Long Island's state parks by the water
A woman taking in the view overlooking the Great South Bay at Heckscher State Park in East Islip. Credit: Newsday/J. Conrad Williams Jr.
Carved out of some of Long Island's most awe-inspiring coastal scenery, waterfront state parks offer an extraordinarily affordable staycation.
"Park visitors are amazed when they look out at those waterfront vistas so close to such a major built-up suburban area," says George Gorman, Long Island's regional director for state parks.
This year's new attractions include kayak rentals at Connetquot River State Park Preserve in Oakdale and swan pedal boats at Heckscher State Park in East Islip. Most parking fees are charged on weekends through late May and daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Here are new or classic activities to try at Long Island's state water parks.
NASSAU
Hempstead Lake State Park
1000 Lake Dr., West Hempstead
Dressed in waders Eugene Batanov, of Maspeth, shows a large pike he caught at Hempstead Lake State Park. Credit: Jeff Bachner
Bodies of water Hempstead Lake, McDonald Pond, South Pond
The largest lake in Nassau County transforms into Swan Lake again this year, featuring four swan pedal boats (seat four people) and four pink flamingo solar-assisted technology boats (seat seven people) for rent. Launch a kayak (fee) or take a surrey safari tour around the main lake (fee). Bring the youngsters to cast a line for trout, bass, pickerel and other freshwater species in the lake or ponds. A New York State freshwater fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older (fee, dec.ny.gov).
- Cost $8 a car daily May 23-Sept. 7; weekends May 17 and Sept. 12-Oct. 12.
- More info 516-766-1029, parks.ny.gov
Jones Beach State Park
2400 Ocean Pkwy., Wantagh
Body of water Atlantic Ocean, Zach’s Bay, Western Bays
The beach at Parking Field 4 at Jones Beach State Park in Wantagh. Credit: Newsday/J. Conrad Williams Jr.
The crown jewel of the Long Island State Park system, Jones Beach opened to the public in 1929 and is still the go-to summer getaway for playing in the sun, surf and sand. Swim along 6.5 miles of white sand beach in the surf at Field 4 (also known as Central Mall's "Muscle Beach") or Field 6, or enjoy the calm waters of Zach's Bay. If you prefer your water aqua, the West Bathhouse pool is open from June 27 to Sept. 7 ($5, $3 ages 5-11). And that's just dipping your toe into the water at the iconic 2,400-acre maritime playland. Fish from a pier or launch a kayak at Field 10, or stroll along the park's historic 2-mile boardwalk lined with food concessions, Art Deco architecture, beach games such as volleyball and softball, and a kiddie splash pad. The boardwalk connects to a 2.3-mile multiuse path leading to the wilder West End. The party continues at night with concerts at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater.
- Cost $10 a car daily May 23-Sept. 13; $8 weekends May 17 and Sept. 19-Nov. 8.
- More info 516-785-1600, parks.ny.gov
SUFFOLK
Belmont Lake State Park
Southern State Parkway, Exit 38, North Babylon
Bodies of water Belmont Lake, Carll's Creek
Pedal around the lake at Belmont Lake State Park in North Babylon. Credit: Yvonne Albinowski
Hikers and bikers stream along 7.6 miles of multiuse trails, passing a pair of historic cannons and two bubbly waterfalls. Cruise the tree-ringed lake in a kayak, rowboat, or pedal boat ($20 for two hours), cast a line for freshwater fish from the shore (a New York State permit is required for anglers 16 and older) or grill vittles in the vast lakeside picnic area.
- Cost $8 a car daily May 23-Labor Day; weekends May 17 and Sept. 12-Oct. 12. Pedal boat/rowboat rentals/kayak $20 for two hours; must be 18 years or older to rent.
- More info 631-667-5055, parks.ny.gov
Camp Hero State Park
1898 Montauk Hwy., Montauk
Body of water Atlantic Ocean
Visitors can enjoy encounters with wildlife and venture through maritime forest trails either by walking, cycling or horseback riding at Camp Hero State Park in Montauk. Credit: Gordon M. Grant
Conspiracy fans can visit the former military base, a National Historic Site that inspired Netflix's "Stranger Things" series' interdimensional and time travel themes. Nature lovers can stroll along the rocky Atlantic Ocean beach at the base of vertigo-inducing bluffs, encounter abundant wildlife, and explore maritime forest trails on foot, by bike or on horseback. Up to two leashed or crated pets can accompany you on your adventure.
- Cost $8 a car daily May 23-Oct. 12 and weekends May 17 and Oct. 17-Nov. 11.
- More info 631-668-3781, parks.ny.gov
Captree State Park
3500 E. Ocean Pkwy., Bay Shore
Body of water Great South Bay
Many residents joined the hunt for the biggest snapper and the biggest crab in the Captree State Park Snapper and Crab Derby. Credit: Todd Maisel
Saltwater anglers can try their luck from the main or overlook piers (open 24 hours, night permit required), or aboard open and charter fishing boats, which head out daily for fluke, striped bass and other species. The park also features waterfront restaurants, a nautical-themed playground, sightseeing and excursion boats, a bait and tackle shop and boat launch/kayak ramp.
- Cost $8 a car daily May 23-Sept. 7 and weekends May 17 and Sept. 12-Nov. 1.
- More info 631-669-0449, parks.ny.gov
Cold Spring Harbor State Park
95 Harbor Rd., Cold Spring Harbor
Body of water Cold Spring Harbor
A challenging hiking trail climbs to about 300 feet, for a panoramic view of lovely Cold Spring Harbor. The park is also the northern trailhead of the Nassau-Suffolk Greenbelt Trail to the South Shore.
- Cost Free
- More info parks.ny.gov
Connetquot River State Park Preserve
4090 Sunrise Hwy., Oakdale
Body of water Connetquot River
Shaggy Lacz, of Yaphank, catches a rainbow trout in the waters of the Connetquot River while fly fishing at the Connetquot River State Park and Preserve. Credit: Newsday/Steve Pfost
At the preserve known for its historic fish hatchery, you can rent a kayak for fly-fishing (fly-fishing available all year, $25 fee, reservation recommended) or bird-watching.
- Cost $8 a car daily May 23-Oct. 12 and weekends May 17 and Oct. 17-Nov. 15.
- More info 631-581-1005, parks.ny.gov
Hallock State Park Preserve
6062 Sound Ave., Riverhead
Body of water Long Island Sound
Volunteers gathered to help clean the beach at Hallock State Park Preserve. Credit: Tom Lambui
Hallock, which opened in 2017 as one of Long Island's newest waterfront preserves, boasts nature trails that open up to a breathtaking panorama of Long Island Sound. Along the way, you'll pass a kettle lake formed thousands of years ago by a melting glacier. You may see deer and even the occasional groundhog.
- Cost $8 a car 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily May 23-Oct. 12, $8 a car 8 a.m.-6 p.m. weekends May 17 and Oct. 19-Oct. 31.
- More info 631-315-5475, parks.ny.gov
Heckscher State Park
1 Heckscher State Pkwy., East Islip
Body of water Great South Bay
Ride along the bike path at Heckscher State Park in Islip with a view of the Great South Bay. Credit: Daniel Brennan
Four swan pedal boats (seat four people) and four pink flamingo solar-assisted technology boats (seat seven people) are available at Heckscher through Beachside Valet (beachsidevalet.com) for rent. Also available are kayaks (fee), stand-up paddleboards (fee) and five solar-powered surrey bike tours that pass by the bayfront (fee). The park also features a boat launch, a fishing pier, soccer, cricket and lacrosse fields, as well as bay swimming at West and Overlook beaches.
- Cost $8 a car daily May 23-June 26; $10 daily June 27-Labor Day; $8 a car weekends May 17 and Sept. 12-Oct. 12.
- More info 631-581-2100, parks.ny.gov
Hither Hills State Park
164 Old Montauk Hwy., Montauk
Body of water Atlantic Ocean
A couple walks on the beach at Hither Hills State Park in Montauk. Credit: Gordon M. Grant
A Montauk gem, Hither Hills is best known for its 189 Atlantic beachfront campsites (fee, reservations required, newyorkstateparks.reserveamerica.com, April 10-Nov. 21; 800-456-2267). Daytrippers can stroll or swim at the 2-mile ocean beach, prepare lunch at a 10-acre, handicapped-accessible picnic area equipped with fireplaces, or discover the so-called "walking dunes" of Napeague Harbor.
- Cost $10 a car daily, May 23-Sept. 13.
- More info 631-668-2554, parks.ny.gov
Montauk Downs State Park
50 S. Fairview Ave., Montauk
Body of water Montauk Downs pool
Steps from the renowned links course, relax in a lifeguarded main pool or kiddie pool lined with cozy beach chairs, festive umbrellas and Hamptons-like hedges.
- Cost Open daily, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., June 27 to Sept. 7, $7, $5 ages 6-11
- More info 631-668-5000, parks.ny.gov
Montauk Point State Park
2000 Montauk Hwy., Montauk
Bodies of water Atlantic Ocean, Block Island Sound
Participants in a seal walk conducted by the New York State Parks look at a seal at an observation area at Montauk Point State Park in Montauk. Credit: Gordon M. Grant
The revetment, a retaining wall that protects the lighthouse from natural forces, recently reopened to foot traffic following a multiyear, multimillion-dollar renovation. Hike the pebble beach for views of surfcasters, surfers and Block Island. The adjacent Montauk Point Lighthouse is not part of the state park, but it's a bucket list item for its 137-step climb (montaukhistoricalsociety.org, $15, $5 kids under 12).
- Cost $8 a car daily May 23-Oct. 12 and weekends May 17 and Oct. 17-Nov. 11.
- More info 631-668-3781, parks.ny.gov
Orient Beach State Park
40000 Main Rd. (Route 25), Orient
Bodies of water Gardiner’s Bay, Hallock’s Bay
Kayak rentals at Orient Beach State Park. Credit: Newsday/Gordon M. Grant
Kids can play in the sand bordering scenic Gardiner's Bay, with a view of passing windsurfers. Swim at the lifeguard-monitored beach from June 27 to Sept. 7. On a second shoreline along Hallock's Bay, an approximately 5-mile body of water that runs the length of the state park, kayak and paddleboard rentals are available from Eagle's Neck Paddling Company (631-765-3502, eaglesneckpaddling.com). Bring your binoculars along to see four lighthouses from the beach, including the quirky Long Beach Bar (Bug Light) Lighthouse just offshore.
- Cost $8 a car daily May 23-June 26; $10 a car daily June 27-Sept. 7; $8 a car weekends May 17 and Sept. 12-Oct. 12.
- More info 631-323-2440, parks.ny.gov
Robert Moses State Park
600 Robert Moses State Pkwy., Babylon
Body of water Atlantic Ocean
Beachgoers at Robert Moses State Park. Credit: Newsday/John Keating
Boasting some of the Island's roughest waves, Robert Moses is open to surfing year-round beyond its popular bathing areas, according to park officials. A boardwalk running from Field 5 through the park dunes connects with the Fire Island National Seashore and its iconic lighthouse.
- Cost $10 a car daily May 23-Sept. 7; $8 a car weekends May 17 and Sept. 12-Nov. 1.
- More info 631-669-0449, parks.ny.gov
Shadmoor State Park
900 Montauk Hwy., Montauk
Body of water Atlantic Ocean
Take a hike this summer at Shadmoor State Park in Montauk. Credit: Newsday/Mark Harrington
Montauk doesn't get any wilder than this 99-acre waterfront park. Take in the Atlantic Ocean view from Roosevelt's Run trail, then descend one of the stairways through oceanfront bluffs to 2,400 feet of ocean beach, where you can picnic or fish. Along the trail, note the abandoned World War II-era bunkers that once protected the coast with artillery guns. If you're looking for waves, the famous Ditch Plains surfers' beach is a short walk away.
- Cost Free
- More info parks.ny.gov
Sunken Meadow State Park (Gov. Alfred E. Smith)
Route 25A and Sunken Meadow State Parkway, Kings Park
Body of water Long Island Sound
People walk along the boardwalk at Sunken Meadow State Park in Kings Park. Credit: Newsday/James Carbone
Spend a beach day at the North Shore's premier waterfront state park. Rise at dawn for a jog on the ¾-mile boardwalk. Picnic under a beach umbrella on a pebble beach with views of Long Island Sound. Take the little ones for a swim in the calm, shallow waters of the Sound. Enjoy a drink and crispy fries from the concession and dine on a sunny deck. The park also features a 9-hole and 18-hole golf courses and a launch area for windsurfing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and canoeing.
- Cost $10 a car daily May 23-Sept. 11; $8 weekends May 17 and Sept. 12-Nov. 8.
- More info 631-269-4333, parks.ny.gov
