Suffolk County Parks and state parks host the majority of camping sites near Wading River, New York. The north shore location features typical Long Island terrain with sandy soil, flat landscapes, and access to both the Long Island Sound and Peconic Bay. Summer temperatures average 80°F while spring and fall camping offers milder conditions with temperatures between 50-70°F. Cellular coverage remains consistent throughout most camping areas.
What to do
Beach access and swimming: Wildwood State Park Campground offers direct access to the Long Island Sound beaches. "My wife and I love this campground. 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)," shares James O.
Hiking trails: The numerous county parks provide trail networks through Long Island's distinctive woodlands. At Blydenburgh County Park, a camper notes, "Hiking trails were quiet natural and clean. The trails I exposed were well marked."
Water activities: Multiple parks offer fishing, kayaking and boat rentals. "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," reports one visitor about Sears Bellows County Park.
Wine country excursions: Several campgrounds serve as bases for exploring nearby Long Island wineries. "It is right at the entrance to wine country on Long Island and has a beach on the Long Island Sound," mentions a camper about Wildwood State Park.
Wildlife viewing: Many campers report deer sightings at various parks. "And sweet deer. I watched a momma deer nursing two of her babies," notes a visitor to Smith Point County Park.
What campers like
Accessible beaches: Smith Point County Park provides some of the most direct beach access. "Our 36ft motorhome backed up to a raised balcony overlooking the bay. Less than 100 feet from the front of our site was the beach and the Atlantic Ocean view," reports Patrick C.
Clean facilities: Most county parks maintain well-kept shower and restroom buildings. "Among the most modern bathrooms I've seen at a State Park campground. Nice clean campground with the usual NY State Park quality," notes a Wildwood visitor.
Varied campsite options: Indian Island County Park offers multiple camping environments. "Wonderful weekend visit in the off season. Site was level, pretty spacious and easy to back into. Campsites are located close enough to the beach/marsh," shares Janelle G.
Local attractions: The proximity to local towns provides additional entertainment options. "There are lots of stores nearby as well as orchards to pick your own fruits. I stayed there one weekend and went to Splish Splash waterpark that's not far away. There is also a Tanger Outlet nearby," mentions a camper about Wildwood State Park.
Year-round availability: Several Suffolk County parks remain open throughout winter. "Spent a week while travel nursing. Quiet and peaceful," notes Clifford about camping at Smith Point County Park during the off-season.
What you should know
Fire ring policies: Most campgrounds require campers to bring or rent their own fire pits. "Camp site itself was pretty flat, had a water station, bathrooms were well kept, no fire ring (BYOFP)," notes a camper at Indian Island County Park.
Mosquito and tick concerns: Insect protection is essential, particularly in wooded areas. At Watch Hill Fire Island Campground, campers warn: "It was absolutely gorgeous, don't get me wrong. However, it was nearly impossible to enjoy ourselves because we were getting attacked by mosquitoes and horseflies the entire weekend."
Beach conditions: North shore beaches feature rockier terrain than south shore beaches. "The beach is beautiful, very rocky, bring your water shoes, sunset scenery is beautiful!" advises Ossama B. about Wildwood State Park.
Site privacy varies: Campground layouts differ significantly between wooded and open areas. "Sites are close and very buggy but 'tis the season'. We didn't explore the trails but heard they were good," notes a Blydenburgh County Park visitor.
Reservation requirements: County park camping requires a Green Key card for discounted rates. "Worth buying green key card for resident access. 200 but you'd spend that 4 nights regardless," advises Maria P. about Blydenburgh Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Cathedral Pines County Park and other county parks offer play areas for children. At Indian Island County Park, one visitor notes, "It's nice for kids they have an open field with a playground for kids."
Site selection strategy: Choose sites based on proximity to amenities or desired privacy level. "You can find sites that are less wooded and better suited to group camping, as well as sites that are a little more secluded," advises Giselle P. about Wildwood State Park.
Wildlife experiences: Several parks offer opportunities for wildlife viewing. "Kids were roaming freely and safe!" mentions Ossama B. about the family-friendly environment at Wildwood State Park.
Educational opportunities: Some parks provide ranger-led activities. "There are park rangers on site and have excellent programs for kids," notes a visitor to Watch Hill Fire Island Campground.
Off-season advantages: Family camping during shoulder seasons offers fewer crowds. "We visited in late July. Park was excellent. Grounds were as advertised. Family friendly," reports Christopher S. about Blydenburgh County Park.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup availability: Electric sites are limited at some campgrounds. "Very good sized park, very quiet, nice people, but not very many electric sites," notes Junior D. about Cathedral Pines County Park.
Site spacing considerations: RV campsites vary in size and privacy levels. "Sites had zero privacy and were all pull through. There was water, electric and sewer hookups at each site, but this was an expensive place to 'camp'," cautions Michael G. about Wildwood State Park.
Dump station access: Some parks offer dump stations rather than full hookups. "Needed to move to dump station prior to leaving (2 night visit) and had to drive to fill the fresh water tank once while there," explains an Indian Island County Park visitor.
RV size restrictions: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger rigs. "RV pull through sites were fantastic. It was a great campground for maiden voyage in new rig. Plenty of amenities," shares Lori R. about Wildwood State Park.
Off-season services: Water hookups may be unavailable during colder months. "Water was off because we were a week shy of the season opening," reports a camper at Indian Island County Park.
