Sleeping Under the Stars: The Best Camping Spots on Long Island
Surrounded by pristine beaches, dense woods, and tranquil bays, Long Island offers some of the best camping sites for those eager to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Whether you're an experienced camper or a newbie looking for your first outdoor adventure, Long Island's diverse camping grounds provide the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable night under the stars.
Key Takeaways
Long Island is home to a variety of camping sites, each offering unique experiences.
Camping in Long Island provides opportunities for diverse outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and bird watching.
Some sites offer amenities like picnic areas, restrooms, and outdoor showers, while others provide a more rustic experience.
Camping provides a way to connect with nature and experience the beauty of Long Island's landscapes.
Stretching eastward from New York City, Long Island's unique geography, from its sandy beaches to its lush forests, makes it a prime location for outdoor enthusiasts. Let's explore some of the best places to go camping on Long Island.
Wildwood State Park
Located on the North Shore in Wading River, offers 600 acres of undeveloped hardwood forest terminating on the high bluff overlooking Long Island Sound. Campers can enjoy swimming, fishing, hiking, or simply lounging on the beach. The park provides campsites for tents and trailers with outdoor grills, picnic areas, and restroom facilities. For more information, visit
Hither Hills State Park
Located in Montauk. This park offers campers the unique opportunity to camp right on the beach, with the Atlantic Ocean as your front yard. By day, campers can fish, hike, or explore the walking dunes of Napeague Harbor. By night, the park provides a fantastic location for stargazing.
Nickerson Beach Park
Located in Lido Beach, is another excellent option for beach camping. The park features several campgrounds, a fun zone for kids, a skate park, and access to the beach. Campers can enjoy the ocean breeze, surf, or bird watch at the nearby bird sanctuary.
Otis Pike Fire Island High Dune Wilderness
Accessible only by foot or boat, this federally designated wilderness area provides a primitive camping experience. This site is ideal for those looking for a more remote, off-the-grid experience, with opportunities for wildlife viewing and beachcombing.
Eastern Long Island Kampgrounds
Greenport offers a more family-oriented camping experience with amenities like a swimming pool, bike rental, a dog park, and a variety of planned activities. This campground offers a mix of tent sites, RV sites, and cabin rentals.
Camping on Long Island offers a diverse range of experiences, from the beachside bliss of Hither Hills State Park and Nickerson Beach Park to the rustic solitude of Otis Pike Fire Island High Dune Wilderness. The family-friendly Eastern Long Island Kampgrounds and the natural allure of Wildwood State Park also offer unique outdoor experiences. With numerous opportunities for hiking, fishing, bird watching, and simply relaxing under the stars, these camping sites highlight the natural beauty and diverse landscapes of Long Island, making them ideal getaways for nature enthusiasts and city dwellers seeking an escape. Whether you're an experienced camper or a first-timer, these sites offer an unforgettable way to connect with nature and appreciate the outdoor treasures of Long Island.
