Plan Your Visit

Heckscher State Park is a day at the bay: picnic groves, two guarded beaches in summer, four miles of paved paths, a boat and kayak launch, deer in the fields, and a campground and waterfront cottages for longer stays. It is open sunrise to sunset every day. Summer is busiest: Google searches for the park run about nine times higher in June to August than in December. Spring and fall bring lower fees on weekdays (none listed on weekdays outside late May to early September in 2026), no crowds, and open picnic groves.

Heckscher by Season

Spring (April to June). The vehicle fee starts on weekends in early April ($8 in 2026). The cottages open in late April and the campground on Memorial Day weekend. Paddling is allowed from March 1.

Summer (late June to Labor Day). West Beach opens daily and Overlook Beach on weekends; the car fee rises to $10 (2026). The picnic groves and pavilions are at their busiest. Book pavilions at least 14 days ahead and campsites as early as possible.

Fall (September to November). Weekend-only fees through Columbus Day weekend in 2026, then none listed. The cottages run to mid-October and paddling to November 30.

Winter (December to March). The park stays open sunrise to sunset with no listed vehicle fee. NYS Parks lists snowshoeing and cross-country skiing when there is snow, and runs a December bird count.

Facilities

• Restrooms: at Fields 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8, and in the campground.
• Food: a concession stand at Field 6 by West Beach; grills in the picnic areas. Bring your own for the rest of the park.
• Playgrounds: by Fields 3, 4 and 6 (NYS Parks lists an accessible playground).
• Sports: softball fields, a basketball court, open fields for soccer, cricket and lacrosse, and a disc golf course near Field 3.
• Showers: listed among the amenities, for campers.

Accessibility

NYS Parks lists these as accessible at Heckscher: the swimming beach, playground, fishing area, boat launch, event pavilions, campsites (six on the campground map) and cottages (four of fifteen). New York residents with disabilities can apply for the free or discounted Access Pass. For specifics, call the park office at (631) 581-2100.

What to Bring

• Your Empire Pass or a payment card for the fee booth in season.
• Sunscreen, water and something for shade at the beaches.
• Binoculars for birds and deer.
• Insect repellent and a habit of checking for ticks.
• Your own kayak or paddleboard: NYS Parks lists no rentals.
• A six-foot leash if your dog is coming, and a plan to stay in the west woods with it.

A Sample Summer Day

1. Arrive early and park at Field 6.
2. Swim at West Beach from 10 a.m.
3. Picnic in the grove north of Field 6, with the concession stand nearby.
4. Ride the bike path east along the bay to Field 8 and back.
5. Watch for deer in the fields on the drive out.

A Sample Off-Season Day

1. Park at Field 8 and walk the Greenbelt Trail north along Nicoll's Bay.
2. Picnic in the Field 1 grove.
3. Drive a short way north to Bayard Cutting Arboretum (closed Mondays) for the gardens and the Hidden Oak Café (Bayard Cutting Arboretum).

Before You Go

• Check the NYS Parks Heckscher page for closures and the current year's fees.
• Check the water quality results on beach days.
• Read the rules, and the FAQ for quick answers.