Captree State Park

Babylon Overlook Beach
The Captree Bait & Tackle Shop, located within Captree State Park, serves as a vital stop for anglers preparing to hit the water. Offering rod rentals, crab traps, bait, and souvenirs, the shop embodies the park’s strong fishing culture and caters to the many visitors who come to experience one of Long Island’s most popular fishing destinations. File photo: JaysonPhotography, licensed.

Nestled at the eastern tip of Jones Beach Island in the Towns of Babylon and Islip, Captree State Park is a waterfront gem beloved by anglers, boaters, and families seeking scenic views and salty breezes. Overlooking the Great South Bay and just west of Fire Island, Captree is renowned as a hub for open-boat fishing excursions, private charters, and bayside leisure.

The park is home to Captree Boat Basin, where a fleet of party and charter boats await daily passengers eager to fish fluke, porgies, sea bass, and more. It’s also a favorite launch point for private vessels and kayak adventures, with convenient boat slips and launch ramps. Captree’s expansive pier provides shore-based anglers with some of the best fishing access on Long Island, and the well-maintained facilities make it easy to spend an entire day on the water.

For those not casting a line, the park offers picnic areas, shaded pavilions, a refreshment stand, and sweeping views of the Robert Moses Causeway and Fire Island Inlet. Nature lovers can observe local birds and marine life, while photographers are drawn to the brilliant sunsets and boat-studded horizons. Captree is also a popular destination after a day at the nearby beaches of Robert Moses State Park or Oak Beach.

  • Location: Off the Robert Moses Causeway, south of the Ocean Parkway split.
  • Open year-round: Parking fees apply in peak season.
  • Activities: Saltwater fishing, boating, picnicking, sightseeing, and birdwatching.
  • Website: https://parks.ny.gov/parks/captree/details.aspx

Whether you’re planning a half-day fishing trip, a family picnic by the bay, or just a peaceful stroll on the docks, Captree State Park offers a uniquely maritime Long Island experience that keeps locals and visitors coming back season after season.