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Captree State Park adventures

Captree State Park Adventures

Captree State Park is a waterfront park on Long Island known for its excellent fishing, boating, and scenic views, offering diverse recreational opportunities along the Great South Bay and Atlantic Ocean.

800+
Acres Protected
2
Miles of Trails
350,000+
Annual Visitors
1958
Year Established

About Captree State Park

 

Captree State Park is a coastal park located on Captree Island between Great South Bay and the Atlantic Ocean in Suffolk County, New York. Covering over 800 acres, it offers a range of outdoor activities focused primarily on water-based recreation. The park’s geography includes salt marshes, shoreline, and several fishing piers, making it a prime destination for anglers targeting striped bass, fluke, bluefish, and other species abundant in the surrounding waters. Visitors can access the ocean via boat launches, including facilities for both power and sailboats, providing one of the best gateways to explore the Long Island bays and ocean. Beyond fishing and boating, Captree has picnic areas, playgrounds, and beaches that attract families and nature enthusiasts alike. The park also serves as a habitat for various shorebirds, waterfowl, and other wildlife, especially during migration seasons. Historically, the park was developed in the mid-20th century as part of the Robert Moses State Parkway system, aiming to expand recreational access to Long Island's south shore. It remains a popular spot for locals and tourists, offering scenic views of the Fire Island Lighthouse visible across the bay. The combination of saltwater ecosystems and recreational amenities makes Captree State Park a unique and important outdoor destination in the region.

Highlights

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Captree Boat Basin – a major marina and launch site for bay and ocean fishing

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Captree Fishing Piers – popular locations for shore fishing

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Views of the Fire Island Lighthouse from park shores

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Salt marshes and beach areas supporting diverse birdwatching opportunities

Notable Natural Features

Captree Boat Basin

This marina and boat launch area provides access to both the Great South Bay and Atlantic Ocean, serving as a hub for fishing charters and private boaters.

Fishing Piers

Several piers along the park’s shorelines offer free public fishing spots, frequented by anglers targeting a variety of saltwater species.

Salt Marshes

These tidal wetlands provide critical habitat for shorebirds, fish nursery areas, and coastal plant communities, important for ecological balance.