Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Caleb Smith State Park Preserve

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Caleb Smith State Park Preserve Fly Fishing

Update 8/20/24: Fly fishing is suspended until further notice.

Address
581 West Jericho Turnpike
Smithtown, NY 11787
Latitude 40.851841
Longitude -73.224815

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 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.
  • 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 park office 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.

Summer Calendar Suffolk County

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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.

Mailing Address
P.O. Box 963 Smithtown, NY 11787

Hours of Operation

  • Open Tuesday through Sunday: closed Mondays except holidays.
    April 1st - November 2nd: hours 9am - 5pm
    November 3rd - March 31st, 2025: hours 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.

  • Vehicle Entrance Fee
  • Cars: $8
    Buses: $35

    Collected:
    April - Memorial Day: Weekends and Holidays only
    Memorial Day - Labor Day: Tuesday - Sunday and Holidays
    Labor Day - November: Weekends and Holidays only
  • Fly Fishing
  • $25 per 4-hour session (Vehicle entry fee included)
  • Environmental Interpretive Programs
  • Everyone ages 3 and up: $4
    Children 2 & under: Free

Maps

Digital Maps

New! Download this park's digital map to your iOS Apple and Android device.

Fri 04 Oct
Spooky Tales on Trails
Friday, October 4, 2024 06:30 PM - 08:00 PM
Caleb Smith State Park Preserve
See the park after dark with lantern light while hearing fun, spooky ghost stories for allages! Reservations taken on eventbrite.com.
Registration: Required
Sat 26 Oct
Fall Fishing
Saturday, October 26, 2024 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Caleb Smith State Park Preserve
Join us for some fishing fun on Willow Pond! Learn the basics of freshwater fishing at the Preserve! For children under 15. Reservations taken on eventbrite.com.
Registration: Required
Sat 02 Nov
Autumn Mindfulness Walk
Saturday, November 2, 2024 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Caleb Smith State Park Preserve
On this leisurely woodland stroll, we will make frequent stops to discover what sounds, smells, and feelings make this a unique time of the year in the forest. Reservations taken on eventbrite.com.
Registration: Required
Sat 23 Nov
Lovely Leaves
Saturday, November 23, 2024 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Caleb Smith State Park Preserve
Enjoy a short nature walk to see some common fall leaves, then create a variety of autumn leaf inspired arts and crafts! Reservations taken on eventbrite.com.
Registration: Required
Sat 14 Dec
Holiday Wreaths
Saturday, December 14, 2024 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Caleb Smith State Park Preserve
Create a Holiday wreath with nature inspired decorations found around the habitats of Long Island. One wreath per ticket. Reservations taken on eventbrite.com.
Registration: Required
Did You Know? Many migrating ducks spend the winter on Willow Pond.

Amenities Information

  • Amenities
  • Fishing * Freshwater/Children’s Fresh Water Fishing
  • Fly Fishing * Lessons
  • Fly Fishing * By Permit
  • Hiking
  • Nature Center
  • Snowshoeing/X-Country Skiing