Heckscher State Park
Heckscher Parkway Field 1
East Islip, NY 11730
- General Information: (631) 581-2100
The 1,600 acres of Heckscher State Park on the south shore of Long Island are used by park visitors for a number of outdoor activities; primarily, the park's shady picnic groves provide the idyllic spots for family and group picnic outings. Large open fields are used for soccer, cricket, lacrosse, and other field sports. Four miles of paved, multi-use trails attract bicycle riders, walkers, and nature lovers. In addition to stunning views of the Great South Bay with Fire Island as the backdrop, visitors see whitetail deer, a variety of birds and other wildlife.
The Great South Bay is a great park resource, providing opportunities for bay swimming, boat launching, sail boarding, kayaking, and canoeing. NEW Cottages! Checkout the newly built waterfront cottages offering 3-season accommodations. Cottages can accommodate 2-6 people and include; living room, bedroom(s), full kitchen, bathroom, screened porch and spectacular views! Other popular activities in the park include: picnicking, biking, sports fields, walking, jogging, scenic viewing, nature observation.
Pavilion Information
Heckscher has three pavilions. Prices range from $250 to $375 and can accommodate 400 to 500 people. Check availability at ReserveAmerica.com. Find out more information on picnic pavilion reservations and view the options available (see bottom of page under Documents for photos).
For information on educational opportunities & programs in Long Island State Parks, please visit Long Island Environmental Interpretive Center.
*Current Water Quality - Beach Results
Pet Policy: Dogs are only permitted on nature trails located in the undeveloped areas of the park. Patrons may park vehicles in Field 5 during the off-peak season (September – May) and Field 4 during the peak season (Memorial Day to Labor Day). Trail is accessible in the Western section of the Field 5 parking lot. Dogs must not be on a leash greater than 6 feet. Dogs are not permitted on bike path, beach, and playgrounds or in picnic areas, campground, and buildings including the cottages. Proof of vaccination must be produced if requested by staff.
Hours of Operation
- Open seven days a week, sunrise to sunset.
- 2024 Overlook Beach Hours: 6/22 - 8/11/24: 11 am - 6 pm, Saturdays, Sundays & Holidays only.
- 2024 West Beach Hours: 6/22 - 9/2/24: 10:00 am - 6 pm, daily.
- Campgrounds reopen 5/24 - 9/1/24. For reservations, please visit Reserve America
- Picnicking: Available all year.
- Swimming pool: Closed.
- Windsurfing, Kayaking, Canoeing, and Paddle boarding: Open 3/1/24 - 11/30/24
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.
- 2024 VUF/Parking Fees
- 4/6 - 5/19: $8 per car
8:00am - 4:00pm, Saturdays, Sundays & Holidays
5/25 - 9/2: $10 per car
8:00am - 4:00pm, Monday through Friday7:00am - 6:00pm Saturdays, Sundays & Holidays9/7 - 10/14: $8 per car8:00am - 4:00pm Saturdays, Sundays & Holidays
Buses: $35 - Cottages
1 Bedroom Cottages:
Non-Peak: $225/night, $1,350/week
Peak: $250/night, $1,500/week
Core: $1,500/week
2 Bedroom Cottages:
Non-Peak: $255/night, $1,530/week
Peak: $285/night, $1,710/week
Core: $1,710/week
2 Bedroom with Loft Cottages:
Non-Peak: $285/night, $1,710/week
Peak: $320/night, $1,920/week
Core: $1,920/week- Permits
- Metal Detecting:
By Permit Only $40
Model Airplane:
By Permit Only $40 - Cottage Season
- Non-Peak Dates:4/26 - 5/23 (min 2 night stay)5/27 - 6/18 (min 2 night stay)8/30 - 10/10 (min 3 night stay)10/14 - 10/19 (min 2 night stay)Core season:6/19 - 8/29 (min 7 night stay)Peak Dates: Memorial day and Columbus day weekends5/24 - 5/26 (min 2 night stay)10/11 - 10/13 (min 3 night stay)
Amenities Information
- Amenities
- Biking
- Boat Launches (Accessible)
- Campsites, Cabins & Lodging (Accessible) * 4 of the 15 are Accessible.
- Canoeing/Kayaking
- Disc Golf
- Fishing (Accessible)
- Grills
- Hiking
- Pavilions and Shelter Rentals (Accessible)
- Playgrounds (Accessible)
- Playing Fields
- Showers
- Snowshoeing/X-Country Skiing
- Stand-up Paddle Boarding
- Surfing/Windsurfing
- Swimming Beach (Accessible)