Campsites near Stony Brook, New York range from oceanfront locations to wooded inland areas, with most sites concentrated within a 30-mile radius. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder camping conditions around 55-70°F. Winter camping options remain limited with overnight temperatures frequently dropping below freezing from December through February.
What to do
Beach access from campsites: Smith Point County Park provides direct beach access from camping areas. "A short walk over the dune to the Atlantic ocean," notes Michael, who appreciated the convenient ocean proximity during his stay.
Cycling on campground trails: Cathedral Pines County Park offers natural terrain for biking enthusiasts. "You can take bike rides, and relax outside with a nice amount of space to yourself," according to one camper at Battle Row Campground.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Several campgrounds feature resident wildlife. At Smith Point County Park, "you get visits from the nearby deer," and one visitor even "watched a momma deer nursing two of her babies" during their stay.
Playground access for children: Family-focused campgrounds include dedicated play areas. Battle Row Campground features "a playground [that] is new and centrally located," providing recreational options beyond natural attractions.
What campers like
Hot shower facilities: Consistently mentioned as a highlight at Smith's Point, where one camper awarded "10 stars to guys and girls in charge of maintaining such a busy place!!! You guys really do a great job- and those showers!!! Best ever….great water pressure and super HOT!!!"
Spacious wooded sites: Cathedral Pines County Park receives praise for its natural setting. "Wooded sites are lovely," with Junior D. adding the park is "pretty spacious" with "very quiet, nice people."
Beach and bay views: Oceanfront campsites provide dual water views at some locations. At Smith Point County Park, one camper stayed "on the bayside (site 30), which had a fantastic direct bay view" while also being "literally steps to the beach."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms factor prominently in positive reviews. At Battle Row Campground, "the bathroom was very clean and well stocked" according to one visitor, while another noted "the showers were amazing and also so clean."
What you should know
Site privacy variations: Many campgrounds feature open layouts with limited privacy. At Heckscher State Park Campground, "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."
Fire pit regulations: Fire regulations vary significantly between parks. Battle Row Campground allows fires but has no built-in 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."
Weekend congestion: Popular parks fill quickly during peak seasons. Smith's Point camper noted "book early" due to narrow campsites and weekend crowding, adding that "not EVERYBODY likes the same music as you do" when referencing noise levels.
Seasonal amenities: Several campgrounds operate with limited seasons. Heckscher State Park Campground operates "May 26 to September 3" while others like North Fork Cottages & RV Resort run "May to Nov," requiring off-season alternatives.
Tips for camping with families
Playground accessibility: Families should consider proximity to play areas. Heckscher State Park offers family-friendly amenities, though one visitor noted the "playground is driving distance not walking" from certain areas of the campground.
Special seasonal events: Some campgrounds host family-oriented activities during holidays. At Smith's Point, one camper mentioned "it happened to be Trick or Treat weekend on the campground which really fun to see."
Budget-friendly options: Cathedral Pines County Park offers affordable camping. One visitor mentioned sites cost "I think $14 a night for green key members" with "a decent fire pit/grill" at most sites.
Wildlife interaction opportunities: Liberty Harbor RV Park provides unique wildlife viewing alongside urban amenities. "Having a view of Lady Liberty out your window is priceless," noted one reviewer who visited with family.
Tips from RVers
RV site spacing considerations: RV sites near Stony Brook, New York vary in size and proximity. At Liberty Harbor RV Park, "sites kind of level and very close. Power and water, and convenient dump station if staying and needing to dump."
Urban RV access routes: Approaching campgrounds through urban areas requires planning. When visiting Liberty Harbor, one RVer advised: "Getting in and out of the city is an adventure. Stay right off the highway to avoid the $30 tunnel toll. Follow RV life pro and not Waze."
Hookup variations: Totoket Valley RV Park offers essential services for larger rigs. One camper described it as a "small campground with good electrical, clean water, sewer and a friendly owner. Each site has grass and a picnic table."
Big rig considerations: Some campgrounds accommodate larger RVs better than others. Tara N. noted Totoket Valley RV Park is "perfect for a stop over" and "a perfect campground for seeing the local area or even catching the train to New York City."
