Camping spots near South Farmingdale, New York range from coastal sites with Long Island Sound views to inland wooded areas. The flat terrain allows for easy campground access across Nassau and Suffolk counties, with most locations situated within a 40-minute drive of South Farmingdale. Summer temperatures typically average 75-85°F, while spring and fall camping months experience milder 55-70°F conditions with occasional rainfall.
What to do
Hiking on marked trails: Blydenburgh County Park offers a 7-mile loop around the lake with varied terrain. "Great park with a nice 7 mile loop around the lake with decent fishing. Lots of horses and dogs on the trail," notes Erik R. about Blydenburgh County Park.
Beach activities and swimming: Watch Hill Fire Island Campground provides direct ocean access. "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! There are shops, a restaurant and a bar a 10 minute walk away," shares Inocencia O. about Watch Hill Fire Island Campground.
Boating and fishing: Several campgrounds offer water access for fishing or small watercraft. At Blydenburgh County Park, "Row boat for fishing was great," notes Christopher S., while sites like Beaver Pond Campground provide lake access for multiple water activities.
Urban exploration: Liberty Harbor RV Park's location allows for easy city trips. "Very convenient location. My wife visited Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The sites had electric and water and were in a fenced off section of the marina parking area," explains Kevin A. from Liberty Harbor RV Park.
What campers like
Platform tent sites: Several campgrounds offer raised platforms for tent setup. At Beaver Pond Campground, "The biggest positive about Beaver Pond is how spread out it was. You definitely feel like you have your own space and are not camping on top of your neighbor. Many of the camping options were on platforms which is especially nice if it recently rained," explains Ethan K. about Beaver Pond Campground.
Beach proximity: Coastal campgrounds offer ocean access with varied terrain. "Right on the beach! Great spot to camp at if the waves are pumping at Lido Beach on Long Island," shares Michael K. about Nickerson Beach Park Campground.
Wooded seclusion: Some inland sites provide more tree coverage and privacy. "I felt like I was suddenly transported upstate when in fact I had only driven 2 towns over, (about 20 minutes from home). Group camping has a limit of 2 cars per site. This helped support a feeling of secluded tranquility," notes Linda A. from Blydenburgh County Park.
Central location for day trips: Many campgrounds serve as convenient bases for regional exploration. "I stayed there one weekend and went to Splish Splash waterpark that's not far away. There is also a Tanger Outlet nearby," mentions Giselle P. about Wildwood State Park Campground.
What you should know
Mosquito preparation: Insect protection is essential, particularly at coastal sites. "Expect to be eaten alive... it was nearly impossible to enjoy ourselves because we were getting attacked by mosquitoes and horseflies the entire weekend. Even with the bug spray, the relief didn't last long," warns Rosie R. about Watch Hill Fire Island Campground.
Fire pit requirements: Some campgrounds don't provide fire rings. 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," advises Ellen C. from Heckscher State Park Campground.
Site privacy varies: Campground layout and vegetation impact privacy levels. "Sites are open and fairly close would be only negative," notes Michael G. about Blydenburgh County Park, while other reviewers mention similar concerns at multiple locations.
Reservation timing: Summer weekends book quickly at most locations, especially at beach campgrounds. "It's all but impossible to get an RV spot there from Memorial day to Labor day," explains Michael M. about Nickerson Beach Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground facilities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. At Battle Row Campground, "The park is clean the bathrooms are well maintained and there is a playground for the kids. Each site is set back off a common area so there is plenty of privacy," explains Michael M. about Battle Row Campground.
Beach safety: Most coastal campgrounds have lifeguarded swimming areas during summer months. "The beach is secured with lifeguards and shower and bathroom facilities are available," notes Brian O. about Beaver Pond Campground.
Ranger programs: Some parks offer educational programs for younger campers. "There are park rangers on site and have excellent programs for kids," mentions Inocencia O. about Watch Hill Fire Island Campground.
Nearby attractions: Family-friendly activities surround many campgrounds. "Spend 2 weeks here while in assignment this spring. Clean, quiet. Very close to everything," shares Clifford about Nickerson Beach Park Campground.
Tips from RVers
Parkway restrictions: RV drivers must plan routes carefully due to height limitations. "I drove down from Connecticut to Long Island to find the main routes to the campsite all went through New York's parkways. There are height restrictions on the parkways so RVs and semis cannot travel on them without a high risk of crashing into the bridges," warns Matt S. about Nickerson Beach Park Campground.
Hookup availability: Electrical, water and sewer connections vary between campgrounds. "RV pull through sites were fantastic. It was a great campground for maiden voyage in new rig. Plenty of amenities," reports Lori R. about Wildwood State Park Campground.
Site spacing: RV areas often have limited separation between units. "If it's packed, your neighbor with be within inches of your rig. Pluses, minutes walk to the Statue of Liberty, liberty Science center," explains Keith and Tia S. about Liberty Harbor RV Park.
Green Key benefits: Some Suffolk County parks offer resident discounts. "Worth buying green key card for resident access. 200 but you'd spend that 4 nights regardless. Very clean campgrounds lots of space," advises Maria P. about Blydenburgh County Park.
