Where is Caumsett State Park
Address: 25 Lloyd Harbor Road Lloyd Harbor, NY 11743
Caumsett State Park is set on an impressive peninsula that extends out from Long Island’s North Shore. This historic US State Park preserve offers its visitors miles of nature trails across meadows, woodland, rock shoreline, and salt marsh. It is located in western Suffolk County in Huntington Township. The park reaches the Long Island Sound across Lloyd Neck to Lloyd Harbor. Manhattan is 45 miles west of the park, with the outer boroughs slightly increasing or decreasing in distance. The Hamptons lie 70 miles to the east.
How Big is Caumsett State Park
Caumsett State Park is the largest park in the town of Huntington. It occupies approximately 1,520-acres of diverse terrain and historic buildings, including the former Marshall Field estate that was developed in the 1920s. Once New York State acquired the park, it has continued to acquire additional acreage. There is a popular 4-mile paved loop that features vegetation, wildlife, and historic aspects of the park. Caumsett is a part of an Important Bird Area (IBA), which includes Cold Spring Harbor, Huntington Bay, Llyod Neck, and Northport.
Caumsett State Park Weather
Caumsett State Park follows a four-weather seasonal pattern. While most go in the summer, the park provides a different experience year-round. Summers are hot and humid, while winters are cold, often with snow. June through August are the hottest months of the year, with an average high of 83°F. The coldest months are December through February, with temperatures dropping to an average low of 23°F. Spring and fall are both relatively mild, ranging from 50 to 60°F. The park can get rain any time of year, with March, June, and December receiving the most rain on average. Snow is possible from November to April, however January and February have the highest average inches of snowfall.
When did Caumsett become a State Park
The land was first acquired by British settlers from Matinecock in 1654. Marshall Field III came to own the land and built one mansion and many surrounding cottages. These structures still stand in the park today. He named the land after the Matinecock Indian Name, Caumsett, which means “place by a sharp rock”. The English-style estate was self-sufficient, complete with its own water and electrical supply. The land was used as a country club, hunting preserve, and home. Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve was acquired by New York State in 1961.
Things to do in Caumsett State Park
There are lots of activities to do in Caumsett State Park. To help plan your next visit, our National Park Visitors Guide lists the main sites and the best things to do.
4-mile Loop
The loop is also an ideal path for walking and biking through Caumsett’s woodlands, open meadows, freshwater pond, and ultimately down to the Long Island Sound.
Horse Stables
A horse farm and stable is placed near the entrance of the park, otherwise known as the Lloyd Harbor Equestrian Center. Horseback riding lessons, horse training, and horse care is available.
Beech Tree Field
One of the most popular destinations in the park is the iconic American Beech tree. It is the centerpiece to a large field near the entrance of the park. The tree is round in shape and houses low-hanging limbs.
Dirt Trails
Adventurous bicycle riders can veer off the main path to one of the many dirt trails located in the park. Most trails lead down to the serene waterfront beaches.
The Freshwater Pond
This pond dates back to the late 1600s when settlers first approached Lloyd Neck. The pond was once used for sport fishing of trout, with a series of installed drains and aerators. Today, the pond is home to a rich variety of aquatic life, including Largemouth Bass, Bluegill Sunfish, frogs, and turtles.
Marshall Field Estate
The grounds of the Main House are still maintained, showcasing many features of the original estate. The north side of the estate provides views of the Fresh Water Pond and the Long Island Sound, while the south side showcases the vast terrain of the park.
Beach
If you walk past the Main House, down to the Fresh Water Pond, you will reach a beach off of the Long Island Sound. The sand is rocky in texture. The west end of the beach hosts the original boardwalk where imported goods were gathered for the estate.
Bird Conversation
Caumsett is a part of NY Auducon’s Huntington and Northport Bays’ Important Bird Area. Species observed at the park include Piping Plover, Bald Eagle, Osprey, Least Tern, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, Peregrine Falcon, Short-eared Owl, and more.
Summer Cottage Restoration
The Caumsett Foundation plans for the restoration of the Summer Cottage. Interior designers, landscape architects, and decorative artists throughout the New York metropolitan area have been tasked with reviving this past beauty.
Recreational Programs
Caumsett offers a variety of education and recreation programs including fishing, hiking, birding, nature photography, nature study and guided tours.
When to go to Caumsett State Park
The park is open sunrise to sunset, 7-days a week, year-round. Each season provides different weather, activities, and reasons to visit the park. The most popular time for visitors is from April through September. The weather permits hiking and biking through the various trails, fishing at the local beach, horseback riding through the designated areas, and exploring many of the historic sites. During the winter season, cross country skiing is available from 8 AM to 4:30 PM. If skiing is not your ideal activity, a stroll through the chilled trails is a great opportunity to fulfill an urge for solitude. Autumn provides a lush foliage through the park, while everything is in bloom during springtime.
Must-Have things to bring to Caumsett
There are a few items to bring on your adventure to Caumsett State Park. List of Parks will cover everything from necessary supplies to proper clothing. Check it out here:
Water
It’s important to stay hydrated for any outdoor activity. Prepare ahead by packing a water bottle. There are water fountains throughout the park if you need a refill. Furthermore, there are a few bathrooms located throughout the park. Most notably, at the entrance and near the estate. They have toilet paper in stock; you do not need to bring your own.
Food/Snacks
You may want a snack during your walk or bike ride. There are no opportunities to purchase food while in the park, making it important to bring fuel-worthy options along. Protein bars, nuts, and crackers are some great options.
Trail Guides
Caumsett is packed full of trails. It’s easy to get overwhelmed, or even lost. View trail guides before heading to the park to plan out your visit. Worse comes to worse, the 4-mile loop is the perfect last-minute walk and easy to follow.
Sunscreen
Protecting your skin from the sun is vital. While exploring any state park, you can get lost in the moment and the scenery. When planning to spend the day outdoors, your skin is suspectable to sun burn and further sun damage. Apply sunscreen before entering the park and remember to reapply throughout the day. Use a sunscreen that is at least SPF 30.
Bug Spray
Bug spray is a must. Trust us on this one. The mosquitos can get pretty vicious in the warmer weather. You don’t want to go home with a million bug bites. While on this topic, watch out for the poison ivy throughout the park as well. It grows rampant in Long Island.
First Aid Kit
Accidents happen; you can’t always avoid them. The best thing you can do is hope for the best and prepare for the worst. Keeping proper medical items nearby can aid a minor incident or even a major accident.
Binoculars
As mentioned earlier, there are some fantastic birds to be seen in Caumsett State Park. Whether you’re searching for an endangered species or New York icon, binoculars can help you get a better look.
Camera
Caumsett hosts countless photo-worthy moments with the native grasslands, plant species, and historic landmarks. Whether using your iPhone camera or something more professional, you won’t want to miss the chance to capture something spectacular.
Proper Clothing
The temperature will vary through the seasons, affecting what you should wear. In the warmer weather, breathable clothes will work best. When it gets colder out, you’ll want to bring layers. You can always shed a layer as your inner temperature increases from activity. In the winter, you should wear a winter coat.
Proper Footwear
Footwear depends on what you plan to do in the park. Comfortable sneakers, hiking boots, cycle sneakers, or water shoes are the best options.
Where to stay in Caumsett State Park
Visitors of Caumsett are mostly local Long Islanders, making accommodations a little more difficult to find. There are no camp grounds within the park. A hotel is your best option. There are quite a few chain hotels or boutique inns throughout the island. Most congregate either closer to New York City or further east toward the Hamptons. Don’t let that deter you, there are plenty of adequate hotels located in the middle of the two.
Food Nearby Caumsett
There is no food available to purchase within the park, however there are many delicious restaurants just outside the park. A quick 10-minute drive will lead you into Huntington Village, the corresponding town, that has some fantastic eateries. There are restaurants for every cuisine you can imagine – Italian, French, Thai, Indian, Mexican, and so much more.
Airports near Caumsett State Park
There are a few airports relatively close by. One being MacArthur Airport in Ronkonkoma, New York. It is located 26-miles from the park. The other two are located closer to New York City– LaGuardia Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport. They are both around 36-miles from Caumsett State Park.