Cabins near Woodmere, New York provide access to Long Island's coastal terrain which averages 52 feet above sea level, with a humid subtropical climate producing hot summers and mild winters. Overnight low temperatures rarely drop below freezing from May through September at local cabin camping locations, making three-season camping comfortable without extreme weather preparation. Cabin accommodations range from rustic woodland units to premium beachfront options throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties.
What to do
Lake activities: Turkey Swamp Park features a lake with boat rentals where campers can enjoy kayaking, canoeing, paddle boats, and fishing. "There is a lake with a boat dock and a small boardwalk. Kayaking/Canoeing, fishing, and swimming. In the summer, canoe, kayak, paddle boats, and row boats are available for rental," notes a visitor about the recreational opportunities.
Urban exploration: At Camp Gateway Staten Island, campers can experience a unique combination of camping and city proximity. "This campground is amazing. You have a clear view of the Narrow bridge and at night the city lights light up your surroundings light a nigh light... There are abandoned buildings here and you can do urban exploring," explains one camper who found the historical elements fascinating.
Backcountry beach camping: Watch Hill Fire Island Campground offers a more remote beach experience for those seeking isolation. "You can get a permit to backcountry camp instead of reserving a designated campground spot. Just walk down to the beach after check-in and walk east until you see a pole with a tent symbol on it... It felt like we had the entire beach to ourselves," reports a camper who visited after Labor Day weekend.
What campers like
Private woodland sites: Campers appreciate the natural setting at Turkey Swamp Park where sites offer good separation. "Sites in Loops B-E all have pull-thru driveways. Sites are all level, very generous in size, and reasonably spaced apart for privacy. A lantern hook, picnic table, and fire ring complete each site," explains a visitor who enjoyed the campground layout and amenities.
Disconnecting from technology: Sebago Cabin Camp provides a rare opportunity to fully unplug. "Absolutely zero phone service (for T-Mobile) which was AMAZING... We will be visiting again!" shares a camper who appreciated the forced digital detox the cabins provide. The rustic cabins focus on essentials rather than luxury amenities.
Family-friendly amenities: Butterfly Camping Resort earns praise for its range of activities for children. "The campground was very well taken care of. The sites had good tree coverage and we didn't feel like we were right on top of the next site. There's a pond to fish, trails to walk/bike, basketball, sand volleyball, the list goes on and on," reports a visitor who enjoyed the organized activities each evening.
What you should know
Mosquito preparation essential: Multiple campgrounds report significant mosquito activity, especially at coastal locations. At Watch Hill, one visitor warned, "When we first arrived to the campground, we were immediately getting attacked so we doused ourselves in deet. Even with the bug spray, the relief didn't last long. We couldn't even enjoy our meals at camp because it was that bad."
Limited site privacy: At Croton Point Park, site boundaries can be unclear. "The tent sites are designated by printing on the roads and do not have clear boundaries between them... there aren't clear paths to the restroom building so it's not uncommon for people to cut through the edges of sites to get there," notes a camper who still found the experience positive overall.
Varying shower conditions: Bathroom facilities differ significantly between campgrounds. A camper at Watch Hill noted, "Only thing no hot showers as it was a beach bathroom shower. It was a little cooler so showering was not that great also showers are not covered no curtains." Many woodland cabin locations have rustic bathroom facilities compared to more developed RV-oriented campgrounds.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Heckscher State Park offers dedicated play areas for children. "This place is the best around for group and family camping. The entire campground is one flat open space where some sites are full in the shade and other sites (lower numbers) have lots of sun... There is a playground just for the campground," shares a returning visitor who appreciates the family-friendly setup.
Organized activities: Butterfly Camping Resort schedules regular family-oriented events. "Both nights we were there, there were events being put on (a tractor ride, kickball, and a pool movie night). There was also a dog park which was very nice!" reports a camper who found plenty to keep children engaged throughout their stay.
Environmental education: Look for ranger-led programs at several parks. "The Park Managers will evaluate the feasibility of installing these. Lastly, I have spoken to the Park Manager who will review the cleaning operation to ensure the restrooms are appropriately maintained," demonstrates the responsiveness of park staff to visitor feedback at Heckscher State Park, where rangers regularly interact with campers.
Tips from RVers
Navigating tight corners: At Butterfly Camping Resort, some sections require careful maneuvering. "I am a little concerned about moving to the site they want me to move to in the Spring the corners around the campground seem tight with trees," notes a seasonal camper. Most cabin-focused campgrounds have limited RV access compared to dedicated RV parks.
Utility connections: Water connections can require extra preparation at some parks. "Bring a LONG water hose," advises a camper at Turkey Swamp Park, highlighting the sometimes considerable distance between hookup points and parking areas at sites originally designed for tent camping rather than RVs.
Surface conditions: Be prepared for natural ground surfaces rather than developed pads. One camper at Butterfly Camping Resort pointed out: "Sites are sand and dirt, so be prepared for that... As for Central NJ it was better than most. A lot of shade in the entire campground was a plus," providing context for RVers used to more developed facilities.
