Cabin camping near Shirley, New York offers options along both the Long Island Sound and the Great South Bay, with most facilities accessible within a 30-minute drive. The area features a coastal environment with elevations near sea level and a maritime climate that brings cool sea breezes even during summer months. Many cabin facilities remain open from late April through early November, with peak season running June through August.
What to do
Beach activities at Wildwood State Park: The park sits directly on the Long Island Sound with a rocky beach perfect for swimming and sunset viewing. "The North Shore and South Shore are pretty different. This site gives you the North Shore experience with high bluffs, sandy calm beaches along the Long Island Sound, and views of CT across the water," explains one visitor to Wildwood State Park Campground.
Birding and wildlife viewing: The coastal areas provide excellent opportunities for spotting local wildlife. "Among the most modern bathrooms I've seen at a State Park campground. Nice clean campground with the usual NY State Park quality. Some accessible facilities, including swimming and camping," notes a camper about Wildwood, who also mentioned "pretty good birding" opportunities.
Hiking at Rocky Neck State Park: Within a 45-minute drive, this Connecticut park offers scenic trails with coastal views. "My family has camped at Rocky Neck every year since I was a child. Every site had a central bathhouse and they have a variety of tree covering options for each campers preferences. The campsite is only a short walk from the beach and available mountain bike and hiking trails," reports a visitor to Rocky Neck State Park Campground.
What campers like
Easy access to Long Island attractions: Cabin campers appreciate the location near popular destinations. "Lots of other nice state parks in the area plus all the usual Long Island attractions (Riverhead Aquarium, Greek restaurants, farmer's markets, etc.)," shares a Wildwood State Park visitor.
Privacy between cabins: At certain locations, there's adequate distance between accommodations. "Cottages far enough away from each other," notes a visitor to Heckscher State Park Campground, who also appreciated the "fire ring with Adirondack chairs" and "dumpster and recycling within walking distance."
Backcountry beach camping options: For those wanting more seclusion than cabins provide, Fire Island offers alternatives. "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. After that you can choose where you want to set up camp," explains a visitor to Watch Hill Fire Island Campground.
What you should know
Insect preparation is essential: Mosquitoes can be a significant challenge, especially on Fire Island. "Favorite place ever. You can get there by ferry. Very quiet and comfortable. Birdsong in the morning and the sound of the waves. There are showers, toilets and a café. For those who want to be at one with nature. Lots of mosquitoes, be prepared," warns a Watch Hill camper.
Fire pit policies vary: Some parks don't provide fire pits or require rentals. At Heckscher State Park, "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," notes a camper.
Transportation considerations: Some cabin locations require specific transportation planning. "Fire Island National Seashore! Take the ferry over across the bay to this quiet little gem on Long Island. Amazing, your own ocean and beach! You are not quite roughing it as there are showers and running water at the Watchhill campground," explains a visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Some parks offer organized events for children. At Riverdale Farm Campsites, approximately 45 minutes from Shirley, "They had activities for the kids on weekends and holidays. They are close to local beaches and hiking trails. Our site was roomy and for the most part all functioned as it was supposed to."
Safety considerations: Parks with regular staff monitoring can be better for families with children. "Rangers came around checking on everyone often so it really did feel incredibly safe," notes a camper at Heckscher State Park.
Playground access: Some campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. "There is a playground just for the campground," mentions a Heckscher visitor, though they note it's "driving distance not walking" from the cabins.
Tips from RVers
Advance booking requirements: Popular RV sites with cabin options often require planning ahead. "Camper side review: Stayed here for two nights with my popup and was surrounded by large motor homes/RVs. Sites had zero privacy and were all pull through. There was water, electric and sewer hookups at each site, but this was an expensive place to 'camp'," shares an RV camper at Hammonasset State Park Campground, located about an hour from Shirley.
Hookup availability: RV campers should check specific amenities before booking cabin alternatives. "RV pull through sites were fantastic. It was a great campground for maiden voyage in new rig. Plenty of amenities," notes a Wildwood State Park visitor.
