Campgrounds near Shirley, New York primarily cluster around the coastal areas of Long Island, with Smith Point County Park being the most prominent camping destination directly in Shirley. The region includes several established campgrounds within a 20-mile radius, including Wildwood State Park, Southaven County Park, and Cathedral Pines County Park. Accommodation options range from primitive tent sites to full-service RV hookups, with some locations like Wildwood State Park and Watch Hill Fire Island Campground offering cabin camping. Most campgrounds provide essential amenities such as drinking water, electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings, though specific features vary between locations.
Reservations are strongly recommended for all campgrounds in the area, particularly during the peak summer season when facilities reach capacity. Many Suffolk County parks require a Green Key card membership for residents to make reservations, and several campgrounds operate seasonally, typically from April through October. Wildwood State Park maintains a camping season from April 1 to October 10, while Heckscher State Park operates from late May through early September. Smith Point County Park and Southaven County Park remain open year-round, offering more flexibility for off-season camping. A recent review noted that "camping on the beach with all the amenities" makes Smith Point County Park "paradise," though Suffolk County residency requirements limit access for non-locals.
Beach access represents a significant draw for campers visiting the area, with oceanfront camping available at Smith Point County Park. Several visitors mentioned the unique experience of having campsites within walking distance of both the Atlantic Ocean and the bay. One camper shared that their "36ft motorhome backed up to a raised balcony overlooking the bay. Less than 100 feet from the front of our site was the beach and the Atlantic Ocean view." Wildlife sightings, particularly deer, are common at several campgrounds. The region experiences typical northeastern seasonal patterns, with moderate temperatures in spring and fall, hot and humid summers, and cold winters. Campers should prepare for insects, particularly near water areas during summer months. Sites typically provide varying levels of privacy, with wooded campgrounds like Cathedral Pines and Southaven County Park offering more secluded settings than the more open oceanfront locations.
$24 - $250 / night
"The beach is in a walking distance. You can swim or fish there. This camp site has a relatively new and clean facility. There are many farms near by where you can get fresh veggies and fruits."
"However there are too many loud families and the sites are too close in proximity for me."
"Literally steps to the beach."
"A short walk from the ocean to the bay, both accessible by walking from your campsite. No shade so be prepared to wake early if you’re in a sweltering tent. Staff has been great, no complaints."
$33 / night
"Recently went camping in our pull behind, met some old friends and had a great time. Rangers have a hardon for people screwing up tho. Think they're all that and then some..."
"Great Location Clean Park."
"Beautiful location steps away from the beach. Listen to the waves crashing as you sleep and stargaze over the clear ocean. Not ready for full on camp-life? No problem!"
"Camping gets you away from the bustle. It is a little less than a half mile walk from the ferry dock and located behind the dunes which offer some protection. Take a quick walk down to the beach."
"Campsites are located close enough to the beach/marsh. Multiple playgrounds for the kids although they were closed due to Covid."
"The beach was within walking distance, lots of little trails, and plenty of activities for the whole family. The bathrooms were mostly clean, and the shower was hot."
$24 / night
"* cottages far enough away from each other
- fire ring with Adirondack chairs
- dumpster and recycling within walking distance
- lots of bone dry firewood around for campfire
- walkable beach"
"Overall my experience was positive. Camping Sites
Each camping site has a picnic table and barbeque grill."
"just a great place to get away from home"
"The group camping on the fox sites is accessible by a dirt drive in. I felt like I was suddenly transported upstate when in fact I had only driven 2 towns over, (about 20 minutes from home.)"
ScoutBeautiful campsites! Lots of lean to sites with fireplaces in them. You have to go in person to make a reservation and pay. The camp area is beautiful, especially in the fall. Pet friendly and kid friendly with a playground available. Our favorite site is #25. Up a hill, totally private and has a lean-to.
GuideSo much going on! They will give free shuttle rides to 3 beaches & downtown Niantic, CT.
We had tried to get a deluxe location and not completely booked. This is the weekend before Labor Day and they were vanishing point the owner / shuttle driver, John, asked us if we would want to move on Sunday after a bunch of people moved out. And we said absolutely because we're going to be here for 3 more nights.
And it is huge and amazing! If you want to pay a little extra for the deluxe request slot 92!
ScoutWe love this campground because the beach is steps away
ScoutMy wife and I love this campground. It is right at the entrance to wine country on Long Island and has a beach on the Long Island Sound. (A little rocky on the north shore)
LegendCharming, full of wonderful amenities and nice extras. Nice staff, fun coin scavenger hunt, great pool, well stocked store, wide sites, lots of grass/trees and space to stretch out. Missing full hook ups but the staff and overall vibe more than make up for it. Community garden was something we hadn’t seen before - super fun.
ScoutAbsolute worst Camp Hosts. They cancel every event they schedule while receiving free beach camping all summer. They’re an embarassment and a constant disappointment for young children. Shame on you and shame on Hammonasset.
GuideI've been going to this campground every summer for at least 5 years. Recently they became very stringent about parking to 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.
That aside, this is a very nice campground with various kinds of sites. You can find sites that are less wooded and better suited to group camping, as well as sites that are a little more secluded. 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. There is a separate area for RVs vs tents. There is also a store where you can get a cup of coffee in the morning and lots of goodies throughout the day.
There are hiking trails and you can walk to the beach. Note - it is a downhill walk to the beach. The beach is fairly clean and has a small boardwalk.
There are lots of stores nearby as well as orchards to pick your own fruits. I stayed there one weekend and went to Splish Splash waterpark that's not far away. There is also a Tanger Outlet nearby. I've been there during a full on thunderstorm and watched as the trees swayed in the wind.
Lovely campground with lots of activities to entertain you.
GuideThis place is the best around for group and family camping. The entire campground is one flat open space where some sites are full in the shade and other sites (lower numbers) have lots of sun. I've been going here every summer since 2019 after it re-opened. Each site has a picnic table and grill. Water is also available near the sites.
You can come here in tents as well as RVs and the staff is very nice. They toilets are cleaned constantly, though they are not immaculate. There is a shop at the entrance to get supplies if you need it and you can rent firepits and buy firewood. The ice cream trucks comes by as well. There is a playground just for the campground.
Bring a bicycle or scooper and you can ride the loop around to the beach; you can also drive to the beach. There is a pool, but it has not been open for many years. There are also hiking trails and a place where you can rent a kayak.
On one visit there was a magician performing for the camp goers. I've even been there while there was a philharmonic concert near the campground.
Park staff and rangers regularly patrol the campground and are diligent about cleaning up.
ScoutIf your going to be on Long Island ,Suffolk county is really only RV friendly place.Worth buying green key card for resident access.200 but you’d spend that 4 nights regardless.Very clean campgrounds lots of space.Not much to do inside the grounds.
Suffolk County campgrounds near Shirley, New York offer access to both the Great South Bay and Atlantic Ocean shorelines. The area lies at sea level with sandy soil typical of coastal Long Island geography. Camping options within a 30-minute drive range from wooded inland parks to beachfront locations where summer temperatures average 75-85°F and evening coastal breezes provide relief from humidity.
Hiking trails: The 7-mile loop trail around the lake at Blydenburgh County Park provides opportunities for wildlife viewing and exercise. "Hiking trails are beautiful. Dog friendly. Clean bathrooms," notes one visitor. The trail system accommodates both hikers and equestrians.
Beach activities: At Smith Point County Park, campers can easily access both bay and ocean waters within walking distance. "A short walk from the ocean to the bay, both accessible by walking from your campsite," according to one reviewer. The beach areas allow swimming, fishing, and shoreline exploration.
Fruit picking: Several orchards near Wildwood State Park offer seasonal fruit picking opportunities within a 15-minute drive. "There are lots of stores nearby as well as orchards to pick your own fruits," mentions a camper who visited the area. Peak picking season runs July through October with apples, peaches, and berries available.
Direct water views: Many sites at Smith Point County Park offer unobstructed views of either the bay or ocean. "Stayed on the bayside (site 30), which had a fantastic direct bay view. Although most sites have views of the bay, some are blocked by seagrass," shares one camper who appreciated the waterfront setting.
Wildlife encounters: Cathedral Pines County Park provides wooded sites where wildlife sightings are common. "Wooded sites are lovely... occasional deer," notes a visitor. The natural environment creates habitat for various wildlife species despite the suburban surroundings.
Variety of site types: Wildwood State Park Campground offers different camping environments within one location. "You can find sites that are less wooded and better suited to group camping, as well as sites that are a little more secluded," explains one regular visitor who has camped there for over five years.
Reservation systems: Suffolk County parks require a Green Key card for residents to access preferred rates and reservation windows. "Worth buying green key card for resident access. $200 but you'd spend that 4 nights regardless," advises one visitor to Blydenburgh Park.
Fire pit policies: Not all campgrounds provide fire rings. At Heckscher State Park, "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." Several campgrounds require campers to bring their own fire containers.
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes can be problematic, especially at Watch Hill Fire Island Campground. "It was nearly impossible to enjoy ourselves because we were getting attacked by mosquitoes and horseflies the entire weekend... Def bring a shelter or a canopy with a mosquito net," warns one camper who visited during summer.
Playground access: Indian Island County Park features multiple playground areas for children. "It's nice for kids they have an open field with a playground for kids," reports one family. Some parks keep playgrounds open year-round while others close seasonally.
Water safety considerations: Beaches at Fire Island locations have no lifeguards in off-peak seasons. "Short walk to beach" is mentioned by several reviewers, but parents should note that swimming safety is dependent on seasonal staffing patterns.
Group-friendly sites: Heckscher State Park provides open areas conducive to family gatherings. "This place is the best around for group and family camping. The entire campground is one flat open space where some sites are full in the shade and other sites have lots of sun," explains a repeat visitor who organizes group camping trips.
Site spacing: Watch Hill Fire Island Campground provides more separation between camping areas compared to other local options. "Fire Island is a great spot in the summer, but can be busy. Camping gets you away from the bustle," notes a camper who appreciated the less crowded experience.
Hookup availability: Indian Island County Park offers water and electric connections at many sites. "Sites are great overlooking the bay. Electric and water is nice for pop up," shares a camper who stayed at the park. Most campgrounds in the area provide partial rather than full hookups.
Road access limitations: RV campers should note transportation restrictions for Fire Island locations. "You can get there by ferry," indicates a reviewer, highlighting the importance of checking access methods and size restrictions before booking at island locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Shirley, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Shirley, NY is Wildwood State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 24 reviews.
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