Wildwood State Park
00 review790 Hulse Landing Road, WADING RIVER, New York, 11792-0518, United States
Wildwood State Park
$20.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The fee structure varies depending on accommodation type, with tent sites starting at $20 and cottages reaching up to $35.
About this campground
Perched atop dramatic bluffs overlooking Long Island Sound, Wildwood State Park encompasses 600 acres of pristine hardwood forest where nature and recreation seamlessly blend. This coastal sanctuary invites visitors to explore winding trails beneath towering oaks and maples, unwind on two miles of sandy beaches, or gather with loved ones at shaded picnic areas. Active adventurers can hit the basketball courts or embark on scenic hikes, all while breathing in the salt-tinged air and listening to waves lap against the shore below.
Wildwood State Park offers a variety of camping accommodations, including tent sites, RV sites, and cottages.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the park's ever-changing personality through the seasons, where crisp, dry winters give way to the vibrant renewal of spring - arguably the perfect time to pitch your tent. As summer brings warm beach days and occasional refreshing rains, the forest canopy provides welcome shade. Fall transforms the hardwoods into a breathtaking tapestry of golds and crimsons, creating ideal camping conditions with comfortable temperatures and that distinctive autumn clarity that makes every sunrise memorable.
ElevationThe park's terrain tells a story of ancient geological forces, though specific elevation details remain part of its mystique. What matters most is the dramatic perspective from the bluffs, where the land meets the sea in a spectacular display of natural architecture.
Natural Features and SceneryStand atop the commanding bluffs and watch as Long Island Sound stretches endlessly before you, its waters shifting from deep blue to silvery gray with the changing light. Below, two miles of beaches beckon with their promise of seaside serenity, while behind you, the hardwood forest creates a living cathedral of leaves and branches. This remarkable convergence of forest and shore creates countless scenic moments, from misty mornings when the trees emerge like ghosts from the fog to brilliant sunsets that paint the water in shades of gold and rose.
Geological RegionWildwood State Park claims a coveted position on Long Island's North Shore, where 600 acres of mature hardwood forest march right to the edge of impressive bluffs overlooking Long Island Sound. This unique geological setting showcases the island's glacial heritage, where ancient ice sheets carved the dramatic coastline that continues to captivate visitors today. The interplay between the sturdy bedrock bluffs and the ever-changing waters below creates a dynamic landscape that shifts with every tide and season.
Campsite details
AccessibilityCottage 3 and Cottage 4 are wheelchair accessible.
Sites SizeMaximum equipment length for campsites is 50 feet.
Sites PrivacyThe privacy levels of the campsites were not explicitly described in the materials.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose Cottage 3 or 4 for accessibility needs. Cottages offer screened patios and are well-stocked with utensils and appliances.
Best CampsitesCottage 3 and Cottage 4 are wheelchair accessible and highly praised in user reviews.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Campers must check in by 9 PM (Monday to Wednesday), 10 PM (Thursday), and 11:30 PM (Friday and Saturday).
Check-out
Check-out time is not explicitly stated.
Stay Limit
Acamping party may occupy a site for 14 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Each tent site allows up to six guests.
Groups
No designated group camping areas are available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutConsists of tent sites, cottages, and recreational areas, connected by marked trails.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round. Cottages are available for rent through mid-November.
Reservation PlatformsReservations must be made through Reserve America.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come-first-serve availability is not explicitly detailed.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations allowed within certain rules set by Reserve America. Reservations booked with departure dates outside the nine-month window cannot be changed or canceled until 18 days after the reservation was made.
Accomodation available
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
WiFi
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Water hookups
Sewer hookups
Camp Store
Activities you can enjoy
Wildwood State Park provides a diverse range of recreational activities for visitors. Highlights include hiking, swimming, biking, and fishing. Seasonal programs like camper movies and square dancing add to the experience.
Hiking
The park features twelve miles of marked hiking trails, offering various levels of difficulty and scenic views.Fishing
Fishing is permitted along the two-mile beachfront, but no specific fish types or quality of fishing details are provided.Swimming
Swimming is available at the beach along Long Island Sound, with lifeguards typically on duty. However, swimming is subject to water quality and lifeguard availability.Biking
Biking is highly recommended by user reviews for enjoying the park's scenic trails and natural beauty.Wildlife viewing
Visitors have reported seeing deer and rabbits on the premises, and the park features bird-watching opportunities.Beach activities
Beach activities are supported along the two miles of beachfront, including sunbathing and swimming.Cultural and Educational Programs
During July and August, the park hosts movie nights twice a week and line or square dancing programs.Winter Activities
Cross-country skiing is available during winter months.Water Sports
The park does not offer specific amenities for non-motorized water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- All fires must be in metal containers above ground. Metal containers can be rented from the park store.
- Quiet hours are from 10 PM to 7 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include wildlife such as deer and bunnies. Campers are required to use metal containers for fires to minimize fire risk.
Active alertsNo current alerts are mentioned.
Weather forecast
74
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 47%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 8.1 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
The nearest emergency services include The Wading River Fire Department, located just before the blinking traffic light on Hulse Landing Road.
Good to know
Peak season datesJuly and August are peak seasons with weekly movies and recreational activities.
Trash and recyclingCampers are advised to maintain cleanliness, but specific details about trash and recycling facilities, including locations and schedules, were not provided.
Proximity to water featuresThe park features two miles of beaches along Long Island Sound.
Common complaintsUser reviews highlight poor restroom maintenance and lack of security to enforce quiet hours.
Campground Map
790 Hulse Landing Road, WADING RIVER, New York, 11792-0518, United States
Driving directionsWildwood is 73 miles from Manhattan. Take 495 E/Long Island Expressway ramp to Eastern Long Island Riverhead to Exit 68 for William Floyd Pkwy toward County 46. Merge onto Express Dr (Service road), you will need to get into the right lane. The right lane will take you onto Route 46/William Floyd Parkway heading North. Merge onto William Floyd Parkway and keep to the right lane. After 7.3 miles you will reach the end of Route 46, bear to the right onto Route 25A East. At the 3rd traffic light, turn left onto Sound Avenue. Take Sound Avenue to the next traffic light and make another left turning onto Hulse Landing Road. Continue on Hulse Landing Road just after The Wading River Fire Department and the blinking traffic light; the road will fork and bearing right will bring you to the entrance to Wildwood State Park.
The road is accessible from major highways, including the Long Island Expressway and William Floyd Parkway, with clear signage for turns and directions. Seasonal closures are not mentioned.Nearby places
Manhattan (73 miles), Riverhead (approximately 10 miles), Wading River (less than 2 miles)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be acquired in nearby Wading River village, which includes stores like Starbucks and various restaurants.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Wildwood State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground received positive feedback for its cottages and recreational offerings but faced criticism for the lack of pet-friendly policies and restroom maintenance.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Users praised the well-equipped and comfortable cottages, beautiful grounds, and abundance of recreational options like biking and hiking. One user noted, 'The cabins are nicer than a hotel.'
Common Concerns
Negative feedback included the exclusion of pets, poorly maintained restrooms, and lack of security enforcement during noisy late-night activities.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own metal fire container if not planning to rent one. Ensure to carry linens, towels, and personal toiletries for cottage stays. Engage in biking and hiking for the best experience.
Seasonal Insights
Winter months are quieter and free from mosquitoes, as noted by users. Summer sees more active programs like movie nights and square dancing, but also more crowded facilities.
Camper Quotes
1. 'The cabins at Wildwood are the definition of glamping.' - Yudi R.
2. 'The bathrooms are disgusting, the campers leave it a mess.' - Laura-Elena Stehle
3. 'This used to be a nice area to camp....
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Site-Specific Reviews
Cottages 3 and 4 were highlighted for their wheelchair accessibility. Cottage 3 and Cottage 4 are also considered well-furnished and comfortable.
Accessibility Features
Reviewers noted that some cottages are wheelchair accessible, specifically Cottage 3 and 4.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are not allowed in the park, which led to dissatisfaction among pet owners, as noted by Linn McGee who commented, 'Most people have dogs, they are part of the family.'
Last updated August 10, 2025