Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Nestled in the heart of Smithtown, Caleb Smith State Park Preserve is one of four state nature preserves on Long Island. Within its 543 acres are a variety of habitats offering guests picturesque views that change with the seasons. Caleb Smith is a passive use park. This not only helps protect the local plant and wildlife populations but also allows visitors to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy the quiet serenity that can only be found in nature.

• The Nature Museum showcases natural history exhibits including a Great Blue Heron, Red Fox, Flying Squirrel and a River Otter.
  
• Take a gander as you meander along the hiking trails for some of our rare plants like Pink Lady Slipper, Trailing Arbutus, and Indian Pipe.
• Bird watchers will delight in the variety of feathered friends found in the preserve, such as Prothonotary Warblers, Virginia Rails and Osprey to name a few.
  
• During winter months the snowy landscape is crisscrossed not only with animal tracks but also with cross country ski and snowshoe tracks.
  
• Fly fishing on the Nissequogue River is available from April 1st to October 15th (NYS freshwater fishing license and reservations required).
  
• Children, 15 and under, are invited to fish on Willow Pond from April 1st to October 31st.
  
• Meeting space available for environmental use at reasonable rate, call park office for details.

Find more about park permit information.

For information on educational opportunities & programs in Long Island State Parks, please visit Long Island Environmental Interpretive Center.

To receive the Nature Programs Schedule directly to your email, sigh up for our electronic mailing list here!

Prohibited Activities: Smoking, Pets, Bikes, Sports, Metal Detecting, Remote Control Vehicles, and Picnics are not permitted.

Photography: A permit is required for all posed photography at Caleb Smith State Park Preserve. This includes wedding, family, engagement, and all other posed photography. The fee is $200 for an hour and a half session during opening park hours. The permit must be obtained prior to the event date. Please contact the park for further information regarding photography permit at (631) 265-1054.