Smith Point Camping Guide: Fire Island Beach & RV Sites

For a first visit, start with the regular campground

Suffolk County requires reservations for regular campground sites. The county lists water at every site and electrical or sewer connections at many of them. Compare the individual site listings with your vehicle, tent or trailer setup and confirm what equipment the site accepts.

The county also publishes its own account, Green Key and reservation guidance. Read that before booking, especially if you live outside Suffolk County. County camping uses a different system from the New York State Parks sites at Wildwood and Hither Hills.

Outer beach camping is a separate trip

Suffolk County’s campground rules say Smith Point outer beach sites are walk-up when conditions allow and require a four-wheel-drive vehicle with the county’s Outer Beach Recreational Vehicle Permit. Check current rules for self-contained equipment, closures and required gear before deciding whether this is a fit.

A regular campground reservation gives you a clearer plan if you’re traveling with children and want a confirmed place to sleep. Save a screenshot of the reservation and a map. If the wind changes your plans, you can still make a short beach outing without moving your camp.

Build a Saturday around the ocean

Check lifeguard coverage, conditions and beach notices before promising a swim. Give protected nesting areas and their fencing plenty of space. For a beach walk, have everyone pick one thing to photograph without touching or taking it, such as a shorebird, a line of foam, or patterns left in the sand.