How much does camping cost at Heckscher State Park?

Camping fees at Heckscher State Park range from $20-$200/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Heckscher State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Heckscher State Park accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Heckscher State Park before I book?

Yes! Heckscher State Park has 5 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Heckscher State Park?

Heckscher State Park is open Specific peak season dates not mentioned.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Heckscher State Park?

Yes, Heckscher State Park has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Heckscher State Park?

Fire policies at Heckscher State Park: Campfires are not allowed; logs can be burned in grills for cooking.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Are dogs allowed at Heckscher State Park?

Pets are not allowed at Heckscher State Park. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Heckscher State Park?

Heckscher State Park offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Heckscher State Park?

Popular activities at Heckscher State Park include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing, Beach Activities. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Heckscher State Park

4.42

73 reviews

P.O. Box 160, EAST ISLIP, New York, 11730, United States

Featured in:Beach Camping New York Hidden Gem Campgrounds New York Group Camping New York +1 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

16 ft

Price

$20 - $200/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Campgrounds reopen 5...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Regional Programs and Services - Camping Unit Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

16 ft

Price

$20 - $200/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Campgrounds reopen 5...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Regional Programs and Services - Camping Unit Official Website

Get Directions

Heckscher State Park

$20.00 - $200.00 / night

Campsite Fees

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,...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Reserve America

Provider

6315812100

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

P.O. Box 160, EAST ISLIP, New York, 11730, United States

Heckscher State Park

P.O. Box 160, EAST ISLIP, New York, 11730, United States

Nearby supplies

User review mentions Pat’s Marketplace as a nearby grocery store with a large selection of prepared meals. Additional supply locations not explicitly stated.

Weather at Heckscher State Park

Best Time to Camp at Heckscher State Park

Summer brings the most reliable weather, with daytime highs between 75-85°F and water temperatures in the upper 60s to mid-70s. Long daylight hours make this the best time for swimming, boating, and bay fishing, though it's also the most crowded. The bay breeze helps with humidity on sticky afternoons. Hurricane season peaks August through September. Winter sees occasional snow along the trails and bayfront.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season: best weather and water activities; also most crowded.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Specific peak season dates not mentioned.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Campgrounds reopen 5/22 - 9/6. For reservations, please visit Reserve America

About Heckscher State Park

Heckscher State Park spreads across 1,600 acres on Long Island's south shore, where the Great South Bay meets coastal forest and open fields. The campground offers spacious sites with electric hookups ranging from $20-$200 per night, plus cabins for non-tent campers. Expect crowds in summer, the park's peak season.

The campground accommodates both tent and RV camping, as well as cottage rentals.

Historical Significance

The park occupies former estate lands once owned by George C. Taylor and J. Neal Plum. Robert Moses and Governor Alfred E. Smith partnered to convert the private properties into public parkland, transforming exclusive coastal holdings into accessible recreation space for New Yorkers.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the most reliable weather, with daytime highs between 75-85°F and water temperatures in the upper 60s to mid-70s. Long daylight hours make this the best time for swimming, boating, and bay fishing, though it's also the most crowded. The bay breeze helps with humidity on sticky afternoons. Hurricane season peaks August through September. Winter sees occasional snow along the trails and bayfront.

ElevationThe park's gentle coastal topography creates an accessible landscape where meadows roll softly toward the bay, offering easy exploration for visitors of all abilities.

Natural Features and Scenery1,600-1,657 acre park on the south shore of Long Island along the Great South Bay, featuring shady picnic groves, large open fields, four miles of paved multi-use trails, Heckscher Forest, and stunning views of Fire Island across the bay.[1][2][5]

Geological RegionPerched on Long Island's storied south shore, Heckscher State Park serves as a window into the dynamic coastal ecosystem where land meets sea. Here, the Great South Bay's protected waters have shaped centuries of maritime heritage, creating a unique ecological tapestry where salt marshes transition to upland forests. This special meeting place of terrestrial and marine environments supports an impressive diversity of plant and animal life, making every visit an opportunity to witness the delicate balance of coastal Long Island's natural systems.

Scenic ViewsStunning views of the Great South Bay, with Fire Island visible in the backdrop.

Lodging & AccommodationsCottages are available with minimum stay requirements. They are equipped with heat and air conditioning, but tents are not allowed in the cottage area. Pets and smoking are prohibited.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in latest by 9 PM.

Check-out

Specific check-out time not provided.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is capped at 14 continuous nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Specific number of guests per campsite is not detailed.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground uses a loop design with large, spacious sites. There's a tradeoff: you get room to spread out, but you won't get privacy. No bushes or trees separate the sites from each other.

Reservation PlatformsReservations should only be made through Reserve America.

Walk-in AvailabilityOne-night campsite reservations are possible if booked within 3 days of arrival, either online or through the call center.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policy is governed by New York OPRHP rules, including restrictions on changes for reservations with departure dates outside the 9-month window.

AccessibilitySome users mentioned flat terrain and paved trails, which may be suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. However, no official information on ADA compliance or specific facilities for disabled visitors is mentioned.

Site SizeSites are described as large and spacious, though privacy is limited due to the lack of vegetation between the sites.

PrivacyLimited privacy is noted due to the absence of bushes or trees separating campsites.

Recommended SitesCampers are advised to bring their own fire pits, as there are none provided on-site.

Best CampsitesNo specific site recommendations found in available sources.

Need help booking Heckscher State Park?

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Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Heckscher State Park offers a range of amenities, with both official descriptions and user reviews highlighting specifics. Amenities include well-maintained restroom and shower facilities, picnic tables, water spigots at each site, and a dump station. The park also features multi-use trails and recreation areas, including a large open field and communal fire pits.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Picnic tables

Firewood available

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Heckscher State Park offers a variety of recreational activities, including biking, hiking, fishing, and access to water sports. The park is known for its scenic views of the Great South Bay and Fire Island.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsTicks and raccoons are mentioned in user reviews as potential concerns. Bug spray and proper clothing are recommended.

Fire PolicyCampfires are not allowed; logs can be burned in grills for cooking.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are No quiet hours mentioned in regulations.

Emergency ServicesRanger station contact: 631-581-2100. Specific information on hospitals or police stations unavailable.

Trash & RecyclingTrash disposal is available, with ashes from fire rings designated for red drums near dumpsters. No recycling facilities are explicitly mentioned.

Water FeaturesThe park is located along the Great South Bay, offering opportunities for bay swimming, kayaking, and canoeing.

Camp HostA helpful man at registration is mentioned in reviews, though specific host details are unavailable.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.4

73 reviews

Recommended

Heckscher State Park is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are generally positive, with praise for the park's well-maintained facilities, spacious campsites, and variety of recreational activities. Some criticism is directed at the lack of fire pits, inconsistent cleanliness of restrooms, and limited privacy between campsites.

Review Summaries

Based on 73 reviews

What Campers Love

Family-friendly with natural surroundings, scenic bay views, wildlife viewing, extensive recreation; attracts nearly a million visitors annually.[1][3]

Based on 73 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints included the absence of fire rings at campsites, limited privacy due to open layouts, and cleanliness issues in some restrooms and shower facilities. Some users also mentioned...

Based on 73 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #55 is noted for being near clean bathrooms and water spigots. However, users mentioned insects and ticks as a drawback.

Based on 73 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reservations up to 9 months in advance; same-day reservations until 3pm; walk-ins permitted for campsites; stop aquatic hitchhikers; pets not allowed.[1][2]

Based on 73 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is a popular season due to the availability of swimming and water-based activities, but some users noted issues with insects and ticks. Fall may require additional preparation, like bringing a...

Based on 73 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Nice campground, close to NYC and Fire Island. The office is open till 11 pm, there is an ice machine as well, and even the ice cream truck comes near sites." - Nutza H. "Facilities are...

Based on 73 reviews

Accessibility Features

The flat terrain and paved trails are appreciated, but no specific reviews address accessibility for disabled individuals.

Based on 73 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The park's no-pets policy is noted, though some users observed well-behaved dogs on-site without incident.

Based on 73 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Families who want easy access to kayaking, bay swimming, and flat paved bike trails on the south shore. Site 55 puts you close to the bathrooms and water, and summer temps stay manageable with the bay breeze. Cottages work well if tent camping isn't your thing.

Skip if

No fire rings anywhere, and the open loop layout means neighbors are always in full view. Campers who need a campfire or any sense of seclusion will find the setup frustrating. Pets are a hard no, and restroom cleanliness gets inconsistent during peak summer crowds.

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