What are the largest parks?

Long Island is home to hundreds of parks, including expansive state parks, county preserves, forests, beaches, and protected natural areas. Some of the island’s largest parks encompass thousands of acres, offering hiking, camping, fishing, boating, beaches, wildlife viewing, and year-round outdoor recreation throughout Nassau County and Suffolk County.
In Short
Among Long Island’s largest parks are the Long Island Pine Barrens, Fire Island National Seashore, Jones Beach State Park, and Robert Moses State Park. To discover even more outdoor destinations, browse our Long Island Parks guide.
What Are the Largest Parks on Long Island?
Long Island’s largest parks range from protected forests and coastal preserves to oceanfront recreation areas that attract millions of visitors each year. These parks protect important natural habitats while providing opportunities for hiking, camping, swimming, boating, fishing, birdwatching, and other outdoor activities.
The Long Island Pine Barrens is one of the island’s largest protected natural areas, preserving tens of thousands of acres of forests, wetlands, and rare ecosystems in central Suffolk County. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, nature observation, and peaceful landscapes unlike anywhere else on Long Island.
Along the South Shore, Fire Island National Seashore protects miles of barrier island beaches, dunes, and maritime forests, while Jones Beach State Park and Robert Moses State Park offer expansive oceanfront recreation with beaches, boardwalks, fishing, and outdoor activities.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful nature preserve or a large park with beaches and recreational facilities, Long Island offers outdoor destinations for every interest. For a complete directory of parks across the island, visit our Long Island Parks guide.
Quick Facts
| Looking For… | Recommended Resource |
|---|---|
| Complete Park Directory | Long Island Parks |
| Largest Protected Area | Long Island Pine Barrens |
| National Park Site | Fire Island National Seashore |
| Oceanfront State Park | Jones Beach State Park |
| Beach & Recreation | Robert Moses State Park |
| More Parks | Browse the complete Long Island Parks guide. |
From vast protected forests and barrier islands to some of New York’s most visited state parks, Long Island offers exceptional outdoor destinations for hiking, wildlife viewing, beach recreation, and family adventures. Whether you’re exploring for a few hours or spending the entire day outdoors, you’ll find parks that showcase the island’s remarkable natural beauty. For additional destinations, browse our complete Long Island Parks guide.