New York's "Beachfront Backyard" lets you camp in style, whether you prefer beaches or bluffs.
Stretching east of Queens all the way to Montauk, Long Island covers Nassau County and Suffolk County and a wealth of natural and other attractions that make it a popular getaway. With more than 1,000 miles of shoreline, it’s not surprising that its many beaches and islands are a big draw, from the family-friendly Long Beach to the glamorous East Hampton Main Beach. Stay active by hiking, biking, horseback riding, salt and freshwater fishing, and all manner of water play. There’s also plenty of history, culture, shopping, dining, and nightlife. Campgrounds can be found around the island and will suit all types of campers, from wooded glamping and RV camping with full hookups to backcountry tent sites and plenty of beach camping in between.
North Fork
On the northeastern end of Long Island, the North Fork stretches for 30 miles from Riverhead past Greenport to Orient Point. Home to more than 60 wineries, family-owned farms, and charming seaside villages, the North Fork offers a bucolic escape, along with scenic beaches and easy access to the Long Island Sound, Atlantic Ocean, and Peconic Bay. Camping options include the year-round Indian Island County Park and private campgrounds offering everything from tent and RV camping to cabins and glamping tents.
South Fork
Encompassing the Hamptons and Montauk, the South Fork is one of the most glamorous and popular destinations on Long Island, a place to see and be seen, and to take advantage of the sun, sand, and surf. This is also one of the best areas for outer beach camping, available at Montauk County Park, Cupsogue County Park, and Shinnecock East County Park. Stay under the shady forest of Cedar Point County Park in East Hampton and enjoy easy access to Hamptons nightlife and attractions.
North Shore
Known as the Gold Coast, this section north of the Long Island Expressway stretches from Sands Point Preserve to Wildwood State Park in Wading River, which offers scenic camping with views of the Long Island Sound. Camp and enjoy secluded nature at Blydenburgh County Park in Smithtown, next to Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, or at Cathedral Pines County Park in nearby Middle Island. Explore the quaint villages of Huntington, Stony Brook, and Oyster Bay, tour historic sites and opulent mansions, or play on the rocky beaches along the Long Island Sound.
South Shore
For seemingly endless beaches, head to the South Shore. The 50-mile stretch is home to popular beaches such as Jones Beach and Long Beach and the lively towns of Patchogue and Babylon. Across the Great South Bay, explore the beaches and resort towns of car-free Fire Island. Enjoying tent camping or glamping at Watch Hill or head into the Otis Pike Fire Island High Dune Wilderness for backcountry wilderness camping. Smith Point County Park offers trailer sites.