Heckscher State Park
🌅 Trusted Guide to Long Island’s Bayfront Park – Updated 2025
Where Long Island Meets the Great South Bay
On the south shore of Long Island near East Islip, Heckscher State Park encompasses 1,657 acres along the Great South Bay with stunning views of Fire Island across the water. The park combines calm bayfront swimming, seasonal camping with beachfront cottages, four miles of paved multi-use trails, and vast open fields for sports and picnicking. As the southern terminus of the Long Island Greenbelt Trail (31 miles from Sunken Meadow), Heckscher is both a destination beach park and a connector to Long Island’s expansive trail network.
Bay Swimming & Water Sports
- Bay beach: Calm Great South Bay waters — family-friendly swimming with Fire Island views
- Boat launch: Ramp access to the Great South Bay for powerboats and sailboats
- Kayaking & Canoeing: Sheltered bay waters perfect for paddling
- Saltwater fishing: Surf casting and boat-based fishing in the bay
Camping & Trails
- Seasonal campsites: Tent and trailer sites, some with electric hookups
- Beachfront cottages: Three-season units directly on the bay
- 4 miles of paved trails: Walking, jogging, cycling, and nature observation
- Greenbelt Trail: Southern terminus of the 31-mile Long Island Greenbelt from Sunken Meadow
- Open fields: Soccer, cricket, lacrosse, and large group picnic areas
Practical Tips
- From NYC (45 miles): Take Southern State Parkway to Heckscher State Parkway South to the park
- Entry fee: $8 per vehicle (seasonal — weekends April-November, daily Memorial Day-Labor Day)
- Parking fills fast on summer weekends — arrive early or visit midweek
- The bay water is warmer and calmer than ocean beaches — excellent for young children
- Winter cross-country skiing on park trails when conditions allow
- Combine with a Fire Island ferry from nearby Bay Shore for a barrier island day trip
Things to Do
New York’s state park system spans glacier-carved Finger Lakes gorges, wild Adirondack backcountry, Hudson Valley cliffs, Long Island beaches, and Niagara Falls. Activities include hiking dramatic gorge trails, swimming at supervised beaches, fishing world-class trout streams, camping in old-growth forests, cross-country skiing, rock climbing the Shawangunk Ridge, and kayaking the Thousand Islands.
Best Time to Visit
Summer is peak for swimming and waterfalls. Fall brings world-class foliage peaking mid-to-late October. Spring delivers peak waterfall flow. Winter turns Adirondack parks into skiing paradises. Many gorge trails are closed November through May.
Visitor Tips
Parking fees range from $6 to $10. An Empire Pass ($80/year) covers all state parks. Camping through ReserveAmerica up to 9 months in advance. Popular gorge parks require parking reservations on peak weekends.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an Empire Pass cost?
The Empire Pass costs $80 per year and provides unlimited vehicle entry to all New York state parks, historic sites, and recreation areas. It is available at any state park entrance or online through the NY Parks website.
When is the best time for fall foliage in New York state parks?
Fall foliage in New York typically peaks from late September in the Adirondacks to mid-October in the Hudson Valley and Finger Lakes region. Letchworth and Bear Mountain State Parks are especially popular for leaf peeping.
Are gorge trails open year-round in New York?
Most gorge trails, including those at Watkins Glen, Robert H. Treman, and Buttermilk Falls, are closed from roughly November through May due to ice and safety concerns. Rim trails often remain open year-round.
Can I camp at New York state parks?
Yes, many New York state parks offer tent camping, RV sites, and cabins. Reservations can be made through ReserveAmerica up to 9 months in advance. Popular parks fill quickly for summer and fall weekends.
Explore More New York State Parks
Heckscher State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in New York. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in New York guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
Heckscher SP — 1,657 acres on the Great South Bay (Long Island) — features swimming, camping, and bayfront picnicking with views of Fire Island. The park’s salt marsh, beach, and oak forest create diverse habitat. Osprey nest on platforms. Diamondback terrapins inhabit the bay. Horseshoe crabs spawn in May. Great egrets stalk the marsh.
Nearby Attractions
East Islip — adjacent. Fire Island National Seashore — across the bay — accessible by ferry. Bayard Cutting Arboretum — 2 miles north — has Olmsted gardens. Connetquot River SP — 3 miles east. Sayville — 5 miles east — has the Fire Island ferry.
