Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
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.
