Heckscher State Park
Park State park with lawns, waterfront and woodlands
Long Island bayfront park on Great South Bay with sandy shore, picnic fields and boat launches; popular for fishing, sailing, birdwatching and family day visits during summer.
Heckscher State Park is a state-run park on the south shore of Long Island in Suffolk County, New York. The park was created from land donated by August Heckscher in the early 20th century.
The park offers saltwater shoreline on the Great South Bay, wooded trails, open lawns and picnic areas, and shoreline access for fishing and birdwatching. Recreational facilities and waterfront areas make it popular for family outings and local day use.
The park originated when August Heckscher gifted land to New York State to create public parkland; it has since been managed as a state park. Over time the park has been developed with visitor facilities while retaining shoreline and natural areas.
The park sits on the south shore of Long Island in Suffolk County near the communities of Great River and Islip. It is part of Long Island’s coastal park system and is accessible by road from other parts of the island.
- Founding donation: The park sits on Long Island's south shore and was donated to New York State by philanthropist August Heckscher.
- Best time to visit: Best visited in summer for beach access and in spring and fall for birdwatching along the bay.
How to Get to Heckscher State Park #
Heckscher State Park sits off the Southern State Parkway, near East Islip. Regional roads and park signage provide direct access; local bus routes serve nearby points, and parking is available on site.
Tips for Visiting Heckscher State Park #
- Arrive early in summer weekends to claim a good picnic spot and enjoy quieter marsh trails.
- Explore back channels by canoe if conditions permit - the playground is best viewed from the water.
- Bring a shorebird field guide for spring and fall migrations.
Best Time to Visit Heckscher State Park #
Summer for beach activities; shoulder seasons are best for quieter hikes and wildlife observation.
Weather & Climate near Heckscher State Park #
Heckscher State Park's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 27°C. Abundant rainfall (1031 mm/year), wettest in March, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 3°C and lows of -4°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 0°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (102 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm).
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June
June is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 15°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm).
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 27°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm).
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August
August is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 19°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm).
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September
September is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 15°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -2°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm).
