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Best Tent Camping near Shelter Island, NY

456 Reviews

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.

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Best Tent Sites Near Shelter Island, New York (13)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Shelter Island, NY

16 Photos of 13 Shelter Island Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Shelter Island, NY

456 Reviews of 13 Shelter Island Campgrounds

  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 1, 2020

    Burlingame State Park Campground

    Huge campground, not many level sites.

    I've never camped in Rhode Island, so I was curious to see what a state park campground had to offer. Rates are reasonable for state residents, but quite high if you are out-of-state, given the amenities. There are no hookups, but dump stations are available. Bathrooms have flush toilets and coin-operated showers. There's a small beach at the pond, a boat ramp, and proximity to wildlife refuges and the ocean. It's a HUGE campground, with 700 sites and 20 cabins. Canoes are available to rent.

    There's a nice playground, a camp store, and a naturalists cabin. Trails are available for hiking and biking. The beach is sandy and there's a small parking lot there, but I suspect most people walk to it. No alcohol allowed. 

    I didn't see more than a handful of level sites, with varying degrees of slope, but many are quite large. If you have an RV, plan to level; if you have a tent, be sure to bring good mattresses to protect you from the roots and rocks and orient your head to the uphill side. Most of the sites have some degree of visual separation from their neighbors, but there are places where it's hard to tell where one site ends and the next one starts. Site have fire rings and picnic tables, but if you plan to cook over the fire, bring your own grate or plan to use sticks and/or aluminum foil. 

    If you don't have a tent, consider reserving one of their rustic cabins. These offer two sets of bunks (no mattresses) and a small porch with a picnic table and fire ring outside. Some are located along the pond.

    3-4 bar cell phone coverage. No road traffic. East Beach is nearby, but parking fills early.

  • T
    Sep. 5, 2023

    Heckscher State Park Campground

    Good Campsite For Families And Weekend Trips

    I camped here solo on Friday and Saturday over the Labor Day weekend. Overall my experience was positive.

    Camping Sites

    Each camping site has a picnic table and barbeque grill. The sites are designated by printing on the roads and do not have clear boundaries between them. My site had good shade coverage and was free of rocks and other hazards. 

    I had enough space that I didn't feel like I was intruding on my neighbors and vice-versa. That said, there aren't clear paths to the restroom building so it's not uncommon for people to cut through the edges of sites to get there. In my experience I (and others I saw) tried not to go right through the middle people's setups to do so.

    If you're looking for privacy, the sites at the rear seemed to be less-densely packed, even though every site was occupied. Quiet hours are generally adhered to but not enforced - there were some campers that had noise running later.

    Amenities

    The restroom building is in the middle of the campground and was clean and had plenty of stalls.

    Potable water is available at regular intervals, about at the corners of each group of four campsites.

    Cell phone reception is limited - I had data but it was very slow which led to my phone's battery draining quickly.

    Access

    A car is an absolute must for this part - the entrance is directly off of Southern State Parkway with no pedestrian access. Train stations are nearby so you could take the train most of the way and rent a car from there.

  • John D.
    May. 3, 2015

    Rocky Neck State Park Campground

    Great park in a great location

    I have been camping at Rocky Neck State Park for decades, both tent camping, and now In a 30' camper. Located right off I95 ( which you can hear at times), the park is convenient to all the major interstates and state roads. If you can, stay away from the front gates during the typical peak arrival / departure times. Traffic jams occur, partly because you're also in-line with the car loads of beach goers. The beach and beach parking lots fill to capacity. Week ends are the worst.

    The campgrounds are located within internal loops. Most sites are quite level. Park-like settings surrounding a large lawn. Bathhouses are being rehabbed, deemed adequate; can be seedy towards the end of the season. Park is routinely patrolled by State Conservation Officers who will put you out if needed. CT State Police and local officers also patrol. Camp roads are paved, and lots and lots of kids spend time riding bikes, coloring with chalk, skateboarding, roller blading.

    No electrical hook-ups; potable water spigots located within the camping circles. Generators allowed, but there are quiet hours. Dump upon exit; its up top by the entrance booths.

    There is a "tent-only area" which is nice and abuts a paved road for campers to walk / bike to the beach. Use this. Stay off the main road to the beach if you can. The speed limit is enforced, but sporadically. The fines are very stiff (you receive a State traffic ticket from the Officer).

    This beach road leads you to a wonderful overlook where lots of people take their kids crabbing for Blueshells. There are size regulations so be careful. The regs are posted. Bring some raw chicken wings and kite string and have some fun. You can also follow the signs that will lead you to nature walks. Amazing.

    During inclement weather some campers leave the park. We always recommend taking a right out of the park onto east bound Route 156. Follow into downtown Niantic for restaurants, an Irish pub, or a movie. Nice village area, and pedestrian friendly.

    Rocky Neck is a very nice park, and if I had to list one complaint, it is that the State is in a financial tight-spot, and has been cutting services and personnel. Entrance booths go unmanned and that leads to traffic jams that extend out and onto the main road. Very , very messy. Life guard towers at the beach are empty at times. Bath houses can be filthy.

    All things considered, I would recommend this park..

  • Laura M.
    Aug. 25, 2018

    Burlingame State Park Campground

    Nice campground

    Super large sites, store is adequately stocked, nice lake/pond. I came here because of the location. Super close to the beach. This is a state park, no alcohol is allowed, quiet time strictly enforced. Nice family campground. No hookups.

  • Ryan A.
    May. 21, 2024

    Devil's Hopyard State Park Campground

    Good Location for Hiking, Lots of Garbage, Not Recommended

    Camped here on a Friday night in Site 16, yet another campground recommended in“Best Tent Camping: New England.” Overall I was not impressed. The campsites are right next to each other and are marked with posts. The sites are so close that the posts are marked with the site number on both sides which tells me that there has been confusion in the past.

    The sites along the creek mostly have worn paths to walk to it but it’s nothing impressive and I wouldn’t want to eat fish that came out of it. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring, some have the kind where the top flips over and others have the moveable grate that goes up and down. There is a large dumpster in the campground and several porta-potties. The old outhouses have been permanently closed and locked shut. My campsite had a lot of trash in it, old tent stakes, plastic bottle caps, plastic fork, broken glass, etc. Not good.

    Some of the people there were camping in a group and were blasting music. I didn’t see a single park ranger the entire night so I’m not sure how often they police it. Someone in a pickup truck came into the campground, did a u-turn, and sped out at 30 mph which was really annoying and unsafe.

    Across the street from the campground is a trail to Chapman Falls, which will take less than 10 minutes to hike to, but it’s a pretty waterfall despite all the foam and garbage around it.

    This is a pretty basic campground and is nothing special. Out of all the sites I think 22 looked the best, it is more isolated and you can hear the waterfalls from it, which would be relaxing. The downside is that it’s right next to the entrance and road so you’ll get car headlights at night.

    I woke in the morning to a gray sky and hundreds of birds singing– it was my favorite part of the trip. I delayed getting up to enjoy the moment. I also didn’t see any ticks but I’m sure there are plenty based on other reviews.

    I’ve always thought that if states were condiments Connecticut would be mayonnaise– relatively unremarkable and bland. This campground fits that description perfectly.

  • Ellen C.
    Jul. 15, 2019

    Heckscher State Park Campground

    Like camping in a city park, the beach cottages are the highlight

    My husband and and I camped one night at this newly reopened park over the weekend in Long Island just to check it out and were pretty disappointed by the tent camping area. There are 69 tent/trailer sites(no hook ups). There is no distinguishing separation between each site nor a designated driveway for your car- you merely pull up on the grass. It's basically like camping in your local city park. People park wildly all over the place, which also makes it more difficult to determine which site is which by the number painted on the roadway. Each"site" has a picnic table and an barbecue grate on a post. There is one bath/shower house in the center of all of these sites with no path provided for folks to walk to and fro, so naturally people will walk right through your site randomly rather than around the road. While the bathroom building itself is in decent shape and has a large amount of toilet stalls and about five showers, the condition of women's room was absolutely ghastly inside.

    At some point during the evening, a maintenance worker on a golf cart showed up with a mop and some cleaning supplies and cleaned the men's side of the building. I was so relieved when I saw him, but he seemed to neglect the women's side completely, so I resorted to using the men's facilities all night.

    There are no fire pits 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. There are large dumpsters located throughout the camping area and a large trash bag is provided (if needed) at the camp office when you check in.

    The highlight of Heckscher State Park is the newly constructed heated cottages located on the shore of Nichol's& Great South Bays.. There are currently 11 cottages--- with more under construction. There are cottages suited for two, four, and six people and range in price from$225-$285 per night during off peak seasons and$250- 320 per night during the peak seasons.

    The cottages are fully furnished, with a full kitchen and large bathroom with a walk in shower. The cottages are a short walk from the beach and also include a fire pit with Adirondack chairs and an outdoor shower on the exterior each property. I do not have photos of the inside, but they do have them on the Reserve America website if you are interested.

    While the cottages are lovely and their location is fabulous  they are quite pricey and  no TLC was spent in the$22 tent/rv camping area, other than a new registration office which is not yet completed as of this weekend. I do hope they invest some funding in the primitive area to add fire pits,more water spigots, clearer site markings and for the continued maintenance& upkeep of the bath/shower house.

    * I emailed the parks departement about the issues mentioned above about the camping area and received this reply:

    I am sorry that you are upset with the conditions in our recently opened campgrounds. We have replaced all of the picnic tables. Although, they may look old because they are weathered since these picnic tables were put together during the Winter, however, they are brand new. All of the barbeques are also new and were installed during the Winter. We have changed and modernized the light fixtures and we will be replacing the rusted doors that you mentioned. There are also plans to install a playground within the campground beginning this Fall and we are looking for other improvements and additions to the campgrounds. As you probably noticed there is a new building under construction, at the entrance to the campgrounds, and it will serve as a check-in area, as well as, additional comfort stations, including family restrooms. Your suggestion of fire pits is a good one and the Park Managers will evaluate the feasibility of installing these. Lastly, I have spoken to the Park Manager who will review the cleaning operation to ensure the restrooms are appropriately maintained. I apologize for our employee not cleaning the women's room. Again, I am sorry for your negative experience but we are continuing to make improvements to the campgrounds.

    Sincerely, George Gorman Regional Director New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

    I will check back later this year to see if anything was changed and report back.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2024

    Burlingame State Park Campground

    HUGE state park

    General: HUGE state park with over 700 sites. It does not fully open for the season until May 1 and when we were there in mid-April, only two sections, Fish Camp and Mills Camp were open. The Ranger station is staffed 24 hours a day, with a ranger on site until 11 pm. You need to show your pass to get inside the gate leading to the campsites. There are no hookups in any site (as far as I could tell). Sites are designated for tents, small trailers, large trailers, and RVs. As with other RI state parks, non-residents pay double the price of residents which kind of ticks me off (I don't mind a nominal upcharge but double is excessive IMO).

    Site Quality: The site numbers throughout the park are painted on rocks but the sites themselves are not very clearly defined. There is no designated camping pad. Our site (114) had a water view but was not level. It was large enough for us to park horizontally and make it work for one night. Some sites had excessive roots and also were not level. Some picnic tables have been replaced with new ones, but others badly need it.

    Bath/Shower house: The one in Fish Camp was adequate and clean. There is hot water, but you need to run it for a while before you get any. There was no garbage receptacle, and the toilet paper is so thin, that you can see through it. Showers are $.75 to get it started for the first three minutes. After that, the amount per minute increases to $1, $1.25, $1.50, and so forth. Machines take up to 22 quarters. There is a change machine at the Ranger Station. I did not use the shower so I cannot comment on how well they work. 

    Activities/Amenities: There is a camp store that offers wood, ice, coffee, basic groceries, propane, and canoe rentals. It was open with limited hours during our stay. Fishing, boating, swimming - all in season. Even though the park was only about 10% occupied, there was a strong Ranger presence. He circled our small loop three times just before check-out time and wanted to make sure we were leaving not a minute past the designated time. 

    This was just an overnight stay for us in a convenient location but there is no way I would stay at the height of the season!

  • D
    Jun. 7, 2019

    Green Falls Campground

    Small but cozy

    Great off the beaten path place to camp. Sites are large but close together. Each contain a rock built fire ring. There are toilets but no showers. Good parking for camper but limited for guests. Reservations are required in advance. Stones throw to beach/pond area

  • Alex S.
    May. 13, 2020

    Rocky Neck State Park Campground

    Best New England beach campground!

    The beach is about a 1 mile walk or drive from the campground.  The walk is lovely and I have seen deer, turkeys, many birds, skunks, raccoons, and other wildlife along the way. There are several osprey nests too. Many families bring bikes. 

    There are several camping areas at Rocky Neck - I think Crane is the best because it is quiet and the bathrooms are updated. 

    The tent camping area is in a field without much privacy or shade. I recommend setting up your tent at a traditional site.

    The beach is great for relaxing and beach combing. The water is warm and shallow, very calm. No floats or toys are allowed in the water, not sure why. Don't bring your kite either as the Amtrak is next to the beach, it's interesting when it goes by!

    Sometimes generators are an issue, but there are limited hours at which they can run.

    Lots of dumpsters for easy trash disposal. Firewood available for a low price on site, don't bring any outside wood. 

    Campground is not too far from a Walmart if you forget something. There's a gas station close by too for ice.

    This campground books up FAST, I usually book in the wintertime. I stay for a week at a time.

Guide to Shelter Island

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.

What to do

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.

What campers like

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."

What you should know

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."

Tips for camping with families

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.

Tips from RVers

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 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Shelter Island, NY?

TheDyrt.com has all 13 tent camping locations near Shelter Island, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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