Hither Hills State Park Campground
50 South Fairview Ave. Montauk, NY 631-668-2554; Reserve: 800-456-2267
The basics: 1,755 acres, rest rooms, showers, general store, playgrounds, dump station, films, swimming, horseshoes, crafts, sand castle contests (summer)
The beach: Open oceanfront beach just over the dunes.
The campground: Hither Hills has 168 tent and trailer sites (no hookups). A general store offers staples and snacks - craft activities and outdoor movies are organized weekly. Kids bring bicycles and zip around the campground.
Perks: Because campers stay for a full week, families get to know one another, creating community.
Drawbacks: Reserving a summer spot in the peak season means planning nine months in advance and getting on the phone at 9 a.m. on the dot.
Season: April 20-Nov. 17 Campsites: 168 tent and trailer (behind dunes); no hookups

ExploreTV: Camping at Hither Hills State Park
Hither Hills State Park Campground
ExploreTV: Sand Castle Contest
