Caleb Smith State Park Preserve
581 West Jericho Turnpike
Smithtown, NY 11787
- General Information: (631) 265-1054
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Nestled in the heart of Smithtown, Caleb Smith State Park Preserve is one of four state nature preserves on Long Island. Within its 543 acres are a variety of habitats offering guests picturesque views that change with the seasons. Caleb Smith is a passive use park. This not only helps protect the local plant and wildlife populations but also allows visitors to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy the quiet serenity that can only be found in nature.
- The Nature Museum has been recently renovated and showcases natural history exhibits including a Great Blue Heron, Red Fox, Flying Squirrel and a River Otter.
- Take a gander as you meander along the hiking trails for some of our rare plants like Pink Lady Slipper, Trailing Arbutus, and Indian Pipe.
- Nature programs are offered, for all ages, year round. Tiny Tot programs are geared for 3-5 year olds and occur on a bi-weekly basis. Programs for children are suited for those ages 5 and up. Family programs are designed for ages 5 and up but younger siblings are always welcome. Adult programs are offered to those who are 18 and older. Reservations are required for all programs.
- Bird watchers will delight in the variety of feathered friends found in the preserve, such as Prothonotary Warblers, Virginia Rails and Osprey to name a few.
- During winter months the snowy landscape is crisscrossed not only with animal tracks but also with cross country ski and snowshoe tracks.
- Fly fishing on the Nissequogue River is available from April 1st to October 15th (NYS freshwater fishing license and reservations required).
- Children, 15 and under, are invited to fish on Willow Pond from April 1st to October 31st.
- Meeting space available for environmental use at reasonable rate, call for details.
Find more about park permit information.
For information on educational opportunities & programs in Long Island State Parks, please visit Long Island Environmental Interpretive Center.
Please Note: Pets, Bikes and Picnics are not permitted.
Pet Policy: No Pets Allowed
P.O. Box 963 Smithtown, NY 11787
Hours of Operation
Park hours of operation: 9am - 4pm, Wednesday through Sunday; year round except holidays.
Nature museum hours of operation: 9am-4pm Wednesday through Sunday; year round.
- Environmental Interpretive Programs and Self Guided Trails, open all year.
Envrion. Programs conducted Wednesday - Sunday only. - Fly Fishing: 4/1 - 10/15.
Wed-Sunday two sessions, 8:00AM - 12:00PM and 12:00PM - 4:00 PM
Permit issued & fishing fee collected at beginning of each session.For reservations, call 631-265-1054.
- Junior Angling: 4/1 - 10/31.
Fees & Rates
Most New York State Parks charge a vehicle use fee to enter the facility. Fees vary by location and season. A list of entry fees and other park use fees is available below. For fees not listed or to verify information, please contact the park directly.
The easy-to-use Empire Pass card is $80- and your key to all-season enjoyment with unlimited day-use entry at most facilities operated by State Parks and the State Dept. of Environmental Conservation including forests, beaches, trails and more. Purchase online or contact your favorite park for more information. Learn more about our Admission Programs including the Empire Pass.
- Environmental Interpretive Programs
- Adults 18 & Over: $4
Children 3-17: $4
Children 2 & under: Free - Fly Fishing
- $25 per 4 hour session (Vehicle entry included)
- Vehicle Entrance Fee
- Cars $8
Non-Profit Buses (By permit only) $35
Commercial Buses $75
Collected 5/31-9/6/21 - Labor Day, 9 AM - 4 PM. After Labor Day, the fee is only charged on weekends. Collected via automatic pay station.
Maps
New! Download this park's digital map to your iOS Apple and Android device.
Saturday, February 12, 2022 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Caleb Smith State Park Preserve
Looking for a fun winter craft?
Join us! We'll use hot wax and cold
ice to create a unique candle for
you to decorate and take home.
Appropriate for ages 7 and up.
Space is limited.
Reservations are required and will be taken two weeks prior to the program. Space is limited.
Please note: program reservations for Caleb Smith State Park Preserve are taken over the phone. Please call (631) 265-1054 for reservations.
Saturday, February 26, 2022 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Caleb Smith State Park Preserve
Where have all the deer gone? Expand your deer knowledge indoors as we explore the ways of the white-tailed deer. Outdoors we will become deer detectives and search for the clues that the deer have left behind.
Reservations are required and will be taken two weeks prior to the program. Space is limited.
Please note: program reservations for Caleb Smith State Park Preserve are taken over the phone. Please call (631) 265-1054 for reservations.
Saturday, March 5, 2022 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Caleb Smith State Park Preserve
Enjoy the refreshing cold winter air with a walk on the Red Trail. This will be a moderately paced hike that includes some hills, so wear good walking shoes, dress warm, and bring water.
Reservations are required and will be taken two weeks prior to the program. Space is limited.
Please note: program reservations for Caleb Smith State Park Preserve are taken over the phone. Please call (631) 265-1054 for reservations.
Saturday, March 19, 2022 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Caleb Smith State Park Preserve
After a long cold winter, the local plants and animals are beginning to become active again! Join us for a stroll through the park as we search for signs of spring!
Reservations are required and will be taken two weeks prior to the program. Space is limited.
Please note: program reservations for Caleb Smith State Park Preserve are taken over the phone. Please call (631) 265-1054 for reservations.
Amenities Information
- Amenities
- Fishing * Freshwater
- Fly Fishing * Nissequogue River Fly Fishing School
- Fly Fishing
- Gift Shop (Accessible)
- Hiking
- Nature Center
- Snowshoeing/X-Country Skiing
- Visitor Center (Accessible)