The best river, stream, or creek camping in Long Island

·

On Long Island, camping by the river means easy access to fishing spots, swimming holes, and stretches of quiet water for wildlife-watching. With over 220 river-focused campsites in the area, you’ll find options that let you pitch a tent steps from the bank or tucked in the woods nearby. Prices start at $45 a night, with the average hovering around $70. Top picks like Peconic River Campgrounds (301 reviews), Mickelberry Forest Gardens (160 reviews), and Lincoln Kirstein (21 reviews) get high marks for easy river access and relaxed settings. Campfires are allowed at most sites, toilets are provided, and pets are welcome. Expect mornings with mist over the water and evenings around the fire. Bring your rod, binoculars, and a sense of adventure—Long Island’s river campsites deliver the goods.

91% (593) 16 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Long Island

Peconic River Campgrounds

1. Peconic River Campgrounds

95%
(669)
24 sites · Tents, RVs · Calverton, NY
Grassy field. Natural woods. River accessible. We are located 30 minutes from Long Island, NY. Feel free to pitch your tent anywhere you like on the property. Choose the grassy meadow or the natural woods filled with trees. Have a campfire and enjoy nature. Bring fishing gear and cast away. Go for a relaxing walk on the 2,000 feet of walkable dikes right on the river. Bring your canoe or kayak and feel free to launch it right on site. Toilets and shower are available. Potable water available. Pet-friendly! Bring a bike and explore our dirt trails across the street. Or visit the man-made dam on Dam RD just 2 minutes down the road, where you can take a dip in the water. If you're looking to get away from the hustle and bustle, look no further! It's serene, peaceful, and private. So come experience it for yourself! Nature awaits!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$35
 / night
Mickelberry Forest Gardens

2. Mickelberry Forest Gardens

99%
(221)
2 sites · Tents, RVs · Newtown , CT
The meadow we occupy was once the farmers property that I grew up next to at my parents farm house. When he wanted to sell his property he offered it to us for purchase at a fair price if we would not develop more than we needed to live here. We maintained the meadow adjacent to our property and have kept it as an agricultural site. We have had our son develop an edible forest garden and a unique diversified small orchard so we can eat and share healthy organic fruits and vegetables while helping our environment and wildlife and educating others to do the same. It is expensive to live in Newtown but we love our property. We want to teach others to grow food from their land while helping to support us keeping our adjacent property agricultural and undeveloped. Our property has provided many happy gatherings and events and we love to share it with others. Let us know if there is anything special we can help provide for you. Come visit Mickleberry!!! Learn more about this land: Thank you to all the wonderful friends we have met through this amazing program.  We regret that our community at this time does now allow for "transient" renting of property and I unknowingly was operating outside of the zoning rules and regulations of our town.  Please continue to get outside and enjoy all the beautiful places and spaces this world has to offer and keep in touch.  We love you all!  Thank you for your support!   Bill and Amy  Enjoy your stay next to our edible forest garden on the Edge of a beautiful meadow along side the orchard of berries, nuts  and fruit trees.  Various seasons will offer you an opportunity to pick your own breakfast in our maturing establishment.   You can enjoy exploring, and examining our 7 year permacultuire food forest with chestnut seedlings already tall enough to climb , 10-foot hazels bearing buckets of nuts and a different selection of raspberries, blackberries, gooseberry, currents, golden berries, service berries and Mulberries.      Enjoy a stroll   through the meadow trail to breath in  morning views and evening fireflies and stars.  This camp area is very private but household amenities are not far away if desired.  This site is much more private than Mickelberry Forest Garden Site and the beautiful mountain view is only a small step away.  One mile away we offer nearby blue mark trails, mountain biking, lake and outdoor activities are at your fingertips and your hosts will be happy to provide any assistance needed to find or enjoy these opportunities.  The Creamery (Ferris Acres) is one of the best farm ice cream shops in the East.  We can provide breakfast upon request from our free range chickens on our kiwi lined deck with beautiful mountain views.     Come and enjoy the croak of the bullfrog and the sound of the crickets.  We are new and growing our amenities so at this time check the overview for available amenities but you can guarantee we won't disappoint.  Come visit Mickelberry Forest Garden and The Meadow's Edge our newest most private site!!!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
$60
 / night
Lincoln Kirstein

3. Lincoln Kirstein

83%
(29)
1 site · Tent, RV · Weston, CT
Private compound Close to Merritt Parkway and I95 1 hour from NYC Hidden off the main road 800 ft long single lane driveway Quite camp; peaceful with access to town center grocery and gas station 15-20 minutes to metro north train stations Flat parking for vans and small to medium size rvs Hiking trails and bike jumps on and right of the property 1-mile trail behind house to town center Beautiful birds chirping, wildlife, and nature You will love this spot
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
$68
 / night
Rocky Neck State Park

4. Rocky Neck State Park

100%
(5)
158 sites · Niantic, Connecticut
If you were (or have) the little kid who had the toy train setup every holiday season, you’re going to go ballistic over this place. Rocky Neck State Park is home to some of the country’s finest train watching. Kick back on the Long Island Sound, watch the railroad cars roll by and try to guess how many there are until the caboose.Of course, there are a whole lot of other things to do in this beautiful area. The beach here rivals the best in Connecticut, with soft white sand that makes it ideal for swimming. If you get tired of watching trains, you can watch birds instead. Osprey, cranes, herons and mute swans all frequent the marshes. So how about it? All aboard to Rocky Neck!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Hurd State Park

5. Hurd State Park

100%
(1)
1 site · Higganum, Connecticut
A riverfront park with nearly 1,000 acres of land, Hurd State Park is easily recognizable by a large split rock that towers above the trees. As one of only four state parks in Connecticut that offer primitive camping for boaters, the area is uber popular with small boat owners.Boat or not, visitors can also enjoy great views of the Connecticut River, hiking for all levels of expertise and mountain biking. While the long days of summer are probably the best times to take advantage of all this park has to explore, winter visitors can still park for a hike or cross-country skiing. If you’re a believer in variety as the spice of life, head on over to George Dudley Seymour State Park. It’s right next door!
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
Romantic Botanical Glamping

6. Romantic Botanical Glamping

1 site · Lodging · Southbury, CT
Pets: Conditionally accepted with owner approval. Must be cat-friendly (we have 3 cats), well-trained, quiet, and not use garden beds as bathrooms. Contact us before bringing pets. Seasonal Activities: June - strawberries, irises, snowbells; July - wild raspberries, roses, cucumbers, nasturtiums, tomatoes; August - squash, peppers, more flowers; September/October - apples, pears. Roses bloom all summer. 20+ page local activity guide provided. Property Details: Organically sprayed monthly for ticks/bugs. Rain creates a soothing tent experience. Some amenities (refrigerator, dryer) available by request. Check-in/out: Early check-in 9am, late checkout until 3pm (if no other guests arriving). Flexible checkout times available - just ask. Pool shared with homeowners, no lifeguards - swim at own risk. Housekeeping: Use trash receptacles. Extra bags in clear container behind tent chair. Recyclables can be returned by guests (.10 value in CT) or left in buckets by dish cart.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from 
$152
 / night
Riverdale Farm Campsite

7. Riverdale Farm Campsite

172 sites · Clinton, CT
Experience the charm of Riverdale Farm Campsites, a unique family vacation destination set on a sprawling 100-acre colonial farm in Connecticut. This hidden gem is perfectly situated between a picturesque country road and the tranquil Hammonasset River, offering a serene escape for nature lovers and families alike. Our campground features a variety of spacious sites, including wooded areas, waterfront spots, and grassy meadows, ensuring privacy and comfort for every camper. We provide essential amenities such as water, electric, and 3-way hook-ups, with the added convenience of new 50-amp electric service. For those new to camping, we offer on-site rentals that make it easy to dive into the outdoor experience. At Riverdale Farm Campsites, we pride ourselves on our outstanding recreational facilities, which are unmatched in the region. Our friendly and relaxed atmosphere allows you to unwind and enjoy quality time with loved ones. We focus on providing top-notch amenities and full services while avoiding the hustle and bustle often found at other campgrounds. Leave your worries behind and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature at Riverdale Farm Campsites. With nearby beaches along Long Island and a wealth of outdoor activities, restaurants, and shops, your vacation promises to be both enjoyable and memorable.
Selden Neck State Park

8. Selden Neck State Park

4 sites · Deep River Center, Connecticut
A 607-acre island park bordered by Selden Creek on the east and the Connecticut River to the west, Selden Neck State Park is about one half mile wide and one and a half miles long. Aside from a few tidal marshes, it is completely blanketed with lush woodland vegetation.Unique for being one of the few places in Connecticut offering boating campsites, visitors can also partake in many traditional camping activities during their visit. The lookout points from the trails are highly recommended and will make you totally understand why the Nature Conservancy dubbed the lower Connecticut River as one of “America’s Last Great Places.”
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
Gillette Castle State Park

9. Gillette Castle State Park

1 site · Chester Center, Connecticut
Straddling the towns of East Haddam and Lyme, Gillette Castle State Park receives a whopping 300,000 visitors each year. But then again, that’s just kinda what happens when you have a flippin’ medieval castle here. The landmark castle was once a private residence commissioned and designed by actor, director and playwright William Gillette, known for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes.Besides touring the castle and its museum, the park entertains many traditional recreational opportunities, but also some far less common ones too. It’s one of the few places in the state where you can river camp, and in honor of its history, still hosts many theatrical celebrations. It’s elementary dear reader, why you won’t want to skip over this one.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
Devil's Hopyard State Park

10. Devil's Hopyard State Park

63%
(4)
22 sites · Moodus, Connecticut
Devil’s Hopyard got its name from a couple of different stories, although it does sounds like a great name for a delicious india pale ale. The Hopyard part is in fact believed to have origins tracing back to a farmer who grew hops for brewing near Chapman Falls, the main attraction of this area. The Devil part likely comes from early settlers who tried to explain away the unique potholes in the stone around the waterfall with the supernatural.These potholes are actually perfectly explainable by science, go figure. As stones moved down stream, some would occasionally get trapped in an eddy, causing them to swirl around and erode the rock. The devil story is much more interesting though, which claims that the devil accidentally got his tail wet one day and was so angry, he burned holes in the stones with his hooves. Guess you'll have to go see it for yourself and make up your own mind on what truly happened. While you're there, make sure to check out the awesome hiking, fishing and mountain biking in the area. Devil's Hopyard State Park is just as full of outdoor activities as it is with history.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires

On Long Island, camping by the river means easy access to fishing spots, swimming holes, and stretches of quiet water for wildlife-watching. With over 220 river-focused campsites in the area, you’ll find options that let you pitch a tent steps from the bank or tucked in the woods nearby. Prices start at $45 a night, with the average hovering around $70. Top picks like Peconic River Campgrounds (301 reviews), Mickelberry Forest Gardens (160 reviews), and Lincoln Kirstein (21 reviews) get high marks for easy river access and relaxed settings. Campfires are allowed at most sites, toilets are provided, and pets are welcome. Expect mornings with mist over the water and evenings around the fire. Bring your rod, binoculars, and a sense of adventure—Long Island’s river campsites deliver the goods.

91% (593) 16 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Long Island

Peconic River Campgrounds

1. Peconic River Campgrounds

95%
(669)
24 sites · Tents, RVs · Calverton, NY
Grassy field. Natural woods. River accessible. We are located 30 minutes from Long Island, NY. Feel free to pitch your tent anywhere you like on the property. Choose the grassy meadow or the natural woods filled with trees. Have a campfire and enjoy nature. Bring fishing gear and cast away. Go for a relaxing walk on the 2,000 feet of walkable dikes right on the river. Bring your canoe or kayak and feel free to launch it right on site. Toilets and shower are available. Potable water available. Pet-friendly! Bring a bike and explore our dirt trails across the street. Or visit the man-made dam on Dam RD just 2 minutes down the road, where you can take a dip in the water. If you're looking to get away from the hustle and bustle, look no further! It's serene, peaceful, and private. So come experience it for yourself! Nature awaits!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$35
 / night
Mickelberry Forest Gardens

2. Mickelberry Forest Gardens

99%
(221)
2 sites · Tents, RVs · Newtown , CT
The meadow we occupy was once the farmers property that I grew up next to at my parents farm house. When he wanted to sell his property he offered it to us for purchase at a fair price if we would not develop more than we needed to live here. We maintained the meadow adjacent to our property and have kept it as an agricultural site. We have had our son develop an edible forest garden and a unique diversified small orchard so we can eat and share healthy organic fruits and vegetables while helping our environment and wildlife and educating others to do the same. It is expensive to live in Newtown but we love our property. We want to teach others to grow food from their land while helping to support us keeping our adjacent property agricultural and undeveloped. Our property has provided many happy gatherings and events and we love to share it with others. Let us know if there is anything special we can help provide for you. Come visit Mickleberry!!! Learn more about this land: Thank you to all the wonderful friends we have met through this amazing program.  We regret that our community at this time does now allow for "transient" renting of property and I unknowingly was operating outside of the zoning rules and regulations of our town.  Please continue to get outside and enjoy all the beautiful places and spaces this world has to offer and keep in touch.  We love you all!  Thank you for your support!   Bill and Amy  Enjoy your stay next to our edible forest garden on the Edge of a beautiful meadow along side the orchard of berries, nuts  and fruit trees.  Various seasons will offer you an opportunity to pick your own breakfast in our maturing establishment.   You can enjoy exploring, and examining our 7 year permacultuire food forest with chestnut seedlings already tall enough to climb , 10-foot hazels bearing buckets of nuts and a different selection of raspberries, blackberries, gooseberry, currents, golden berries, service berries and Mulberries.      Enjoy a stroll   through the meadow trail to breath in  morning views and evening fireflies and stars.  This camp area is very private but household amenities are not far away if desired.  This site is much more private than Mickelberry Forest Garden Site and the beautiful mountain view is only a small step away.  One mile away we offer nearby blue mark trails, mountain biking, lake and outdoor activities are at your fingertips and your hosts will be happy to provide any assistance needed to find or enjoy these opportunities.  The Creamery (Ferris Acres) is one of the best farm ice cream shops in the East.  We can provide breakfast upon request from our free range chickens on our kiwi lined deck with beautiful mountain views.     Come and enjoy the croak of the bullfrog and the sound of the crickets.  We are new and growing our amenities so at this time check the overview for available amenities but you can guarantee we won't disappoint.  Come visit Mickelberry Forest Garden and The Meadow's Edge our newest most private site!!!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
$60
 / night
Lincoln Kirstein

3. Lincoln Kirstein

83%
(29)
1 site · Tent, RV · Weston, CT
Private compound Close to Merritt Parkway and I95 1 hour from NYC Hidden off the main road 800 ft long single lane driveway Quite camp; peaceful with access to town center grocery and gas station 15-20 minutes to metro north train stations Flat parking for vans and small to medium size rvs Hiking trails and bike jumps on and right of the property 1-mile trail behind house to town center Beautiful birds chirping, wildlife, and nature You will love this spot
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
$68
 / night
Rocky Neck State Park

4. Rocky Neck State Park

100%
(5)
158 sites · Niantic, Connecticut
If you were (or have) the little kid who had the toy train setup every holiday season, you’re going to go ballistic over this place. Rocky Neck State Park is home to some of the country’s finest train watching. Kick back on the Long Island Sound, watch the railroad cars roll by and try to guess how many there are until the caboose.Of course, there are a whole lot of other things to do in this beautiful area. The beach here rivals the best in Connecticut, with soft white sand that makes it ideal for swimming. If you get tired of watching trains, you can watch birds instead. Osprey, cranes, herons and mute swans all frequent the marshes. So how about it? All aboard to Rocky Neck!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Hurd State Park

5. Hurd State Park

100%
(1)
1 site · Higganum, Connecticut
A riverfront park with nearly 1,000 acres of land, Hurd State Park is easily recognizable by a large split rock that towers above the trees. As one of only four state parks in Connecticut that offer primitive camping for boaters, the area is uber popular with small boat owners.Boat or not, visitors can also enjoy great views of the Connecticut River, hiking for all levels of expertise and mountain biking. While the long days of summer are probably the best times to take advantage of all this park has to explore, winter visitors can still park for a hike or cross-country skiing. If you’re a believer in variety as the spice of life, head on over to George Dudley Seymour State Park. It’s right next door!
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
Romantic Botanical Glamping

6. Romantic Botanical Glamping

1 site · Lodging · Southbury, CT
Pets: Conditionally accepted with owner approval. Must be cat-friendly (we have 3 cats), well-trained, quiet, and not use garden beds as bathrooms. Contact us before bringing pets. Seasonal Activities: June - strawberries, irises, snowbells; July - wild raspberries, roses, cucumbers, nasturtiums, tomatoes; August - squash, peppers, more flowers; September/October - apples, pears. Roses bloom all summer. 20+ page local activity guide provided. Property Details: Organically sprayed monthly for ticks/bugs. Rain creates a soothing tent experience. Some amenities (refrigerator, dryer) available by request. Check-in/out: Early check-in 9am, late checkout until 3pm (if no other guests arriving). Flexible checkout times available - just ask. Pool shared with homeowners, no lifeguards - swim at own risk. Housekeeping: Use trash receptacles. Extra bags in clear container behind tent chair. Recyclables can be returned by guests (.10 value in CT) or left in buckets by dish cart.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from 
$152
 / night
Riverdale Farm Campsite

7. Riverdale Farm Campsite

172 sites · Clinton, CT
Experience the charm of Riverdale Farm Campsites, a unique family vacation destination set on a sprawling 100-acre colonial farm in Connecticut. This hidden gem is perfectly situated between a picturesque country road and the tranquil Hammonasset River, offering a serene escape for nature lovers and families alike. Our campground features a variety of spacious sites, including wooded areas, waterfront spots, and grassy meadows, ensuring privacy and comfort for every camper. We provide essential amenities such as water, electric, and 3-way hook-ups, with the added convenience of new 50-amp electric service. For those new to camping, we offer on-site rentals that make it easy to dive into the outdoor experience. At Riverdale Farm Campsites, we pride ourselves on our outstanding recreational facilities, which are unmatched in the region. Our friendly and relaxed atmosphere allows you to unwind and enjoy quality time with loved ones. We focus on providing top-notch amenities and full services while avoiding the hustle and bustle often found at other campgrounds. Leave your worries behind and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature at Riverdale Farm Campsites. With nearby beaches along Long Island and a wealth of outdoor activities, restaurants, and shops, your vacation promises to be both enjoyable and memorable.
Selden Neck State Park

8. Selden Neck State Park

4 sites · Deep River Center, Connecticut
A 607-acre island park bordered by Selden Creek on the east and the Connecticut River to the west, Selden Neck State Park is about one half mile wide and one and a half miles long. Aside from a few tidal marshes, it is completely blanketed with lush woodland vegetation.Unique for being one of the few places in Connecticut offering boating campsites, visitors can also partake in many traditional camping activities during their visit. The lookout points from the trails are highly recommended and will make you totally understand why the Nature Conservancy dubbed the lower Connecticut River as one of “America’s Last Great Places.”
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
Gillette Castle State Park

9. Gillette Castle State Park

1 site · Chester Center, Connecticut
Straddling the towns of East Haddam and Lyme, Gillette Castle State Park receives a whopping 300,000 visitors each year. But then again, that’s just kinda what happens when you have a flippin’ medieval castle here. The landmark castle was once a private residence commissioned and designed by actor, director and playwright William Gillette, known for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes.Besides touring the castle and its museum, the park entertains many traditional recreational opportunities, but also some far less common ones too. It’s one of the few places in the state where you can river camp, and in honor of its history, still hosts many theatrical celebrations. It’s elementary dear reader, why you won’t want to skip over this one.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
Devil's Hopyard State Park

10. Devil's Hopyard State Park

63%
(4)
22 sites · Moodus, Connecticut
Devil’s Hopyard got its name from a couple of different stories, although it does sounds like a great name for a delicious india pale ale. The Hopyard part is in fact believed to have origins tracing back to a farmer who grew hops for brewing near Chapman Falls, the main attraction of this area. The Devil part likely comes from early settlers who tried to explain away the unique potholes in the stone around the waterfall with the supernatural.These potholes are actually perfectly explainable by science, go figure. As stones moved down stream, some would occasionally get trapped in an eddy, causing them to swirl around and erode the rock. The devil story is much more interesting though, which claims that the devil accidentally got his tail wet one day and was so angry, he burned holes in the stones with his hooves. Guess you'll have to go see it for yourself and make up your own mind on what truly happened. While you're there, make sure to check out the awesome hiking, fishing and mountain biking in the area. Devil's Hopyard State Park is just as full of outdoor activities as it is with history.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field