Picnic Areas & Pavilion

Sunken Meadow State Park has picnic areas with grills in Parking Fields 2 and 4, open all year from sunrise to sunset, and one rentable pavilion that holds up to 200 people for $200 to $250 a day, booked through NYS Parks on ReserveAmerica. Picnic groups larger than 50 need a permit. Generators, PA and DJ systems and amplified sound are not allowed, and neither are pets.

Picnicking Here

NYS Parks calls Sunken Meadow one of the most popular picnic parks on Long Island, hosting millions of people a year for family and group outings. Picnicking is allowed year round from sunrise to sunset. Pick-up games fill the ball fields and the informal open lawns, and the park has playgrounds, softball and soccer fields and basketball courts.

Where the Grills Are

NYS Parks puts the picnic areas with grills in Parking Fields 2 and 4. Park in one of those fields to be closest to a grill. See parking.

The Pavilion

Sunken Meadow has one pavilion. NYS Parks lists its day-use price at $200 to $250 and says it can hold up to 200 people. Check availability and book on ReserveAmerica through the NYS Parks website; the official page links to photos of the pavilion. For other Long Island pavilion options, NYS Parks publishes a regional rentals list.

Group Permits

A permit is needed for organized groups and for picnic groups larger than 50 people. That also covers groups using the playgrounds, playfields, softball and soccer fields and basketball courts. Apply through the Long Island Regional Permit Office, (631) 669-1000.

Picnic Rules

• No generators, PA systems, DJ systems or amplified sound anywhere in the park.
• No pets. State rules bar dogs from picnic areas, and Sunken Meadow allows no pets in the main park. See dogs.
• Horses are not permitted in the picnic area.
• The park closes at sunset. Pack up in time.

Good For

• Big family gatherings, with the pavilion for up to 200.
• A beach day with a cookout, walking between the grills and the beach.
• Birthday parties on the open lawns, within the 50-person limit or with a permit.

Maybe Skip If

• You need music with speakers. Amplified sound is banned.
• You want a quiet table on a July Sunday. Try a weekday or the fall.

Playgrounds and Fields

NYS Parks lists an accessible playground, playing fields, softball and soccer fields and basketball courts, all available year round. Groups that organize games on them, or picnic groups of more than 50, need the permit described above. Informal pick-up games on the open lawns need nothing more than the vehicle fee.

What It Costs

For most picnics, only the vehicle fee: $10 a car from May 23 to September 11, 2026, and $8 on spring and fall weekends and holidays. The $80 Empire Pass covers that. The pavilion is the one paid booking, at $200 to $250 a day. See hours and fees.