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Best Campgrounds near Smithtown, NY

261 Reviews

Camping opportunities near Smithtown, New York are concentrated around several established campgrounds scattered throughout Suffolk County, with a mix of inland and coastal options. Blydenburgh County Park offers tent and RV camping with electrical hookups in a wooded setting approximately 10 minutes from downtown Smithtown. Other nearby options include Wildwood State Park Campground in Wading River, about 25 miles northeast of Smithtown, which provides tent sites, RV spaces with hookups, and cabin rentals. The area predominantly features developed county and state park campgrounds rather than dispersed camping sites, with most facilities accommodating both tent campers and recreational vehicles.

Suffolk County campgrounds typically operate year-round, while state parks like Heckscher and Wildwood have seasonal availability between April and October. Most campgrounds require advance reservations through their respective reservation systems, with many sites filling quickly during summer months. Several parks require a Suffolk County Green Key card for resident rates, though non-resident camping is available at higher fees. Bathroom and shower facilities vary significantly in quality and maintenance across different parks. A camper at Blydenburgh noted, "Camp on grass! Lovely trees. Everyone is nice. Hiking trails are beautiful. Dog friendly. Clean bathrooms."

Waterfront camping is particularly popular in the region, with Smith Point County Park and Watch Hill Fire Island Campground providing beach access and coastal views. Family-friendly amenities are common at most established campgrounds, including picnic tables, barbecue grills, and playgrounds. Many campers report enjoying the hiking trails, especially at Blydenburgh County Park, which features a 7-mile loop around a lake with fishing opportunities. The camping experience tends to be more social than secluded, with sites often arranged in open areas rather than private, wooded settings. A review of Heckscher State Park mentioned, "The campsites are very close together without any defining borders so everybody just walks across each other site's to get to a different one, a path, the bathroom, etc. No solitude, lots of families with kids."

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Best Camping Sites Near Smithtown, New York (40)

    1. Blydenburgh County Park

    11 Reviews
    Hauppauge, NY
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (631) 854-3713

    "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.)"

    2. Heckscher State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Great River, NY
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (631) 581-2100

    $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."

    3. Wildwood State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Wading River, NY
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (631) 929-4314

    $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."

    4. Watch Hill Fire Island Campground — Fire Island National Seashore

    7 Reviews
    Bayport, NY
    17 miles
    +1 (631) 597-6074

    "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."

    5. Battle Row Campground

    4 Reviews
    Old Bethpage, NY
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (516) 572-8690

    $5 - $60 / night

    "You can take bike rides , and relax outside with a nice amount of space to yourself ."

    6. Southaven County Park

    7 Reviews
    Shirley, NY
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (631) 852-1391

    $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."

    7. Cathedral Pines County Park

    4 Reviews
    Middle Island, NY
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (631) 852-5502

    8. Smith Point County Park

    9 Reviews
    Mastic Beach, NY
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (631) 852-1315

    "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."

    9. Smith's Point

    5 Reviews
    Mastic Beach, NY
    21 miles
    Website

    10. Nickerson Beach Park Campground

    8 Reviews
    Long Beach, NY
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (516) 571-7700

    "It’s basically a parking lot, but it’s steps away from some of the greatest waves on the east coast. Showers are clean, there’s a dog park nearby, and the island is very bikable to get around."

    "Very close to everything."

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Recent Camping Photos near Smithtown, NY

102 Photos of 40 Smithtown Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Smithtown, NY

261 Reviews of 40 Smithtown Campgrounds

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Liberty Harbor RV Park

    Functional with excellent access to the City

    Very plain & functional, no frills but right on the harbor & on the very edge of Jersey City, close to a ferry & the train that takes u across to New York City. Shopping & restraunts are right next door. We brought scooters & had a great stay! Plus you can see the Statue of Liberty from there!

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2025

    Liberty Harbor RV Park

    friendly staff at the office

    Gave us a welcome folder with lots of helpful info, can walk to get food up the street, short drive to Liberty Park where we got out and walked at night to admire the city skyline and Statue of Liberty at night. They have hook ups and big laundry room.

  • Paul K.
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Croton Point Park

    Not the Best Place to Go in the Northeast By a Longshot

    Croton Point Campground is a modest little campground, located along the Hudson River within Croton Point Park in NY. In addition to camping, the park itself offers many of its own attractions, including swimming, hiking, kayaking, cabin rentals, and a host of other family-oriented activities just along the Hudson. 

    The park, which is honestly probably the largest attraction here, is located just an hour and a half outside of the city. This proximity is both its perk and its downfall, as the park itself, but particularly the campground, has become laden with all sorts of inexplicable and burdensome rules, endless guidelines, and restrictions only a New York State-run bureaucracy could ever make sense of, let alone hope to justify. 

    This includes all manner of restrictions on how you can camp, where you can camp, what equipment can be used, and use in relation to what particular site you may have been lucky enough to reserve. Much of this you can understand while imagining what may have taken place here to bring them to such measures, but it doesn't make it any easier to contend with. 

    In terms of the actual camping conditions Both the tenting section and RV sites are each very clustered together, and quite crowded, with regular patrols🚓(actual patrols) being made day and night, by both the Park Rangers and what appears to be general park staff members, all looking to see if you or your family might be doing something that they might consider outside of the guidelines or not in compliance with the many restrictions. 

    This is not to say you can't possibly have a good time here. It just might mean being a bit more diligent toward reviewing the potential legitimacy of your normal camping routine to ensure it meets with many restrictions and guidelines imposed, while also making yourself comfortable with some fairly regular surveillance during your stay here. These all being things we hoped to get away from while camping ourselves It just turned out to be a bit much for our particular liking.

  • J
    Aug. 8, 2025

    Wildwood State Park Campground

    Our go-to spot

    My 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)

  • H
    Jun. 28, 2025

    Hammonasset State Park Campground

    Worst Camp Hosts

    Absolute 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.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 8, 2025

    Wildwood State Park Campground

    Nice campground with lots of sites

    I'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.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 8, 2025

    Heckscher State Park Campground

    My favorite place for group camping

    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 (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.

  • M
    May. 3, 2025

    Blydenburgh County Park

    Great stay

    If 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.

  • Joe R.
    Mar. 23, 2025

    Liberty Harbor RV Park

    Worth it

    This is a pricey park, but options are limited. As in almost non existent. This is a prime location for visiting the city or heading down the shore. The light rail is a block away, and the path train is about 8.

    Staff is average, as this is not meant to be high end. They are nice but a bit rough. We had some issues with our converter and they wanted to extort a 20% commission to allow our repair man in. A bit of logical conversation put that idea to sleep. Sites kind of level and very close. Power and water, and convenient dump station if staying and needing to dump. The bath house was above average and heated. The laundry was helpful and was acceptable. Having a view of Lady Liberty out your window is priceless.

    Getting in and out of the city is an adventure. Stay right off the highway to avoid the $30 tunnel toll. Follow RV life pro and not Waze.

Guide to Smithtown

Camping near Smithtown, NY, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are several campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are great trails in the area. Campers at Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park enjoy the nearby hiking options, with one reviewer saying, "Going for a hike here in the morning before heading out" is a must.
  • Beach Access: If you love the beach, Hammonasset State Park Campground is a fantastic spot. One visitor mentioned, "The beach was popular," making it a great place for swimming and sunbathing.
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds, like Wildwood State Park Campground, are close to fishing spots. A camper noted, "You can swim or fish there," highlighting the outdoor fun available.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained bathrooms. A reviewer at Clarence Fahnestock State Park said, "The bathrooms are very old and very clean," which is a big plus for many.
  • Secluded Sites: Privacy is important for a good camping experience. One camper at Kettletown State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites were super close together," but still found a nice secluded space for their tent.
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Lake Compounce Campground are great for families. A visitor shared, "There were lots of families here," making it a lively place for kids.

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially on weekends. A camper at Hammonasset State Park Campground warned, "It was loud, crazy busy," which might not be ideal for those seeking peace.
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For instance, Liberty Harbor RV Park is described as "just a parking lot," so be prepared for basic facilities.
  • Booking in Advance: Popular spots fill up quickly. A visitor at Rocky Neck State Park Campground advised, "If you are looking for a site it’s best to book far in advance."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose the Right Campground: Look for family-friendly options like Bear Creek Campground at Lake Compounce. One parent said, "This is a good place if you don't want to go far away."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have activities planned. A camper at Wildwood State Park Campground mentioned, "There was a nice little camp store," which can be handy for snacks and supplies.
  • Keep an Eye on Kids: With many families around, it's important to supervise children. A reviewer at Rocky Neck State Park Campground noted, "Watch your speed!" due to kids riding bikes and scooters.

Tips from RVers:

  • Maneuvering Space: Be cautious about tight spaces. An RV traveler at Liberty Harbor RV Park said, "Getting in and out is not for someone in a brand new 45' travel trailer."
  • Check Amenities: Before booking, check what amenities are available. A visitor at Cheesequake State Park Campground mentioned, "The bathroom/shower facility is old, filthy and needs to be torn down."
  • Stay Safe: Security can be a concern in busy areas. One camper at Liberty Harbor RV Park felt safe due to "24-hour security," which is a nice reassurance.

Camping around Smithtown, NY, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a quiet getaway or a fun family adventure. Just remember to plan ahead and choose the right spot for your needs!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best hiking trails near Smithtown for campers?

Campers near Smithtown can enjoy several excellent hiking trails within a short drive. Wildwood State Park Campground offers scenic trails that wind through hardwood forests and along bluffs overlooking Long Island Sound. The park features both easy and moderate hiking options suitable for families. Cathedral Pines County Park is another great option with trails through its namesake tall pine forest, offering a unique ecosystem to explore. For those willing to venture a bit further, the Greenbelt Trail system connects multiple preserves with varied terrain and difficulty levels throughout the Smithtown area.

Where is Short Beach camping in Smithtown located?

Short Beach camping in Smithtown is located on Long Island's north shore. While Short Beach itself is a popular day-use area in Smithtown, for overnight camping near this area, consider Blydenburgh County Park which is just minutes from Smithtown and offers reservable tent and RV sites with water access and restroom facilities. Another nearby option is Smith Point County Park, situated on the south shore of Long Island, offering both drive-in and walk-in camping with beach access, making it a convenient alternative for those wanting to camp near Smithtown.

What scenic spots can campers visit near Smithtown?

The Smithtown area offers campers access to numerous scenic destinations. Heckscher State Park Campground provides stunning views of the Great South Bay and Fire Island, with beach access and waterfront vistas. Just a short drive away, Croton Point Park offers sweeping views of the Hudson River with hiking trails and scenic overlooks. Other notable scenic spots include Stony Brook Harbor for kayaking, Nissequogue River State Park for its riverside views, and Sunken Meadow State Park for its beautiful bluffs overlooking Long Island Sound. West Meadow Beach and its adjacent wetlands also offer excellent bird watching and photography opportunities.

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