Best Tent Camping near Southold, NY

If you're looking for a place to pitch your tent near Southold, look no further. Find the best information on tent camping near Southold, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. Search nearby tent campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Tent Sites Near Southold, NY (14)

    Camper-submitted photo from Hammonasset State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hammonasset State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hammonasset State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hammonasset State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hammonasset State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hammonasset State Park Campground

    1. Hammonasset State Park Campground

    38 Reviews
    71 Photos
    288 Saves
    Clinton, Connecticut

    Hammonasset Beach State Park is the largest of Connecticut’s shoreline parks. Two-mile beach, facilities for swimming, camping (third weekend in May to Columbus Day), picnicking, saltwater fishing, scuba diving, hiking and boating; concessions. Nature center and interpretive programs. Bicycle rentals available through Labor Day, rates begin at $10 per hour and range up to $75 per week, with discounts for children. Helmets provided free to use and are mandatory for riders 15 and younger. Note: Lifeguards on duty on Wednesday through Sunday. Pricing: Weekdays: free for CT vehicles; $15/out-of-state $7 after 4:00 pm. Weekends and holidays: free for CT vehicles; $22/out-of-state $7 after 4:00 pm William F. Miller Campground. 558 open sites. Concession, dumping station, bathrooms, showers. Saltwater swimming and fishing. Individual fireplaces not provided. No pets.

    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Trash

    $20 - $45 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Wildwood State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildwood State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildwood State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildwood State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildwood State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildwood State Park Campground

    2. Wildwood State Park Campground

    22 Reviews
    64 Photos
    216 Saves
    Wading River, New York

    Take the Virtual Tour! - WILDWOOD STATE PARK

    Wildwood State Park comprises 600 acres of undeveloped hardwood forest, terminating on the high bluff overlooking Long Island Sound. Swimmers can take advantage of the cool waters of the Sound, and picnickers can relax at shaded picnic tables as their children enjoy the nearby playground. Visitors can fish and use the hiking and cross-country ski trails, making this an enjoyable place to camp and be outdoors in any season. Geography: Wildwood State Park is located near Long Island Sound, on the north shore of Long Island, in Suffolk County. Recreation: Considered a flagship facility, visitors can enjoy the beach, biking, camper recreation programs, fishing, hiking, picnicking, and cross-country skiing. During July and August, movies are shown weekly, and once a week, campers can enjoy an evening of line or square dancing. Facilities: The park has 2 miles of beach on the Long Island sound for fishing and swimming. Each campsite has a picnic table, and dumping stations are nearby. There are 10 cottages, each with a fire ring, screened-in patio, and are available for rent through mid-November. The campground recycles newspaper and cardboard. Other amenities include food concessions, a nature trail, twelve miles of marked hiking trails, a picnic area, basketball courts, ball fields, a playground, and showers. Firewood is for sale at the park; bring your own barbecue or metal fire container.

    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Selden Neck State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Selden Neck State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Selden Neck State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Selden Neck State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Selden Neck State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Selden Neck State Park Campground

    3. Selden Neck State Park Campground

    1 Review
    10 Photos
    11 Saves
    Hadlyme, Connecticut

    Selden Neck offers 4 sites: Cedars site - 20 campers Hogback site - 6 campers Springledge site - 8 campers Quarry Knob site - 12 campers

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Picnic Table
    • Toilets

    $5 / night

    • No image available

      4. Gillette Castle State Park Campground

      2 Reviews
      26 Saves
      Hadlyme, Connecticut

      Four public camps along the Connecticut River at Hurd, Gillette Castle, River Highlands and Selden Neck State Parks offer primitive, riverside sites with fireplaces and pit toilets for individuals traveling on the river.

      Use of river campsites at River Highlands, Hurd and Gillette Castle is restricted to canoers and kayakers only.

      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Tents
      • Market
      • Trash
      • Picnic Table
      Camper-submitted photo from Watch Hill Family Campground — Fire Island National Seashore
      Camper-submitted photo from Watch Hill Family Campground — Fire Island National Seashore
      Camper-submitted photo from Watch Hill Family Campground — Fire Island National Seashore
      Camper-submitted photo from Watch Hill Family Campground — Fire Island National Seashore
      Camper-submitted photo from Watch Hill Family Campground — Fire Island National Seashore
      Camper-submitted photo from Watch Hill Family Campground — Fire Island National Seashore

      5. Watch Hill Family Campground — Fire Island National Seashore

      7 Reviews
      38 Photos
      99 Saves
      Bayport, New York

      The family campground at Watch Hill provides a camping experience like no other.

      • Phone Service
      • Tents
      • Group
      • Cabins
      • Tent Cabin
      • Glamping
      Camper-submitted photo from Hidden Lake Farm
      Camper-submitted photo from Hidden Lake Farm
      Camper-submitted photo from Hidden Lake Farm
      Camper-submitted photo from Hidden Lake Farm
      Camper-submitted photo from Hidden Lake Farm

      6. Hidden Lake Farm

      1 Review
      5 Photos
      19 Saves
      Higganum, Connecticut

      ***Very quiet and private in back woods horse pastures on a small farm with free range chickens, a dog, and a couple of horses. Your pets are welcome too! ***

      Locally there are state parks with beaches, and state forest for trails & lakes, hiking and biking. Or you can just relax and enjoy the serenity!

      *** Each campsite has its own fire-pit and table with chairs. ***

      We cannot allow any wood for camp fires to be brought in form the outside for environmental reasons. It can be purchased for $10 per bundle on site or $12 preordered with reservation.

      Farm Fresh eggs daily when available for $4.00 per 1/2 dozen. And there are also blocks of ice $5. Garbage removal is available as well $5 per bag provided.

      **Other attractions include local farmers markets, Gilette's Castle, and the famous River Ferry crossing the Connecticut River with a vehicle across to East Haddam. *

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Reservable
      • Tents
      • Trash
      • Picnic Table

      $49 / night

      • No image available

        7. Fire Island National Seashore

        1 Review
        10 Saves
        Mastic Beach, New York
        • Phone Service
        • Reservable
        • Tents
        • Group
        • Dispersed

        $25 / night

        Camper-submitted photo from East Beach State Beach
        Camper-submitted photo from East Beach State Beach
        Camper-submitted photo from East Beach State Beach
        Camper-submitted photo from East Beach State Beach

        8. East Beach State Beach

        2 Reviews
        4 Photos
        73 Saves
        Charlestown, Rhode Island

        Specialty camping on three (3) miles of undeveloped beach frontage is available at East Beach State Campground, located in Charlestown, Rhode Island. East Beach is one of the least developed of the Rhode Island state beaches, with limited parking and a half dozen changing rooms. This barrier beach and 10 site campground location offers four Clivus Multrum Composting Toilets for restrooms along with 3 miles of undeveloped beach frontage. Parking is very limited and fills up early on sunny summer days. A small portion of the beach is staffed with lifeguards on a seasonal basis. Utilities ARE NOT available at this campground. Special Camping/Vehicle Equipment requirements are required for camping at this location.

        • Pets
        • Fires
        • Reservable
        • Tents
        • Group
        • Dispersed

        $55 - $65 / night

        • No image available
          • No image available

            10. East Beach State Campground

            1 Review
            5 Saves
            Charlestown, Rhode Island

            Specialty camping on three (3) miles of undeveloped beach frontage is available at East Beach State Campground, located in Charlestown, Rhode Island. East Beach is one of the least developed of the Rhode Island state beaches, with limited parking and a half dozen changing rooms. This barrier beach and 10 site campground location offers four Clivus Multrum Composting Toilets for restrooms along with 3 miles of undeveloped beach frontage. Parking is very limited and fills up early on sunny summer days. A small portion of the beach is staffed with lifeguards on a seasonal basis. Utilities ARE NOT available at this campground. Special Camping/Vehicle Equipment requirements are required for camping at this location.

            All camping units MUST BE self-contained AND equipped with 4-wheel drive. A self-contained unit is defined as “A camping unit which contains permanent holding tanks for potable water, grey water and black water. Bathroom equipment must be permanently affixed to the unit.”
            Tow trailers or Fifth Wheels are not allowed.
            All campers MUST obtain a Barrier Beach Permit prior to their stay.
            Beach Vehicle Permits/Trail passes can be purchased from the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC)
            A beach parking fee will also be required for any vehicle using the East Beach Sand Trail during the summer beach season unless registered for a campsite.
            Closure of part or all of East Beach Campground may occur during the camping season due to the nesting of a tiny shorebird called the Piping Plover. The Piping Plover is listed as a threatened species under the Federal Endangered Species Act. If a closure should occur, reservations will be cancelled and refunded in full.
            Registered campers after having checked in to East Beach Campground will be allowed to utilize the Septic Dump Station and Water Filling Station at Burlingame State Campground and/or Fishermen’s Memorial State Campground, one time at no charge. Additional dumping or use of the water filling station will be subject to the Septic Dump Station Pass Fee
            Must show proof of active and valid reservation.
            Tent camping is not allowed.
            Pets are not allowed.
            Registered campers after having checked in to East Beach Campground will be allowed to utilize the Septic Dump Station and Water Filling Station at Burlingame State Campground and/or Fishermen’s Memorial State Campground, one time at no charge. Additional dumping or use of the water filling station will be subject to the Septic Dump Station Pass Fee

            Address: East Beach Road, Charlestown, RI 02813

            • Pets
            • Phone Service
            • Reservable
            • Tents
            • Cabins
            • Trash

            $28 / night

          Showing results 1-10 of 14 campgrounds

          Recent Tent Reviews in Southold

          443 Reviews of 14 Southold Campgrounds


          • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Hopeville Pond State Park Campground
            Nov. 10, 2024

            Hopeville Pond State Park Campground

            Small campground in three sections on Hopeville Pond

            General: There are three sections to this campground: five canoe sites; 16 sites including one cabin behind the ranger station and what I would assume is the main section with 61 sites. Some sites have water and electric hookups, but the majority of the sites have no utilities. Note: Pets are not allowed at this campground!

            Site Quality: We arrived in the rain after the Ranger station had closed and circled the main section several times trying to find the site with the least amount of water. We did not know until the next morning when we went to pay that we ended up in an ADA-accessible site. It was not marked in any way and I’m guessing that the only reason it was designated as such was its proximity to the restrooms. All sites appeared level and even though they were supposed to have gravel pads, they were mostly a mix of dirt (or mud) and grass with a little gravel. 

            Bath/Shower House: In the main section, there is a very large and clean indoor bathhouse with free showers. Did not use the shower so cannot comment. Appreciated that there was immediate hot water at the sinks. The other two sections have vault toilets. 

            Activities/Amenities: In season there is swimming, but the beach is very small. Fishing, canoeing, and kayaking are also popular. There are also some trails for walking/hiking, a basketball hoop, a dump station, and recycling. 

            This was an overnight stay for us but the rate for out-of-state campers, while higher than for residents, was reasonable at $30. We would return to this campground.

          • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Niantic KOA
            Nov. 1, 2024

            Niantic KOA

            Future potential?

            We generally only stay in KOAs or similar RV parks when we need showers, laundry, or a dump station. This one was in a convenient location plus many campgrounds had not yet opened for the year when we were there. It had rained for a few days before our arrival and that did not help our first impression as we drove on the rutted and muddy road to our site. There was a sign that improvements are underway, but I am not sure what those planned improvements are and when they will be implemented.

            On the plus side:

            *Friendly and helpful staff. Not sure why when we are given a map an employee escorts us to our site but that is a KOA thing. Later an employee asked if I wanted help carrying our clothes to the laundry.

            * Warm showers (but it did take a while for the water to get warm)

            *Brand new pool that was uncovered but it was way too cold in April to use*Sites were spaced a decent amount of space apart (although there is little physical separation). This was helped by the fact that there was no one on either side of us during our stay.

            *In season, there are many activities to occupy families (pool, playground, mini golf, daily firetruck rides, complimentary shuttle into the town of Niantic); however, we could not take advantage of most of these.

            *Reasonably priced laundry, although the washing machines were smal, and it took two to do what should have been one load. However, the dryers give you 60 minutes so although it took longer to dry, I only had to use one. 

            On the negative side:

            *Unmaintained roadways. The main one was once paved but has not been maintained; others were dirt (and mud after a rain)

            *High price for what we received. Not sure if we received an off-season rate but at $87 per night for a water/electric site and not being able to take advantage of amenities seemed high.

            *Allowing political flags to be displayed at sites. I understand that on private property, this can be allowed at the owner's discretion, but this was offensive to us. 

            Again, this is not our preferred type of camping. Initially, I struggled to give this two stars but once the rain stopped, our stay improved somewhat.

          • Prashant M.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Indian Island County Park
            Oct. 17, 2024

            Indian Island County Park

            Very Busy! Close quarters! Can be loud and neighbors are ignorant of rules

            Stayed at this campground this past weekend and yes it was a long weekend so the campground was packed. All the camping spots are pretty much right next to each one with hardly any space, packed like Sardines. Neighbors are loud and some of them are ignorant of the park rules. Staying on the phones in the middle of the night while talking so loud that all camping neighbors can hear their whole story

            Its a pity that they take a nice park and remove the fun out of camping. 

            However the walk to the beach area was very serene, especially early morning before sunrise and didn't feel like we live in dense suburbia and sunrise from the beach was worth the trip

            Camp site itself was pretty flat, had a water station, bathrooms were well kept , no fire ring (BYOFP)

          • JThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Heckscher State Park Campground
            Oct. 11, 2024

            Heckscher State Park Campground

            Great for families, not for solitude

            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, lots of music, I mean it’s basically a party. I didn’t realize this when I made my reservations. The place is great for families who want a safe space to camp and it’s a typical Long Island campground. Rangers came around checking on everyone often so it really did feel incredibly safe. I had a pick up truck w/ tinted windows follow me in the park for quite a while which was rather creepy and I couldn’t shake them. When I biked into the campground itself, the pick up truck couldn’t get past the check in area. Everyone I met was friendly and there’s a little shop in the front of the campgrounds that sells various items. I personally wouldn’t stay here again unless I was meeting up with friends or something and wasn’t trying to have more solitude. This is no fault of the park itself though, I’m just more of a woods girl.

          • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Burlingame State Park Campground
            Oct. 7, 2024

            Burlingame State Park Campground

            HUGE state park

            General: HUGE state park with over 700 sites. It does not fully open for the season until May 1 and when we were there in mid-April, only two sections, Fish Camp and Mills Camp were open. The Ranger station is staffed 24 hours a day, with a ranger on site until 11 pm. You need to show your pass to get inside the gate leading to the campsites. There are no hookups in any site (as far as I could tell). Sites are designated for tents, small trailers, large trailers, and RVs. As with other RI state parks, non-residents pay double the price of residents which kind of ticks me off (I don't mind a nominal upcharge but double is excessive IMO).

            Site Quality: The site numbers throughout the park are painted on rocks but the sites themselves are not very clearly defined. There is no designated camping pad. Our site (114) had a water view but was not level. It was large enough for us to park horizontally and make it work for one night. Some sites had excessive roots and also were not level. Some picnic tables have been replaced with new ones, but others badly need it.

            Bath/Shower house: The one in Fish Camp was adequate and clean. There is hot water, but you need to run it for a while before you get any. There was no garbage receptacle, and the toilet paper is so thin, that you can see through it. Showers are $.75 to get it started for the first three minutes. After that, the amount per minute increases to $1, $1.25, $1.50, and so forth. Machines take up to 22 quarters. There is a change machine at the Ranger Station. I did not use the shower so I cannot comment on how well they work. 

            Activities/Amenities: There is a camp store that offers wood, ice, coffee, basic groceries, propane, and canoe rentals. It was open with limited hours during our stay. Fishing, boating, swimming - all in season. Even though the park was only about 10% occupied, there was a strong Ranger presence. He circled our small loop three times just before check-out time and wanted to make sure we were leaving not a minute past the designated time. 

            This was just an overnight stay for us in a convenient location but there is no way I would stay at the height of the season!

          • Kathy T.
            Camper-submitted photo from Salt Rock State Campground
            Sep. 23, 2024

            Salt Rock State Campground

            Clean, but dated facilities

            Campground is a bit crowded with sites close together. The facilities were clean but quite old. There are some nice hiking trails along the river.

          • AThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Kettletown State Park Campground
            Sep. 10, 2024

            Kettletown State Park Campground

            Great location, but not a good experience

            Camping Review:

            This campsite is beautifully located in the woods, offering a peaceful and serene environment. There are no busy roads nearby, which ensures a quiet setting during the day.

            However, there are several downsides to consider. The camping spots are uneven, making it challenging to set up tents or campers. Additionally, swimming at the nearby beach is restricted to residents of the village, so visitors are not allowed to swim there.

            During our stay, there were multiple large groups, including a Christian group that preached (screamingly) and played loud music until midnight, despite the designated quiet hours. Unfortunately, the management did nothing to enforce the rules, which was disruptive.

            Another significant issue was the state of the sanitary facilities. They were extremely dirty, with feces present in various places. It took a long time before anything was cleaned, which obviously kept us from using the facilities.

            Overall, while the location is beautiful, the poor management, noise issues, and dirty sanitary facilities seriously detract from the experience.

          • Cynthia K.
            Camper-submitted photo from Hammonasset State Park Campground
            Aug. 29, 2024

            Hammonasset State Park Campground

            Connecticut

               I had a hankering for East Coast seafood, so I picked Hammonesett Beach State Park for Connecticut. Our 2nd state of 5.

                Hammonesett Beach has a huge campground. They divide the loops with names. I unfortunately chose Pequot. This loop has THE WORST bathrooms/showers on the South side of the campground. Looks like they were built in 1950s with rotten wood siding. Dirty. The showers were outside the bathroom- there was a bench & hooks OUTSIDE! We found out all the other loops had modern bathhouses.

             My first impression of this campground is it's loud, crazy busy & there's traffic noise from the beach road. I actually liked it! This is a fun campground for families. There were kids on bikes, scooters, skateboards,roller blades. Watch your speed! They don't always watch out for your car.

              I found out most people stay through Sunday & leave on Monday. There were still lots of campers left. Lots of tent campers. 

               I chose site 14 on the Pequot Loop because I thought I would have a view of one of the ponds. There was tall vegetation, so that was out.

             The sites on the other side of the loop were right by the main beach road. Noisy during the day, but quiet at night. 

              There are some sites with shade, but most are sunny. 

               There's no electricity at most of the sites. Our site was full sun(yay for the solar panel!). On Beach Road in the campground there's 2 rows of full hookup sites, but they go FAST! I tried.

            NO PETS! Including dogs.

               No WiFi, but there's cell service. At least 5 dump stations. 

             The beach was popular. 

              There was a stream running from a pond that kids were playing in. 

             They have a beautiful Nature Center. A couple of easy hikes through one of the preserves.

              This was a good base camp for the area. Gillette Castle & other state parks are within driving distance. Connecticut is a beautiful state!!

          • carol T.
            Camper-submitted photo from Waters Edge Family Campground
            Aug. 23, 2024

            Waters Edge Family Campground

            BEWARE WATERS EDGE CAMPGROUNDS THEY WILL KEEP ALL YOUR MONEY

            JUNE 30,2024  my husband & I were seasonals at waters edge campground Lebanon Connecticuit  gave them a 30 day notice we were leaving this place wasnt for us just awful the owners are just money hungey thieves they told us they were keeping our deposit wich we expected because it says non refundable deposit so okay fine but we paid for the whole season its open april15 to october15 gave a 30 day notice left june 30 they refused to give us back the money for july ,august,september,to october 15 they ket 750 plus 2500 dollars told us were not getting our money back So iam sure they rented the site thats double dipping so fair warning I dont want this to happen to anyone else they will Rob you blind oh and they broke our ice maker when they dewinterized our trailer and never owned up to it came down to my floor in camper soaked with water from my freezer and didnr bother to clean tthe mess and said  it must have been broken nefore so they are also dirty liars I didnt want to even give a one star rating but had to put somethin i give the a big fat 0

          • Matt S.
            Camper-submitted photo from Mystic KOA
            Aug. 5, 2024

            Mystic KOA

            Great campground for coastal CT & RI

            We stayed at Mystic KOA in North Stonington, Connecticut, to be tourists in Mystic. Spoiler alert… we had a great stay! 

            This campground is just 15-minutes from Mystic and about an hour’s drive to Newport, Rhode Island. It’s just a few minutes from I-95 and so close to Mystic Aquarium, downtown Mystic, Mystic Seaport, and all the local spots. 

            It’s a well-maintained campground with 2 pools(though the larger one was closed for maintenance during our stay), lots of play areas and daily activities for little ones, and a cool“pub truck” for adult drinks. Our site(#408) was about 85’ long with plenty of room for our 45’ motorhome and toad(and then some!). It was level and gravel with a nice fire ring and picnic table. The hookups worked fine with 50-amp electric and decent water pressure. Cable TV had nearly 50-channels, but the wi-fi didn’t quite reach our part of the park. 

            Due to a family issue, we needed to leave about a day-and-a-half early. We called the office as a courtesy to let them know as we were pulling out and received a partial credit for a night’s stay on our credit card. Didn’t even ask, they just did it. Thanks Mystic KOA! 

            We’ll definitely be back. This is a great place to stay when visiting the coastal Connecticut/Rhode Island area.

          • KThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Burlingame State Park Campground
            Jul. 29, 2024

            Burlingame State Park Campground

            Pros outweigh the cons

            Stayed for a week mid-July; during the week had almost an entire loop to ourselves which was wonderful - it felt like having the entire park to ourselves. Things picked up on Friday/Saturday but overall we lucked out with no neighbors who were disrespectful of the quiet hours (10p - 7a). Bathrooms, dumpsters, and portapotties are plentiful, but not always well maintained. Staff are seen frequently throughout the park and are very willing to be helpful when asked - our site had a few Yellowjacket nests and they took care of them for us almost immediately when asked. It’s worth investigating the various sites ahead of time - there are a number of sections much more likely to be busy than others, and lots of low-lying sites that show signs of easily being washed out in anything more than a moderate rain. With multiple great east coast beaches minutes away (as well as conveniences like fuel/stores) we will definitely be back.

          • R
            Camper-submitted photo from Strawberry Park
            Jul. 10, 2024

            Strawberry Park

            Large campground with 3 pools, many amenities and scheduled activities

            Large campground with 3 pools, many amenities and scheduled activities

          • Eddy B.
            Camper-submitted photo from Whispering Pines Campground
            Jul. 8, 2024

            Whispering Pines Campground

            Fun for the family

            Great privately owned family campground. The pool, splash pad, live music and activities for the kids were great!

            AT&T service had only one bar. Couldn’t stream but worked for calls and texts. Campground WiFi was strong but as expected struggled to keep up on this busy 4th of July.

          • Beth R.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Mystic KOA
            Jul. 5, 2024

            Mystic KOA

            Nice amenities

            Pros: 15 minutes from Mystic CT 50 AMP, sewer & water hookup Nice amenities

            Cons: Gravel site No shade Tight site & hard to get in/out for big rig

          • Mia S.
            Camper-submitted photo from Burlingame State Park Campground
            Jun. 24, 2024

            Burlingame State Park Campground

            Enjoyed myself this weekend

            We camped here from Friday to Sunday. The staff in the main office was very inviting and friendly, the rangers kept everyone in check . The bathrooms were kept clean, but the showers in the Legiontown area are kinda crappy, it's mainly the shower heads...they feel like bullets hitting you and you can't even adjust the shower head nozzle. The showers are $1.50/8mins I only put $1.00 in for 5 minutes which was more than enough time for me. There's a beautiful lake and you can rent Kayaks or a canoe for the day I believe it was around $45.00. there's a nice general store, an arcade, playground, trails, cabins... And the sites are pretty big. No real big complaints, except that the staties are usually waiting for you to come back from the bars since there's no alcohol allowed on the property. So if you are to drink off the property, make sure you have a Designated Driver. They love handing out DUIs. (I did not have this issue, but my friends did.)

          • B
            Camper-submitted photo from Hither Hills State Park Campground
            Jun. 24, 2024

            Hither Hills State Park Campground

            Beachfront camping

            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.

          • Kerry G.
            Camper-submitted photo from Odetah Camping Resort
            Jun. 21, 2024

            Odetah Camping Resort

            “Camp”grounds that discriminates against tent campers

            Odetah Camping Resort called us today 24 hours prior to our arrival- after 4 years of camping there- to cancel our site unless we rented an RV and didn’t use tents. We were allowed to book and had the booking for 4 months. I was on the phone with them while I booked for assistance since it’s a group booking for 16. I called later to book a cabana too. They never once said anything. Then they called 24 hours in advance because our reservation said tent and that’s not allowed. Then they charged us a cancellation fee. Even tho they cancelled ON US. 

            But my favorite part is them saying that the camping industry is moving to no longer allow tents. They think they are*kind* to still allow tents-a handful of sites on a rocky hill that don’t have electricity or water. So those with medical needs cannot use those sites. Those with mobility limitations cannot either. 

            WHAT?! 

            Camping= tents. Change your name if you are going to discriminate. Don’t worry tho, you can put on a tent NEXT TO an rv on the sites. You just cant put only a tent. 

            Their customer service was horrendous. The experience was horrendous. What a shame.

          • G
            Camper-submitted photo from Smith Point County Park
            Jun. 14, 2024

            Smith Point County Park

            Lovely campsite

            Truly great spot. Amazing sites with plenty of room, though they are close together. But was worth it for the amenities and fantastic views. 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 (for example site 28 - huge corner spot but the flat spot to park has an obstructed view). Literally steps to the beach.

          • DThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Suffolk County Sears Bellows County Park
            Jun. 2, 2024

            Suffolk County Sears Bellows County Park

            Tick Kingdom

            This is a nice campground - not crowded and centrally located. However, I cannot walk ANYWHERE without picking up ticks. Even on the large sand paths, going to and from the bathroom I find ticks. It’s amazing!

          • Ryan A.
            Camper-submitted photo from Devil's Hopyard State Park Campground
            May. 21, 2024

            Devil's Hopyard State Park Campground

            Good Location for Hiking, Lots of Garbage, Not Recommended

            Camped here on a Friday night in Site 16, yet another campground recommended in“Best Tent Camping: New England.” Overall I was not impressed. The campsites are right next to each other and are marked with posts. The sites are so close that the posts are marked with the site number on both sides which tells me that there has been confusion in the past.

            The sites along the creek mostly have worn paths to walk to it but it’s nothing impressive and I wouldn’t want to eat fish that came out of it. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring, some have the kind where the top flips over and others have the moveable grate that goes up and down. There is a large dumpster in the campground and several porta-potties. The old outhouses have been permanently closed and locked shut. My campsite had a lot of trash in it, old tent stakes, plastic bottle caps, plastic fork, broken glass, etc. Not good.

            Some of the people there were camping in a group and were blasting music. I didn’t see a single park ranger the entire night so I’m not sure how often they police it. Someone in a pickup truck came into the campground, did a u-turn, and sped out at 30 mph which was really annoying and unsafe.

            Across the street from the campground is a trail to Chapman Falls, which will take less than 10 minutes to hike to, but it’s a pretty waterfall despite all the foam and garbage around it.

            This is a pretty basic campground and is nothing special. Out of all the sites I think 22 looked the best, it is more isolated and you can hear the waterfalls from it, which would be relaxing. The downside is that it’s right next to the entrance and road so you’ll get car headlights at night.

            I woke in the morning to a gray sky and hundreds of birds singing– it was my favorite part of the trip. I delayed getting up to enjoy the moment. I also didn’t see any ticks but I’m sure there are plenty based on other reviews.

            I’ve always thought that if states were condiments Connecticut would be mayonnaise– relatively unremarkable and bland. This campground fits that description perfectly.

          • Jason S.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Selden Neck State Park Campground
            Mar. 28, 2024

            Selden Neck State Park Campground

            Gorgeous riverside tent camping

            Selden Neck State Park is an island in the Connecticut River with no roads or development other than 4 campsites. You have to kayak or boat in. There's a boat launch across from the island on the west side of the river at Deep River Landing where you can leave your car. (Entering and parking at the boat launch requires a permit Memorial Day to Labor Day.)

            It's about a 20 minute paddle across the river to the island. If it's a nice day, you're going to encounter some wake from passing boats so make sure your gear is in waterproof bags. Once you get to the island, follow the bank north until you spot the sign for your campsite.  

            My 5-year-old and I camped at site 2, Hogback. I haven't visited the other sites, but probably will just book this one again because it was so good. Plenty of flat area to pitch a tent, nice picnic table and fire pit. There's a private outhouse. At low tide, a couple of beaches emerge to play on.

            The sunset view was amazing. There was a little noise at night from boat traffic but it didn't keep us up. In the morning, we were completely socked in with fog which would have been an issue if we had to get back early. But it burned off before long and we headed back.

          • CM M.
            Camper-submitted photo from Wildwood State Park Campground
            Mar. 3, 2024

            Wildwood State Park Campground

            Proceed With Caution

            Perhaps it was the weekend we went but this was an extremely unpleasant trip. The bathroom facilities are wonderful as is the beach but the crowd stayed awake playing music all night very loudly. I think the cabins here are the way to go.

          • N
            Camper-submitted photo from Hither Hills State Park Campground
            Dec. 15, 2023

            Hither Hills State Park Campground

            Nice

            Stayed in May, June, and November 2023. The location is its best feature. The beach is just over the dunes. Village Pizza is remarkably good.

            Had to take a star off for no hookups. Generator hours are limited. There are spigots located down the middle of the rows. Go on google maps to find a spot near a spigot.

            Cell signal varies wildly by spot. B17 no prob at all. G14 spotty. F20 total dead zone.

            Bath house on the west side is eh. The east side- beautiful.



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