Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Hours of Operation

• Sunken Meadow is open every day year-round, sunrise to sunset.

• Golf:
  The golf courses are open year round, weather permitting. The golf courses are closed on Christmas day and New Years day. First tee off is at Sunrise during the operating season, and at 8 AM from November 28th to March 13th.
  
  Clubhouse opens one hour before first tee time.
  Driving Range: All year, weather permitting.
  Electric Cart Rental: All year, rentals through the Pro Shop.
  Pull Cart Rental: All year, rentals through the Pro Shop.
• 2021 Swimming Season:
  
  Main Beach, Field 1:
  May 29, 2021 - September 19, 2021; swimming hours will be 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily.
  
  East Beach, Field 3: 
  May 29, 2021 - June 20, 2021; swimming hours will be 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. weekends & holidays only
  June 26, 2021 - September 19, 2021; swimming hours will be 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily.

  Swimming is available until September 19^th- Call the Park Office for specifics on which Fields have swimming and what time of day they are open.

• Bicycling:
  Between 5/06 and 9/15, bicycling on the boardwalk is only permitted on weekdays between 6 AM and 9 AM. Bicycling elsewhere in the park is permitted year-round in designated areas.

• Cross Country Programs: Permit required for schools and organized groups. Insurance required for schools and groups. Please contact the Regional Permit Office at 631-669-1000.

• Cross Country Skiing: Available during winter season as conditions permit, not permitted on the golf courses. No rentals available. No sledding is permitted in the park.
• Fishing:
  Available year-round in designated areas. Permit required for night fishing is available for purchase at the park office. 
• Hiking: Available all year from sunrise to sunset on nature trails, 3/4 mile boardwalk and Greenbelt Trail.
• Horseback Riding: Available all year with required permit on bridle trail in Field 5 only. Not permitted in Picnic area or Cross-Country trails.
• Metal Detecting: Permit required. Please contact the Regional Permit Office at 631-669-1000.
• Model Airplanes: Due to recent construction in Field 2 we will NO longer be able to accommodate model airplane permits. Any inquiries for model airplanes at Sunken Meadow are being directed to Nissequogue River State Park.
• Orienteering: Permit required. Please contact the Regional Permit Office at 631-669-1000.
• Picnicking: Available year-round, sunrise to sunset.
• Playgrounds, playfields, softball fields, soccer fields, basketball courts: Available year-round. A permit is required for organized groups and picnic groups larger than 50 persons.
• Stargazing: Permit required, available for purchase at the park office.
• Windsurfing, Kayak & Canoe Launching: Available year-round from Sunrise to Sunset in Field 3 only. For daytime periods when Field 3 is closed, required parking passes are available at the park office free of charge.

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.

• VUF/Parking Fee (per car)

• 4/3/21 - 5/31/21: 8am-4pm, weekends and holidays - $8/car

  5/29/21 - 9/12/21: 7am - 6pm weekends and holidays; 8am-4pm weekdays - $10/car.

  9/18/21 - 11/7/21: 8am-4pm, weekends & holidays - $8/car
  
  Non-Profit Buses: $35 (By permit only)
  Commercial Buses: $75
  Unscheduled buses: $75
  
  *VUF not charged for golf patrons. Driver pays for $10 of greens fee at tolls.

• Golf
• For all golf-related fees, please visit Governor Alfred E. Smith/Sunken Meadow State Park Golf Course's site.
• Permits
• 4 Wheel Drive Beach Vehicle Fishing Permit:
  NYS Driver's License $80
  Out of State Driver's License $125
  
  Metal Detecting:
  $40 Annual Fee
  
  Night Sport Fishing Permit:
  NYS Driver's License $35
  Out of State Driver's License $60
  7 Night Sport Fishing Permit $25
  Permits sold at Babylon Headquarters and at the Park office.
  
  Star Gazing Permit:
  NYS Driver's License $35
  Out of State Driver's License $60
• Orienteering
• $50 fee

Maps

• Trail Map (pdf)