At Westhampton Beach, tent campers can find sites distributed across islands, state parks, and preserved lands. Most camping options require water transportation, as sites are positioned along the Connecticut River or spread across Fire Island. Campers should prepare for the area's humid subtropical climate with summer temperatures averaging 82°F and high humidity levels from June through September.
What to do
Kayak to secluded island sites: Access the four primitive tent sites at Selden Neck State Park Campground via a 20-minute paddle across the Connecticut River from Deep River Landing. "At low tide, a couple of beaches emerge to play on," notes a camper who visited with their 5-year-old.
Explore local waterways: Tent campers at Watch Hill can enjoy both ocean and bay views. "Fire Island is a great spot in the summer, but can be busy. Camping gets you away from the bustle," explains one visitor who appreciates the location behind protective dunes.
Visit Gillette Castle: While camping at nearby sites, take a day trip to the historic castle structure. According to one visitor, "Castle has tours at certain times," making this a worthwhile excursion when not relaxing at your campsite.
What campers like
Oceanfront isolation: Backcountry camping at Fire Island National Seashore provides true seclusion. "It's about a mile to three miles to the closest campsites on the western side. Very secluded, and peaceful weekend by the water," says one camper who appreciates the natural protection of the area.
River views: Riverside campsites offer unique perspectives unavailable to day visitors. At Chapman Pond Preserve, campers find "good tent platforms, picnic tables and outhouse. CT river within view," according to a recent visitor who rated the free site highly.
Water access: Camping directly along the Connecticut River provides both recreation and scenery. One visitor notes, "We have camped on the south end of Hurd Park several times via boat access. It is amazing with the views of the CT River and being able to watch the sunrise and sunset."
What you should know
Pest preparation essential: Mosquitoes remain a significant challenge throughout the region. At Watch Hill Fire Island Campground, one camper advises, "Bring a shelter or a canopy with a mosquito net! We spent a lot of time inside our tent, needless to say."
Fire restrictions vary: Some sites permit fires while others strictly prohibit them. At Fire Island, a camper notes, "The only disappointments were that there are no campfires allowed and no dogs, but it's very understandable why."
Water transportation planning: Many sites require boat access and weather awareness. "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," reports one camper at Selden Neck, highlighting the need to build weather delays into your schedule.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds offer structured activities for younger visitors. At Battle Row Campground, "The playground is new and centrally located. They also have a horseshoe pit," reports a camper who found the facilities suitable for family activities.
Bathroom considerations: Facility quality varies widely between campgrounds. While some sites have no facilities, Battle Row offers "lots of showers but only 1 was unlocked (free and with hot water). The bathroom was very clean and well stocked."
Private site selection: For families wanting space, certain campgrounds offer more separation. One camper at Battle Row noted, "Each site is set back off a common area so there is plenty of privacy," making it suitable for groups with children who need room to play.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most tent camping near Westhampton Beach lacks facilities for larger vehicles. At Hidden Lake Farm, the five available sites include drinking water but no electric hookups, making it better suited for tent campers or small self-contained units.
Bring your own fire container: RV campers should note that fire restrictions apply differently at various sites. At Battle Row, "There are NO fire pits, you must bring your own. Fires are allowed but you must have a fire container or bucket for your fire off of the ground," reports a frequent visitor.
