The best river, stream, or creek glamping near Shelter Island, New York

Camping near Shelter Island, New York has never been better with over 80 available options that cater to those who love glamping and river activities. With campsites such as Moon In The Pond Farm (100 reviews), Magpie and Jaebird's Little A-frame (73 reviews), and Vintage camper, wifi & firepit (68 reviews), you're guaranteed a comfortable stay. Enjoy popular amenities such as trash, campfires, and showers while engaging in activities like snow sports, hiking, and swimming. Average price per night is $82 and options are available as low as $25. Book your stay now!

96% (68)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Water Forest Retreat

100%

(23)

33mi from Shelter Island · 3 sites · Lodging · Bozrah, CT

This property has been in my family for three generations. It is classic Connecticut with hills and streams and stone walls. The octagon is a private 122 ft.² that is electrified and heated. It has a full size bed, cabinet and table with chairs. It sits next to a brook on 56 acres of forest with a pond, small waterfall, marsh and 2 1/2 miles of hiking trails. There is a fire pit and outdoor dining area next to the octagon. We also have a propane outdoor grill and propane two burner camp stove. Out house with composting toilet close to octagon is heated. A great place to rejuvenate in the forest! Dogs welcome.

2. Inlaw Apt @River near Casino, Kayak

100%

(1)

40mi from Shelter Island · 1 site · Lodging · Baltic, CT

Enjoy a music-inspired, private entranced in-law "apartment" in a home right on the river! See beautiful wildlife such as swans, bald eagles, herons, bobcats and river otters, while enjoying the river with three kayaks and a canoe provided. Enjoy your own space with a bedroom (queen bed), kitchenette, bathroom, living room with queen sleeper sofa and a dining area. Just outside your door is a covered patio that overlooks the river, with a gas fire pit, dining table, grill, couch, lounge chairs and a hammock. Walk down the steep slope to access the river or to hike the almost 5 acres of land on the river. (make sure during summer months you have tick spray when hiking). Unique property where you must be physically fit to access the slope that leads down to the river. It is steep and can be dangerous. Life vests are provided and must be worn when kayaking. No beginner kayakers! This is not the place to learn how to kayak on a river, so please be honest with yourself, as the river can get rough. No fires allowed other than the gas fire table on the patio. Gas grill provided for outdoor barbecuing. The in-law apartment is also 13 miles from Mohegan Sun Casino with numerous shops, gambling, restaurants and concerts year-round. Foxwoods casino is about 15 miles away as well. We are about 30 miles from the ocean. Beautiful towns such as Old Saybrook, Mystic, Stonington, Essex and Niantic are just a few local towns worth discovering.

Camping near Shelter Island, New York has never been better with over 80 available options that cater to those who love glamping and river activities. With campsites such as Moon In The Pond Farm (100 reviews), Magpie and Jaebird's Little A-frame (73 reviews), and Vintage camper, wifi & firepit (68 reviews), you're guaranteed a comfortable stay. Enjoy popular amenities such as trash, campfires, and showers while engaging in activities like snow sports, hiking, and swimming. Average price per night is $82 and options are available as low as $25. Book your stay now!

96% (68)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Water Forest Retreat

100%

(23)

33mi from Shelter Island · 3 sites · Lodging · Bozrah, CT

This property has been in my family for three generations. It is classic Connecticut with hills and streams and stone walls. The octagon is a private 122 ft.² that is electrified and heated. It has a full size bed, cabinet and table with chairs. It sits next to a brook on 56 acres of forest with a pond, small waterfall, marsh and 2 1/2 miles of hiking trails. There is a fire pit and outdoor dining area next to the octagon. We also have a propane outdoor grill and propane two burner camp stove. Out house with composting toilet close to octagon is heated. A great place to rejuvenate in the forest! Dogs welcome.

2. Inlaw Apt @River near Casino, Kayak

100%

(1)

40mi from Shelter Island · 1 site · Lodging · Baltic, CT

Enjoy a music-inspired, private entranced in-law "apartment" in a home right on the river! See beautiful wildlife such as swans, bald eagles, herons, bobcats and river otters, while enjoying the river with three kayaks and a canoe provided. Enjoy your own space with a bedroom (queen bed), kitchenette, bathroom, living room with queen sleeper sofa and a dining area. Just outside your door is a covered patio that overlooks the river, with a gas fire pit, dining table, grill, couch, lounge chairs and a hammock. Walk down the steep slope to access the river or to hike the almost 5 acres of land on the river. (make sure during summer months you have tick spray when hiking). Unique property where you must be physically fit to access the slope that leads down to the river. It is steep and can be dangerous. Life vests are provided and must be worn when kayaking. No beginner kayakers! This is not the place to learn how to kayak on a river, so please be honest with yourself, as the river can get rough. No fires allowed other than the gas fire table on the patio. Gas grill provided for outdoor barbecuing. The in-law apartment is also 13 miles from Mohegan Sun Casino with numerous shops, gambling, restaurants and concerts year-round. Foxwoods casino is about 15 miles away as well. We are about 30 miles from the ocean. Beautiful towns such as Old Saybrook, Mystic, Stonington, Essex and Niantic are just a few local towns worth discovering.

Public campgrounds near Shelter Island

92%

(19)

Burlingame Campground

38mi from Shelter Island · 712 sites · Tents, RVs · in Burlingame State Park

Stories from the community

T

Tanya

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Inlaw Apt @River near Casino, Kayak

Loved staying here! The view is amazing, and the outdoor patio area has a sofa and outdoor fire pit, which was so cozy on a cool fall night. We used the canoe on the river - loved that Gina has kayaks and a canoe for guests to use (and life vests). Inside the apartment was so clean and the bed and sofa bed were very comfortable. Gina left us a basket of snacks and fruit, coffee and a vase of beautiful fresh flowers welcomed us when we arrived. Gina was great to communicate with and answered all my questions. She lives upstairs, but we felt like we had the place the ourselves. I would highly recommend staying here. Also check out Arrowhead Acres bakery, winery and farm - just 12 minutes from the property. Delicious food and wine. Had dinner at a Peruvian restaurant in Norwich called Canggio Restaurant. Such great food!! Thanks Gina! We would love to come back!

D

Devin

July 2025

1 night at Water Forest Retreat

We had such an amazing time at the octagon! The grounds are very well maintained and everything we could've needed and more was provided by our hosts. There was an amazing amount of detail and care put into everything. We could not have had a better stay!

E

Eve

July 2025

1 night at Water Forest Retreat

Five stars aren’t enough to describe our stay at the picturesque Octagon. This is a perfect getaway for a solo traveler or couple. Nancy thought of all the details, and we felt so welcomed. We cooked dinner over the bonfire, and in addition to the tiny house, enjoyed the outdoor shower and a hike through this beautiful property. I hope to return one day!

S

Said

April 2025

Weekend Trip to Water Forest Retreat

Very nice place and people. I recommend to visit the place .

E

Eric

March 2025

Weekend Trip to Water Forest Retreat

This was our second time staying at the Hiker's Haven. It was very peaceful and relaxing. We had a lovely little fire in the fire pit. The trails are well maintained. It all made for a very rejuvenating stay. We do hope to stay again in the future, maybe it will become a yearly tradition.

Jodene

December 2024

1 night at Water Forest Retreat

I would love to take this time to express the wonderful time I had. The tranquility was exactly what I was looking for. The cabin had all the necessities needed to get comfortable and enjoy nature right at your feet. Nancy was such a joy to speak with and to get to know. The land itself is beautiful with so many wonderful trails to walk along. Would definitely recommend staying here to anyone and everyone. AHO!