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.

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

4.53

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

April 2026

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Quick Facts

16 ft

Price

$20 - $200/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

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

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

16 ft

Price

$20 - $200/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

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

Cottages require a $200 refundable deposit (via credit card) at check-in. Campground-specific fees include a second car pass for $20, valid for the...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider

6315812100

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What Campers Say

4.53

Top-Rated

Based on 73 reviews

52 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanrestroomssites

"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."

Read all reviews

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.

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

Summer popular for swimming and water activities; some insect/tick reports.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Specific peak season dates not mentioned.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Reservations available year-round, with specific rules for cottages during core season requiring a minimum 7-night stay.
Current Alerts: No active alerts reported.

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 SceneryThe Great South Bay dominates the scenery, its protected waters visible from much of the park. Salt marshes transition to upland forest at the water's edge, creating habitat for whitetail deer and diverse bird populations. Fire Island sits on the horizon across the bay. The park sits at 16 feet elevation, mixing wooded areas with open meadows. Mature trees shade some sections, though the campground itself has limited vegetation between sites.

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.

Best Campsites

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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.

Need help booking Heckscher State Park?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

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Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Picnic tables

Firewood available

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

Policies & Safety

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

Active AlertsNo active alerts reported.

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.

Weather at Heckscher State Park

Trip Planning Tools

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

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.5

73 reviews

Top-Rated

Heckscher State Park is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% 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

Visitors appreciated the large campsites, clean and heated restrooms, and the range of activities, including biking and kayaking. The inclusion of amenities such as picnic tables and grills at each...

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

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing a personal fire pit if desired, as there are no fire rings. Using bug spray and long clothing to prevent tick bites is advised. Some reviewers suggested visiting Pat's...

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