Camping options near Seaford, New York span across Suffolk County with sites located between the Long Island Sound and Atlantic Ocean. The area experiences mild summers with average temperatures of 75-85°F and cooler spring and fall seasons where overnight temperatures can drop to the 40s. Most campgrounds in the region remain open from April through October, though select parks maintain year-round operations with limited winter amenities.
What to do
Beach activities on Long Island Sound: At Wildwood State Park Campground, campers can enjoy the unique North Shore experience with its characteristic rocky shoreline. "The beach is fairly clean and has a small boardwalk," notes Giselle P., who recommends water shoes for the rocky terrain. Many visitors make the downhill walk to enjoy the Sound's calmer waters.
Wine country exploration: Long Island's wine region begins near Wildwood State Park. "It is right at the entrance to wine country on Long Island and has a beach on the Long Island Sound," shares James O. Many campers use the park as a base for exploring local vineyards and orchards where seasonal fruit picking is available.
Waterpark adventures: For families seeking additional entertainment, Smith Point County Park serves as a convenient hub for regional attractions. As Amber L. notes, the park offers "perfect" access to nearby destinations, while another camper mentions how the "short walk over the dune to the Atlantic ocean" makes for easy day trips to nearby waterparks and beaches.
What campers like
Unique island retreats: Collective Governors Island provides a distinctive camping option with alternatives to standard tent camping. Francisca comments that staying here offers "feeling close to nature, relaxing and enjoying a peaceful space, away from the noise of the city," making it a standout option for yurt camping near Seaford, New York.
Dual waterfront access: Many campers appreciate Smith Point's location between two bodies of water. "A short walk from the ocean to the bay, both accessible by walking from your campsite," reports Ali O., highlighting the park's unique positioning. The ability to experience both the Atlantic Ocean and bay environments from one campsite is a significant draw.
Wildlife encounters: Deer sightings are common at Suffolk County parks, adding to the camping experience. Patrick C. recalls watching "a momma deer nursing two of her babies" during his stay, while another visitor mentions regular evening visits from nearby deer. These natural encounters enhance the camping experience, particularly for those seeking yurt and glamping options around Seaford.
What you should know
Site privacy considerations: Most campgrounds in the area feature open layouts with limited privacy. "Close sites with no privacy. Short walk to beach," Karen R. observes about Smith Point. At Indian Island County Park, Prashant M. describes sites as "packed like Sardines," noting that on busy weekends, camps can feel particularly crowded.
Fire ring policies vary: Not all campgrounds include fire rings with sites. Maxime T. warns that at Indian Island, "campsites don't come with a fire ring" and recommends confirming availability before arrival or bringing portable options. Similarly, at Wildwood, Megan B. mentions "a little bit of a bummer on the rental for a firepit," indicating additional fees may apply.
Weather preparation: The North Shore experiences different conditions than South Shore locations. Amber A. describes Wildwood as offering "high bluffs, sandy calm beaches along the Long Island Sound, and views of CT across the water," but notes that weather patterns can differ significantly from other Long Island camping destinations, requiring appropriate gear.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Mountain Lakes Park offers recreational options beyond beaches. According to Ethan K., "There are also many hikes which can be trekked straight from the campgrounds," making it ideal for families seeking varied activities. The park's multiple lakes provide additional recreation opportunities for children of different ages.
Beach safety awareness: Parents should note that Smith Point's beach conditions require supervision. Michael mentions the "1 minute walk over the dune to the Atlantic ocean" but cautions that stronger currents make this better for older children. Meanwhile, Ali O. notes the community atmosphere: "Kids of all ages are generally running and playing day and night in the loud and unreserved way they do."
Evening entertainment: Some parks feature additional evening activities for families. At Smith Point, Tim M. mentions that "at nite an ice cream truck comes by," creating a special treat for children. The communal atmosphere at many Long Island campgrounds means organized activities and impromptu social gatherings are common during summer months.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Camp Glen Gray offers electric hookups but limited services for larger rigs. Jose N. describes it as a "rustic place" where vehicles have restricted access, noting that "Camp also provides trucking of gear weather permitting. No vehicles allowed to drive through camp," which affects RV camping options.
Site sizing and access: Many RV campers recommend researching site dimensions before booking. At Indian Island County Park, Janelle G. found her "site was level, pretty spacious and easy to back into" but notes limitations: "No sewers sites that I could tell, and water was off because we were a week shy of the season opening." This highlights the importance of confirming seasonal utility availability.
Dump station procedures: Several parks require moving to designated areas for waste disposal. As Janelle G. explains, she "needed to move to dump station prior to leaving" during her two-night visit, which requires planning additional time for checkout procedures. Most campgrounds maintain staff to assist with these processes during regular hours.
