Rowboat and kayak rentals give water enthusiasts a direct reason to base themselves at Southaven County Park, a forested county-run campground in Brookhaven, New York, where the Carmans River runs close enough to the sites that mosquitoes are a genuine concern in summer months. Campers who have stayed here note the grounds are well-maintained and the layout is large enough that sites don't feel crowded against one another. Hiking, walking, and biking trails thread through the surrounding woods, and picnic areas near the water fill up quickly on weekends, so arriving early pays off.
Sites on the electric hookup side of the campground are generally in better shape than those without power, and the park accommodates RVs up to 75 feet with water and electric connections plus a dump station. Rangers are known to enforce rules firmly. One recurring noise note: a skeet range operates nearby, and gunshots carry across the campground at irregular intervals throughout the day. Ken P. sums up the overall mood as "relaxing, slight rain one day but who cares." Non-residents pay a $13 entrance fee on top of the $33 nightly rate, and a Green Key card membership can unlock discounts at the park and at nearby beach parking.
Smith's Point is roughly a 15-minute drive south, making it a reasonable day trip for campers who want ocean access alongside the river-adjacent setting here. The campground runs year-round, accepts pets, and has WiFi, showers, and drinking water on site. Campers who want a different setup can explore campgrounds around Shirley for additional options in the immediate area.
Description
The Carmans River flows through this scenic, pine-oak forested park. Southaven is a popular picnicking site, containing group areas capable of accommodating up to 1,000 people. Southaven's 1,356 acres also offer a bicycle hostel. Boating and freshwater fishing are permitted. Camping is also available, with sites for tents and trailers.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsSouthaven County Park is located in New York near Shirley
Directions
From Long Island Expwy (I-495, exit 68S): Go S on William Floyd Pkwy to 4th traffic light, then W on Victory Ave, then 1/2 mi N on River Rd.
Coordinates
40.806292639518205 N
72.89276568359705 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/14/26
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&T5GGood Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/14/26
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&T5GGood Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 10 min from New York, NY
- 1 hr 40 min from Bridgeport, CT
- 1 hr 56 min from New Haven, CT
- 2 hrs 9 min from Waterbury, CT







