Heckscher State Park
Heckscher Parkway Field 1
East Islip, NY 11730
- Phone: (631) 581-2100
Heckscher State Park was once the 19th century estates of George C. Taylor and J. Neal Plum. William Nicoll, founder of the Town of Islip, originally built his estate on this property. The park was bought by the State of New York using a donation by the affluent August Heckscher with strong opposition from wealthy local residents. It was one of Robert Moses' most difficult fights to obtain land for public recreation on Long Island. Only with assistance and support from then Governor Alfred E. Smith was Moses able to close the deal on this beautiful property fronting the Great South Bay.
The 1,600 acres of Heckscher State Park on the south shore of Long Island are used by park visitors for a number of outdoor activities; primarily, the park's shady picnic groves provide the idyllic spots for family and group picnic outings. Large open fields are used for soccer, cricket, lacrosse, and other field sports. Four miles of paved, multi-use trails attract bicycle riders, walkers, and nature lovers. In addition to stunning views of the Great South Bay with Fire Island as the backdrop, visitors see whitetail deer, a variety of birds and other wildlife.
The Great South Bay is a great park resource, providing opportunities for bay swimming, boat launching, sail boarding, kayaking, and canoeing. Other popular activities in the park include: picnicking, biking, sports fields, walking, jogging, scenic viewing, nature observation.
3 pavilions are available by Permit Only. Find out more information on picnic pavilion reservations and view the options available.
For information on educational opportunities & programs in Long Island State Parks, please visit Long Island Environmental Interpretive Center.
*Current Water Quality - Beach Results
Dogs only. Access in undeveloped areas only, on a leash not more than 6 feet. Not allowed in bathing and picnic areas. Not allowed in buildings or on walkways.
Hours of Operation
- Open seven days a week, 7:00 a.m. to 7 p.m.
*The Suffolk County Marathon and Half Marathon will start and finish at Heckscher State Park in East Islip on September 13, 2015. Please see information on that day's road closures here. - 2017 Overlook Beach Hours: 6/24-8/13: 10 am - 6 pm, Saturdays, Sundays & Holidays only.
- 2017 West Beach Hours: 6/24 - 9/4: 10:00 am - 6 pm, daily.
- Boat launch, hiking, cycling and running available year round.
Recreational programs offered year round.
Cross Country Skiing available during the winter season. - Picnicking: Available all year.
Pavilion Areas Field #3: 400 person max.
Field #2: Taylor & Deer Range: 500 person max. each. Swimming pool: Closed.
Camping: Closed.- Disc Golf: Open year round
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 Empire Pass -- whether a card for $80 or a vehicle-affixed decal for $65 -- is 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. Apply online or contact your favorite park for more information. Learn more about our Admission Programs including the Empire Pass.
- 2017 VUF/Parking Fees
- 5/27- 6/23: $8 per car
8:00am - 4:00pm, Saturdays, Sundays & Holidays6/24 - 9/4: $10 per car
8:00am - 4:00pm, Daily
7:00am - 6:00pm, Saturdays, Sundays & Holidays
9/9-10/9: $8 per car
8:00am - 4:00pm, Saturdays, Sundays & Holidays
Non-Profit Buses (By permit only) $35
Commercial Buses $75 - Metal Detecting
- By Permit Only $40
- Model Airplane
- By Permit Only $40
- Picnicking - Pavilion Areas
- Field #3 - $325
400 person maximum
Field #2 - Taylor & Deer Range 500 person max. each
Weekends/Holidays - $250
Weekdays - $200
Sunday, January 7, 2018 11:00 AM
Heckscher State Park
The series will begin Sunday, January 7 at Heckscher State Park. Additional runs will be held January 14 at Robert Moses State Park, January 21 at Sunken Meadow State Park, and January 28 at Jones Beach State Park. All races are themed, 5K in length, and will start at 11 a.m.
Registration is open for full series signups. There are three ways to register: in-person at the Long Island State Park Headquarters, located on Belmont Avenue at Exit 37N off the Southern State Parkway from 9AM to 5PM, Monday through Friday; by mailing an application along with payment in the form of check or money order to Winter Run Series, PO Box 247, Babylon, NY 11702; or online, for a small fee at www.flrrt.com. Full Series Registration will close when the maximum amount of 1,100 registrants is reached.
Amenities, Activities & Information
- Amenities
- Boat Launches (Accessible)
- Food (Accessible)
- Grills
- Nature Trails
- Pavilions (Accessible)
- Picnic Tables (Accessible)
- Playgrounds (Accessible)
- Playing Fields
- Showers (Accessible)
- Swimming Beach (Accessible)
- Activities
- Biking
- Canoeing/Kayaking
- Disc Golf
- Fishing (Accessible)
- Hiking
- Recreation Programs (Accessible)
- Stand-up Paddle Boarding
- Wind Surfing
- X-Country Skiing