Hours & Fees
Sunken Meadow State Park is open every day of the year from sunrise to sunset, and the park closes at sunset. In 2026 the vehicle fee is $10 a car from May 23 to September 11, and $8 on spring and fall weekends and holidays; an $80 Empire Pass covers entry all year. Lifeguarded swimming runs from May 23 to September 20, 2026, at the main beach (Field 1) and the east beach (Field 3).
Hours and Fees at a Glance
Park Hours
NYS Parks says Sunken Meadow "is open every day year-round, sunrise to sunset". Hiking, biking around the park and picnicking follow the same hours, and so does launching a kayak from Field 3. The park closes at sunset: stargazing and night fishing need a permit.
Vehicle Fee (2026)
The fee is per car and collected at the gate on these days:
- April 4 to May 22: $8, weekends and holidays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- May 23 to September 11: $10. Weekends and holidays 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; weekdays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- September 12 to November 8: $8, weekends and holidays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Buses: $35.
Golfers do not pay the vehicle fee, and NYS Parks credits any fee you paid at the gate towards your greens fee. See parking for which field to use.
The Empire Pass
The Empire Pass is New York's annual parking pass. NYS Parks prices the card at $80 and says it gives unlimited day-use entry at most facilities run by State Parks and the State Department of Environmental Conservation, including forests, beaches and trails. At $10 a summer visit, it pays for itself on the eighth summer trip to Sunken Meadow, sooner if you also use other state parks. Buy it online from NYS Parks or ask at a park office.
Swimming Hours (2026)
Main Beach, Field 1
- May 23 to June 26: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
- June 27 to August 9: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekends and holidays
- August 10 to September 7: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day
- September 8 to September 20: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
East Beach, Field 3
- May 23 to June 26: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
- June 27 to September 7: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily
- September 8 to September 20: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., weekends only
Swim only when lifeguards are on duty. More on the beach page.
Boardwalk Bike Hours (2026)
Bikes are allowed on the boardwalk all day from January 1 to May 1 and from September 21 to December 31. From May 2 to September 20 they are allowed on weekdays only, 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., and never on weekends or holidays. See the boardwalk.
Golf Hours
The golf courses are open year round, weather permitting, and closed on Christmas Day and New Year's Day. First tee time is at sunrise in season, and at 8 a.m. from November 24, 2026 to March 17, 2027. The clubhouse opens about an hour before the first tee time, and the driving range is open all year. See golf.
Other Fees and Permits
- Pavilion: $200 to $250 a day, up to 200 people. See picnic areas.
- Night sport fishing: $35 NY licence, $60 out of state; 7-night permit $25.
- 4-wheel-drive beach fishing vehicle: $80 NY licence, $125 out of state.
- Stargazing: $35 NY licence, $60 out of state.
- Metal detecting: $40 a year.
Night fishing, stargazing and metal-detecting permits are sold online only. See fishing and rules.
Hours & Fees FAQ
What time does Sunken Meadow close?
At sunset. The park is open every day, sunrise to sunset.
How much does it cost to get into Sunken Meadow?
There is no per-person charge. Cars pay $10 from May 23 to September 11, 2026, and $8 on spring and fall weekends and holidays. Buses pay $35.
Does the Empire Pass work at Sunken Meadow?
Yes. The $80 Empire Pass gives unlimited day-use entry at most NYS Parks and DEC facilities, Sunken Meadow included.
When does swimming start at Sunken Meadow in 2026?
May 23, 2026, at both Field 1 and Field 3, and it ends on September 20.
Is Sunken Meadow open in winter?
Yes, every day from sunrise to sunset, and the golf course and driving range stay open, weather permitting.