Best Campgrounds near Southampton, NY

Suffolk County offers camping options from 5 to 30 miles from downtown Southampton. Campgrounds typically range from sea level to 50 feet elevation. Eastern Long Island experiences mild coastal weather during camping seasons with average summer temperatures between 75-85°F during the day and 60-70°F at night.

What to do

Beach fishing: At Shinnecock East County Park, striped bass fishing draws anglers. "We go here at least once a year. The ocean is beautiful and we catch stripe bass. The bay is peaceful and we go crabbing," reports Anthony M.

Lighthouse hiking: Cedar Point County Park provides trails leading to a historic lighthouse. "Plenty of space to walk and hike out to the lighthouse, kayak, biking or just relax," notes Chris A.

Geocaching: Several parks offer geocaching opportunities. At Indian Island County Park, one camper mentioned, "There were hiking trails and geocaching on site."

Kayaking: Multiple waterfront campgrounds offer kayak launches. Michael G. from Indian Island County Park notes, "You are a short walk from beach access and kayak launch."

What campers like

Direct beach access: Montauk's Hither Hills State Park provides immediate beach access. "The beach is right over the dunes very clean beach," says Pedro R.

Beachfront RV parking: Four-wheel drive vehicles can camp directly on the beach at some locations. "4x4 a must, air down a must. Beautiful on the bay or ocean side. They also have a hill top section," explains Lisa M. about Shinnecock East.

Stargazing: Despite proximity to New York City, some campgrounds offer good night sky viewing. Mike B. reports about Hither Hills, "The star gazing was great too being so close to NYC."

Well-maintained facilities: Many campgrounds feature clean facilities. At Cedar Point County Park, Chris A. appreciated the "Bathhouse with showers and dishwashing was close by."

What you should know

Tick prevention: Some wooded areas have tick issues. At Suffolk County Sears Bellows County Park, one camper warned, "I cannot walk ANYWHERE without picking up ticks. Even on the large sand paths, going to and from the bathroom I find ticks."

Fire pit requirements: Not all sites provide fire rings. At Wildwood State Park, a camper noted it was "lame not having a fire ring, you have to rent one or bring your own."

Reservation timing: Peak season requires advance planning. For Hither Hills, one camper advised, "Must reserve early in the year for summer spots."

Cost considerations: Suffolk County parks require a county permit. Fernando C. explained, "I had to get a Suffolk county green key card. And then pay 50 dollars per night. It wasn't cheap but it's definitely cheaper than the hotels in the area."

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Several campgrounds offer playgrounds. At Wildwood State Park, Ossama B. mentioned, "Kids were roaming freely and safe!"

Nature center visits: Families can explore environmental education centers. Nearby Hammonasset State Park has a "meig's point nature center" that one family called their "favorite."

Swimming beaches: Beach quality varies between parks. Hither Hills offers direct ocean access, with one camper noting, "The beach is great and the staff was very friendly."

Seasonal closures: Check facility availability during shoulder seasons. At Indian Island County Park, one visitor noted, "Multiple playgrounds for the kids although they were closed due to Covid. We were a week shy of the season opening."

Tips from RVers

Hookup limitations: Water access varies by site and season. At Indian Island County Park, Janelle G. reported, "No sewers sites that I could tell, and water was off because we were a week shy of the season opening. Needed to move to dump station prior to leaving (2 night visit) and had to drive to fill the fresh water tank once while there."

Signal variability: Cell coverage differs dramatically between sites. At Hither Hills, Nancy M. warned, "Cell signal varies wildly by spot. B17 no prob at all. G14 spotty. F20 total dead zone."

Generator restrictions: Campgrounds limit generator hours. Nancy M. noted at Hither Hills, "Had to take a star off for no hookups. Generator hours are limited."

Beach driving requirements: For beach camping at Shinnecock East, proper vehicle preparation is essential. Lisa M. emphasized, "4x4 a must, air down a must."