Heckscher State Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 6, 2025
Heckscher State Park is a beautiful public park located in the town of East Islip, New York.
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Summary
The park covers over 1,650 acres on the south shore of Long Island and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families.
One of the main reasons to visit Heckscher State Park is for the wide variety of outdoor activities available. The park includes miles of hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, and sports fields. Visitors can also swim in the park's large swimming pool or in the nearby Great South Bay. Fishing is also popular, with access to both freshwater and saltwater fishing on the park's lakes and streams.
There are several points of interest to see within Heckscher State Park, including the historic Heckscher homestead, which dates back to the 18th century. The park is also home to the Timber Point Lighthouse, which has been in operation since 1829 and is open for tours during the summer months.
Interesting facts about the area include that the park was once the site of a grand estate owned by August Heckscher, a wealthy philanthropist and businessman. The estate was donated to the state in 1929 and eventually became the park it is today.
The best time of year to visit Heckscher State Park is during the summer months when the weather is warm and the park's facilities are open and in full swing. However, the park is open year-round, and winter activities such as ice fishing and cross-country skiing are also available.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
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.
Related References
Timber Point Park
NY State Conservation Area
South Shore Nature Center
Bayard Cutting Arboretum
Byron Lake Park