BikeHappy57

We're putting together a last minute six day tour from Babylon to Montauk and back west to the Glen Cove area Aug 26 - Aug 31. I have been researching campgrounds. The first two nights would be in County Parks and the last three nights in State Parks. My questions are: Can one get away with not buying a Green Key Pass to camp in the County Parks? I understand you must have one to make a reservation. Which leads me to my second question, what are the chances of showing up at the parks without a reservation and being able to get a tent spot? Looking at Southaven and Shinnecock East. Same question applies to the State Parks (without the need for Green Key Pass). Reservations are full at Montauk Point State Park, Hither Hills State Park, and Wildwood State Park for Aug 28 and Aug 30. And last, what other options are there near Orient Beach State Park, which apparently doesn't allow camping? Any alternate suggestions? I tried AirBNB but it's way too expensive. I haven't even looked at motels but would expect they would be $$$$. We're thinking this trip in August is a bad idea unless there is the possibility of just showing up at a campground and getting lucky that someone cancelled.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

C Law

Its tough to 'get lucky' with camping reservations that week. Everyone is on vacation that week.

Other camping sugestions out east; Cedar point park. You could camp in hither woods (north side) out on the beach. people do it all the time in the summer.

Watch for ticks!

indyfabz

You can search Google Maps for campgrounds. "Campgrounds near [insert name of town/place]." If you do this for Orient Beach State Park you will find that there are two in nearby Greenport. One is a village campground and the other a private one. Both have web sites.

A quick phone call or two will probably yield answers to your other questions. I know in PA state parks can usually give you a good idea of occupancy rates during particular times. You can also ask if they an official or unofficial policy of not turning away people who show up on bikes. I did that for one state campground in NJ and was told that they would awlays find a spot for someone showing up by bike.

You are looking at the week/weekend leading up to Labor Day. I would expect high occupancy rates. Might want to wait until the following week.

BikeHappy57

Thank you for the suggestions. We ultimately changed our plans but will definitely plan a trip to Montauk another time.

BikeHappy57

Thanks for the suggestions! We decided to change plans but will keep your suggestions in mind when planning a trip there!