Heckscher State Park, East Islip, NY

New York, especially in the upper state has numerous state parks to visit. Heckscher State Park is just one place visitors might want to travel for summer or winter fun. In fact the park can have fun for the entire year depending on what one likes to do. The park sees about one million visitors in a year. Many of these tourists will go on the twenty miles of trails for hikers, bikers, and cross country skiers. There is also the Great South Bay or swimming pool complex to cool off in the summer heat.

As part of the set up there are picnic areas, a boat ramp, playing fields, a playground, and 69 camp sites. Vehicles that are under 11 feet can come into the campground. Nothing larger is possible. On site are three pavilions, which are available with permit only. Pets are allowed in the park as long as they are dogs and on a leash. They are not allowed in buildings or on walkways. They are also not allowed in the camping, bathing or picnic areas unless kept in the vehicles.

The state park is open seven days a week from 7am till sunset. This means the park is open longer in the summer. The swimming pool is open from July 4th till mid August as it is not heated. Heckscher State Park is actually located on the eastern coast of New York. It is less populated with trees than some of the upper state locales, but it still provides plenty of recreation, especially with the bay available for summer swimming.

There are fees to get into the park, which can vary from year to year. A season pass is $65. For those who wish to metal detect to find hidden artifacts a permit is required, which is $40. Metal detecting is a popular pastime in the park due to the grounds history. Like much of New York, Native Americans and European settlers spent a good deal of time on the shores of the bay. Vehicles are charged by the season for $6 or $8. Busses can enter with a permit only for $35 and commercial busses are $75. The swimming pool rates are $2 for adults and children 12 and under are $1. Locker rentals are also $2. The pool is closed on Monday and Tuesday most weeks during the season. For those wishing to fly model airplanes a permit is required for $40.

Camping reservations are also required. The 69 sites are going to be a further charge once one has entered the park. Within ten miles of the park are a convenience store, golfing, restaurants, and shopping. While in the park anyone can take advantage of baseball, basketball, biking, bird watching, boat launch, and numerous other activities. The park entrance provides a map of the roads, camping, picnicking, and other sites. For those hiking the map will also have the trails shown so that one knows what are used for bikes and what trails are for hikers.