Spring Calendar Suffolk County
To receive the Nature Program Schedule directly to your email, sign up for our electronic mailing list here!
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.
Prohibited Activities: Smoking, Pets, Bikes, Sports, Metal Detecting, Remote Control Vehicles, and Picnics are not permitted.
Photography: A permit is required for all posed photography at Caleb Smith State Park Preserve. This includes wedding, family, engagement, and all other posed photography. The fee is $200 for an hour and a half session during opening park hours. The permit must be obtained prior to the event date. Please contact the park for further information regarding photography permit at (631) 265-1054.
Pet Policy: No Pets Allowed
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 963 Smithtown, NY 11787
Hours of Operation
Open Tuesday through Sunday: closed Monday except holidays.
April - October: hours 9am - 5pm
November - March: hours 9am - 4pm
-
Nature museum hours of operation: 9am-4pm Wednesday through Sunday; year round.
-
- Environmental Interpretive Programs open all year.
Envrion. Programs conducted Wednesday - Sunday only.
Self Guided Trails
4/1/23 9am - 4pm
4/3/23 - 11/5/23 9am - 5pm
11/6/23 - 3/30/24 9am - 4pm
-
- 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.
4/1/23 9am - 4pm
4/3/23 - 11/5/23 9am - 5pm
11/6/23 - 3/30/24 9am - 4pm
-
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
-
- Everyone ages 3 and up: $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:April - Memorial Day: Weekends and Holidays only
Memorial Day - Labor Day: Tuesday - Sunday and Holidays
Labor Day - November: Weekends and Holidays only
-
Maps
New! Download this park's digital map to your iOS Apple and Android device.
Rainbow Lantern Walk
Saturday, June 17, 2023 08:00 PM - 09:30 PM
Caleb Smith State Park Preserve
Head
to Caleb Smith State Park Preserve for one of their popular lantern
walks with a Pride Month twist! Have you ever wanted to explore the park after
dark? Now is your chance, and the ambiance will be enhanced with rainbow
lanterns! Reservations are required, please call (631) 265 –
1054.
Registration: Required