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Southhaven (Suffolk County Park)
Overview
Southhaven County Park offers a sprawling 1,356-acre escape in the heart of Brookhaven, NY. Nestled along the picturesque Carmans River, this Suffolk County destination provides a lush, wooded backdrop for RV travelers seeking a break from the fast pace of Long Island life. The park is well-regarded for its preserved natural beauty and its commitment to providing a quiet, restorative environment for outdoor enthusiasts looking to reconnect with the landscape.
Location & Surroundings
Located in the town of Brookhaven, the park is conveniently situated near the Sunrise Highway, yet it feels worlds away once you enter the gates. The Carmans River, one of the most celebrated trout streams on Long Island, flows through the park, creating a serene and cooling atmosphere. The surrounding landscape consists of dense pine-oak forests and freshwater wetlands, offering a unique ecological experience for those looking to immerse themselves in coastal woodland scenery.
Amenities & Park Features
The park features a dedicated campground with sites that accommodate various RV sizes. Many visitors appreciate the electric and water hookups available at select locations, along with basic facilities like restrooms and showers. For recreation, the park offers rowboat rentals during the summer months, allowing campers to explore the river at a gentle pace. There are also designated picnic areas, a playground for children, and miles of bridle paths for equestrian use.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Beyond the park boundaries, travelers can easily reach Smith Point County Park, which serves as a gateway to the Fire Island National Seashore and its expansive Atlantic beaches. Nature photographers and birdwatchers will find the adjacent Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge to be an exceptional spot for viewing local fauna. For those interested in local history and science, several historic manors and cultural sites are just a short drive from the campground.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for nature-focused families and solo travelers who prefer a rustic, quiet camping experience over a high-activity commercial resort. It is particularly well-suited for anglers and hikers who want direct access to freshwater fishing and well-maintained forest trails. If you are looking for a peaceful basecamp to explore the central and eastern portions of Long Island, Southhaven provides the perfect balance of accessibility and seclusion.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
adam
i always come here to walk it’s chill and pretty fun areas and long routes
Kellie Ortiz
Great place to drop a kayak in and experience a world of swans! It’s peaceful and relaxing to sit amongst them and watch. Plenty of parking and a cool launch with a railing to slide your kayak up and down the embankment.
Robert Musmacker
We had a church picnic here at this park it was very clean and beautiful a lot of things to do
Dee W.
We have stayed here quite a few times, and it's usually very nice. This time, the people next to us, every day, sitting in the vehicles running the engine and the pickup was a diesel and the fumes and noise I had to close the door a couple of times. So that kind of took away from the camping experience....we will be back there again, hopefully a better experience
Jon Jozaitis
This is a nice park, a very clean river runs through it. The carmens river. There are swings, picnic tables, barbecue baseball, poor softball fieds, Dan's woodlands, deer turkeys, other wildlife. Cost 15 or $7 to get in in the summer. Depending on whether you have Bought a county park pass if you want, you can hike for a long distance. Probably, as long as anybody would want, to hike