Suffolk County campgrounds near Setauket operate under a Green Key card reservation system that provides access to multiple locations within a 30-mile radius. The terrain features a mix of coastal beaches, pine barrens, and freshwater lakes that attract campers year-round. Most campgrounds maintain open grassy sites for RVs while offering more secluded wooded areas for tent camping.
What to do
Beach access: 15-minute drive from many campgrounds to Smith Point County Park where camping sites overlook both the bay and ocean. "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," notes a Smith Point County Park camper.
Fishing opportunities: Borrow rowboats at Southaven County Park or bring kayaks to Indian Island. "Great park with a nice 7 mile loop around the lake with decent fishing. Lots of horses and dogs on the trail," reports a reviewer from Blydenburgh County Park.
Backcountry beach camping: Watch Hill on Fire Island offers a less crowded alternative. "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 a Watch Hill Fire Island visitor.
What campers like
Open field sites for social camping: Several campgrounds offer open layouts ideal for group gatherings. "It's a fun campground, has a great beach & great bathroom facilities. It doesn't have that much of the camping feel, though, as there's not many trees in the campsite area and the sites are so close together," shares a Wildwood State Park camper.
Accessible wildlife viewing: Deer frequent many campsites, especially at Smith Point. "You get visits from the nearby deer. It is paradise," notes a Smith Point County Park review. Bird watching opportunities exist throughout the region, particularly at Indian Island County Park.
Nearby attractions: Proximity to Long Island amenities makes these campgrounds convenient bases. "It is right at the entrance to wine country on Long Island and has a beach on the Long Island Sound," remarks a Wildwood State Park review. Tanger Outlets, the Riverhead Aquarium, and multiple farm stands are within 15-30 minutes from most campsites.
What you should know
Pet policies vary seasonally: While most Suffolk County parks are dog friendly throughout the year, some state parks restrict pets during summer months. "Pets are NOT ALLOWED in the summer," warns a Hammonasset State Park review, referring to a nearby Connecticut option.
Fire pit availability: Many campgrounds do not provide fire rings. "No fire rings on any of the sites, although I learned afterwards that they do allow you to bring your own metal fire pit as long as it is elevated off the ground," notes a Heckscher State Park reviewer.
Site privacy varies greatly: Research specific site numbers before booking. "Sites had zero privacy and were all pull through," mentions one Wildwood State Park review, while another camper reports, "You can find sites that are less wooded and better suited to group camping, as well as sites that are a little more secluded."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. "Perfect place to take the little ones has a beautiful lake and a really nice playground," recommends a Southaven County Park visitor. Indian Island also offers multiple playgrounds within walking distance of campsites.
Evening entertainment: Ice cream trucks visit some campgrounds during summer. "At nite an ice cream truck comes by," notes a Smith Point County Park reviewer. Heckscher occasionally hosts special events: "On one visit there was a magician performing for the camp goers."
Swimming options: Not all parks permit swimming despite water proximity. Indian Island offers beach access without swimming facilities, while Smith Point provides lifeguarded ocean swimming. Bring water shoes for rocky beaches, as one Wildwood camper advises: "Beach is beautiful, very rocky, bring your water shoes."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Electric and water hookups are standard at most Suffolk County parks, but full sewer connections are limited. "Very clean campgrounds lots of space. Not much to do inside the grounds," notes a Blydenburgh Park visitor, while another mentions, "No sewers sites that I could tell, and water was off because we were a week shy of the season opening."
Size restrictions: Some parks cannot accommodate larger rigs. "RV pull through sites were fantastic. It was a great campground for maiden voyage in new rig," shares a Wildwood camper, though Cathedral Pines reports "not very many electric sites."
Seasonal access: Water connections are typically shut off during cold 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," reports an Indian Island County Park RVer visiting just before full seasonal amenities were activated.
