Gilgo State Park

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Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Gilgo State Park is a 300-acre park located on the south shore of Long Island in the state of New York.


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Summary

The park has six miles of ocean-facing beachfront and is popular with surfers, birdwatchers, and nature enthusiasts. There are several good reasons to visit Gilgo State Park, including its scenic beachfront, opportunities for outdoor activities, and various points of interest. The park offers opportunities for swimming, surfing, fishing, birdwatching, hiking, and picnicking. Visitors can also explore the park's dunes, wetlands, and maritime forests.

One of the main points of interest at Gilgo State Park is the Gilgo Beach, a popular surf spot known for its consistent waves and scenic views. The park also has a fishing pier and a nature trail that winds through the park's wetlands and forested areas. Visitors can also explore the park's historic Coast Guard Station, which was built in 1939 and served as a lookout during World War II.

Interesting facts about Gilgo State Park include its role in the history of aviation, as it was once used as a landing strip for seaplanes. The park was also the site of a Navy training facility during World War II. In addition, the park is home to several rare bird species, including the piping plover and the least tern.

The best time of year to visit Gilgo State Park is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and the beach is open for swimming and surfing. The park is also open year-round for hiking, birdwatching, and other outdoor activities.

Overall, Gilgo State Park offers a beautiful environment for visitors to enjoy the outdoors and explore the history of the area. Its scenic beachfront, historic sites, and diverse wildlife make it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Long Island.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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