Wildwood State Park Campground offers tent, RV, and upscale cabin options on the North Shore of Long Island, within easy driving distance of Stony Brook, New York. The park sits on a bluff overlooking the Long Island Sound with 600 acres of hardwood forest. Overnight temperatures can drop into the 40s even in summer months, so campers should pack accordingly regardless of accommodation type.
What to do
Beach activities at Indian Island County Park: The beach area provides calm waters ideal for families with small children and is accessible via a short walking path from campsites. According to Maxime T., "The beach was within walking distance, lots of little trails, and plenty of activities for the whole family. The bathrooms were mostly clean, and the shower was hot."
Explore wildlife viewing opportunities: Mountain Lakes Park offers excellent hiking with lake views and wildlife observation points directly from the campground. Ethan K. notes, "There are also many hikes which can be trekked straight from the campgrounds which is always a huge plus in my mind. When we were there it was right after a rain storm and everything was a bit muddy and slippery."
Visit nearby attractions: Smith Point County Park camping puts you near both bay and ocean beaches with good wildlife viewing. Patrick C. shares, "I watched a momma deer nursing two of her babies. This is paradise." The campground's location provides easy access to both the Atlantic Ocean and Peconic Bay.
What campers like
Waterfront views: Wildwood State Park offers sites with views of the Long Island Sound and Connecticut shoreline across the water. James O. mentions, "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)."
Yurt camping options near Stony Brook: For campers seeking a blend of comfort and nature, Mountain Lakes Park offers yurt accommodations about an hour's drive from Stony Brook. Ben H. describes it as "A gorgeous piece of land that contains lakes, a lookout and Mt. Bailey, the highest point in Westchester County."
Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate the well-maintained bathrooms and showers at Indian Island County Park. Frank P. notes, "Nice location but previous campers did not clean up after their visit. Shore power was without any problems and park has clean heated bathroom and bike station near dump station."
What you should know
Fire pit availability varies: Some campgrounds near Stony Brook don't provide fire rings at sites. According to Maxime T. about Indian Island County Park, "The only reason I gave 4 stars is because the campsites don't come with a fire ring. Not sure if this is because of maintenance, but it just wasn't super apparent until we got there."
Beach conditions: The north shore beaches tend to be rockier than south shore beaches. Giselle P. notes about Wildwood State Park, "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."
Site spacing and privacy: Campgrounds vary greatly in site spacing. At Smith Point County Park, Gianna observes, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Playground availability: Riverdale Farm Campsites across the Long Island Sound in Connecticut offers organized activities for children. Nick H. says, "The kids who work here are so friendly and the playground is nice. They did a show on the beach one night that was fun too. We did bingo too."
Beach access for kids: Smith Point County Park provides excellent beach access for families. Ali O. mentions, "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. Kids of all ages are generally running and playing day and night."
Consider seasonal crowds: Summer weekends fill quickly at all campgrounds near Stony Brook. Michael G. advises about Indian Island, "This is not our ideal campground. We usually like to be far from people with minimal neighbors, but living on L I, your options are limited. That said, the sites close to water are nice."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for views: At Smith Point County Park, RV sites with bay views are highly sought after. Stephen P. recommends, "Sites are great overlooking the bay. Bathroom lights are bright. 10 would be better. I also like the corner sites as they are bigger. The 230-70 overlook the ocean which is great."
Hookup availability: Wildwood State Park offers full hookup sites for RVers. Lori R. from her maiden voyage confirms, "RV pull through sites were fantastic. It was a great campground for maiden voyage in new rig. Plenty of amenities."
Consider yurt camping near Stony Brook: For RVers who want a break from their rig, Collective Governors Island offers unique glamping and yurt options accessible by ferry. While not directly in Stony Brook, this provides a nearby alternative experience with Francisca noting the benefits of "feeling close to nature, relaxing and enjoying a peaceful space, away from the noise of the city."
