Camping near Setauket, New York centers primarily on Suffolk County parks and state facilities within a 30-minute drive radius. Most campgrounds in the region operate with distinct reservation systems and require Suffolk County's Green Key card for resident discounts at county facilities. Site spacing varies considerably between locations, with campsites typically positioned in either wooded settings or open field layouts depending on the specific park.
What to do
Beach access and swimming: Hammonasset State Park Campground offers camping with a short walk to the beach. "You can ride your bike from your site to the playground, store, beach, local ice cream shop, coffee shop, or our family favorite, meig's point nature center," notes a visitor.
Fishing and boating: Indian Island County Park provides water access with kayak launches. "You are a short walk from beach access and kayak launch. There is a playground for kids and clean facilities," explains one camper who finds the location convenient for quick weekend getaways.
Wildlife viewing: Deer sightings are common at several campgrounds, particularly at Southaven County Park where one visitor mentioned, "Perfect place to take the little ones has a beautiful lake and a really nice playground highly recommended." The park's lakeside location creates opportunities for both recreation and wildlife observation.
What campers like
Waterfront views: Smith Point County Park offers unique oceanfront camping experiences. "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," reports one visitor.
Wilderness feel: Some campgrounds offer a more secluded experience. At Blydenburgh County Park, campers appreciate the natural setting: "Nice park with a nice 7 mile loop around the lake with decent fishing. Lots of horses and dogs on the trail. 30 or so sites around a central public restroom."
Seasonal activities: Watch Hill Fire Island Campground provides unique beach camping accessible by ferry. "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 one camper who enjoyed the spacious beach camping.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most Suffolk County parks require advance booking and the Green Key card for residents. "Worth buying green key card for resident access. $200 but you'd spend that 4 nights regardless. Very clean campgrounds lots of space," notes a Blydenburgh Park visitor.
Site privacy variations: Cathedral Pines County Park offers more wooded sites compared to other locations. "Wooded sites are lovely. RV sites in large field," notes one visitor, while another mentions, "Usually every site (I think $14 a night for green key members) has a decent fire pit/grill."
Seasonal considerations: Many parks have distinct high and low seasons affecting availability and experience. "We visited in late July. Park was excellent. Grounds were as advertised. Family friendly. Lots of long haulers it seemed around the sites," notes a Blydenburgh visitor about summer camping conditions.
Insects and wildlife: Watch Hill on Fire Island requires proper preparation: "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."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Wildwood State Park Campground offers family-friendly amenities. "It is right at the entrance to wine country on Long Island and has a beach on the Long Island Sound," mentions one regular visitor who considers it their "go-to spot."
Beach proximity: Smith Point offers easy beach access. "Great first experience. Had onsite bathrooms and showers that were clean. 1 minute walk over the dune to the Atlantic ocean," states a first-time visitor.
Educational opportunities: Several parks offer ranger programs and nature centers. At Hammonasset, "Well kept showers and bathrooms are abundant and the camp store has the majority of what you need. We make it a point to spend at least a week here every summer!"
Activity planning: Wildwood State Park offers various activities: "There are hiking trails and you can walk to the beach. Note - it is a downhill walk to the beach. There are lots of stores nearby as well as orchards to pick your own fruits."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Heckscher State Park Campground offers electric hookups but with site limitations. "We have replaced all of the picnic tables. We have changed and modernized the light fixtures and we will be replacing the rusted doors," notes management responding to feedback.
Site spacing: Cathedral Pines has limitations for larger RVs. "Was a pretty spacious park, very quiet, nice people, but not very many electric sites," reports one RVer about their experience.
Seasonal closures: Water access at some parks shuts off during colder months. "Needed to move to dump station prior to leaving (2 night visit) and had to drive to fill the fresh water tank once while there," notes a visitor to Indian Island during the off-season.
Dump station access: Smith Point provides full hookups for RVs. "Spent a week while travel nursing. Quiet and peaceful. Lots of sand!" reports one extended-stay visitor who gave the park five stars.
