Public Campground
12 Mile (Horsey Hilton) Camping Area
Gaines, New York
camping area, 4 numbered site, mostly ATV users now
Photos shown are stock images and may not represent the actual campground.
About Chinnecock Bay
Campground in New York.
Chinnecock Bay offers a serene waterfront camping experience on Long Island's beautiful South Fork, where natural beauty and coastal charm combine to create an ideal getaway for RV travelers seeking relaxation and outdoor adventure. Nestled along the bay's quiet waters, this public campground provides an excellent base for exploring one of New York's most picturesque regions, known for its windswept beaches, charming villages, and rich maritime heritage.
The location puts you in the heart of the Hamptons area, though with a more laid-back, authentic feel than the upscale resort towns nearby. You'll find yourself surrounded by the natural splendor of Long Island's East End, where salt marshes, beach plum thickets, and maritime forests create a distinctive landscape shaped by the Atlantic Ocean. The bay itself is a working waterfront, and watching the fishing boats and commercial activity provides authentic glimpses into the region's seafaring traditions.
Water enthusiasts will find plenty to explore, from kayaking and paddleboarding in the calm bay waters to fishing opportunities that draw both experienced anglers and beginners. The beaches of Long Island are easily accessible, offering miles of sandy shores perfect for swimming, beachcombing, and enjoying spectacular sunsets over the water. Bird watchers and nature photographers frequently find the area rewarding, as Chinnecock Bay and its surrounding marshlands attract numerous species throughout the seasons.
The nearby villages of Southampton, East Quogue, and Westhampton Beach offer charming downtowns with local restaurants, galleries, antique shops, and farm stands selling fresh produce and local goods. These communities maintain strong ties to their agricultural and maritime heritage, creating a distinctly different atmosphere from the commercialized tourist destinations further west on Long Island.
Families appreciate the accessible recreational opportunities and the chance to experience coastal New England without traveling to New England. History buffs will enjoy the area's connections to early American settlement, whaling industries, and the region's role in maritime commerce. The slower pace of this part of Long Island makes it perfect for those seeking a genuine, unhurried camping experience near the water.
The location puts you in the heart of the Hamptons area, though with a more laid-back, authentic feel than the upscale resort towns nearby. You'll find yourself surrounded by the natural splendor of Long Island's East End, where salt marshes, beach plum thickets, and maritime forests create a distinctive landscape shaped by the Atlantic Ocean. The bay itself is a working waterfront, and watching the fishing boats and commercial activity provides authentic glimpses into the region's seafaring traditions.
Water enthusiasts will find plenty to explore, from kayaking and paddleboarding in the calm bay waters to fishing opportunities that draw both experienced anglers and beginners. The beaches of Long Island are easily accessible, offering miles of sandy shores perfect for swimming, beachcombing, and enjoying spectacular sunsets over the water. Bird watchers and nature photographers frequently find the area rewarding, as Chinnecock Bay and its surrounding marshlands attract numerous species throughout the seasons.
The nearby villages of Southampton, East Quogue, and Westhampton Beach offer charming downtowns with local restaurants, galleries, antique shops, and farm stands selling fresh produce and local goods. These communities maintain strong ties to their agricultural and maritime heritage, creating a distinctly different atmosphere from the commercialized tourist destinations further west on Long Island.
Families appreciate the accessible recreational opportunities and the chance to experience coastal New England without traveling to New England. History buffs will enjoy the area's connections to early American settlement, whaling industries, and the region's role in maritime commerce. The slower pace of this part of Long Island makes it perfect for those seeking a genuine, unhurried camping experience near the water.
4.7
Rating
378
Reviews
Park Details
Tips & Tricks
Book Early
Wading River is popular during peak season. Reserve 2-4 weeks in advance for weekends and holidays.
Check-in Time
Most parks have check-in after 1:00 PM and check-out by 11:00 AM. Call ahead if you'll arrive late.
Local Weather
New York weather can change quickly. Pack layers and check the forecast for Wading River.
Explore the Area
Don't miss local attractions near Wading River. Ask the camp host for hidden gems and trails.
Chinnecock Bay Reviews
Sign in to Review
G
Nick NYG
Mar 18, 2026
3.0
Google Review by Nick NYG
3 stars explained at the end..Camping on the beach over labor day weekend was great. No hook ups so you have to fill your fresh water tanks and have a generator running. The bayside is calm and tranquil people love fishing off the rocks. The ocean side is beautiful. Its my favorite beach on the island. It is deep into suffolk county but well worth the drive. You get some of the most gorgeous Sun... 3 stars explained at the end..Camping on the beach over labor day weekend was great. No hook ups so you have to fill your fresh water tanks and have a generator running. The bayside is calm and tranquil people love fishing off the rocks. The ocean side is beautiful. Its my favorite beach on the island. It is deep into suffolk county but well worth the drive. You get some of the most gorgeous Sunsets.. The 3 stars is from the beach and camping area being closed down or the limited access granted because of the idiots that can not follow rules when the piping Plovers are nesting and hatching. The county should go after and punish the idiots that can not follow basic instructions like saying of the dunes... Stop punishing the vast majority becuase of the small small small minority..
G
Nick NYG
Mar 18, 2026
3.0
Google Review by Nick NYG
3 stars explained at the end..Camping on the beach over labor day weekend was great. No hook ups so you have to fill your fresh water tanks and have a generator running. The bayside is calm and tranquil people love fishing off the rocks. The ocean side is beautiful. Its my favorite beach on the island. It is deep into suffolk county but well worth the drive. You get some of the most gorgeous Sun... 3 stars explained at the end..Camping on the beach over labor day weekend was great. No hook ups so you have to fill your fresh water tanks and have a generator running. The bayside is calm and tranquil people love fishing off the rocks. The ocean side is beautiful. Its my favorite beach on the island. It is deep into suffolk county but well worth the drive. You get some of the most gorgeous Sunsets.. The 3 stars is from the beach and camping area being closed down or the limited access granted because of the idiots that can not follow rules when the piping Plovers are nesting and hatching. The county should go after and punish the idiots that can not follow basic instructions like saying of the dunes... Stop punishing the vast majority becuase of the small small small minority..
G
Ashish Satyabhashak
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Ashish Satyabhashak
This park is good for 4*4 off-roading on the beach since sand is full of small stones compared to cupsogue beach county park. Park is great for fishing, and the best time to visit is in winter or early spring. It seems like some renovation is going on at the park entrance.
G
Ashish Satyabhashak
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Ashish Satyabhashak
This park is good for 4*4 off-roading on the beach since sand is full of small stones compared to cupsogue beach county park. Park is great for fishing, and the best time to visit is in winter or early spring. It seems like some renovation is going on at the park entrance.
G
Mario Moquete
Mar 18, 2026
4.0
Google Review by Mario Moquete
Nice beach. Few people there. Looks like the best kept secret. It is a County park, so not subjected to the crazy prices of the Hamptons. Clean beach but rough waves. Looks like amazing for surfing (that I do not do) or just chill and have fun by the nice sand. Parking $7 for residents with Green Key or $15 for visitors. Very reasonable.
G
Mario Moquete
Mar 18, 2026
4.0
Google Review by Mario Moquete
Nice beach. Few people there. Looks like the best kept secret. It is a County park, so not subjected to the crazy prices of the Hamptons. Clean beach but rough waves. Looks like amazing for surfing (that I do not do) or just chill and have fun by the nice sand. Parking $7 for residents with Green Key or $15 for visitors. Very reasonable.
G
Mario Moquete
Mar 18, 2026
4.0
Google Review by Mario Moquete
Nice beach. Few people there. Looks like the best kept secret. It is a County park, so not subjected to the crazy prices of the Hamptons. Clean beach but rough waves. Looks like amazing for surfing (that I do not do) or just chill and have fun by the nice sand. Parking $7 for residents with Green Key or $15 for visitors. Very reasonable.
G
Christopher Kenna
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Christopher Kenna
Beautiful beach and great views. Alittle bit of a drive to get there but worth it.
G
Christopher Kenna
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Christopher Kenna
Beautiful beach and great views. Alittle bit of a drive to get there but worth it.
G
Christopher Kenna
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Christopher Kenna
Beautiful beach and great views. Alittle bit of a drive to get there but worth it.
G
rob l
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by rob l
We love Shinnecock East for single day use, and multi day camping. Gorgeous views, and wide open beaches. In Sumter season there is a food shack, and bathrooms. Live music in Summer season.
G
rob l
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by rob l
We love Shinnecock East for single day use, and multi day camping. Gorgeous views, and wide open beaches. In Sumter season there is a food shack, and bathrooms. Live music in Summer season.
G
rob l
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by rob l
We love Shinnecock East for single day use, and multi day camping. Gorgeous views, and wide open beaches. In Sumter season there is a food shack, and bathrooms. Live music in Summer season.
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