Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Connetquot River State Park Preserve

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Address
Box 505
Oakdale, NY 11769
Latitude 40.748135
Longitude -73.152435

Know Before You Go...

More Info

Prohibited Activities

Please note that as a nature preserve, bicycling, picnicking and pets are not permitted.

Winter Nature Programs Nassau County

Winter Nature Programs Suffolk County

Spring Calendar

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.

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

  • 2022 Hours of Operation:
    Open Tuesdays - Sundays, Closed Mondays
    1/1/22 - 5/29/22 8am - 4pm
    Memorial Day - Columbus Day 8am - 6pm
    10/15/22 - 12/31/22 8am - 4pm
    VUF $8.00
    4/2/22 - 5/29/22  Weekends only (8am - 4pm)
    Memorial Day 5/30/22 - Columbus Day 10/10/22 (8am - 6pm)
    10/15/22 - 11/20/22   Weekends only (8am - 4pm)
  • 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:

    4/2/22 to 5/29/22 Weekends Only 

    Memorial day 5/30 to Columbus Day (10/10/22): Daily, 8:00 am - 6:00 pm

    10/15/22 to 11/20/22: 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
Sat 01 Apr
Mystical Creatures
Saturday, April 1, 2023 07:00 PM - 08:30 PM
Connetquot River State Park Preserve
When the sun goes down, all of Connetquot's mysterious creatures come out to play. Woodland pixies, unicorns, and even bigfoot roam around the preserve for a night of adventure on April Fool's Day! Come learn all about these mystical creatures on this unique night hike! We'll be looking for traces of them with a fun scavenger hunt for all to enjoy! Bring a flashlight and your imagination! Reservations Are Required: Eventbrite.com and search #NatureEdventure.
Registration: Required
Sun 02 Apr
Clubhouse Tours
Sunday, April 2, 2023 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Connetquot River State Park Preserve
A docent will discuss the history of the tavern and the high society Club which shaped Connetquot River State Park Preserve into what it is today. Tours of the historic Nicoll Grist Mill are included and will be offered after your house tour. Recommended for children 8+. House tours are about an hour long and run consecutively every half hour. There will be a short talk outside before viewing the inside. Held on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month from 1:00-3:00pm. Reservations Are Required: Eventbrite.com and search #NatureEdventure.
Registration: Required
Sat 08 Apr
TROUT UNLIMITED FLY-CASTING CLINICS
Saturday, April 8, 2023 10:00 AM - 04:00 PM
Connetquot River State Park Preserve
Annual Fly-Casting Clinics where participants learn the art of fly-casting as well as fly-tying, safety techniques and conservation. The clinic also offers participants, who must be 16 years and older, tips on equipment and tackle needs. Reservations are required to participate. Please contact the park directly to register.
Fri 14 Apr
Spring Awakening Night Hike
Friday, April 14, 2023 07:00 PM - 08:30 PM
Connetquot River State Park Preserve
Join us for a spring night hike through the preserve. As the seasons change, signs of spring are all around us. From the sound of spring peepers to the sight of skunk cabbage, let's discover the signs of spring the preserve has to offer after hours. Reservations Are Required: Eventbrite.com and search #NatureEdventure.
Registration: Required
Sat 15 Apr
Tiny Tots: Earth Yay!
Saturday, April 15, 2023 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Connetquot River State Park Preserve
Explore the natural world around us. These programs will connect children and their parents with nature through short walks, animal visitors, and crafts. Reservations taken on eventbrite.com.
Registration: Required

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Amenities Information

  • Amenities
  • Equestrian Trails
  • Fishing (Accessible)
  • Fly Fishing
  • Gift Shop
  • Hiking
  • Nature Center
  • Snowshoeing/X-Country Skiing
  • Visitor Center