Hours & Fees
Heckscher State Park is open seven days a week, all year, from sunrise to sunset. NYS Parks charges a vehicle use fee in season: in 2026 it was $8 a car from April to mid-October, rising to $10 from June 27 to September 7, collected only during staffed hours. Buses pay $35, and an $80 Empire Pass covers the car fee all season. Picnicking is available all year; the beaches, campground and cottages run on their own seasons, and the swimming pool is closed.
Hours & Fees at a Glance
Park Hours
NYS Parks lists Heckscher as "open seven days a week, sunrise to sunset." There is no separate gate time: plan to be out of the park by dark unless you are staying in the campground or a cottage.
2026 Vehicle Use Fees
- April 4 to May 17: $8 a car, weekends and holidays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- May 23 to June 26: $8 a car; weekdays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekends and holidays 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- June 27 to September 7: $10 a car; same hours as above.
- September 12 to October 12: $8 a car, weekends and holidays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Buses: $35.
NYS Parks says most state parks charge between $6 and $10 for day use. For questions about a date not listed, call the park at (631) 581-2100.
Ways to Pay Less
- Empire Pass: from $80 for a season; waives the vehicle fee at most state parks, one car at a time.
- Golden Park Program: New York residents aged 62 or older get free vehicle entry on non-holiday weekdays.
- Access Pass: free or reduced entry for New York residents with disabilities.
- Lifetime Liberty Pass: free or reduced entry for New York veterans and Gold Star families.
- Every Kid Outdoors: NYS Parks accepts the national 4th-grade pass for free entry.
Beach Hours (2026)
- West Beach (Field 6): June 27 to September 7, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., daily.
- Overlook Beach (Field 8): June 27 to August 9, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays, Sundays and holidays only.
- Swimming pool: closed.
Details on the beaches page.
Campground and Cottages
- Campground: May 22 to September 6, 2026; reserve on ReserveAmerica. See camping.
- Cottages: April 24 to October 17, 2026, with weekly-only stays from July 8 to September 1. 2026 rates ran from $225 to $320 a night. See cottages.
Pavilions and Picnics
Picnicking is available all year. Heckscher has three reservable pavilions holding 400 to 500 people, priced from $250 to $375; NYS Parks takes Long Island pavilion bookings only through ReserveAmerica or 800-456-2267, at least 14 days ahead. See picnic areas.
Water Sports
Windsurfing, kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding were open from March 1 to November 30 in 2026. See kayaking.
Permits
- Metal detecting: by permit only, $40.
- Model airplanes: by permit only, $40.
Off-Season Visits
From mid-October to early April the state lists no vehicle fee for Heckscher, and the park still opens sunrise to sunset. NYS Parks lists snowshoeing and cross-country skiing among the amenities when there is snow, and runs winter programs such as a December bird count (2026: December 19, reservations on Eventbrite).
Hours & Fees FAQ
What are Heckscher State Park's hours?
Sunrise to sunset, seven days a week, all year. Beaches, the campground and cottages have their own seasons.
How much does it cost to get into Heckscher State Park?
There is a vehicle use fee in season. In 2026 it was $8 a car, or $10 from June 27 to September 7, and $35 for buses. An Empire Pass covers it.
Is Heckscher State Park free in winter?
NYS Parks listed no vehicle fee for Heckscher after October 12 in 2026, and the next fee period started in April. The park stays open sunrise to sunset.
Is Heckscher State Park open year round?
Yes. NYS Parks lists it as open seven days a week, sunrise to sunset, and picnicking is available all year.
Do seniors get in free at Heckscher?
New York residents 62 and older get free vehicle entry on non-holiday weekdays through the Golden Park Program.