Located on Long Island's eastern tip, Shelter Island is accessible primarily by ferry from North Haven or Greenport. The surrounding camping areas feature a mix of woodland and coastal terrain with elevations ranging from sea level to approximately 100 feet. Most glamping sites near Shelter Island experience temperatures between 70-85°F during summer months, with cooler evenings making canvas accommodations comfortable without additional cooling.
What to do
Hiking trails with wildlife viewing: Rocky Neck State Park Campground offers trail access through diverse ecosystems. "I've lived in CT all my life but never used the Rocky Neck State Park Campground until now. The campgrounds are named after water fowl: Crane, Egret, Osprey, Heron etc," notes one visitor who observed varied wildlife during their stay.
Beach activities with kids: Niantic KOA provides shuttle services to three different beaches. "So much going on! They will give free shuttle rides to 3 beaches & downtown Niantic, CT," reports a camper, highlighting this convenient service for families without vehicles or those who prefer not to drive.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple ponds and waterways support fishing near luxury camping options. A camper at Indian Island County Park notes, "You are a short walk from beach access and kayak launch. There is a playground for kids and clean facilities. I enjoy going here as it is easy for a quick weekend."
Stargazing permits: Certain beach areas require special access for nighttime sky viewing. A camper at Wildwood State Park Campground explains, "You have to buy a stargazing permit to be out on the beach after sunset, which is kind of strange but really helps prevent hooligans from taking over the beach and destroying the serenity."
What campers like
Off-season glamping experiences: Visiting in spring or fall provides a different experience with fewer crowds. "Wonderful weekend visit in the off season. Site was level, pretty spacious and easy to back into. Campsites are located close enough to the beach/marsh," reports a visitor to Indian Island County Park.
Proximity to cultural attractions: Riverdale Farm Campsites offers access to nearby restaurants and entertainment. A camper appreciates this location stating, "Great Value and Nice Family owned business. The lake is perfect, the river needs work. But this is an awesome small campground... Really close to Hammonassett beach and one of my favorite restaurants the 'log cabin'."
Platform tent sites: Some campgrounds offer elevated accommodations for a drier, more level glamping experience. "This is one of my favorite campgrounds solely because there are platform sites so I can place my tent on a concrete or wooden platform," explains a visitor to Wildwood State Park Campground.
Onsite recreational activities: Many sites feature organized activities beyond standard amenities. "The kids ride their bikes to the sports fields, the rec center for the pool and activities. Oh and my young children LOVE the air pillow, they have spent hours on there," shares a frequent visitor to Strawberry Park.
What you should know
Limited fire ring availability: Unlike standard campgrounds, some glamping locations require fire pit rentals or personal equipment. "Lame not having a fire ring, you have to rent one or bring your own. Beach is beautiful, very rocky, bring your water shoes," advises a Wildwood State Park Campground visitor.
Seasonal water access: Water systems at some sites operate on a seasonal schedule. "Site was level, pretty spacious and easy to back into. Campsites are located close enough to the beach/marsh... water was off because we were a week shy of the season opening," reports an Indian Island County Park camper who visited in early spring.
Reservation timing challenges: Securing glamping spots near Shelter Island requires advance planning. A camper at Burlingame State Park Campground advises, "We were there the weekend after Labor Day weekend in 2014, and it was pretty quiet. Nice for biking, cute little beach, dog friendly."
Site privacy variations: Proximity between accommodations differs significantly between campgrounds. "Bathrooms and showers were a good size. Rangers were driving around often but had no issues with drink in red cups. Site 130 was a camper we rented then I got 131 to have more room and had tents," explains an Indian Island County Park glamper, highlighting how combining adjacent sites creates more space.
Tips for camping with families
Off-peak timing advantages: Choosing non-weekend or shoulder season dates improves the experience. "Burlingame is huge. We were there the weekend after Labor Day weekend in 2014, and it was pretty quiet," notes a visitor who benefited from less crowded facilities.
Children's activity scheduling: Several luxury glamping sites offer organized entertainment. "There is lots to do at the campground especially for kids. Each weekend has a big schedule of events - farmers' market, themed activities and a band," reports a visitor to Odetah Camping Resort.
Bathroom facility planning: Consider sites with updated sanitation facilities when glamping with children. A visitor to Mystic KOA reports, "Clean, comfortable campground aimed more towards glamping. Lots of rv sites and very nice cabins. Cleanest bathrooms I've ever seen at a campground."
Wildlife awareness: Familiarize children with local animals they might encounter. "The skunks are friendly! Great for kids!" notes a Rocky Neck State Park Campground visitor, indicating that wildlife sightings are common but generally not problematic.
Tips from RVers
Limited electrical access: Most glamping sites offer variable hookup availability. "The sites close to water are nice. They offer more to see and feel a little more like camping. There are sites with electric, water but those fill up fast," explains an Indian Island County Park visitor.
Multi-vehicle restrictions: Parking policies affect group gatherings at glamping sites. A Wildwood State Park Campground regular notes, "Recently they became very stringent about parking two vehicles at the site making it very difficult to visit with a family and 2 vehicles. I usually host group camping trips and the single vehicle rule makes that very difficult."
Propane and amenity locations: Know where to access essential services. "Electric 30 or 50A, and water; but there are a few dumpstations around in the camp. Very peaceful. There are activities on Friday and Saturday (like Bingo). Great store with extended hours," reports a visitor to Wolf's Den Family Campground.
Site selection for larger rigs: Premium glamping setups require appropriate spaces. "Really long or tall RV will need to stay close to the front of the campground, as typical older campground is not designed for 40 foot long or 10 foot high campers," advises a Wolf's Den Family Campground visitor with a larger vehicle.
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