Captree State Park sits at the western tip of Fire Island, where the Great South Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. Established in 1954, this 343-acre park on Long Island’s south shore is one of New York’s premier saltwater fishing destinations, drawing anglers year-round to its charter boat basin — one of the largest on the East Coast.

The park’s location at the mouth of the bay creates a unique coastal landscape where tidal marshes, sandy shoreline, and open water converge. A fleet of open and charter fishing boats operates from the marina, offering trips for fluke, striped bass, bluefish, and flounder depending on the season. Even if you’re not casting a line, the boat basin is worth a visit just to watch the daily catch come in.

Beyond fishing, Captree offers picnic areas with views across the bay to Fire Island, a playground for families, and a boardwalk for easy waterfront strolling. Birdwatchers will find the surrounding salt marshes productive habitat for osprey, egrets, and herons, particularly during spring and fall migration. The park also provides boat launch access for those bringing their own vessels.

Summer weekends are the busiest, but early fall may be the sweet spot — milder crowds, excellent fishing conditions, and golden light over the bay. Spring brings the return of migrating shorebirds and the start of charter season.

Captree is a working waterfront park with salt air and real character — less manicured lawn, more weathered dock and open sky.

Explore Nearby

• Fire Island Light — Lighthouse in New York
• Cold Spring Harbor Light — Lighthouse in New York
• Sunshine Loop and Dutchman Mountain Bike Trails — Public Land
• Falling Waters Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in South Carolina
• Wolford 16686 — Public Land