I took the train to Montauk on 6/20/24 and got a cab ($20) to the campsite. All sites were reserved, but only 1/3 were being used. I was able to put my name on a waitlist and got a tent lot. They wouldn’t let me register for more than 1 night.
I was in A6, which is against the dunes (which are ~12ft tall), so I could hear the surf, but not see it. There was no one within 2 sites, so it was quiet.
Friday morning, I put my name on the waitlist at 8am, I had to break down my site by 11am, and come back at 1pm to claim a site. I took J10 (which is on a bluff ~20ft above the beach and G, H and I areas). Strangely, I was offered a 2 night stay (Fri&Sat).
Beautiful views of the ocean from my tent and I could still hear the surf. Area J has the best (newest?) facilities (bathrooms, showers, sinks (kitchen and personal)). Drawback is 10 minute walk to the general store/ranger station and 5 minutes to the beach (10 to swimming area).
Almost no cell service! 2 bars was the maximum and finding that was rare. (Not enough service to get an Uber or play Spotify). There is a landline outside at the ranger’s station.
General Store closed at 3pm, but Gurney’s is 1.5 miles down the beach if you want expensive bars and restaurants.
FYI, guarded swimming area is ~100 yards wide and located next to the entrance circle.