The best camping in Long Island with wildlife watching

·

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.

94% (344) 945 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Long Island

Mickelberry Forest Gardens

1. Mickelberry Forest Gardens

99%
(222)
Newtown , CT · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
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
Humble Farm with Simplicity

2. Humble Farm with Simplicity

96%
(213)
Higganum, CT · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Bring your family and friends to camp at our quiet and very earthy and modest small family farm. Located in backwoods horse pastures with chickens, a dog, and a few horses. The property is very spread out and there are 2 outhouses for all sites to use. Your pets are welcome too! Locally there are state parks with beaches, and state forest for trails and lakes, hiking and biking. Or you can just relax and enjoy the serenity! OUR ADDRESS IS #200 NOT #204 Two parallel driveways THE DRIVEWAY TO THE LEFT FROM THE STREET IS OURS. Other attractions include local farmers markets, Millers Pond, Hammonassette State Park Beach, Gilette's Castle, with the famous River Ferry crossing the Connecticut River with a vehicle across to East Haddam at end of Rt. 148... We offer an hot H2O outdoor shower here for the comfort of out clients. It is located on the back of main house in corner. Entrance through gate is marked. Also See map in photos. We cannot allow any wood for camp fires to be brought in form the outside for environmental reasons. It can be pre-purchased for $12 per bundle on this site, or $10.00 cash here at farm. Farm Fresh eggs daily when available for $5.00 per 1/2 dozen. Blankets and pillows only are provided, NO LINENS for cabin or trailer sites only. Garbage removal is available as well $5 per bag provided.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$49
 / night
Zen Paradise

3. Zen Paradise

86%
(7)
Wilton Center, CT · 2 sites
Learn more about this land: Site 1 (Zen Paradise) is a fully fenced-in campsite and no visibility from the house. Fence gates lead to a creek and a forested area. Site 2 (Best Kept Secret) is located in the forested area is completely secluded.
Pets
Toilets
Potable water
from 
$70
 / night
Hither Hills State Park

4. Hither Hills State Park

100%
(13)
State park in New York · 153 sites
This New York park boasts sand dunes and ocean views.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Rocky Neck State Park

5. Rocky Neck State Park

100%
(5)
State park in Connecticut · 158 sites
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
Romantic Botanical Glamping

6. Romantic Botanical Glamping

Southbury, CT · 1 site
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 
$160
 / night
Kettletown State Park

7. Kettletown State Park

100%
(2)
State park in Connecticut · 61 sites
Summers get hot in the northeast. And muggy. We’re sweating just thinking about it. When it’s mid-July and Connecticut is threatening to burst into flames, Kettletown State Park is where people go to cool off.The refreshing waters of the Housatonic River and Lake Zoar are guaranteed to lower your body temperature and restore your energy levels. The rest of the park that isn’t water is heavily wooded, providing lots of welcome shade. Shoot, you could even go for a hike and not worry about overheating. It’s the perfect summer getaway from summer, if that makes sense. Don’t think about it too much, just go.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Hurd State Park

8. Hurd State Park

100%
(1)
State park in Connecticut · 1 site
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
Selden Neck State Park

9. Selden Neck State Park

State park in Connecticut · 4 sites
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
Hammonasset Beach State Park

10. Hammonasset Beach State Park

81%
(8)
State park in Connecticut · 559 sites
Cool down at these sandy beaches or stroll the footpaths through a scenic wildlife preserve.
Pets
Toilets
Showers

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.

94% (344) 945 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Long Island

Mickelberry Forest Gardens

1. Mickelberry Forest Gardens

99%
(222)
Newtown , CT · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
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
Humble Farm with Simplicity

2. Humble Farm with Simplicity

96%
(213)
Higganum, CT · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Bring your family and friends to camp at our quiet and very earthy and modest small family farm. Located in backwoods horse pastures with chickens, a dog, and a few horses. The property is very spread out and there are 2 outhouses for all sites to use. Your pets are welcome too! Locally there are state parks with beaches, and state forest for trails and lakes, hiking and biking. Or you can just relax and enjoy the serenity! OUR ADDRESS IS #200 NOT #204 Two parallel driveways THE DRIVEWAY TO THE LEFT FROM THE STREET IS OURS. Other attractions include local farmers markets, Millers Pond, Hammonassette State Park Beach, Gilette's Castle, with the famous River Ferry crossing the Connecticut River with a vehicle across to East Haddam at end of Rt. 148... We offer an hot H2O outdoor shower here for the comfort of out clients. It is located on the back of main house in corner. Entrance through gate is marked. Also See map in photos. We cannot allow any wood for camp fires to be brought in form the outside for environmental reasons. It can be pre-purchased for $12 per bundle on this site, or $10.00 cash here at farm. Farm Fresh eggs daily when available for $5.00 per 1/2 dozen. Blankets and pillows only are provided, NO LINENS for cabin or trailer sites only. Garbage removal is available as well $5 per bag provided.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$49
 / night
Zen Paradise

3. Zen Paradise

86%
(7)
Wilton Center, CT · 2 sites
Learn more about this land: Site 1 (Zen Paradise) is a fully fenced-in campsite and no visibility from the house. Fence gates lead to a creek and a forested area. Site 2 (Best Kept Secret) is located in the forested area is completely secluded.
Pets
Toilets
Potable water
from 
$70
 / night
Hither Hills State Park

4. Hither Hills State Park

100%
(13)
State park in New York · 153 sites
This New York park boasts sand dunes and ocean views.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Rocky Neck State Park

5. Rocky Neck State Park

100%
(5)
State park in Connecticut · 158 sites
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
Romantic Botanical Glamping

6. Romantic Botanical Glamping

Southbury, CT · 1 site
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 
$160
 / night
Kettletown State Park

7. Kettletown State Park

100%
(2)
State park in Connecticut · 61 sites
Summers get hot in the northeast. And muggy. We’re sweating just thinking about it. When it’s mid-July and Connecticut is threatening to burst into flames, Kettletown State Park is where people go to cool off.The refreshing waters of the Housatonic River and Lake Zoar are guaranteed to lower your body temperature and restore your energy levels. The rest of the park that isn’t water is heavily wooded, providing lots of welcome shade. Shoot, you could even go for a hike and not worry about overheating. It’s the perfect summer getaway from summer, if that makes sense. Don’t think about it too much, just go.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Hurd State Park

8. Hurd State Park

100%
(1)
State park in Connecticut · 1 site
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
Selden Neck State Park

9. Selden Neck State Park

State park in Connecticut · 4 sites
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
Hammonasset Beach State Park

10. Hammonasset Beach State Park

81%
(8)
State park in Connecticut · 559 sites
Cool down at these sandy beaches or stroll the footpaths through a scenic wildlife preserve.
Pets
Toilets
Showers

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Long Island camping guide

Where to go

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.

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

Top national parks and forests in and near Long Island