Sunken Meadow FAQ
Quick answers about Sunken Meadow State Park in Kings Park, New York, a 1,266-acre NYS park on Long Island Sound. It is open every day from sunrise to sunset; cars pay $10 in summer 2026 and $8 on spring and fall weekends; pets are not allowed in the main park; and there is no camping.
More Detail
Each answer below is short. For the full story, see hours and fees, parking, the beach, golf, dogs and rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get into Sunken Meadow State Park?
There is no per-person fee. Cars pay $10 from May 23 to September 11, 2026, and $8 on weekends and holidays from April 4 to May 22 and September 12 to November 8. Buses pay $35. The $80 Empire Pass covers it.
What are Sunken Meadow's hours?
Every day of the year, sunrise to sunset. The park closes at sunset.
Are dogs allowed at Sunken Meadow?
Not in the main park. Leashed dogs are allowed only on the east-end back trails reached by Old Dock Road and in the area south of Route 25A east of the parkway, never through the park entrances.
Can you swim at Sunken Meadow?
Yes, at the Main Beach (Field 1) and East Beach (Field 3) when lifeguards are on duty, May 23 to September 20 in 2026, from 10 a.m. to 6 or 7 p.m.
Is Sunken Meadow beach on the ocean?
No. It is on Long Island Sound, which NYS Parks describes as generally calm.
Can you camp at Sunken Meadow State Park?
No. Sunken Meadow is a day-use park open sunrise to sunset, with no campground.
How much is golf at Sunken Meadow?
In 2026, 18 holes cost $23 on weekdays and $28 on weekends; 9 holes cost $15 and $18. Book at parks.ny.gov/golf. Golfers pay no vehicle fee.
How long is the boardwalk at Sunken Meadow?
Three-quarters of a mile. From May 2 to September 20 bikes are allowed on it only on weekdays from 6 to 9 a.m.; the rest of the year, all day.
Can you kayak at Sunken Meadow?
Yes, launching from Field 3 only, sunrise to sunset. Inflatables are not allowed.
Are drones allowed at Sunken Meadow?
No. NYS Parks does not permit drones in the park.
Can you have a barbecue at Sunken Meadow?
Yes. Picnic areas with grills are in Parking Fields 2 and 4. Generators and amplified sound are not allowed.
Can you fish at Sunken Meadow at night?
Only with a NYS Parks night sport fishing permit: $35 with a New York license, $60 out of state, sold online.
How big is Sunken Meadow State Park?
1,266 acres, according to the State Department of Environmental Conservation.
What is Sunken Meadow's official name?
Governor Alfred E. Smith/Sunken Meadow State Park.
Where does the Long Island Greenbelt Trail start?
At Sunken Meadow. The trail runs 31.8 miles south to Heckscher State Park.
Can you go sledding at Sunken Meadow?
No. Sledding is not permitted anywhere in the park. Cross-country skiing is allowed, but not on the golf courses.