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.

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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

  • 2023 Hours of Operation:
    Open Tuesdays - Sundays, Closed Mondays
    4/3/23 - 5/29/23 8am - 4pm
    Memorial Day - Columbus Day 8am - 6pm
    10/10/23 - 3/31/24 8am - 4pm
    VUF $8.00
    4/3/23 - 5/29/23  Weekends only (8am - 4pm)
    Memorial Day 5/30/23 - Columbus Day 10/9/23 (8am - 6pm)
    10/10/23 - 3/31/24   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:

    4/3/23 to 5/29/23 Weekends Only 

    Memorial day 5/30 to Columbus Day (10/9/23): Daily, 8:00 am - 6:00 pm

    10/10/23 to 3/31/24: 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
Sun 04 Jun
Clubhouse Tours
Sunday, June 4, 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 10 Jun
Pride: Keith Harring Art Class
Saturday, June 10, 2023 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Connetquot River State Park Preserve
Using a unique combination of black, white, and primary colors, Keith Haring created a visual language with his street art, sculptures, and paintings. Join us as we create our own Keith Haring inspired work of art. Reservations Are Required: Eventbrite.com and search #NatureEdventure.
Registration: Required
Sun 11 Jun
Turtles, Snakes, & Frogs
Sunday, June 11, 2023 01:00 PM - 02:30 PM
Connetquot River State Park Preserve
Meet Myrtle the Turtle and her friends during an interactive program introducing turtles, snakes, and frogs. Enjoy a short hike to explore the habitats of these fascinating animals. Reservations Are Required: Eventbrite.com and search #NatureEdventure.
Registration: Required
Sun 18 Jun
Clubhouse Tours
Sunday, June 18, 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 24 Jun
Pride Month: Color Connection
Saturday, June 24, 2023 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Connetquot River State Park Preserve
Have you ever heard of ROY G BIV? You'll certainly be an expert by the end of this program, filled with hands-on activities that will help us explore the many ways that light bounces, bends, and reflects. Reservations Are Required: Eventbrite.com and search #NatureEdventure.
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