Suffolk County offers numerous camping sites near Tuckahoe, New York, positioned along both the North and South shores of Long Island. Most campgrounds sit at low elevations within 100 feet above sea level, creating camping conditions that range from beachfront to wooded settings. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-85°F with higher humidity, while spring and fall bring more moderate conditions.
What to do
Hiking to historic landmarks: Cedar Point County Park provides a notable hike to an old lighthouse. "We went on Labor Day weekend and literally every site was booked, but for good reason. Really great and surprisingly long hike to the old lighthouse with lots of area for playing games and swimming," notes one visitor to Cedar Point County Park.
Kayaking and water sports: Several campgrounds offer water access for various activities. At Sears Bellows County Park, one camper mentions, "The first night I stayed here my friends and I rented some rowboats and went on the water. It was a lot of fun, and the price of the rowboat was pretty cheap."
Beach activities: The region features both ocean and sound beaches. "You are a short walk from beach access and kayak launch. There is a playground for kids and clean facilities. I enjoy going here as it is easy for a quick weekend," reports a camper about Indian Island County Park.
What campers like
Off-grid experiences: Some campers appreciate the more rustic options in the area. One visitor to Sears Bellows County Park shared, "This hidden gem is located right in Hampton Bays and is the perfect campground for anyone looking to camp off the grid. Tucked away in the woods is a beautiful well kept & maintained campground with spacious sites, a lake with kayaking access, and trails for bike riding and hiking."
Oceanfront camping: For those who prefer beachfront sites, Shinnecock East County Park receives high praise: "Camping directly on the beach at one of the nicest beaches in the world. You cannot find another place like this!!" Another visitor adds, "4x4 a must, air down a must. Beautiful on the bay or ocean side."
Diverse terrain options: Campgrounds offer varied landscapes from wooded to beachfront. At Wildwood State Park, a camper notes, "The North Shore and South Shore are pretty different. This site gives you the North Shore experience with high bluffs, sandy calm beaches along the Long Island Sound, and views of CT across the water."
What you should know
Green Key card requirement: Suffolk County parks have specific entry requirements. A camper at Suffolk County Sears Bellows County Park explains: "I had to get a Suffolk county green key card. And then pay 50 dollars per night. It wasn't cheap but it's definitely cheaper than the hotels in the area."
Tick prevalence: Wooded areas may have tick issues, particularly in certain seasons. One camper warns: "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."
Varying bathroom conditions: Facilities differ widely between campgrounds. At Indian Island County Park, a visitor reported, "Wonderful weekend visit in the off season. Site was level, pretty spacious and easy to back into. Bathrooms are well kept," while others mentioned inconsistent maintenance at other locations.
Tips for camping with families
Playground accessibility: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. At Wildwood State Park Campground, a visitor shared, "The campground is very well kept and clean which I really liked. They do have quite a bit of garbage's to dump your trash in."
Educational opportunities: Some parks offer nature programs. One camper recommends, "You can ride your bike from your site to the playground, store, beach, local ice cream shop, coffee shop, or our family favorite, meig's point nature center."
Off-season advantages: For families seeking quieter experiences, consider non-peak timing. A camper at Cedar Point County Park noted, "Spent Columbus Day weekend at Cedar Point. We pretty much the entire park to ourselves. Arrived on Friday afternoon and enjoyed a quiet peaceful weekend with cool weather and no bugs."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: RV campers should research site specifications. At Hither Hills State Park Campground, a camper advises: "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."
Generator restrictions: Some parks limit generator use. One RVer notes, "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."
Seasonal differences: Off-season camping offers different experiences. An RVer at Indian Island County Park mentioned, "Site was level, pretty spacious and easy to back into. No sewers sites that I could tell, and water was off because we were a week shy of the season opening. Needed to move to dump station prior to leaving."
