Plan Your Visit
Sunken Meadow State Park in Kings Park, NY, is open every day from sunrise to sunset. Summer is the busy season, with lifeguarded swimming from May 23 to September 20, 2026, and a $10 vehicle fee; spring and fall bring quieter walks, birding and cross-country meets; winter keeps the trails, boardwalk and golf course open. Leave pets, drones and speakers at home.
Visit Planner
When to Go
- Summer (late May to early September): beach season. Both swim beaches are lifeguarded and the car fee is $10. The Comptroller counted 3.55 million visits in 2025, and summer weekends are when the fields fill. Arrive early.
- September: the Main Beach stays lifeguarded until September 20; the East Beach on weekends only. Cross-country season starts. See cross country.
- October to early November: $8 weekend fee until November 8. Programs like lantern walks and Halloween events run in October.
- Winter: open daily, no lifeguards and, outside the listed fee dates, no vehicle fee charged. Cross-country skiing when there is snow, but no sledding.
- Spring: $8 weekend fee from April 4, and quieter trails before the beach season.
What to Do
- Swim at the beach or walk the ¾-mile boardwalk.
- Play 27 holes of golf.
- Hike 14.1 miles of trails or start the Long Island Greenbelt Trail.
- Paddle from Field 3 (kayaking).
- Picnic with a grill in Fields 2 or 4 (picnic areas).
- Fish the Sound, or by permit at night (fishing).
- Ride the bridle trail from Field 5 with a permit.
Nature Programs and Events
NYS Parks runs nature programs at Sunken Meadow through the Long Island Environmental Interpretive Center. October 2026 programs included a toddlers' nature morning, a haunted lantern walk around the point, an all-abilities program and a Bigfoot hunt. Some need booking through Eventbrite; the park page lists upcoming events and a mailing list for the program schedule.
Accessibility
- Beach mobility mats at Field 1 and Field 3.
- Beach wheelchairs that roll onto the sand and into the water, free, first come, first served, from the park office in Field 1.
- Accessible food, playground, showers, swimming beach and event rentals, according to the amenities list.
- For anything else, call (631) 269-4333.
What to Bring
- Your vehicle fee or an Empire Pass.
- Water and sun protection; there is little shade on the beach and boardwalk.
- Tick protection for the trails: long trousers and a check afterwards.
- A downloaded copy of the NYS Parks trail map.
Rules That Catch People Out
- No pets in the main park. See dogs.
- No drones.
- No generators, PA, DJ or amplified sound.
- No inflatable boats at the launch.
- No sledding in winter.
- The park closes at sunset.
Full list: rules and regulations.
Making a Day of It
Combine the beach with a walk through Nissequogue River State Park next door, or visit Caleb Smith State Park Preserve or Avalon Nature Preserve. Camping is not offered at Sunken Meadow.
Plan Your Visit FAQ
What is the best time to visit Sunken Meadow?
For swimming, late May to mid-September, when lifeguards are on duty. For quieter walks, weekdays and the months outside summer, when the vehicle fee is lower or not collected.
Is Sunken Meadow wheelchair accessible?
The beaches at Fields 1 and 3 have mobility mats, and free beach wheelchairs are lent from the park office in Field 1. NYS Parks lists accessible food, showers, playground and swimming beach.
Are there events at Sunken Meadow?
Yes. NYS Parks runs nature programs and seasonal events, listed on the official park page; some need booking on Eventbrite.
Can you camp at Sunken Meadow?
No. It is a day-use park that closes at sunset.