Which beaches have camping?
Only a handful of beaches on Long Island offer camping directly at or adjacent to the shoreline. The best-known destinations include Hither Hills State Park, Cupsogue Beach County Park, and Battle Row Campground, which provides convenient access to nearby beaches. Most ocean beaches do not permit overnight camping outside of designated campgrounds.
In Short
The best beach camping on Long Island is found at Hither Hills State Park, where campsites sit just behind the dunes along the Atlantic Ocean. Other parks offer camping within walking distance of the beach or a short drive from the shoreline, but overnight camping is generally prohibited on public beaches themselves.
Long Island Beaches With Camping
| Beach or Park | Location | Camping |
|---|---|---|
| Hither Hills State Park | Montauk, Suffolk County | Large oceanfront campground located just behind the beach with direct beach access. |
| Cupsogue Beach County Park | Westhampton, Suffolk County | Seasonal camping opportunities and easy access to the Atlantic beach. |
| Battle Row Campground | Old Bethpage, Nassau County | Campground near many Nassau County beaches, but not directly on the ocean. |
| Heckscher State Park | East Islip, Suffolk County | No public campground. Day-use beach only. |
| Jones Beach State Park | Wantagh, Nassau County | No campground. Overnight camping is not permitted. |
| Robert Moses State Park | Fire Island, Suffolk County | No public campground. Day-use beach only. |
| Smith Point County Park | Shirley, Suffolk County | No public campground, although nearby camping options are available elsewhere. |
| Orient Beach State Park | Orient, Suffolk County | No campground. Day-use park only. |
What Beach Camping Is Like
Unlike many coastal destinations, relatively few beaches on Long Island allow overnight camping. Most campgrounds are located behind the dunes or a short walk from the shoreline rather than directly on the sand. Campers typically have access to restrooms, showers, picnic tables, grills, and beach access paths, although amenities vary by park.
Reservations
Beach campsites are among the most sought-after campsites in New York and often sell out months in advance, especially for weekends and holidays between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Reservations should be made as early as possible, particularly for Hither Hills State Park.
Camping Rules
- Camping is allowed only in designated campgrounds.
- Sleeping on the beach or in parking lots is generally prohibited.
- Campfires are permitted only where specifically authorized.
- Quiet hours and campground regulations vary by park.
- Pets may be restricted depending on the campground and season.
- Check-in and check-out times differ by facility.
Quick Facts
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can you camp directly on Long Island beaches? | Generally no. Camping is limited to designated campgrounds near the beach. |
| Which beach has the best oceanfront campground? | Hither Hills State Park. |
| Do Jones Beach or Robert Moses allow camping? | No. Both parks are day-use beaches and do not have public campgrounds. |
| Should reservations be made in advance? | Yes. Summer campsites often book months ahead. |
| What is the camping season? | Most campgrounds operate seasonally, with schedules varying by park. |
| Can you have a campfire on the beach? | Only where specifically permitted by the operating agency. |
If you’re planning a beach camping trip, you may also want to compare the best beaches on Long Island, find out which beaches have lifeguards, learn which beaches require permits, or explore where to camp on Long Island.
Are you ready for fall on Long Island? Check out these local seasonal guides:
🍎 Apple Picking 🍓 Strawberry Picking 🎃 Pumpkin Picking 👻 Haunted Houses 🍂 Farm Festivals
