Surrounded by the Long Island Sound and covering more than 600 acres, Wildwood State Park is every nature lover's dream because it features an undeveloped hardwood forest landscape, cool Long Island Sound waters, and rolling green valleys. Located in the City of Riverhead, NY, this state park is perfect for your next RV adventure. You'll have countless moments of outdoor fun in a distinctive mountain setting. From biking and hiking to fishing and hunting, Wildwood State Park has a plethora of outdoor adventures waiting for you and your family.
The Long Island Sound views are breathtaking, sweeping below Wildwood State Park in a picturesque manner. While staying here, you can soak up the sun while you relax along the nearly two miles of spectacular sandy shoreline. If you want to look for animals and capture them on film, the park offers over twelve miles of well-marked trails, making it easy to spend time in nature. Historians will love walking through the undeveloped hardwood forest as they look at the pristine beauty that has emerged over the years. For those that love archery, a 461-acre Cooperative Hunting Area is available for you to check your deer hunting skills.
Aside from the beauty of the park, Wildwood State Park has excellent RV-camping opportunities. The large, multi-looped campground offers more than just your basic amenities. Campers who like to take part in seasonal, campground-hosted activities, will love the fun taking place here. What are you waiting for? Prepare your rig and head out to camp!
Wildwood State Park is simple to get to by car or RV because it is located near the Long Island Sound, in Suffolk County, on the north shore of Long Island, off of Route 25A East and Hulse Landing Road. The park is less than 100 miles from New York City and under 75 miles from Brooklyn. The park may seem like it’s in the middle of nowhere even though you aren’t far from the big cities.
The main route in and out of Wildwood State Parks is I-495, no matter where you are coming from since the park is on a peninsula, and there is only one way in and out. The county roads take you through the park to the convenience store, recreational areas, and water fill-up stations. There may be some issues when driving a large RV or pulling a big trailer, so make sure you comply with the site restrictions.
The Wildwood State Park Campground is home to 314 campsites available for RVs and tents from April through October. The campground is large, divided into loops. The maximum length of RVs or trailers in Loops B through E is 30 feet. Loop T has 75 spacious campsites that can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 50 feet in length, which is perfect for those with larger rigs. At all of the sites, you'll have access to electric and water hookups and a picnic table and campfire grill. Amenities at the campground include showers, dumping stations, picnic tables, and playgrounds. You will be close to nature trails and recreational activities like basketball and baseball. From July through August, the park hosts movies in the park, and once a week, the hosts put on a square dancing or a line dancing activity for everyone to enjoy.
Generator use is permitted between the hours of 9 AM to 11 AM and again from 5 PM to 9 PM. You can purchase firewood to use during your stay. The maximum you can stay at one time is 14 days; however, if you leave for 48 hours and return, the 14 days start over again. Reservations can be made from one day to nine months in advance.
If your rig is a toy hauler and you happen to have a snowmobile onboard, get out your snowmachine, and take to the trails. While you are cruising through the trees, keep your eyes peels for the various forms of wildlife that live among the scenic land. Don't worry about getting lost during your ride because the trails are marked, making it easy to enjoy the great outdoors with your family and friends. Remember to stay on the marked trails, because preserving the land will ensure the park's sustainability for years to come.
Make sure you pack your archery gear in the RV so that you can venture out to the Wildwood State Park Cooperative Hunting Area to hunt for deer. Hunting is permitted from November until February, but keep in mind that you cannot hunt within 50 feet of a marked hiking trail. There are also several areas where you are not allowed to hunt within the park, such as the area along Gregory Way and Hulse Landing Road, a small patch along Sound Avenue, and a corner of the southeastern section of the park along Oak Drive. New York State bow-hunting permits are required, and they are free and valid for New York residents for three years.
Wildwood State Park is the perfect place for you to try out those new skis. If you like to cross-country ski, don’t forget to pack your skiing gear in your rig before heading out. The trails come alive when the snow falls, creating exciting terrain for the adventurous to get out and explore. Whether it's you by yourself or the whole family that comes along, the snowy white scenery will appeal to people of all ages. While you ski, remember to stay on marked trails, so you don't damage any trees or vegetation.
If you haven’t heard of geocaching, it’s time to get to know this awesome activity. Not only does it get you and the kids outdoors, but it also lets you search for buried treasure. Who hasn’t thought about finding a hidden treasure once in their lives? Of course, you don’t have to have the kids with you. Adults love this sport too. All you need is a phone with a GPS and some comfortable walking shoes. You can find at least one geocache on the Red Trail in Wildwood State Park, so get out there and search for that treasure.
Wildwood State Park has two miles of shoreline located along Long Island Sound for you to soak your feet or take in the sun. After you've set up your RV at your campsite, head to the beach to enjoy the calming water, relax at the picnic tables, or watch those little ones play at the playground. Always be aware of your surroundings and do not swim if there are any aquatic warnings posted.
Bring along your favorite pair of hiking shoes since there are five different trails to pick from in Wildwood State Park, each trail offering varying degrees of difficulty. For an easy hike or stroll, take in the 2.2-mile Orange Trail. The Red Trail is nearly two-miles long and takes you through magnificent terrain where you can see natural vegetation and the untouched trees. The 3.4-mile Unmarked Trail takes you further into the park, where you will experience different elevations and the spectacular beauty of the foliage around you.
Saltwater fishing is a different breed of fishing, so make sure you have the right tackle with you in the RV before you head to Wildwood State Park. Long Island Sound is well-known for its salt-water fishing opportunities as well as its huge fish. When fishing from the shore, it’s best to use a 10-weight rod and an arbor reel with a middle-weight sinking line. Fishing from a boat is a whole different story. You’ll need to use a depth charge line with at least a 15-pound test and steel leaders. And don’t forget to bring a big net because the monsters in these waters can get to over 100 pounds.
