Perched on the eastern reaches of Long Island, Montauk Downs State Park offers 171 acres of manicured greens, ocean breezes, and one of the finest public golf courses on the entire East Coast. Established in 1978, the park centers around an 18-hole championship golf course originally designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., drawing golfers from across the tri-state area who come for world-class play at state park prices.

Beyond the fairways, Montauk Downs features an Olympic-sized swimming pool and a separate kiddie pool, making it a popular summer destination for families. The pool complex operates from late June through Labor Day and tends to fill up fast on weekends — arriving early is a smart move. Tennis courts round out the recreational offerings, giving visitors plenty of reasons to spend a full day here.

The park sits just minutes from Montauk village, putting you within easy reach of seafood shacks, surf shops, and some of the best beaches on Long Island’s South Fork. Montauk Point Lighthouse, the oldest in New York State, is a short drive east.

The best time to visit is late spring through early fall. Golfers particularly favor May, June, and September, when the course is in peak condition and summer crowds have thinned. Tee times can be reserved in advance and book up quickly during high season.

While camping is not available on-site, nearby Hither Hills State Park offers oceanfront campsites just a few miles west along the Montauk Highway.

Explore Nearby

• Montauk Point Light — Lighthouse in New York
• Little Gull Island Light — Lighthouse in New York
• Gold Mine Bridge — Covered Bridge in Connecticut
• Comstock’s Bridge — Covered Bridge in Connecticut
• Connecticut State Route 169 — Scenic Byway in Connecticut