Best Campgrounds near Shelter Island, NY
Shelter Island, New York sits at the eastern end of Long Island, surrounded by established campgrounds that cater to beach-oriented camping experiences. State parks and county facilities within an hour's drive include Hither Hills State Park Campground in Montauk, Cedar Point County Park in East Hampton, and Wildwood State Park in Wading River. Most campgrounds in this coastal region accommodate both tent and RV camping, with varying levels of hookups and amenities. North Fork Cottages & RV Resort and McCann Campground in Greenport provide the closest established camping options to Shelter Island itself, accessible via short ferry rides from either Greenport or North Haven.
Reservations are essential during the peak summer season from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with many campgrounds booking up months in advance. As one camper noted, "This campground books up FAST, I usually book in the wintertime." Most facilities operate seasonally, typically closing between November and April. Mosquitoes can be problematic, particularly in wooded areas and near marshes, with one visitor warning that "mosquitoes are extremely potent and plentiful. Take the good stuff." Cell service varies considerably throughout the region, with Hither Hills campers reporting "almost no cell service" with "2 bars maximum." Privacy between sites is generally limited at most campgrounds, though fall and spring visits offer more solitude and cooler temperatures.
Beach access represents the primary draw for most campgrounds in the area. Hither Hills provides direct beach access with sites "just one dune away from an incredible stretch of beach." Cedar Point County Park offers opportunities to "walk and hike out to the lighthouse, kayak, bike or just relax." Many campgrounds feature clean bathhouses, picnic tables, and fire rings, though site sizes and privacy vary considerably. Family-friendly amenities are common, with one visitor noting that "rangers came around checking on everyone often so it really did feel incredibly safe." Weekends tend to be busiest, with some campers reporting that "music starts blasting early" at certain locations, making weekday visits preferable for those seeking quieter experiences.
