Camping reservations can be made up to 9 months in advance. Sites become available at the 9-month window at the following times:
March 15 - Labor Day: 8AM Monday - Friday, 9AM Saturday & Sunday.
Day after Labor Day - March 14: 9AM Monday - Friday, 9AM Saturday & Sunday.

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Please Be Advised: New York State Park Campgrounds: Same-day reservations are allowed until 3PM on day of arrival; this applies to campsites only. Reservations can be made online or through the ReserveAmerica Call Center: 1-800-456-2267. Walk-ins are not permitted.


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HECKSCHER STATE PARK, NY

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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 ...
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Description

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.

Geography:

Heckscher State Park is located on the Great South Bay, on the south shore of Long Island, in Suffolk County.

Recreation:

The Great South Bay is a great park resource, providing opportunities for bay swimming, boat launching, sail boarding, kayaking, and canoeing. Other popular activities in the park include: picnicking, biking, sports fields, walking, jogging, scenic viewing, nature observation.

Facilities:

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.

Services & Amenities:

Within Park
  • Biking
  • Boat Launch
  • Canoeing
  • Disc Golf
  • Dump Station
  • Fishing
  • Hiking Trail
  • Information Center
  • Kayaking
  • Parking
  • Picnic Tables
  • Playground
  • Recreation Programs
  • Restroom
  • Showers
  • Skiing - Cross Country
  • Swimming - Beach
  • Windsurfing/Sailboarding
Alerts and Important Information
General Information:
COTTAGES
  • During Core Season the cottages require a 7 night minimum stay.
  • Must be 21 or older to rent
  • $200 refundable deposit required at check-in. Deposits collected via credit card ONLY.
  • Pets are NOT permitted in the cottages.
  • Smoking is NOT permitted in the cottages.
  • Tents are NOT allowed in the cottage area.
  • Heat and air conditioning are available in the cottages.
  • The latest time to check in on your day of arrival is 9PM. Please call the park if you cannot arrive by 9PM.
  • PLEASE NOTE: Reservations should only be made through Reserve America, do not book any sites via any third-party site (i.e. Airbnb, VRBO, etc...).
  • ACCESS PASS/LIFETIME LIBERTY PASS IS NOT ACCEPTED FOR THE COTTAGES


    CAMPSITES

  • Pets are NOT permitted.
  • There is a one-time $20 fee charged for a 2nd car pass at the time it is registered at the Park Office. The 2nd car pass is valid for the entirety of a reservation.
  • Only one vehicle is allowed at each campsite, all other permitted vehicles are to be parked in designated area assigned by Park Office.


    • SWIMMING: Each year the campground makes every effort to provide safe swimming opportunities by testing the water and by keeping the swimming areas staffed with lifeguards. Please be aware that if the safety of our swimmers is compromised due to lack of lifeguard coverage or water quality issues, swimming will be prohibited. Swimming cannot be a guaranteed activity; therefore, we cannot offer refunds on camping stays. We apologize for this inconvenience as it may occur with little advance notice.


    Looking to reserve a campsite for just 1 night? If you make your reservation within 3 days of your arrival you can book a 1-night stay online or through the Call Center. *Applies to campsites only.


    PRE-REGISTRATION: Have an existing reservation? Don't forget to PRE-REGISTER!! Two days prior to arrival you can sign into Reserve America and pre-register. IT SAVES TIME.


    LENGTH OF STAY: A camping party and their equipment may occupy a site for a maximum of 14 continuous nights. After which, the camping party and equipment must leave the site and facility for 48 hours before registering again for another site.


    Please Note: To ensure fairness for all NY customers, any reservation with departure dates outside the 9-month Maximum Window cannot be changed or cancelled until 18 days after the reservation was made.


    OPRHP General Camping Rules, Information, and Cancellation Policy

    Contact Information:

    Mailing Address:

    HECKSCHER STATE PARK
    P.O. Box 160
    EAST ISLIP  NY  11730
    Phone Number:
    Information:  (631)581-2100