One frequent visitor calls Heckscher State Park in New York a "Long Island gem with a beachfront and picnic areas." On June 28th, Heckscher opened up their campground for the first time in a decade. "We have space for RVs up to about 50 feet, a dump station, water spigots and a communal bathroom with hot showers," Timothy Watson, Assistant Director of the park, tells The Buzz when asked about the park. "Each site has a BBQ grill and a picnic table." Watson pointed out that the sites do not have water or electric hookups.
At over 1,600 acres, the park has a lot of amenities. "It is kind of the best of both worlds," says Watson, referring to the park's availability of beach and forest. The beach is on the Great South Bay and has lifeguards on duty during the summer season. There are walking trails throughout the park, as well as picnic and grassy areas for sports. There is a boat launch and a place to launch kayaks, paddle boards and canoes. One reviewer says, "Conveniently located for residents off East Islip and Great River. Very easy to get to from farther out. Facilities are clean. Beaches are kept nicely. Plenty of open space for playing and picnics. I really enjoy this park and the diversity of activities you can enjoy."
The park has a colorful history which indicates that the land was originally a grand estate first built by William Nicoll, the founder of Islip. Then it was owned by George C. Taylor. Taylor was an eccentric and mysterious, to say the least. According to the East Islip Historical Society, he erected 30 buildings on the 1500 acres and stocked the land with deer, game-birds and elk. In his mansion, "he displayed seven cupid-like statues of himself, supposedly representing the seven ages of man," according to the Historical Society.
Viewing the cottages at Heckscher State Park in East Islip [Photo/Heckscher State Park]
Later the property was bought by New York State, despite major opposition by local wealthy residents. So major, in fact, that appellate proceedings went all the way to the Supreme Court. Also, as noted by the East Islip Historical Society, "It held up the expenditure of park funds throughout the entire state for nearly a year." Eventually, the Governor of New York stepped in and the land was purchased and turned into a park in 1929, with a big donation by August Heckscher, the park's namesake. Heckscher was a German-born self-made millionaire and philanthropist who put a lot of his fortune into playgrounds in New York City (the largest and oldest playground in Central Park is named after him) and parks such as Heckscher Park in Huntington, which has an art museum, and, of course, the state park. People enjoyed the park greatly, with its wild nature so close to the city, and in 1972 the New York Philharmonic would play a free concert at the park every year until 2008. Now, other Philharmonic groups play once a year at the park.
Situated about an hour east of New York City, it is an ideal place to enjoy the multitude of activities in the area. Starting with Long Island, "There are beachfront Tiki Bars, the Long Island Ducks softball team are close, organizing fishing, as well as one of the most popular beaches in the world at Jones Beach State Park," says Watson, "Of course, some folks use the park as a place to go into New York and see Broadway shows and enjoy the city."
With the opening of the campground a few weeks ago, Watson has noticed a few things. "On July 4th weekend we had a full house which was great," he says, "The people who have been coming are people that are on the road looking for a place, people getting away from the city and local residents. The local residents that come live very close and are very happy that the campground is back open." Watson also mentions that they opened some camping cottages last fall. "We will have 15 camping cottages once they are all built," Watson says. The cottages have a full-service kitchen, bathroom, screened porch and great views right on the water.
Most folks who come to the park seem to come for a quieter destination then some of the surrounding attractions. One reviewer notes, “This park is great, the beach was nice . Able to cook out , plenty of tables . Came here cause sunken meadows was packed. It was the best thing we did. Will definitely come here more this summer.”
And it really is the best of both worlds. With the forest and beach, as noted by Watson, but also in another way. Some folks come to the park to get away from the city and some folks come to the park to have a place to go into the city. With all the amenities close by and everything the park has to offer, including the newly opened campground, it’s easy to see why.