State Parks in the Long Island, New York Region
(1) Belmont Lake State Park is located in Babylon, New York. Belmont Lake State Park has family fun activities that include fishing, boating, hiking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing in the winter. This park also has horseshoe pits, basketball courts, and playing fields for plenty of outdoor activities. Belmont Lake is open all year round from sunrise to sunset. Dogs are allowed in the park; however, they must be on a leash and away from buildings and walkways. For more information about Belmont Lake State Park, please call (631) 667-5055.
(2) Camp Hero State Park is located in Montauk, New York and is open all year round, sunrise to sunset. Camp Hero State park is along the Atlantic Ocean and includes an historic military base. Activities at this park include horseback riding, hiking, biking, fishing, and much more. Cross country skiing is also permitted during the winter. Dogs are allowed into Camp Hero State Park; however, they must be on a leash. For more information, please call (631) 668-3781.
(3) Heckscher State Park is located in East Islip, New York. The park is open from seven am to sundown. Heckscher State Park was listed as one of the top 100 campgrounds in the nation for the year 2005. They have 69 campground sties. Outdoor activities include swimming in the bay or swimming pools, boating, hiking, biking, and playing on the outdoor activity fields and playground. Cross country skiing trails open during the winter months. Only dogs are allowed into the park and they must obey the New York State leash law. For more information on Heckscher State Park, please call (631) 581-2100.
(4) Valley Stream State Park is located in Valley Stream, New York and is a wonderful day picnic facility that is open all year long. Valley Stream offers an enormous amount of fun with outdoor activities. There are picnic areas with grills, playgrounds for children, plenty of playing fields, horseshoe pits, and a volleyball court. There is also a nature trail within the park and a half a mile walking course. No pets are allowed on park land. For more information concerning Valley Stream State Park, please call (516) 825-4128.
(5) Wildwood State Park is located in Wading River, New York. The park is open all year round, but camping season goes from April to October. Wildwood State park is beautiful and located on 600 acres of undeveloped land. Activities at the park include swimming, fishing, hiking, eating outdoors, and playing on the playgrounds. Cross country skiing is permitted during the winter. No pets are allowed in the park. Contact the staff at Wildwood State Park for more information. (631) 929-4314
(6) Shadmoor State Park is located in Montauk, New York and is open all year long. The park features an amazing ocean front beach only accessible by stairs. Shadmoor park features scenic hiking and biking trails. Saltwater fishing is also permitted along the beach area. Dogs are the only pets allowed into the park and they must be on a leash. For more information, please call (631) 668-3781.
(7) Orient Beach State Park is located in Orient, New York and is open all year long from sunrise to sunset. Anyone at Orient Beach Park is allowed to fish or swim in the bay, bike or hike along the nature trails, eat doors on picnic tables or play on the playgrounds. Pavilions are available; however, they must be reserved ahead of time for use. No pets are allowed on park grounds. For more information on Orient Beach State Park, please call (631) 323-2400.
(8) Nissequogue River State Park is located in Kings Park, New York. The park is open all year long, sunrise to sunset. Activities include bird watching, hiking, nature trails, fishing, and boating. There is an onsite museum and information center for visitors. During the winter months, cross country skiing and snowshoeing are fun activities. No pets are allowed in the Nissequogue River State Park. For more information on visiting, please call (631) 269-4927.
(9) Hempstead Lake State Park is located in West Hempstead, New York and is open all year round from daytime to nightfall. Hempstead Lake is the largest lake in Nassau County and fishing is permitted; however, it is a catch and release site. There are also two more lakes located in the park for fishing. Picnic tables are available for outdoor eating. Pavilions are available for large gatherings, but it is recommended that you reserve a date ahead of time. The outdoor facilities at Hempstead Lake State Park include playgrounds, basketball courts, tennis courts, biking, hiking and horseback riding tails. Dogs are allowed in certain parts of the park; however, they must always be on a leash. For more information on Hempstead Lake, please call (516) 766-1029.
(10) Hither Hills State Park is located in Montauk, New York and was rated one of Reserve America’s top outdoors locations for 2005. Camping is permitted from May to November on one of the 168 campsites. Outdoor activities include playing fields, playgrounds, bridle paths, nature trails, hiking and biking, and fishing. Cross country ski trails are open during the wintertime and hunting is allowed during season. Dogs are allowed in certain areas of the park; however, they must be on a leash no less than six feet long. For more information on Hither Hills State Park, please call (631) 668-2554.
If you are ever visiting Long Island, one of these parks would make a great vacations spot or a peaceful day trip.
