Seasonal camping in Wantagh, New York offers diverse overnight options spanning the North and South Shores of Long Island. The area features a mix of sandy beaches, wooded parks, and water access points, with summer temperatures typically ranging between 65-85°F. Most campgrounds near Wantagh remain open from April through October, with some providing year-round camping options for visitors seeking coastal landscapes and convenient access to both shorelines.
What to do
Hiking trails: Mountain Lakes Park contains several lakes and hiking paths accessible directly from the campground. According to Ethan K., "There are 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."
Beach access: Indian Island County Park offers water activities within walking distance. Maxime T. notes, "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."
Waterfront recreation: Launch your kayak or enjoy fishing at multiple water access points. Michael G. shares about Indian Island: "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."
Mountain views: Visit Mt. Bailey at Mountain Lakes Park, the highest point in Westchester County. Ben H. describes it as "A gorgeous piece of land that contains lakes, a lookout and Mt. Bailey, the highest point in Westchester County. A dirt road loops through the property with trails off and through it."
What campers like
Yurt camping options: Yurt camping near Wantagh, New York provides unique accommodation alternatives to traditional tent camping. Mountain Lakes Park offers yurts as Ethan K. mentions: "A fun option available at Mountain lakes is to rent a yurt to camp in. The area, as the name implies, is home to several lakes which can be used for various recreational purposes."
Waterfront views: Smith Point County Park offers premium waterfront sites. Gianna states, "Stayed on the bayside (site 30), which had a fantastic direct bay view. Although most sites have views of the bay, some are blocked by seagrass. Literally steps to the beach."
Cabin accommodations: Camp Glen Gray maintains clean, well-stocked cabins. Christopher M. shares, "Cabins are always clean and stocked with firewood. Lots of hiking trails. Trading post is well stocked and volunteers are always friendly and able to answer any questions."
Wildlife viewing: Some parks offer opportunities to spot local wildlife. As Patrick C. from Smith Point notes, "And sweet deer. I watched a momma deer nursing two of her babies. This is paradise."
What you should know
Site spacing varies: Some campgrounds offer more privacy than others. At Wildwood State Park Campground, Courtney K. observes, "It doesn't have that much of the camping feel, though, as there's not many trees in the campsite area and the sites are so close together. You will get very intimate with your neighbors."
Fire ring availability: Not all sites provide fire rings. At Indian Island, Maxime T. notes, "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."
Bathroom conditions: Facilities vary between campgrounds. According to Michael G. at Wildwood, "Bathrooms and showers were not really clean, which was surprising because most people used their personal bathroom/shower in their RV."
Vehicle restrictions: Some campgrounds limit vehicles at campsites. Giselle P. at Wildwood states, "Recently they became very stringent about parking to vehicles at the site making it very difficult to visit with a family and 2 vehicles. I usually host group camping trips and the single vehicle rule makes that very difficult."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several parks feature play areas for children. At Indian Island, Gino D. mentions, "It's nice for kids they have an open field with a playground for kids. There are dog friendly which was very nice."
Beach proximity: Allaire State Park offers biking access to beaches. Dan X. states, "A really nice bike ride to Ocean Grove and other beach towns. There are outlets in the bathroom and someone put a fullass drip coffee machine in one of the sinks."
Winter options: Some campgrounds stay open year-round. Lisa S. shares about Allaire State Park: "We found this campground one night when we were in NJ. It ended up snowing that night. the bathrooms were clean and warm. There is a lot to do in the area."
Beach camping alternatives: Smith Point offers family-friendly camping with noise considerations. Ali O. notes, "Also note this is not a quiet campground, campers stay up late drinking by the fire. Kids of all ages are generally running and playing day and night in the loud and unreserved way they do."
Tips from RVers
Seasonal considerations: Wildwood State Park has specific operating dates. James O. explains, "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)."
RV site quality: RV sites at Wildwood provide good amenities. Lori R. states, "RV pull through sites were fantastic. It was a great campground for maiden voyage in new rig. Plenty of amenities."
Hookup details: Be aware of seasonal water access at some campgrounds. Janelle G. from Indian Island shares, "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 (2 night visit) and had to drive to fill the fresh water tank once while there."
Beach access from RV sites: Smith Point provides oceanfront RV parking. Stephen P. notes, "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."
