Wildwood State Park — Attraction in Town of Riverhead

Went camping at this campground for 2 nights from 7/26-7/28.

*Overall/TLDR : * This place has a lot of potential to be an amazing place to camp if the staff takes things seriously and the campers start following rules. But until then if I absolutely had to camp here, I'd definitely pick an off season weekend.

Campground: This is the largest campground in NY state by the number of sites. RVers get their separate section on the other side of the campground. Tenters get 5 loops (A-E) with each loop having an inner subloop and an outer subloop with an average capacity of 40-45 sites per loop. We were in Loop B, and it seemed to be the greenest among all loops. Many of the campsites in the outer subloops appeared to be group sites, which had 2-3 tents each with large families camping together. Overall, the campground was bustling with activity throughout the weekend. So if you are coming her for peace, you're gonna be severely disappointed.

Amenities: There is a single camp store near site B19 which sells basic prepared food items, ice cream, snacks, drinks, fire rings, and firewood. (Important note: there are no fire rings at any campsite. You either need to bring your own or rent it from the camp store for $14 per night). The ring was a large, banged-up aluminum bucket. Firewood was $8, which got us 5 logs of old wood that burned really badly. We had to dump a lot of kindling to keep the fire from going out. The people managing the store were really nice, though.

Campsite: We were in B17. Decent campsite. Slight slope, but the concrete platform made up for it. Bathrooms were about 40-50 ft away, and the camp store (and entrance to the beach) was about 100 ft away. So accessibility-wise, it was amazing. We had a bunch of trees which was perfect for putting up a hammock. Not too many bugs as well. The only grudges we had were:

1. Being close to the bathrooms, there was always someone walking by or driving by. Also, the light outside the bathrooms lit up our tent at night, so without eye masks, it would have been really hard to sleep.
2. There were 2 trash dumpsters close to the bathrooms, and by the 2nd night, the trash bags were overflowing out of the dumpsters, and the stink radius almost reached our campsite. Thankfully, the weather being sunny, dry, and with less wind, was in our favor, so we were able to survive.
3. Neighbor campsites were mostly large families camping with 4-5 tents so noise was a problem.

Bathrooms: There are 3 comfort stations located at 3 central locations across the 5 loops. And as one can imagine, the bathrooms saw a lot of traffic during busy times. Bathrooms were decent. I would say they were well kept by the staff but badly abused by the campers. The men's showers had 6 stalls with the standard double curtain setup. At least one of the shower stalls had broken shower fittings.

Etiquette: We found basic campground etiquette missing on many occasions here. Music and chatter going on until past midnight on Friday night. Kids and adults both cutting across campsites with zero concern for privacy. Cars from large group sites parked on the already narrow roads (effectively turning them into one-way streets). Trash was lying around in bathroom showers, toilet stalls, and basins. The rangers did drive around multiple times but didn't bother even stopping to take a look.

Beach: Right across the road from the camp store is a path that leads to the day area parking lot, which has a small pathway that goes down to the beach. It is a very steep hike down to the beach. If you are not in shape, you WILL be gasping for air on your way up. The sand on the beach has a lot of pebbles mixed in. The water is okayish, but swimming is banned. You will mostly see fishers lined up along the beach. There is a concessions stand as well, which sells the same items as the camp store and a few more hot food options. Overall, the beach is a one-time visit unless you are...

No security at all. I had camp neighbors from hell. They set half their tent in our camp sight. At first I was annoyed but I didn’t want to cause problems so instead I offered them a cup of coffee and introduced myself. At first it was ok but then became a problem as they kept coming over to ask for things and shared some really uncomfortable personal information. It peaked on third evening when the boyfriend took her car while she was in the shower and when she came back she had a nervous breakdown and demanded to use my cellphone. Wailing and screaming I called this guy and told him he had to come immediately back and take care of this situation. Great now they had my phone number. At this point I had enough. They were both definitely on something and didn’t trust each other. I told them to give us the space we need. That night however the boyfriend kept coming over late into the night. Partially to apologize for her behavior earlier. I told him I was tired and got myself together to go to the shower and go to sleep. While I was gone he continued to approach my husband and asked him to talk to her. He said no it’s late I’m waiting here until my wife gets back and we are going to bed. I had to go to the bathroom first before my shower and I hear him at the door!!! This guy snuck off beyond my husbands watch and followed me into the bathroom! I screamed at him to back off and thank god my husband was right around the corner. I immediately jumped in my car to go to the front booth where absolutely no one was present. We called the number that’s at the front booth for police because nobody was on the premise at all, not a single employee or cop. State police had to come from miles away and took almost 40 minutes to get there. We were at that point packing up, but didn’t know what to expect or if they had any weapons on them. in the process, the two of them were fighting and screaming the entire time. Needless to say my husband and I packed up our entire camp sight, which took two hours in the middle of the night and woke up our son at 4 AM and told him there was a storm coming so we can go home. It’s not safe there and if you run into two people called Jessica and Dallas I suggest you move your sight and do not talk to them at all. This was a heartbreaking as our camping vacation was completely ruined. All the money spent and the time I put into this trip I’ve been at home here heartbroken...

Nestled amidst the natural beauty of Long Island's North Shore, Wildwood State Park stands as a sanctuary of serenity and outdoor adventures. Stretching across a vast expanse, this park encapsulates the very essence of nature's splendor, offering a respite from the bustle of daily life.

One of the most captivating features of Wildwood is its pristine beach. With its soft, sandy shores caressed by the gentle waves of the Long Island Sound, it's an ideal spot for sunbathing, beachcombing, or simply listening to the rhythmic dance of the waves. The tall, whispering trees that edge the beach only add to the picturesque setting, making it a favored location for photography enthusiasts.

For those who lean towards more active pursuits, Wildwood doesn't disappoint. Its extensive network of hiking trails, ranging from leisurely strolls to more challenging terrains, beckons nature lovers and adventurers alike. As you meander through these trails, you're treated to an array of flora and fauna, a testament to the park's rich biodiversity. And if you're lucky, you might even spot some local wildlife in their natural habitat.

Camping enthusiasts will be pleased with the park's well-maintained campgrounds. Whether you're a seasoned camper or trying it out for the first time, the experience of waking up to the chirping of birds and the subtle hues of the sunrise is nothing short of magical.

Facilities like picnic areas, playgrounds, and sports courts further enhance the Wildwood experience. Families can enjoy hearty picnics under the shade of the trees, while children find joy in the various playground equipment, making it a perfect spot for family outings.

What truly stands out about Wildwood State Park, apart from its natural beauty, is its commitment to conservation. Efforts to maintain the park in its pristine state are evident, ensuring that visitors today, and generations to come, can experience its untouched beauty.

In a world that's increasingly urbanized, Wildwood State Park offers a refreshing reminder of nature's grandeur and the simple pleasures it holds. Whether you're seeking solace, adventure, or a day out with loved ones, Wildwood promises an enriching experience that rejuvenates the mind, body, and soul. Highly recommended for anyone looking to reconnect with nature in its...