical Northeast coastal weather patterns with summer highs averaging in the 80s and winter lows frequently below freezing. Navigation between campgrounds often requires careful route planning as many roads near Sayville have vehicle size and height restrictions that affect larger camping vehicles.
What to do
Beach activities: Smith Point County Park provides direct beach access from campsites. "It is paradise. At nite an ice cream truck comes by, you get visits from the nearby deer," notes one camper at Smith Point County Park. The ocean beach and bay offer swimming, fishing, and water sports opportunities.
Hiking trails: Cathedral Pines County Park offers wooded paths within a short drive from Sayville. "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," reports a camper at Cathedral Pines County Park. The park remains open year-round with trails suitable for all skill levels.
Playground access: Many campgrounds provide recreation areas for children. At Heckscher State Park Campground, one visitor notes, "This place is the best around for group and family camping. There is a playground just for the campground. Bring a bicycle or scooper and you can ride the loop around to the beach; you can also drive to the beach."
What campers like
Ocean views: Beachfront sites allow campers to experience sunrise over the Atlantic. "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 visitor at Smith Point County Park. These premium waterfront sites often book months in advance during summer.
Clean facilities: Regularly maintained restrooms and shower buildings receive positive feedback. One camper at Battle Row Campground observed, "This was my first time camping here and I was amazed at how clean the sites were & quiet the campground was. The camp office workers are SO friendly and helpful. The sites have provided electric and water and are kept so clean."
Proximity to NYC: Some campgrounds provide urban access while maintaining a camping experience. "Small campground with good electrical, clean water, sewer and a friendly owner. Each site has grass and a picnic table. It's a perfect campground for seeing the local area or even catching the train to New York City," mentions a visitor at Totoket Valley RV Park.
What you should know
Site spacing varies significantly: Many campgrounds feature open layouts with limited privacy between sites. At Nickerson Beach Park Campground, a camper reports, "The campground is flat and open, no trees, no nothing really." This layout is common at coastal sites where wind protection is minimal.
Fire regulations: Rules regarding fires differ between facilities. "There are NO fire pits, you must bring your own. Fires are allowed but you must have a fire container or bucket for your fire off of the ground," explains a Battle Row Campground visitor. Some locations prohibit ground fires entirely due to local regulations.
Seasonal operations: Operating dates vary widely among campgrounds. Many close during winter months while others remain open year-round. A Heckscher State Park visitor notes, "There is a pool, but it has not been open for many years." Always confirm operating schedules before planning trips.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Select sites near recreational facilities for convenience with children. "This place is the best around for group and family camping. The entire campground is one flat open space where some sites are full in the shade and other sites (lower numbers) have lots of sun," explains a camper at Heckscher State Park.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campgrounds offer chances to observe local wildlife. "You get visits from the nearby deer," mentions a Smith Point County Park visitor, though feeding wildlife is generally prohibited despite being common practice.
Ice cream access: Several campgrounds feature seasonal food service or visiting vendors. "At nite an ice cream truck comes by," notes a Smith Point County Park camper, providing a welcome treat particularly during hot summer months.
Tips from RVers
Route planning essential: The Long Island road system requires careful navigation for larger vehicles. "I drove down from Connecticut to Long Island to find the main routes to the campsite all went through New York's parkways. There are height restrictions on the parkways so RVs and semis cannot travel on them without a high risk of crashing into the bridges," warns a Nickerson Beach visitor. Allow extra travel time when driving RVs to Sayville area campgrounds.
Utility connections: Water and electric availability varies between sites. "Small campground with good electrical, clean water, sewer and a friendly owner," reports a Totoket Valley RV Park camper about hookup quality. Many parks offer limited 50-amp service and seasonal water connections.
Leveling considerations: Site terrain varies across campgrounds. Cathedral Pines offers more wooded settings while coastal options like Smith Point provide open, sometimes sandy terrain that may require additional stabilization for larger RVs.
