Watch Hill Family Campground, near Patchogue, New York, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying the beauty of Fire Island National Seashore. Accessible by ferry, this campground offers a peaceful escape with the soothing sounds of waves and birdsong to accompany your stay.

The campground features essential amenities like toilets and drinking water, making it comfortable for campers. Visitors have highlighted the short walk to the beach, where you can soak up the sun or take a stroll along the shore. One camper noted, “You can get a permit to backcountry camp... it felt like we had the entire beach to ourselves.”

While there are no electric hookups or showers, the charm of camping here lies in the simplicity and natural beauty surrounding you. Be prepared for some pesky mosquitoes, as many campers recommend bringing bug spray to keep them at bay. As one reviewer put it, “Take the good stuff” when it comes to repellent.

For those who want a little more than just camping, there are shops and a café within a short walk, so you can grab a bite or a drink without venturing too far. Whether you’re pitching a tent or opting for a cabin, Watch Hill Family Campground is a great choice for a laid-back beach getaway.

The family campground at Watch Hill provides a camping experience like no other.

Watch Hill Family Campground — Fire Island National Seashore

Looking for the best campgrounds near Bayport, NY? Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Bayport campgrounds just for you. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your New York camping adventure.

Bayport

The Best Camping Near Bayport, New York

Fire Island National Seashore!  Take the ferry over across the bay to this quiet little gem on Long Island.  Amazing, your own ocean and beach!  You are not quite roughing it as there are showers and running water at the Watchhill campground.  Reservations highly recommended!  

On the sand, for real!

Beautiful location steps away from the beach. Listen to the waves crashing as you sleep and stargaze over the clear ocean. Not ready for full on camp-life? No problem! There are shops, a restaurant and a bar a 10 minute walk away! One warning, however, the mosquitoes are extremely potent and plentiful. Take the good stuff. There are park rangers on site and have excellent programs for kids.

Beach camping at its finest

It was absolutely gorgeous, don’t get me wrong.  However, it was nearly impossible to enjoy ourselves because we were getting attacked by mosquitoes and horseflies the entire weekend.  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. Def bring a shelter or a canopy with a mosquito net!!!  We spent a lot of time inside our tent, needless to say.  We tried spending more time up at the beach to get some relief, but the horseflies were out of control!!  They have a cool bar down by the boat dock that was fun, but prob won’t make it back here. 

Expect to be eaten alive

Fire Island is a great spot in the summer, but can be busy. Camping gets you away from the bustle. It is a little less than a half mile walk from the ferry dock and located behind the dunes which offer some protection. Take a quick walk down to the beach.

Two-night minimum on weekends, and no fires. You can bring charcoal to cook on the grills provided or camp stoves, though.

Beach camping (almost)

Only about 20 min drive and 30 min ferry trip for us we got to watch hill. Awesome place close to home easy check in and very friendly ppl. It’s a bit of a walk to camp site but all on board walk (we took to carts full of stuff) some sites are not private meaning some site will have your neighbor right behind you. We had site 2 which was a nice private site. Short walk to the beach. 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. Also come with deet repellent as mosquitos are vicious. Over all great weekend

Beach getaway

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. After that you can choose where you want to set up camp. There are many spots along the dunes and allows to really space out from other campers. It felt like we had the entire beach to ourselves because there was no one else even close to around us, we went the weekend after labor day.

Backcountry Beach Camping

Favorite place ever. You can get there by ferry. Very quiet and comfortable. Birdsong in the morning and the sound of the waves. There are showers, toilets and a café. For those who want to be at one with nature. Lots of mosquitoes, be prepared.

Photos of Watch Hill Family Campground — Fire Island National Seashore

Real photos from real campers