Connetquot River State Park Preserve
Box 505
Oakdale, NY 11769
- General Information: (631) 581-1005
August/September Nature Programs
To receive the Nature Program Schedule directly to your email, sign up for our electronic mailing list here!
Connetquot River State Park Preserve maintains 3,473 acres of land and water for the protection and propagation of game birds, fish and animals. Deer and waterfowl are numerous, rare nesting birds, including the osprey, are present and there are numerous rare plants, and other interesting flora, such as trailing arbutus and pink lady's slipper in their natural habitats. The preserve also has 50 miles of hiking, bridle, cross-country ski and nature trails, as well as freshwater fly fishing (by permit only) on the Connetquot River.
For Schools: Environmental Education Programs
Youth Programs available
The Long Island Environmental Interpretive Center is home to the Regional Environmental Education Team of environmental educators. Schools, youth organizations and special interest groups can make arrangements for interpretive programs and hikes at any of the State Parks on Long Island by calling this office. In addition to group hikes there are Fun for Kids Activities, Family Adventure Programs and Adult Ed-ventures for the general public run at several State Parks.
Designated as the first "State Park Preserve" in New York, Connetquot River encourages the long-term protection of our ecological, cultural and historic resources. Passive activities include: hiking, birding and nature study.
Prohibited Activities: Please note that as a nature preserve, bicycling, picnicking and pets are not permitted.
Hours of Operation
- Open Tuesdays - Sundays, 8AM till 4PM. Closed Mondays
- Long Island Environmental Interpretive Center: Programs conducted year-round, Wednesdays through Sundays.
Fly Fishing Season: Open Year Round (Session Times: 8am - 12 pm, 12pm - 4 pm, additional session 4pm-sunset April-September, Tuesdays through Sundays)
Trout Fishing: valid NYS freshwater fishing license required.- Fly Fishing Group Outing Program: Upon request only.
- Horse Trailer Parking: Available all year. 8 am - 4 pm.
- Cross Country Skiing: Available in the winter season when conditions permit.
- South Side Sportsmen's Club Historic House Tours:
Step back in time as you tour the Main House of the South Side Sportsmen's Club. A docent will discuss the history of the tavern and the high society Sportsmen's Club which shaped Connetquot River State Park Preserve into what it is today.
First and Third Sunday of each month, September-June.
Each tour is about 45 minutes long and run continuously from 1:00 - 3:00 pm.
Reservations are required. Click here to register!
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.
- Vehicle Entrance Fee
Cars $8
Fee Collected:
4/3/21 to 5/30/21 Weekends Only
Memorial day 5/31 to Columbus Day (10/11/21): Daily, 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
10/16/21 to 11/21/21: Weekends Only, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Bus Vehicle Entrance Fee:
Non-Profit Buses (By permit only) $35
Commercial Buses (By permit only) $75- Environmental Interpretive Programs
- $4 per adult
$4 per child (3-17 yrs.) - Fly Fishing
- $25 per 4 hour session
Fly Fishing: Group Outing Program:
$25 per person (4hr session) - Horseback Riding
- $50 yearly permit & $10 day riding permit
- House Tours
- $4 per adult
$4 per child
Maps
New! Download this park's digital map to your iOS Apple and Android device.
Friday, September 17, 2021 07:30 PM - 09:30 PM
Connetquot River State Park Preserve
Join us at the Preserve after hours to learn all about the creatures of the night. From fox to owls, they all have special adaptations that help them get around at night! Take an exciting night hike in search of these elusive creatures.
To register, please visit Eventbrite.com and search for #NatureEdventure
Reservations are required for all programs. Space is limited. If you are unable to keep your reservation, please cancel so others may have the opportunity to attend. $4 per person, cash only. If you would like to register for a program with a group, please call 631-581-1072 to schedule a private program.
Saturday, September 18, 2021 08:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Connetquot River State Park Preserve
A short presentation will focus on owls! Afterwards, take a walk through the preserve led by experi-enced birders from the Great South Bay Audubon Society to search for birds in the wild.
To register, please visit Eventbrite.com and search for #NatureEdventure
Reservations are required for all programs. Space is limited. If you are unable to keep your reservation, please cancel so others may have the opportunity to attend. $4 per person, cash only. If you would like to register for a program with a group, please call 631-581-1072 to schedule a private program.
Sunday, September 19, 2021 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Connetquot River State Park Preserve
Step back in time as you tour the Main House of the South Side Sportsmen's Club. A docent will discuss the history of the tavern and the high society Sportsmen's Club which shaped Connetquot River State Park Preserve into what it is today.
To register, please visit Eventbrite.com and search for #NatureEdventure
Reservations are required for all programs. Space is limited. If you are unable to keep your reservation, please cancel so others may have the opportunity to attend. $4 per person, cash only. If you would like to register for a program with a group, please call 631-581-1072 to schedule a private program.
Saturday, September 25, 2021 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Connetquot River State Park Preserve
The fall season is here! Put down that Pumpkin Spice Latte and join us for a hike through the forest. Learn all about the plants and animals of the Preserve and how they prepare for the changing season.
To register, please visit Eventbrite.com and search for #NatureEdventure
Reservations are required for all programs. Space is limited. If you are unable to keep your reservation, please cancel so others may have the opportunity to attend. $4 per person, cash only. If you would like to register for a program with a group, please call 631-581-1072 to schedule a private program.
Sunday, September 26, 2021 01:30 PM - 03:30 PM
Connetquot River State Park Preserve
Did you know the Connetquot River is 6-miles along and is almost completely protected by park lands? Come celebrate "World River Day" with us and take a walk along this incredible river while learning about the creatures that call it home.
To register, please visit Eventbrite.com and search for #NatureEdventure
Reservations are required for all programs. Space is limited. If you are unable to keep your reservation, please cancel so others may have the opportunity to attend. $4 per person, cash only. If you would like to register for a program with a group, please call 631-581-1072 to schedule a private program.
Amenities Information
- Amenities
- Equestrian Trails
- Fishing (Accessible)
- Fly Fishing
- Gift Shop
- Hiking
- Nature Center
- Snowshoeing/X-Country Skiing
- Visitor Center