Summer’s here and it’s time for families to turn off the television set, the computers, the iPods and any and all electronic devices and enjoy the campgrounds of Long Island.
Camping is a great way for families to bond. It’s also a great way to get down to the basics: No frozen food, but dinner being cooked on an outdoor campfire, with plenty of time for hiking and swimming in between.
Battle Row Campground
The Battle Row Campground in Old Bethpage provides 44 acres of campsites and woods. Battle Row has 64 campsites, 52 sites have water and electricity (31 sites with 30amp/125-volt electric hookups and 21 with 50 amp/125 volt) and 12 tent sites. There is also a comfort station, equipped with restrooms and private showers. The campground also offers swings, a recreational field, a rally field for club group camping. Leisure pass holders receive resident rates.
To find the campsite, take the Long Island Expressway to Exit 48 South. Go one mile to Bethpage-Sweet Hollow Road and make a left. Make a right onto Claremont Road. Entrance is on the right.
Nickerson Beach Campground
The Nickerson Beach Campground in Lido Beach borders the Atlantic Ocean, with an ambiance that can get any family in the mood for camping. The 121-acre park offers beaches, swimming and numerous other family activities. Nickerson provides a campground with 74 sites for RVs. Water, sewer and electrical hookup are available. Leisure pass holders receive resident rates.
To reach Nickerson Beach Park from the North Shore, take Meadowbrook Parkway South to Loop Parkway (Exit M10) to Point Lookout. Turn right onto Lido Boulevard. Nassau Beach is about half-mile on the left-hand side. From the South Shore, take Southern State Parkway (East) to Meadowbrook Parkway (South) toward Jones Beach. Just before the Jones Beach Toll, go off onto the Loop Parkway (exit M10) toward Point Lookout. Take Loop Parkway all the way to the end. Turn right: Nassau Beach Park is on the left-hand side about a half-a-mile away.
Eastern Long Island Kampgrounds
In Greenport, visit the Eastern Long Island Kampgrounds. Sites are available for tents, trailers, motor homes and pop-ups. Facilities include a swimming pool, store, playground, game room and planned activities. Weekly events include fire truck rides, tractor hay rides and tractor train rides. There is a DJ on Saturday nights and a pool. The camp is at 690 Queen St., Greenport. Call 631-477-0022.
Sears Bellows County Park
Also in Suffolk County, enjoy the picnic area by the lake at Sears Bellows County Park. Hampton Bays. Sears Bellows offers a broad range of recreational opportunities. Campsites for both tents and trailers are available. Rowboat rentals are offered on freshwater Bellows Pond. The trail system attracts hikers and horseback riders from all points, east and west. Riders may use the park with a horseback riding permit. Sears Bellows Park offers freshwater fishing for bass, perch and more, with bait. Other activities include bird watching, hiking, bridle paths, horseback riding, hunting, picnicking and rowboat rentals.
To reach Sears Bellows, follow Sunrise Highway to exit 65 North. Follow Route 24 to Bellows Pond Road. Make a left turn onto Bellows Pond Road. The park entrance is on the right. Call 631-852-8290.
