Caumsett State Park is a local favorite hidden on the North Shore of Long Island in Lloyd Neck. This 1,520 acre park is the former estate of Marshall Field III developed in the 1920’s. As one of the largest estates of the Gold Coast mansions it is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Field named his property “Caumsett” which translates to “place by a sharp rock” in honor of the Matinecock tribe that once inhabited the area. Today the estate is managed as a nature preserve with terrific family trails, amazing views, and historic architecture. This is a great outing for family, nature enthusiasts, and first time trail adventurers.
This park is deserving of its preservation. Caumsett is set on a scenic peninsula that extends into the Long Island Sound. In one afternoon you will walk through forest, on beach, and into beautiful gardens. The natural landscape views are spectacular. This is a great place to explore, picnic, exercise, relax, take photos, and more.
Historic Buildings
The park makes use of the many historic buildings on its property.
- Polo Pony Barn- provides lessons, boarding & equestrian services, part of the Lloyd Harbor Equestrian Center
- Summer Cottage Houses- Nassau BOCES Outdoor and Environmental Education Program
- Historic Henry Lloyd Manor house (built 1711)- leased to the Lloyd Harbor Historical Society, providing historic interpretation of life during the colonial period.
Bird Conservation Area
There are over 200 bird species that visit Caumsett making it a part of New York Audobon’s Important Bird Area for Northport and Huntington. It has a variety of habitats to attract different bird species— forest (predominantly Oak-Tulip tree), successional old field, salt marsh, maritime beach, marine eel grass meadow, salt shrub and more. It’s location also makes it an important stop-over for migratory songbirds. This designated area also supports breeding populations of many species listed as threatened or endangered in New York State. Caumsett’s protective landscape makes this a bird haven.
Check out their Birding Checklist
So much to do…
Caumsett offers a variety of education and recreation programs including fishing, hiking, birding, nature photography, nature study and guided tours.
Amenities
- Bridle Path * Horse Back Riding: Trailered In Only (vaccines & helmets required)
- Educational Services
- Gardens
- Interpretive Signs
- Nature Trails
Activities
- Biking (paved and unpaved paths)
- Fishing (4/1-12/31, limited number of permits available)
- Hiking
- Historic House
- Recreation Programs (Accessible)
- X-Country Skiing (winter 8am-4:30pm)
- Scuba Diving (4/1-12/31, permit required, obtained at Babylon headquarters)
Prohibited
- Metal Detecting
- Rollerblades, Skateboards, Longboards, Scooters (any type)
- Pets
- Open Fires (any type)
- Drones
Visit
- Park’s Website
- The park is open from sunrise to sunset, 7 days a week, year round.
- 25 Lloyd Harbor Rd, Huntington, NY 11743
- Admission:
- April through November vehicle use fee in effect $8 per car
- Empire Passport accepted.
- All commercial photography requires a permit, including wedding, family, engagement photos. Long Island Regional Permits Office: 631-321-3515.
Family Adventure Rating ♥♥
Cost- This is a low cost trip. You pay for travel and parking (gas, tolls if coming from outside of Long Island, and $8 parking fee for the vehicle). You bring in all of your own everything else. There are no shops or eateries here. The most you will find is a drink vending machine near the restrooms. You can choose to add expenses by stopping at the Huntington Village for some lunch, light shopping, or a show.
Parking & Transportation– You will need a vehicle to get to this location. Mass transit does not bring you close enough. The local buses will bring you as close as the Huntington Village, but you would need to hail a taxi or ride share from there. The same with the Huntington Train Station from the Long Island Railroad (taxi or ride share needed). There is plenty of parking for the typical day’s visitors. There is a parking fee.
Location– Most of Long Island’s most beautiful spots require some effort to get to. This one is no different. Yet it is the isolation of the location that allows it to remain beautiful.
Day Trip or Overnight– The park is a day trip, but there is enough to do in the area to make a nice weekend of it. (Definitely a nice weekend get-away!)
Experience– Whether you enjoy nature, parks, family outings, or even just birds, this is a terrific park to visit. There are no distractions to the scenery or the activities at Caumsett. Once you enter the park you will be fully immersed in its natural surroundings. There’s a lot to take in, but you can pace your visit to accommodate your time and energy. You could spend two hours or an entire day here.
Combination– If you were interested in checking out more of the area, the Huntington Village is a great place to start. You will find restaurants, eateries, bars, shopping, a movie theater and a concert venue (The Paramount). If you want to keep it low key, Coindre Hall is nearby for a smaller park experience. There are two town beaches in the area. West Neck Beach (small, but scenic) is at the entrance of Lloyd Neck and Gold Star Beach (very small) is next to Coindre Hall. (The town beaches do charge a fee from Memorial Day to Labor Day– $25 Resident, $35 Non-Resident.) Hecksher Park is located at the edge of the village and is a great place for a stroll around the pond, playground fun, outdoor evening concerts, and even an art museum.
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