Best Campgrounds near Westhampton Beach, NY
Campgrounds near Westhampton Beach on Long Island's eastern end offer both oceanfront and inland camping experiences. Suffolk County manages several established campgrounds in the area, including Cupsogue County Park directly in Westhampton Beach and Smith Point County Park in nearby Shirley. Most campgrounds in the region accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several offering full hookup sites with water, electric, and sewer connections. Sears Bellows County Park and Indian Island County Park provide more wooded settings, while beach campgrounds like Shinnecock East and Smith Point feature oceanfront camping with direct beach access.
Access to most campgrounds requires a Suffolk County Green Key card, particularly for county residents seeking discounted rates. Many sites at popular oceanfront campgrounds require advance reservations, especially during peak summer months from May through September. According to one camper, "You must also purchase an outer beach permit for your vehicle. For local residents, it's worth the purchase. It can be pricey for out-of-towners." Beach campgrounds like Shinnecock East typically require four-wheel drive vehicles for access, with campers needing to air down tires when driving on sand. Most campgrounds offer basic amenities including potable water, restrooms, and showers, though beach campgrounds may have limited facilities with no electricity.
Campers consistently rate oceanfront camping experiences highly, with multiple reviews noting the unique opportunity to camp directly on the beach. Wildlife sightings add to the camping experience, with deer commonly spotted in campground areas. Smith Point County Park receives particularly strong reviews for its location between the bay and Atlantic Ocean. A visitor noted, "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." While beachfront sites offer spectacular views and easy water access, they provide minimal privacy and shade. Inland campgrounds like Sears Bellows offer more traditional wooded camping with hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and seasonal rowboat rentals on Bellows Pond, providing a different but equally enjoyable camping experience.
