Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Heckscher State Park

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Address
Heckscher Parkway Field 1
East Islip, NY 11730
Latitude 40.716801
Longitude -73.164268

Heckscher State Park was once the 19th century estates of George C. Taylor and J. Neal Plum. William Nicoll, founder of the Town of Islip, originally built his estate on this property. The park was bought by the State of New York using a donation by the affluent August Heckscher with strong opposition from wealthy local residents. It was one of Robert Moses' most difficult fights to obtain land for public recreation on Long Island. Only with assistance and support from then Governor Alfred E. Smith was Moses able to close the deal on this beautiful property fronting the Great South Bay.

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 $200 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.
  • 2023 Overlook Beach Hours: 6/24 - 9/4/23: 11 am - 6 pm, Saturdays, Sundays & Holidays only.
  • 2023 West Beach Hours: 6/24 - 9/4/23: 10:00 am - 6 pm, daily.
  • Campgrounds reopen 5/26 - 9/4/23 . For reservations, please visit Reserve America
  • Picnicking: Available all year.
  • Swimming pool: Closed.
  • Windsurfing, Kayaking, Canoeing, and Paddle boarding: Open 3/1 - 11/30/23

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.

  • 2023 VUF/Parking Fees
  • 4/1 - 5/21: $8 per car
    8:00am - 4:00pm, Saturdays, Sundays & Holidays

    5/27 - 6/23: $8 per car,
    8:00am - 4:00pm Monday through Friday
    7:00am - 6:00pm Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays

    6/24 - 9/4: $10 per car
    8:00am - 4:00pm, Monday through Friday
    7:00am - 6:00pm Saturdays, Sundays & Holidays

    9/9 - 10/9: $8 per car
    8:00am - 4:00pm Saturdays, Sundays & Holidays

    Non-Profit Buses (By permit only) $35
    Commercial Buses $75
  • 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:
    4/28 - 5/25 (min 2 night stay)
    5/26 - 6/21 (min 2 night stay)
    9/1 - 10/5 (min 3 night stay)
    10/10 - 10/22 (min 2 night stay)

    Core season:
    6/23 - 8/31 (min 7 night stay)

    Peak Dates: Memorial day and Columbus day weekends
    5/26 - 5/29 (min 2 night stay)
    10/6 - 10/9 (min 3 night stay)
Fri 23 Jun
Pride Month: Rainbow Lantern Walk
Friday, June 23, 2023 08:00 PM - 09:30 PM
Heckscher State Park
Join us for one of our popular lantern walks with a Pride Month twist! Have you ever wanted to explore the park after dark? Now is your chance! We'll take a night-themed walk, with the ambiance of rainbow-colored lanterns! Reservations are required: Visit Eventbrite.com and search #NatureEdventure.
Registration: Required
Sat 15 Jul
JESTER JIM
Saturday, July 15, 2023 02:00 PM
Heckscher State Park
Long Island State Parks Summer Entertainment hosts Jester Jim. His show is filled with juggling, magic, audience participation, beat boxing, balancing and tons of comedy. it's entertaining and fun for the whole family. Don't miss out on this fun family show!
Sat 22 Jul
CANDY TWISTED BALLOONS
Saturday, July 22, 2023 02:00 PM
Heckscher State Park
Long Island State Parks Summer Entertainment hosts The Candy Twisted Balloon Show. The show is a combination of comedy, crazy magic, and audience participation. You won't want to miss the grand finale when Candy climbs inside the biggest balloon you have ever seen!
Sat 05 Aug
MAGIC OF AMORE
Saturday, August 5, 2023 02:00 PM
Heckscher State Park
Long Island State Parks Summer Entertainment hosts Magic of Amore's magic show which will amaze and astound you no matter your age! Colorful handkerchiefs turn to magic canes and objects materialize out of thin air. Bring your chair or blanket and get ready for an amazing show!
Sat 26 Aug
PETRA PUPPETS – THE WACKY FRIENDS SHOW
Saturday, August 26, 2023 02:00 PM
Heckscher State Park
Who's got the biggest mouth in the jungle? Can fish play classical music? What's the most dangerous part of an ant's body? Find out, as Steve Petra's cast of crazy puppet characters take over The Wacky Friends Show. Starring: Big Mouth Gus, Pedro the Gargling Piranha Fish, Antoinette, Krusty the Stale Donut, and lots of magic, music, and audience participation.

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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)