Captree State Park
Located at the eastern end of Jones Beach Island on Long Island’s South Shore near the Towns of Babylon and Islip, Captree State Park is one of the region’s best-known boating and fishing destinations. Set along the Great South Bay just west of Fire Island and Fire Island Inlet, the park draws anglers, boaters, birdwatchers, and visitors looking for breezy waterfront views.
The centerpiece of the park is Captree Boat Basin, where party boats and charter operators offer seasonal fishing trips and other on-the-water excursions. Private boaters also use the marina and launch facilities, while the park’s fishing pier gives shore-based anglers easy access to the bay. Trip schedules, target species, marina services, and launch details can vary by season, so it’s wise to check ahead directly with operators or the park before visiting.
Beyond the docks, visitors come for picnic areas, waterfront seating, open views of the Robert Moses Causeway, and photo-worthy looks toward Fire Island Inlet. Captree is especially appealing at sunrise and sunset, and its open coastal setting can be rewarding for birding and sightseeing. Unlike nearby oceanfront beach parks, Captree is primarily a boating and fishing park rather than a traditional swimming destination.
- Location: Reached via the Robert Moses Causeway at the eastern end of Jones Beach Island; follow signs for Captree State Park and Captree Boat Basin.
- Season & access: Park grounds are generally open year-round, while marina, charter, and concession services may vary by season. Parking and launch fees may apply.
- Activities: Saltwater fishing, party and charter boat trips, private boating, picnicking, sightseeing, birdwatching, and photography.
- Official information: https://parks.ny.gov/parks/captree
Whether you’re planning a fishing trip, launching a boat, or simply stopping to take in the bay, Captree State Park offers one of Long Island’s most distinctly maritime outings. As with any waterfront destination, weather, tides, marine conditions, and service details may change, so checking ahead before you go is recommended.
Location & Vicinity
Key Facts and Details
| Name | Captree State Park |
| Location | Eastern end of Jones Beach Island, Babylon / Islip, NY |
| Region | South Shore, Long Island |
| Water Body | Great South Bay |
| Nearby Landmark | Fire Island Inlet |
| Primary Use | Boating, fishing, marina access |
| Marina | Captree Boat Basin (party boats & charters) |
| Swimming Beach | No (not a primary swimming destination) |
| Access | Robert Moses Causeway |
| Activities | Fishing, boating, birdwatching, sightseeing, photography |
| Best Times to Visit | Spring through fall; sunrise and sunset for views |
| Parking | Available (fees may apply seasonally) |
| Official Website | https://parks.ny.gov/parks/captree |
What Makes Captree State Park Unique
Unlike many of Long Island’s oceanfront parks, Captree State Park is defined by its direct connection to the water rather than the beach. It serves as one of the largest public marinas on Long Island, acting as a central launching point for fishing fleets, charter excursions, and private boating activity across the Great South Bay and into the Atlantic Ocean.
The park’s proximity to Fire Island Inlet gives it a dynamic coastal environment where tides, currents, and marine life converge. This makes it a particularly productive location for anglers targeting fluke, striped bass, bluefish, and seasonal species, while also creating constantly changing scenery for visitors.
For non-boaters, the experience is equally compelling. Wide-open sightlines across the bay, the steady movement of fishing vessels, and the backdrop of the Robert Moses Causeway create a setting that feels distinctly nautical. It’s one of the few places on Long Island where visitors can easily observe the region’s working waterfront culture up close.
