1 campground with availability this weekend
Tent camping opportunities near Shelter Island, New York primarily center around shoreline and island-based experiences. Fire Island National Seashore provides secluded tent camping with sites located behind protective dunes and within walking distance of pristine beaches. Watch Hill Fire Island Campground offers designated tent sites accessible via ferry from the mainland, providing a unique island camping experience without the need for a vehicle.
Tent campers should prepare for varying conditions across these coastal camping areas. Most walk-in tent sites require moderate hiking from ferry landing points or parking areas, with Watch Hill requiring a half-mile trek from the dock to the campground. Fire Island prohibits campfires, though designated cooking areas with charcoal grills are available at Watch Hill. Facilities vary significantly, with some locations offering showers and running water while others maintain primitive conditions. During peak summer months, mosquitoes and biting flies become problematic at coastal tent campsites, requiring appropriate repellent and possibly screened shelters.
The coastal tent camping experience offers unique advantages compared to inland options. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, "You can get a permit to backcountry camp instead of reserving a designated campground spot...It felt like we had the entire beach to ourselves." Walk-in tent sites at Selden Neck State Park across Long Island Sound in Connecticut provide an alternative island camping option, requiring boat or kayak access to reach tent campsites. Campers frequently highlight the peaceful atmosphere and natural soundtrack of waves breaking on shore throughout the night. Many tent campsites offer excellent stargazing over the ocean on clear nights, though weather conditions can change rapidly. Most walk-in tent locations maintain a two-night minimum stay requirement on weekends during the busy summer season.
"Entering and parking at the boat launch requires a permit Memorial Day to Labor Day.)
It's about a 20 minute paddle across the river to the island."
from $5 / night
"There's a few sites close to each other, so it is nice to go with enough people to occupy them all at once to keep it personal. You can swim and fish and relax all day!"
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $5 / night
"Good tent platforms, picnic tables and outhouse. CT river within view. Good site"
"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."
"Only about 20 min drive and 30 min ferry trip for us we got to watch hill. Awesome place close to home easy check in and very friendly ppl."
from $25 / night
"Spots are hard to find.dorothy gave us a great spot near rest rooms and showers for the kids. Every single person we met was a delight and overly generous to us and our kids."
"We only visited for the day and left around dawn, but the campsite was absolutely beautiful—especially with its location right by the river."
from $5 / night
from $5 / night
ScoutFriendly staff and very clean facilities. They have sites with sewage hookups along with water and electric. Sites are small and very close together. I liked how many dog waste receptacles were available all over the property.
GuideWhen I arrived, I discovered this site they reserve for me was not level, and the picnic table was blocking access to the electric. When I asked the office for help, I was told maintenance had already left around 4 o’clock, and nobody could help me. I was offered a different side if I wanted to pay the extra price. I managed to wrestle the table out of the way and made it work. But the Wi-Fi was worthless.
RangerEnjoyed our stay at this campground for a weekend in mid September. We booked for a good rate using Campspot and it was well worth the money. Our site was wide and had some bushes adding privacy from some nearby RVs. The campground was quiet and had several nice amenities, like a store, laundry, dog park, playground, pool, basketball court, and more. It was close to Olde Mystic and plenty of other nearby attractions.
GuideSites are rocky and not the most level. Fairly private. No water elec or sewer @ sites. Water spigot spread throughout the park. 2 nice sewer dumps. 1 in the middle of the park and 1 on your way out. Decent beaches. Pretty nice playground. Horrible arcade. The camp store is awesome. Everything you need. They are doing alot of work updating the park and it shows. New bath houses are really nice. We have gone 3 times this year. Good family campground
TravelerWe booked this campground, as well as 2 others, to see how we liked them to visit our daughter and granddaughter. We are in section 2, site 016. Small site, did not get level. Beautiful beaches and homes in the area.
ScoutI do not recommend staying at this campsite. As you can't drive to the Campsite, as you have to come on a kayak or canoe.
TravelerOverall a superb spot to either stay put and enjoy the camp, park and beach or to use as a base to explore the region. Huge campground, yet peaceful. Online map would make it seem spaces are tight but it is a very big area and so ample room to stretch out your space. Not a lot of privacy as most spaces are out in the open or light tree area but it is not an invasive feeling situation. Very popular for CT families with biking, walking and the beautiful beach right here. Lots of grass, level sites. A few sites have electric but not many and this seems to be the big rig area. Most people are tent or small camper setups. Bathrooms clean, hot water reasonable temp. Dish washing stations at each restroom. Movies at night (kids). The state park is really pretty and well maintained. The area towns are very pretty and remarkably quiet in general (not many tourist traps) and its easy to access various shoreline parks, drives, viewpoints. I'd avoid the spots very nearest the park road as it does get a lot of day visitors to the park/beach. I'm here late August and schools go back this week so midweek the campground is less than half full but I believe it will fill for the weekend.
ScoutExpected to be able to drive right in. But got there and found it's in a residential neighborhood period gates were closed period never seen anything like this before period disappointed
TravelerWe were tenting in a 20 ft belltent. Spots are hard to find.dorothy gave us a great spot near rest rooms and showers for the kids. Every single person we met was a delight and overly generous to us and our kids. We hope to be seasonal campers there some day.
Tent camping near Shelter Island, New York includes several island and coastal options accessible only by boat or ferry. Shelter Island sits between Long Island's North and South Forks, with camping opportunities around eastern Long Island Sound and Connecticut River areas. Most sites require advance reservations during summer months when temperatures typically range from 65-85°F with moderate humidity. Many campsites prohibit ground fires but allow cooking stoves.
Paddle to primitive campsites: Chapman Pond Preserve offers secluded tent platforms with picnic tables and basic facilities. According to Ben L., it's a "Middle of nowhere site" with "Good tent platforms, picnic tables and outhouse. CT river within view."
Explore historic sites: While camping at Gillette Castle State Park Campground, visitors can tour the unique castle during operating hours. Todd J. notes it's a "Great place for a hike or a picnic. Castle has tours at certain times."
Water activities: Camp near the Connecticut River for swimming and fishing opportunities. Jackie G. from Hurd Park shares, "We have camped on the south end of Hurd Park several times via boat access. It is amazing with the views of the CT River and being able to watch the sunrise and sunset."
Beach exploration: Many campsites offer quick access to beaches for swimming and sunbathing. Campers at River Highlands State Park enjoy riverside camping with beach access, though Alicia B. warns to "Beware of Arachnids" in the facilities.
Island seclusion: Selden Neck State Park Campground requires a 20-minute kayak paddle across the Connecticut River. Jason S. reports, "At low tide, a couple of beaches emerge to play on. The sunset view was amazing. There was a little noise at night from boat traffic but it didn't keep us up."
Oceanfront views: Many campers appreciate the oceanfront location at Watch Hill Fire Island Campground. Igor K. describes it as "Favorite place ever. Very quiet and comfortable. Birdsong in the morning and the sound of the waves."
Proximity to civilization: Some campgrounds offer wilderness experiences with nearby amenities. Inocencia O. notes that at Watch Hill, "Not ready for full-on camp-life? No problem! There are shops, a restaurant and a bar a 10 minute walk away!"
Privacy options: Campgrounds offer varying levels of seclusion. Pedro R. shares about Watch Hill: "Some sites are not private meaning some site will have your neighbor right behind you. We had site 2 which was a nice private site."
Insect preparation: Nearly every campground review mentions mosquitoes and biting flies. Rosie R. warns about Watch Hill: "We were getting attacked by mosquitoes and horseflies the entire weekend. Even with the bug spray, the relief didn't last long. Def bring a shelter or a canopy with a mosquito net!!!"
Transportation logistics: Most island camping requires ferry or boat transport. Jill F. notes about Watch Hill: "It is a little less than a half mile walk from the ferry dock and located behind the dunes which offer some protection."
Limited facilities: Many sites have minimal amenities. At Fire Island National Seashore, Nora S. mentions "The only disappointments were that there are no campfires allowed and no dogs, but it's very understandable why."
Weather considerations: Morning fog can delay departures for boat-access sites. Jason S. from Selden Neck shares, "In the morning, we were completely socked in with fog which would have been an issue if we had to get back early. But it burned off before long and we headed back."
Choose sites with ranger programs: Watch Hill offers educational opportunities for children. Inocencia O. notes, "There are park rangers on site and have excellent programs for kids."
Consider distance from landing points: When camping with children, account for hiking distance from boat landings. Jason S. from Selden Neck reports successfully camping with a 5-year-old despite the boat access requirement.
Plan for minimal facilities: Most family-friendly sites have basic amenities only. Pedro R. notes about Watch Hill: "Only thing no hot showers as it was a beach bathroom shower. It was a little cooler so showering was not that great also showers are not covered no curtains."
Pack extra insect protection: Multiple families mention mosquitoes as the biggest challenge. All campgrounds in the area report significant insect issues, particularly during summer months.
Limited RV options: The Shelter Island region offers few dedicated RV camping opportunities. Most sites are tent-only with boat or walk-in access requirements.
Consider Hidden Lake Farm: For those seeking more comfort, Hidden Lake Farm provides an alternative with amenities like running water and showers. Ashley F. notes it offers "2 lodging options to choose from. Pets welcome!"
Water access only: Virtually all camping near Shelter Island requires boat transportation or ferry access, making traditional RV camping difficult or impossible at most locations.
Ferry limitations: Large vehicles face restrictions on local ferries serving the islands. Most camping in this area is better suited for tent campers willing to hike or boat to primitive sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find tent camping on Shelter Island?
Shelter Island offers several tent camping options in the surrounding area. Selden Neck State Park Campground provides a unique island camping experience accessible only by kayak or boat. The park features four primitive campsites on an undeveloped island in the Connecticut River. Another option is Watch Hill Fire Island Campground, which offers both designated camping spots and backcountry camping opportunities. Located a short ferry ride away, Watch Hill provides a beautiful beach setting with campsites behind protective dunes. For both locations, advance reservations are recommended, especially during peak summer months.
What facilities are available at Shelter Island campgrounds?
Facilities at Shelter Island area campgrounds vary by location. Chapman Pond Preserve provides tent platforms, picnic tables, and outhouses with scenic views of the Connecticut River. At Gillette Castle State Park Campground, you'll find basic amenities with spectacular river views, especially at the boat-accessible sites on the south end. Some campgrounds like River Highlands State Park River Campground offer beautiful waterfront settings with outhouse facilities. Most sites in the area provide picnic tables, fire rings, and access to water activities, though amenities tend to be minimal at the more remote locations.
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Shelter Island, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Shelter Island, NY is Selden Neck State Park Campground with a 3-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Shelter Island, NY?
TheDyrt.com has all 12 tent camping locations near Shelter Island, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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