Caleb Smith State Park Preserve
Be advised, to encourage social distancing and help stop the spread of COVID-19, many parks have reduced parking by 50% and local roads may have closures in effect. Many popular parks will fill to capacity by noon and close early to incoming visitors and traffic. Closures will be posted here and on our homepage. For real-time traffic updates visit: https://www.511ny.org/#:Alerts
581 West Jericho Turnpike
Smithtown, NY 11787
- General Information: (631) 265-1054
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.
Please Note: Pets, Bikes and Picnics are not permitted.
Pet Policy: No Pets Allowed
P.O. Box 963 Smithtown, NY 11787
Hours of Operation
Park hours of operation: 9am - 4pm, Wednesday through Sunday; year round except holidays.
Nature museum hours of operation: 9am-4pm Wednesday through Sunday; year round.
- Environmental Interpretive Programs and Self Guided Trails, open all year.
Envrion. Programs conducted Wednesday - Sunday only. - 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.
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
- Adults 18 & Over: $4
Children 3-17: $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 6/20 - Labor Day, 9 AM - 4 PM. After Labor Day, the fee is only charged on weekends. Collected via automatic pay station.
Maps
New! Download this park's digital map to your iOS Apple and Android device.
Saturday, January 16, 2021 01:30 PM - 03:00 PM
Caleb Smith State Park Preserve
Families will become nature detectives as they unravel the clues left behind by the park's wildlife. We will follow the signs and hopefully find the creatures that made them! Dress for the weather.
Due to Covid-19 safety parameters, space is limited. Reservations are required. Masks are mandatory. All programs are outside. $4 cash per person.
Saturday, January 30, 2021 01:30 PM - 03:00 PM
Caleb Smith State Park Preserve
Are there deer out there? We will become deer detectives as we explore the habits and habitats of the white tailed deer. We will put our knowledge to the test and search for the clues that deer have left behind. Dress for the weather.
Due to Covid-19 safety parameters, space is limited. Reservations are required. Masks are mandatory. All programs are outside. $4 cash per person.
Saturday, February 6, 2021 08:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Caleb Smith State Park Preserve
We will walk by Willow Pond and several streams through the forest on our way to the tops of the Harbor Hill Moraine and then down to the wetlands habitats. Perhaps we will see some deer and other animals of the park. Dress for the weather.
Join us at our new hiking series, Passport to Parks! We will hike at a different park every month, on trails less traveled! At the hike, you will receive a "passport" booklet. For each Passport to Parks program attended, earn a sticker specific to each park for your booklet. Collect them all! This is a great opportunity to explore Long Island parks and meet your step goal, throughout the year.
Due to Covid-19 safety parameter, space is limited. Reservations are required. Masks are mandatory. All programs are outside. $4 cash per person.
Saturday, February 20, 2021 09:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Caleb Smith State Park Preserve
There are plenty of birds around the park this time of year. We will take a quiet walk through the trails listening for them. Dress for the weather.
Due to Covid-19 safety parameters, space is limited. Reservations are required. Masks are mandatory. All programs are outside. $4 cash per person.
Amenities Information
- Amenities
- Fishing * Freshwater
- Fly Fishing * Nissequogue River Fly Fishing School
- Fly Fishing
- Gift Shop (Accessible)
- Hiking
- Nature Center
- Snowshoeing/X-Country Skiing
- Visitor Center (Accessible)