Long Island's camping options provide diverse experiences within driving distance of Woodmere, NY. The region sits at sea level with many parks offering waterfront access along coastal areas. Most campgrounds operate seasonally from April through November due to the Northeast's winter climate, with temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak summer camping months.
What to Do
Beach access and water activities: At Heckscher State Park Campground, campers can enjoy both oceanfront and bay experiences. "The cottages are a short walk from the beach and also include a fire pit with Adirondack chairs and an outdoor shower on the exterior each property," notes Ellen C. For water sports enthusiasts, options abound, as one reviewer mentioned: "There is a lake with a boat dock and a small boardwalk. Kayaking/Canoeing, fishing, and swimming."
Hiking adventures: Trails of varying difficulty levels surround the campgrounds. At Beaver Pond Campground, you can access parts of the historic Appalachian Trail. A camper shared, "Multiple pet-friendly campgrounds in the region offer trails that are friendly to hikers, bikers, and the non arthritic kneers, as most are rated moderate to challenging."
Urban exploration: Camp near NYC for unique urban adventures. A visitor to Jersey City noted, "My wife visited Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Very convenient location... Easy access with our 32 foot RV pulling our Jeep." Many campgrounds serve as convenient bases for day trips into Manhattan via ferry or train connections.
What Campers Like
Spacious sites: Many campers appreciate the ample room at Blydenburgh County Park, with one visitor noting: "Camp on grass! Lovely trees. Everyone is nice. Hiking trails are beautiful. Dog friendly. Clean bathrooms." Another mentioned, "Sites are open and fairly close would be only negative. Lake is great and only a short walk, but no swimming."
Seasonal variety: Long Island camping offers distinct experiences throughout the operating season. One camper at Turkey Swamp Park shared: "We were worried about bugs, but we didn't even use mosquito repellent and didn't get a single bite! The campground was super clean too." The park remains open from April through mid-November.
Proximity to attractions: Campers value the strategic location near both natural areas and urban conveniences. As one visitor to Cheesequake State Park Campground remarked, "This campground was not my first choice. I would rather be in more secluded mountainous campsites. The upside to being so close to the parkway is that there are convenience stores nearby if you forget something."
What You Should Know
Wildlife considerations: Multiple campgrounds report active wildlife, especially ticks. A camper at Cheesequake State Park Campground warned: "We camped here once because it was easy for part of our family to get to from NYC. Sites were a little too close together and one of the sites we reserved was filled with broken glass." Another camper at Turkey Swamp Park noted: "By the 2nd day I had 3 ticks on me. My dog had one and by the end my husband had 2."
Noise levels: Due to proximity to highways and urban areas, many campgrounds aren't completely quiet. One camper reported: "The Parkway is right there so its not a nice quiet place." Another mentioned: "Close to the parkway, constant road noise."
Reservation challenges: Several campgrounds have limited availability during peak season. A visitor to Nickerson Beach Park Campground observed: "This is a small beach campground. It's all but impossible to get an RV spot there from Memorial day to Labor day. Still, it is a clean and well run campground."
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground access: Liberty Harbor RV Park and several other campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. "Very plain & functional, no frills but right on the harbor & on the very edge of Jersey City, close to a ferry & the train that takes u across to New York City. Shopping & restraunts are right next door. We brought scooters & had a great stay!"
Educational experiences: Several parks offer historical sites and nature programs. At Harriman State Park, "Bear Mountain State Park. Here you can find some of the Appalachian Trail, with various smaller trail heads for this historic (Revolutionary Times 1770s) part of the region."
Site selection: For families wanting more privacy, specific loops or areas may be better. A reviewer at Heckscher suggested: "If you're looking for privacy, the sites at the rear seemed to be less-densely packed, even though every site was occupied."
Tips from RVers
Access considerations: Many of the parkways in New York have height restrictions. A camper at Skyline RV Camp warned: "The campground was pretty hard to find. We almost gave up before we found someone local who could point us to the right place. One of the reasons is that their sign is half gone, small, and very hard to read."
Hook-up variations: RV sites offer different levels of amenities. At Liberty Harbor: "Sites kind of level and very close. Power and water, and convenient dump station if staying and needing to dump. The bath house was above average and heated."
Dog friendly campgrounds near Woodmere include several options with varying pet policies. While most allow dogs at campsites, beach access may be restricted. At Turkey Swamp Park, both RV sites and cabins accommodate pets, but owners should maintain awareness of ticks and other wildlife.