Kayaking & Paddling
Yes, you can kayak at Heckscher State Park. NYS Parks' Long Island paddling guide says to launch from Parking Field 7 to reach the Great South Bay and the lower Connetquot River, and the park allowed windsurfing, kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding from March 1 to November 30 in 2026. Bring your own boat: NYS Parks lists no rentals at Heckscher. Wear a life jacket, check the wind and tide, and stay out of the marked swimming areas.
Paddling at a Glance
Where to Launch
- Field 7: the launch NYS Parks names for kayaks and canoes, on the bay shore between West Beach and Overlook Beach. The state's site map marks a water activity launch here.
- Field 5: the park's boat launch, on the boat basin on the west side, also marked as a water activity launch. NYS Parks lists it as an accessible boat launch.
From Field 7 the open Great South Bay is straight ahead, with Fire Island across the water. To the east, the park's shore turns north along Nicoll's Bay, and the guide says the same launch reaches the lower Connetquot River.
Season
In 2026 NYS Parks opened Heckscher to windsurfing, kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding from March 1 to November 30. Outside those dates, launching is not listed as open. The vehicle use fee applies in its season ($8 or $10 a car in 2026); see hours and fees.
What You Can Paddle
NYS Parks lists canoeing and kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and surfing and windsurfing among Heckscher's amenities.
Safety Tips From NYS Parks
The Long Island kayak and canoe guide gives five rules:
- Always wear an approved life jacket.
- Use common sense.
- Be aware of weather, tides and currents.
- Leave a float plan on your dashboard, for example "Kayaking into Great South Bay, back around 4."
- Avoid marked swimming areas.
State park rules also forbid operating any watercraft in a way that endangers people or property.
Emergency Numbers
- 911 for any emergency.
- U.S. Coast Guard, South Shore: (631) 395-4421.
- Park office: (631) 581-2100.
Other Paddling Launches on the Great South Bay
The same NYS Parks guide lists Jones Beach (Field 10 and the West End Boat Basin) and Captree State Park as Great South Bay launches. It warns that Captree "is an area of strong currents" for experienced paddlers only. Heckscher's launch is the easternmost of the three.
After Paddling
Rinse off at the beach restrooms in season, picnic in the groves north of Field 6 (picnic areas), or fish the Field 5 basin (fishing).
Kayaking & Paddling FAQ
Can you kayak at Heckscher State Park?
Yes. Launch from Field 7 onto the Great South Bay and the lower Connetquot River. In 2026 paddling was open March 1 to November 30.
Can you rent kayaks at Heckscher State Park?
NYS Parks lists no kayak rentals at Heckscher; bring your own. Nissequogue River State Park on the North Shore is the Long Island state park the guide lists with rentals.
Is paddleboarding allowed at Heckscher?
Yes. NYS Parks lists stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing, kayaking and canoeing, open March 1 to November 30 in 2026.
Is there a boat ramp at Heckscher State Park?
Yes, at Field 5, which NYS Parks lists as an accessible boat launch.