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.

Fall Calendar Suffolk County

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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

  • Open Tuesday through Sunday, year-round. Closed Mondays, except holidays.
    4/1/24 - 5/27/24, 8 am - 4 pm
    5/28/24 - 10/14/24, 8 am - 6 pm
    10/15/24 - 3/31/25, 8 am - 4 pm

  • Fly-Fishing Season: Year-round, Tuesday through Sunday.

    Session Times: (Must call Park in advance to confirm availability and make a reservation) 

    Morning session - 8 am - 12 pm. Check-in begins at 7:30 am.

    Afternoon session - 12 pm - 4 pm. Check-in begins at 11:30 am.

    Evening session - 4 pm - 8 pm, available Friday, Saturday, Sunday ONLY from May 10 to June 30. Reservation Required, check-in begins at 3:30 pm.

    *Valid NYS freshwater fishing license required to fly fish*

  • Fly-Fishing Group Outing Program: Upon request only.
  • Horse Trailer Parking: Available year-round, 8 am - 4 pm.
  • Cross Country Skiing: Available in the winter season when conditions permit.
  • Long Island Environmental Interpretive Center: Programs conducted year-round, Wednesdays through Sundays.
  • 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:

    4/1/24 to 5/27/24: weekends & holidays only, 8 am - 4 pm

    5/28/24 to 10/14/24: daily (Tuesday - Sunday, closed Mondays), 8 am - 6 pm

    10/15/24 to 11/17/24: weekends & holidays only, 8 am - 4 pm


    Bus Vehicle Entrance Fee:

    Buses: $35

  • 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
  • $60 annual bridle path permit
    $15 day riding permit
  • House Tours
  • $4 per adult
    $4 per child
Fri 13 Dec
Holiday Wreaths
Friday, December 13, 2024 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Connetquot River State Park Preserve
Create a Holiday wreath with nature inspired decorations found around the habitats of Long Island. One wreath per ticket. Reservations taken on eventbrite.com.
Registration: Required
Sun 15 Dec
Historic Clubhouse Tours
Sunday, December 15, 2024 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Connetquot River State Park Preserve
Learn the history of the tavern & the high society club which shaped the Preserve into what it is today. Come see Santa on the 22nd! Reservations taken on eventbrite.com.
Registration: Required
Wed 18 Dec
Tiny Tots Programs: Seals!
Wednesday, December 18, 2024 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Connetquot River State Park Preserve
Enjoy short walks, story time, animal visitors, and crafts. For children ages 3 - 5.
Sat 21 Dec
Stars and Meteors: Ursids Meteors
Saturday, December 21, 2024 09:30 PM - 11:00 PM
Connetquot River State Park Preserve
Join us after hours and look up at the sky -you may see something out of this world! Bring a lawn chair for viewing after our lecture. Reservations taken on eventbrite.com.
Registration: Required
Sat 28 Dec
Owl Prowl: Citizen Science
Saturday, December 28, 2024 06:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Connetquot River State Park Preserve
Survey and discover the raptors of the night in a citizen science program to study the owls of Connetquot. Reservations taken on eventbrite.com.
Registration: Required

Amenities Information

  • Amenities
  • Boat Rentals * Rowboat for fly-fishing only; Single Kayak for fly-fishing, bird watching, and wildlife viewing
  • Equestrian Trails
  • Fly Fishing (Accessible) * Historic Trout Hatchery
  • Gift Shop
  • Hiking
  • Nature Center
  • Snowshoeing/X-Country Skiing
  • Visitor Center