Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Connetquot River State Park Preserve

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Address
Box 505
Oakdale, NY 11769
Latitude 40.748135
Longitude -73.152435

Know Before You Go...

More Info

Prohibited Activities

Please note that as a nature preserve, bicycling, picnicking and pets are not permitted.

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

Connetquot River State Park Preserve maintains 3,473 acres of land and water for the protection and propagation of game birds, fish and animals. Deer and waterfowl are numerous, rare nesting birds, including the osprey, are present and there are numerous rare plants, and other interesting flora, such as trailing arbutus and pink lady's slipper in their natural habitats. The preserve also has 50 miles of hiking, bridle, cross-country ski and nature trails, as well as freshwater fly fishing (by permit only) on the Connetquot River.

The Long Island Environmental Interpretive Center is home to the Regional Environmental Education Team of environmental educators. Schools, youth organizations and special interest groups can make arrangements for interpretive programs and hikes at any of the State Parks on Long Island by calling this office. In addition to group hikes there are Fun for Kids Activities, Family Adventure Programs and Adult Ed-ventures for the general public run at several State Parks.

Designated as the first "State Park Preserve" in New York, Connetquot River encourages the long-term protection  of our ecological, cultural  and historic resources. Passive activities include: hiking, birding and nature study. 

Prohibited Activities: Please note that as a nature preserve, bicycling, picnicking and pets are not permitted.

Hours of Operation

  • Open Tuesday through Sunday, year-round. Closed Mondays, except holidays.
    4/4/26 - 5/22/26, 7:30am - 4pm
    5/23/26 - 10/16/26, 7:30am - 6pm
    10/17/26 - 3/31/27, 7:30am - 4pm

  • Park Office: 7:30am - 3:30pm, Tuesday through Sunday.
  • Fly-Fishing Season: Year-round, Tuesday through Sunday.

    Session Times: (Must call Park in advance to confirm availability and make a reservation) 

    Morning session: 8am - 12pm. Check-in begins at 7:30am.

    Afternoon session: 12pm - 4pm. Check-in begins at 11:30am.

    Evening session: 4pm - 8pm, available Friday, Saturday, Sunday ONLY from May 8 to June 28, 2026. Reservation Required, check-in begins at 3:30pm.

    *Valid NYS freshwater fishing license required to fly fish*

  • Fly-Fishing Group Outing Program: Upon request only.
  • Horse Trailer Parking: Available year-round, 8am - 4pm.
  • Cross Country Skiing: Available in the winter season when conditions permit.
  • Long Island Environmental Interpretive Center: Programs conducted year-round, Wednesdays through Sundays.
  • South Side Sportsmen's Club Historic House Tours: 

    Step back in time as you tour the Main House of the South Side Sportsmen's Club. A docent will discuss the history of the tavern and the high society Sportsmen's Club which shaped Connetquot River State Park Preserve into what it is today.
    First and Third Sunday of each month, September-June.
    Each tour is about 45 minutes long and run continuously from 1:00 - 3:00pm.
    Reservations are required. Click here to register!


Fees & Rates

Most New York State Parks charge a vehicle use fee to enter the facility. Fees vary by location and season. A list of entry fees and other park use fees is available below. For fees not listed or to verify information, please contact the park directly.

The easy-to-use Empire Pass card is $80- and your key to all-season enjoyment with unlimited day-use entry at most facilities operated by State Parks and the State Dept. of Environmental Conservation including forests, beaches, trails and more. Purchase online or contact your favorite park for more information. Learn more about our Admission Programs including the Empire Pass.

  • Vehicle Entrance Fee
  • Cars: $8 

    Fee Collected:

    4/4/26 to 5/22/26: weekends & holidays only, 7:30am - 4pm

    5/23/26 to 10/16/26: daily (Tuesday-Sunday, closed Mondays), 7:30am - 6pm

    10/17/26 to 11/15/26: weekends & holidays only, 7:30am - 4pm


    Bus Vehicle Entrance Fee:

    Buses: $35

  • Environmental Interpretive Programs
  • $4 per adult
    $4 per child (3-17 yrs.)
    $35 Bus fee
    $4 per Scout with a $24 minimum
  • Fly Fishing
  • $25 per 4 hour session

    Fly-Fishing: Group Outing Program:
    $25 per person (4hr session)
  • Horseback Riding
  • $60 annual bridle path permit
    $15 day riding permit
  • House Tours
  • $4 per adult
    $4 per child
Sun 16 Aug
Citizen Science: Bat Map Walks
Sunday, August 16, 2026 07:30 PM - 09:00 PM
Connetquot River State Park Preserve
Join us for a citizen science walk as we explore the Preserve after dark looking for bats. We will be contributing any sightings to Bat Map LI. The goal of Bat Map LI is to better understand where bats are on Long Island, where their foraging areas and roost sites may be, and how to better conserve them. We will be hiking anywhere between 1-3 miles. Dress for the weather. Please note: we will just be observing bats in their natural environment. Reservations are required at Eventbrite.com.
Registration: Required
Wed 19 Aug
Tiny Tots: What’s the Buzz?
Wednesday, August 19, 2026 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Connetquot River State Park Preserve
Explore the natural world around us. These programs will connect children and their parents with nature through short walks, story time, animal visitors, and crafts. For children ages 3-5.
Fri 28 Aug
Full Moon Hike
Friday, August 28, 2026 07:45 PM - 09:30 PM
Connetquot River State Park Preserve
Discover your nocturnal neighbors on a guided walk through the park at night! Learn about how our local wildlife adapts to changes each night as we listen for calls, search for tracks, and explore the trails by moonlight. Reservations are required at Eventbrite.com.
Registration: Required
Sun 30 Aug
Citizen Science: Monarch Tagging
Sunday, August 30, 2026 09:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Connetquot River State Park Preserve
The Monarch Watch Tagging Program is a large-scale community science project that was initiated in 1992 to help understand the dynamics of the monarch's spectacular fall migration through mark and recapture. We will be exploring two parks: Connetquot River State Park Preserve and Robert Moses State Park, for Monarch butterflies to tag and release! For Connetquot, please be prepared to go into tall grass. Wear proper footwear and clothing for hiking on trails this time of year. Reservations are required at Eventbrite.com.
Registration: Required
Wed 02 Sep
Tiny Tots: Fossil Finds
Wednesday, September 2, 2026 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Connetquot River State Park Preserve
Explore the natural world around us. These programs will connect children and their parents with nature through short walks, story time, animal visitors, and crafts. For children ages 3-5.

Amenities Information

  • Amenities
  • Boat Rentals * Rowboat for fly-fishing only; Single Kayak for fly-fishing, bird watching, and wildlife viewing
  • Equestrian Trails
  • Fly Fishing (Accessible) * Historic Trout Hatchery
  • Gift Shop
  • Hiking
  • Nature Center
  • Snowshoeing/X-Country Skiing
  • Visitor Center