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
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
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- 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
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- Fly Fishing
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- $25 per 4-hour session
(Vehicle entry fee included)
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- Environmental Interpretive Programs
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- Everyone ages 3 and up: $4
Children 2 & under: Free
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Maps
New! Download this park's digital map to your iOS Apple and Android device.
Passport Through Parks
Saturday, August 2, 2025 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Caleb Smith State Park Preserve
Discover Long Island's many state parks in an ongoing monthly hiking series through every State Park on the island! Challenging and accessible hikes each month! Present 10 stickers to be entered into a raffle for a chance to win FREE admission to our 2026Environmental Education programs! Reservations taken on
eventbrite.com.
Registration: Required
Passport Through Parks
Saturday, August 16, 2025 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Caleb Smith State Park Preserve
Discover Long Island's many state parks in an ongoing monthly hiking series through every State Park on the island! Challenging and accessible hikes each month! Present 10 stickers to be entered into a raffle for a chance to win FREE admission to our 2026Environmental Education programs! Reservations taken on
eventbrite.com.
Registration: Required
What’s Under that Log?
Sunday, September 21, 2025 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Caleb Smith State Park Preserve
The forest floor is active and alive! Underneath all the leaf litter and decaying wood is an often-overlooked miniature world. Say hello to these creatures and learn to appreciate everything they do to keep the forest healthy. Reservations taken on
eventbrite.com.
Registration: Required