Camping spots near Port Washington, New York offer varied terrain and water access options within reasonable driving distance. Most campgrounds in the region experience high humidity during summer months, with temperatures ranging from 75°F to 85°F. Winter camping options remain limited to year-round facilities that can accommodate cooler temperatures, which typically range from 25°F to 40°F from December through February.
What to do
Hiking at Harriman State Park: Located approximately 45 miles from Port Washington, Beaver Pond Campground offers direct access to numerous trails. "A quick 40 minutes north of NYC, Harriman State Park has an eclectic little campground called Beaver Pond. The grounds are just steps away from Welch Lake, offering a lifeguard monitored sandy beach which is open during the summer season for swimming, fishing, and small boat craft further out," notes a camper.
Boating options: Blydenburgh County Park allows non-motorized boating on its lake. As one visitor mentioned, "Great park with a nice 7 mile loop around the lake with decent fishing. Lots of horses and dogs on the trail."
Urban exploration: The Staten Island Gateway National Recreation Area provides unique urban exploration opportunities. "There are abandoned buildings here and you can do urban exploring. There are rangers taking you on a trek and exploring the abandoned building," explains a visitor, making this site distinct for those seeking unusual camping experiences.
What campers like
Beach proximity: Nickerson Beach Park Campground appeals to water enthusiasts. "There are not many places to camp on long island that are actually on the Atlantic ocean side. This is basically a parking lot but right on the other side of the dunes is Lido Beach. Which is fantastic for surfing," shares a frequent visitor.
Wildlife viewing: Many campers appreciate the animal encounters at Battle Row Campground. "The sites have provided electric and water and are kept so clean. They have shower and restroom facilities, the showers were amazing and also so clean!" notes a camper who enjoyed the overall experience.
Spacious camping areas: Croton Point Park offers generous sites. "Peaceful and gorgeous campsite, with plenty of space between sites. Great view of the Hudson, and playground within sight of our camper," reports a satisfied camper.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Weekends fill quickly at most campgrounds in the area. At Blydenburgh County Park, a Suffolk County resident green key card provides financial benefits: "Worth buying green key card for resident access. $200 but you'd spend that 4 nights regardless."
Transportation challenges: Many campgrounds have access limitations. For Liberty Harbor RV Park, "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," advises a recent visitor.
Seasonal considerations: Operating seasons vary significantly between facilities. Beaver Pond Campground has limited availability: "Ranger said that during summer weekends the grounds fill up and can be quite noisy, but mid-week during the off-season it was great."
Wildlife awareness: Multiple campgrounds report active wildlife. At Croton Point Park, campers should "Keep your food in the dry bag and away from the tent or benches provided or face the packs of fearless raccoons at night."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Sandy Hook Gateway National Recreation Area offers family-friendly features. "Very reasonable rates to pitch a tent. You get a private space with a fire pit. Ocean is close with lifeguards," explains a visitor who camped with family.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer swimming with safety measures. At Beaver Pond, "The beach is secured with lifeguards and shower and bathroom facilities are available."
Off-peak timing: For quieter family experiences, consider mid-week visits. "Mid-week during the off-season it was great. Expect to purchase firewood, although scrounging for kindling was possible," advises a Beaver Pond camper.
Local attractions: Battle Row Campground provides convenient access to family activities. "I have lived 6 miles from this campground for the last 20 years and never knew they had tent sites. The park is clean the bathrooms are well maintained and there is a playground for the kids," shares a local visitor.
Tips from RVers
Location advantages: Liberty Harbor RV Park offers urban proximity despite basic amenities. "We spent 3 nights here last week. I was in NYC for business and we took our RV. Very convenient location. My wife visited Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The sites had electric and water and were in a fenced off section of tue marina parking area," reports an RV camper.
Site selection strategy: For RVs at Liberty Harbor, "Pick one of the larger end row sites to get a little extra elbow room. If it's packed, your neighbor with be within inches of your rig."
Utility considerations: Several campgrounds offer limited hookups. Nickerson Beach Park Campground provides full connections but has seasonal restrictions: "It's all but impossible to get an RV spot there from Memorial day to Labor day. Still, it is a clean and well run campground."
