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Long Island county parks: Where to go in Nassau and Suffolk 

Danny Hernandez, of Ridge, and Tiffani Russotto, of Selden, take a trip along the Carmans River by rowboat in Southaven County Park. Credit: Joseph D. Sullivan

Life doesn't get much better than at county parks, where residents have a variety of campgrounds, ballfields, biking trails, dog runs, tennis courts, beaches and hiking trails at their disposal. Trails and runs are free to county residents; fees apply for campgrounds, ballfields and some tennis courts. Park admission is free unless noted.

Friends meet up at Cedar Creek Park in Seaford for...

Friends meet up at Cedar Creek Park in Seaford for a pick-up game of basketball.  Credit: Randee Daddona

NASSAU COUNTY PARKS

BAY PARK

First Avenue, East Rockaway; 516-571-7245

  • 96 acres; picnic area (fee), playground, water sprinkler park, lighted tennis and basketball courts, biking and running paths, multisport fields and hard ballfields (permit and fee), roller/hockey rink, nine-hole golf course (fee), fishing dock and launch ramp (fee) and dog run. 

CANTIAGUE PARK

480 W. John St., Hicksville; 516-571-7056; golf: 516-571-7061

  • 127 acres; picnic area (reserved for fee and unreserved), batting cage (fee), playground, table games, horseshoe pits, boccie court, basketball and handball courts, lighted tennis courts (fee), lighted multipurpose turf fields for football, lacrosse, lighted soccer and softball fields (permit and fee), jogging course, nine-hole golf course, driving range, mini golf, indoor ice rink, outdoor pool complex with showers (fee), snack bar.
  • Fee: Parking $10 a car weekends and holidays for nonresidents Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Cantiague Park in Hicksville features a pool with two different...

Cantiague Park in Hicksville features a pool with two different water slides.  Credit: Newsday/Steve Pfost

CEDAR CREEK PARK 

3340 Merrick Rd., Seaford; 516-571-7470 

  • 259 acres; two summer movie nights, handball and tennis courts, archery (bring your own equipment), multipurpose turf and softball fields (permit and fee), basketball court, aerodrome field (radio-controlled model planes; permit), tether car track, bicycle path and beginning of trail to Jones Beach, picnic areas, in-line and roller-skating area, and dog run. 
  • Fee: Parking $10 a car daily for nonresidents Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

CENTENNIAL PARK 

1 Centennial Ave., Roosevelt; 516-571-8695 

  • Closed for renovation until early summer. 2 acres; playground, spray park, basketball, tennis, paddleball and handball courts, and picnic tables. 

CHRISTOPHER MORLEY PARK

Searingtown Road, Roslyn-North Hills; 516-571-8113 

Danny Tyroler, of Great Neck, left, and Paul Radak, of Kew Gardens,...

Danny Tyroler, of Great Neck, left, and Paul Radak, of Kew Gardens, play chess at Christopher Morley Park in Roslyn. Credit: Danielle Silverman

  • 98 acres; indoor tennis courts (fee; 516-214-1900), nine-hole golf course (fee), playgrounds, picnic areas (reserved for fee and free for unreserved), dog run, fitness trail, softball and hardball fields (permit and fee), basketball and volleyball courts, paddleball, shuffleboard, horseshoes, outdoor ice rink (Nov.-March, fee).
  • Fee: Parking $10 a car daily for nonresidents Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. 

EISENHOWER PARK 

Hempstead Turnpike and Merrick Avenue, East Meadow; 516-572-0348 

  • 930 acres; baseball, softball and soccer fields (permit and fee); three 18-hole golf courses; driving range; mini golf; batting range; picnic areas (reserved and unreserved); 14 tennis courts and 2 pickleball courts (lighted May-Oct.); playgrounds; dog run; jogging and fitness trails; bike paths; model boating; boccie; indoor aquatic center; summer concerts and restaurant. Free parking for residents and nonresidents. 

EUGENE NICKERSON BEACH PARK 

880 Lido Blvd., Lido Beach; 516-571-7700 

  • Ocean beach, lifeguards May 25 to Labor Day. Cabanas (fee), 2 pools (fee), 2 tennis courts, beach volleyball, soccer fields (fee), basketball court, playgrounds, baseball field (permit and fee), pitch and putt (fee), handball and paddleball, snack bars, 89 campsites for RVs (reservation and fee), picnic areas (reserved for fee and unreserved), surf casting (permit required), skate park. Fee: Parking $15 a day with Leisure Pass, Memorial Day-Labor Day; without Leisure Pass or nonresidents, $37. Pool admission: Residents with a Leisure Pass $6-$10; without Leisure Pass or nonresidents, $11-$16.

GRANT PARK 

Broadway and Sheridan Avenue, Hewlett; 516-571-7821 or 516-571-7820 

  • 35 acres; 2 summer concerts, tennis courts (fee), handball/paddleball courts, playgrounds, spray pool, outdoor ice rink (fee, Nov.-March), picnic areas (reserved for fee and free for unreserved), basketball courts, turf softball fields (permit and fee), lake fishing (license required).

INWOOD PARK 

600 Bayview Ave., Inwood; 516-571-7894 

  • 16 acres; softball field (permit and fee), tennis and basketball courts, playground, outdoor roller rink, saltwater fishing (license required), crabbing, launch ramp (fee), picnic area (reserved for fee and free for unreserved). 
A family walks along the shoreline at Inwood Park.

A family walks along the shoreline at Inwood Park. Credit: Howard Simmons

MITCHEL ATHLETIC COMPLEX

1 Charles Lindbergh Blvd., Uniondale; 516-572-0420 

  • 49 acres; 400-meter track; football, lacrosse and soccer stadium (permit and fee); eight athletic fields for baseball, football, soccer, lacrosse (permit and fees). 

NORTH WOODMERE PARK 

750 Hungry Harbor Rd., North Woodmere; 516-571-7800 

  • 150 acres; summer movies, lighted tennis courts (fee), lighted basketball courts, lighted handball and paddleball courts, lighted baseball, football, softball fields (permit and fee), swimming complex (fee), nine-hole golf (fee), lighted driving range (fee), horseshoes, playground, spray park, saltwater fishing (license required), crabbing, picnic areas (reserved for fee and free for unreserved), community room (fee).
  • Fee: Parking $10 a car weekends and holidays for nonresidents Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

REV. ARTHUR MACKEY SR. PARK 

49 Lakeside Dr., Roosevelt; 516-571-8692 

  • 27 acres; two basketball courts, four half-courts, two handball courts, two tennis courts, nature trail, playground, spray park, unreserved picnic area, picnic shelter and reserved picnic area (fee), fishing (license required), bicycle trail. 

WANTAGH PARK 

1 King Rd., off Merrick Road, Wantagh; 516-571-7460 

Michael Devivo and Luce Forgione enjoy the spray park at Wantagh Park...

Michael Devivo and Luce Forgione enjoy the spray park at Wantagh Park in Wantagh. Credit: Newsday/J. Conrad Williams Jr.

  • 111 acres; 2 summer concerts, swimming complex (fee), bicycle paths, mini golf, dog run, baseball and softball fields (permit and fee), picnic areas (reserved for fee and free for unreserved), shelters (permit, fee), tennis courts, marina, gazebo, playground, community room (fee), fishing (license required), fitness trail, jogging course, boat ramp ($82 annual fee for Nassau residents; $28 one-day launch, open to all); daily dockage ($2 per foot per day, reserved; open to all).
  • Fee: Parking $10 a car daily for nonresidents Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

SUFFOLK COUNTY PARKS

Parking fees may apply; check suffolkcountyny.gov. Suffolk County adds 3% fee for credit card use.

ARTHUR KUNZ COUNTY PARK 

Off Landing Avenue, Smithtown; 631-854-4949

  •  97 acres; Greenbelt Trail, hiking, bird watching.

BERKELEY JACKSON COUNTY PARK 

Manor Road, Huntington

  • 102 acres; hiking and bird watching. 

BLYDENBURGH COUNTY PARK 

Veterans Memorial Highway, Smithtown; 631-854-3712 

Brothers Jace Bebbino, left, and Jesse Bebbino, of Deer Park, spend a cloudy...

Brothers Jace Bebbino, left, and Jesse Bebbino, of Deer Park, spend a cloudy summer afternoon fishing from the dock at Blydenburgh County Park's Stump Pond in Smithtown. Credit: Newsday/John Paraskevas

  • 588 acres; bridle paths (no rentals), campsites, hiking, picnic areas, restrooms, playground with communication board, little free library, and fenced-in dog run area.
  • Fee: $7 parking Green Key cardholders, $15 non-Green Key cardholders, May 24-Sept. 1 weekends and holidays only. Due to damage that occurred to the dam during a storm in August 2024, Stump Pond is no longer filled with water; any water activities are currently unavailable. 

BROOKSIDE COUNTY PARK 

59 Brook St., Sayville; 631-854-4949 

  • 5.8-acre park was estate of architect Isaac H. Green. Guided nature and bird-watching walks 1-3 p.m. Wed. and Sun. (weather permitting).

CATHEDRAL PINES COUNTY PARK 

Yaphank-Middle Island Road, Middle Island; 631-852-5502 

  • 320 acres; individual and group campsites (groups must reserve), restrooms, playground, sports fields, nature trails, activity building, mountain biking.
  • Fee: $7 parking Green Key cardholders, $15 non-Green Key cardholders, May 24-Sept. 1 weekends and holidays only.

CEDAR POINT COUNTY PARK 

Stephen Hands Path, East Hampton; 631-852-7620 

Zoeller family, of North Babylon, set up their campsite at...

Zoeller family, of North Babylon, set up their campsite at Cedar Point County Park in East Hampton.  Credit: Gordon M. Grant

  • 608 acres; individual and group campsites (groups reserve), glamping, self-guided nature trail, outer beach area for saltwater fishing (permit), waterfowl hunting (fee, license), rowboat rentals, picnic area, biking.
  • Fee: $7 parking Green Key card holders, $15 non-Green Key card holders, May 24-Sept. 1 weekends and holidays only. 

CUPSOGUE BEACH COUNTY PARK 

Dune Road, Westhampton; 631-852-8111; offseason: 631-854-4949. West end of Dune Road, directly across inlet from Smith Point County Park. 

  • Protected beach (daily May 24-Sept. 1), beach wheelchair and beach access mat, snack bar; limited camping on bay side, off-road vehicle permit needed.
  • Fee: Parking fee daily May 24-Sept. 1: $9 Green Key cardholders, $18 without card.

GARDINER COUNTY PARK 

Montauk Highway, West Bay Shore; 631-854-0935 

  • 231 acres; picnic area, pavilion, playground, nature trail and physical fitness trail; fenced-in dog park.

GOLDSMITH’S INLET COUNTY PARK 

Off Mill Road, Peconic; 631-854-4949 

  • 60 acres; 1/2-mile trail.

INDIAN ISLAND COUNTY PARK 

County Road 105, Riverhead; 631-852-3232 

  • 287 acres; individual and group campsites (groups reserve), saltwater fishing, hiking trails, playground, picnic area.
  • Fee: $7 parking Green Key cardholders, $15 non-Green Key cardholders, May 24-Sept. 1 weekends and holidays only.

ISLIP GREENBELT COUNTY PARK 

Islip; 631-854-4949 

  • 153 acres; access to Greenbelt Trail.

LAKE RONKONKOMA COUNTY PARK 

Lake Shore Road, Lake Ronkonkoma; 631-854-9699 

Lake Ronkonkoma County Park has a handicapped-accesible playground.

Lake Ronkonkoma County Park has a handicapped-accesible playground. Credit: James Carbone

  • 223 acres; baseball, handball, basketball, handicapped-accessible playground, picnic area, freshwater fishing.
  • Fee: $7 parking Green Key cardholders, $15 non-Green Key cardholders, May 24-Sept. 1 weekends and holidays only.

LAKELAND COUNTY PARK 

Johnson Avenue, Islandia; 631-853-2727 or 631-854-4949 

  • 70 acres; boardwalks, shuffleboard, basketball courts, playground, nature trail/boardwalk over headwaters of the Connetquot River, self-guided interpretive trails, nature trails (3,500 feet are boardwalks or surfaced areas), picnic area with gazebo. 

MESCHUTT BEACH COUNTY PARK

1 Canal Rd., Hampton Bays; 631-852-8209; offseason: 631-854-4949 

  • 7 acres; protected beach (May 24-Sept. 1; bathing in Peconic Bay), picnic area, snack area, sand wheelchair and accessibility mats, lifeguards.
  • Fee: Parking fee daily May 24-Sept. 1: $9 with Green Key card, $18 without card. Seniors with Green Key card, free weekdays only (excluding holidays).

MONTAUK COUNTY PARK 

Route 27, Montauk; 631-852-7879 

  • 1,126 acres; bridle paths (rentals), outer beach camping (fee; off-road permit needed), freshwater fishing (fee, license), nature trails, waterfowl and deer hunting (license), picnic and bike hostel areas, beach.
  • Fee: $7 parking Green Key cardholders, $15 non-Green Key cardholders, May 24-Sept. 1 weekends and holidays only.

NORTHWEST HARBOR COUNTY PARK 

Off Swamp Road, East Hampton; 631-852-7620, 631-854-4949 

  • 337 acres along a salt marsh; migratory waterfowl; bow deer hunting with seasonal and daily permit and key card.

ORIENT POINT COUNTY PARK 

End of Route 25 near the Orient Point ferry, Orient; 631-854-4949 

The Orient Point County Park hiking trail hugs a rocky...

The Orient Point County Park hiking trail hugs a rocky beach and the Long Island Sound. Credit: James Escher

  • 48 acres; mile-long beach, 1/2-mile trail, bird-watching.

POXABOGUE COUNTY PARK 

Old Farm Road, Bridgehampton; 631-854-4949 

  • 26 acres; 1/2-mile nature walk, winter waterfowl.

PROSSER PINES COUNTY PARK 

Yaphank-Middle Island Road, Middle Island; 631-854-4949 

  • 56 acres; white pine, trails, bird watching.

RAYNOR BEACH COUNTY PARK 

Ronkonkoma Avenue, Ronkonkoma; 631-854-9699 

  • Two playgrounds; basketball, tennis and handball courts; soccer; baseball fields; picnic tables; trails.

ROBERT CUSHMAN MURPHY COUNTY PARK 

Off River Road at Swan Pond, Manorville; 631-854-4949 

The 2,200-acre Robert Cushman Murphy County Park in Manorville offers hiking...

The 2,200-acre Robert Cushman Murphy County Park in Manorville offers hiking and bird watching. Credit: Newsday/Carl Corry

  • 2,200 acres; bird watching, fishing (license needed) on Swan Pond (free canoe ramp).

SANS SOUCI COUNTY PARK 

Access off Broadway Avenue, Sayville; 631-854-4949 

  • Bird watching and hiking.

SEARS BELLOWS COUNTY PARK 

Bellows Pond Road, Hampton Bays; 631-852-8290 

  • 693 acres; bicycle hostel area, individual and group campsites (groups reserve), rowboat rentals, playground, bridle paths, freshwater fishing (fee, license), waterfowl and deer hunting (adjacent park, in season); no lifeguards.
  • Fee: $7 parking Green Key cardholders, $15 non-Green Key cardholders, May 24-Sept. 1 weekends and holidays only.

SHINNECOCK EAST COUNTY PARK

Dune Road, Southampton; seasonal: 631-852-8839; offseason: 631-852-8290 

  • 89 acres; 100 campsites on outer beach for self-contained vehicles only; saltwater fishing and off-road vehicles.
  • Fee: $7 parking Green Key cardholders, $15 non-Green Key cardholders, May 24-Sept. 1 weekends and holidays only.

SMITH POINT COUNTY PARK 

County Road 46, Shirley; 631-852-1313 

A buck greets the start of a new day at Smith...

A buck greets the start of a new day at Smith Point County Park campground. Credit: Tom Lambui

  • Protected beach, saltwater fishing, waterfowl hunting (in season with license), beach camping, sand wheelchair and beach access mat, fishing and picnic areas, snack bar, disabled-accessible playground. Home of TWA 800 memorial.
  • Fee: Parking fee daily May 24-Sept. 1: $9 Green Key cardholders; $18 non-Green Key cardholders.

SMITHTOWN GREENBELT COUNTY PARK 

Off Route 347 at Nissequogue River, Smithtown; 631-854-4949 

  • 118 acres; part of Greenbelt Trail.

SOUTHAVEN COUNTY PARK 

Victory Avenue, Brookhaven; 631-854-1414 

  • 1,323 acres; bridle paths, individual and group campsites (groups reserve), freshwater fishing (fee, license), waterfowl hunting in season (license), picnic area, disabled-accessible playground, canoeing, trap and skeet. Home of Long Island Live Steamers miniature trains; from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m., tickets available until 2:45 p.m., last train leaves at 3 p.m. (fee; lilivesteamers.org, 631-345-0499). Public Run days are usually the second and last Sundays of the month, but there can be exceptions. 
  • Fee: $7 parking Green Key cardholders, $15 non-Green Key cardholders, May 24-Sept. 1 weekends and holidays only.

SUFFOLK HILLS COUNTY PARK 

Off County Road 51, Riverhead; 631-854-4949 

  • 985 acres; site of Bald Hill, highest point on the East End; bow deer hunting in season.

TERRELL RIVER COUNTY PARK 

Off Montauk Highway, Center Moriches; 631-854-4949 

  • 260 acres; hiking trails, bird watching.

VAN BOURGONDIEN COUNTY PARK

Albin Avenue, West Babylon; 631-854-4949, Managed by Babylon Town through Adopt-a-Park program.

  • 19 acres; playground, two soccer fields, 1/2-mile exercise course, two tennis courts.

WEST HILLS COUNTY PARK 

Sweet Hollow Road, Huntington; 631-854-4423 

Julia Russo, her father Joe, brother Justin and mother Laura,...

Julia Russo, her father Joe, brother Justin and mother Laura, of Setuaket, ride a trail in West Hills County Park. Credit: Daniel Brennan

  • 854 acres; bridle paths, youth group camping area, playground, small and large dog parks.
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