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Outdoors

Swimming holes and lakes near Islip

Lakes, rivers and beaches near Islip where swimming is allowed on public land.

8places to swim
12 mito the closest
1within 30 miles
June–Augustbest months

Good to know: Most natural swimming areas have no lifeguard; check water-quality advisories and current conditions before swimming.

Closest picks

1

Fire Island National Seashore

12 mi east · National Park Service

Immerse yourself in an enchanting collage of coastal life and history. Rhythmic waves, high dunes, ancient maritime forests, historic landmarks and glimpses of wildlife, Fire Island has been a special place for diverse plants, animals and…

2

Gateway National Recreation Area

37 mi west · National Park Service

Spanning 27,000 acres from Sandy Hook in New Jersey to Breezy Point in New York City, the park is both the gateway from the ocean into New York Harbor, and the gateway to the National Park Service for millions of visitors every year.

3

Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook

43 mi southwest · National Park Service

Welcome to Gateway National Recreation Area, Sandy Hook Unit! There are a variety of cultural and recreational opportunities available at the park including history tours, living history demonstrations, hiking, birding, kayaking, camping,…

Map of all 8 places

Map of 8 places loads as you scroll.

Within 30 miles (1)

12 mi east · National Park Service

Fire Island National Seashore

Immerse yourself in an enchanting collage of coastal life and history. Rhythmic waves, high dunes, ancient maritime forests, historic landmarks and glimpses of wildlife, Fire Island has been a special place for diverse plants, animals and…

  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • History
  • Hunting
  • Swimming
  • Wildlife viewing

30 to 75 miles (4)

37 mi west · National Park Service

Gateway National Recreation Area

Spanning 27,000 acres from Sandy Hook in New Jersey to Breezy Point in New York City, the park is both the gateway from the ocean into New York Harbor, and the gateway to the National Park Service for millions of visitors every year.

  • Biking
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Paddling
  • Swimming

43 mi southwest · National Park Service · Campground

Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook

Welcome to Gateway National Recreation Area, Sandy Hook Unit! There are a variety of cultural and recreational opportunities available at the park including history tours, living history demonstrations, hiking, birding, kayaking, camping,…

  • Biking
  • Birding
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Canoeing
  • Cultural Activities
  • Evening Programs
  • Fishing

43 mi west · National Park Service

National Parks of New York Harbor

These 12 sites preserve more than 400 years of American history! We invite you to explore the past and investigate its relevance in our lives today.

  • Biking
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • History
  • Paddling
  • Picnicking

57 mi north · US Army Corps of Engineers · Campground

Hop Brook Lake Recreation Area

Hop Brook Lake Recreation Area is located within the towns of Middlebury, Naugatuck and Waterbury, Connecticut. Its 536 acres provide excellent recreation opportunities and a chance to escape from the growing suburbia surrounding the park.

  • Biking
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Canoeing
  • Cross Country Skiing
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Kayaking

75 miles and farther (3)

95 mi west · National Park Service · Campground

Alosa Campsites

The Alosa Campsites are boat-in only sites located on the west (Pennsylvanian) shore of the Delaware River near Bushkill, Pennsylvania. The side of the river with the campsites will be on your right while traveling downstream.

  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Canoeing
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Swimming

120 mi northeast · US Army Corps of Engineers · Campground

Buffumville Lake (Group Shelter)

In 1958 the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built Buffumville Dam in Charlton, Massachusetts to provide flood risk management for downstream communities.

  • Birding
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Disc Golf
  • Fishing
  • Guided Interpretive Walks
  • Hiking
  • Hunting

129 mi northeast · US Army Corps of Engineers · Campground

West Hill Park

On a quiet back road and across an old fieldstone bridge lies West Hill Park, where the West River widens to form a large, natural pool.

  • Biking
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Hunting
  • Ranger programs
  • Swimming

Distances are straight-line miles from downtown Islip. Listings come from Recreation.gov’s federal recreation database; check each official page for hours, fees, fire restrictions and closures before you go.

Get outside around Islip

Heckscher State Park, East Islip, NY, US - Part 1 video thumbnail

THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT

Heckscher State Park, East Islip, NY, US - Part 1

A local activity video shared by OurTrip Videos.

Watch on YouTube ↗

Around Islip

Fire Island Inlet Bridge, Islip
Fire Island Inlet BridgeVincent · CC BY 2.0
Shore Drug, Main Street, Bay Shore NY, Islip
Shore Drug, Main Street, Bay Shore NYDowntowngal · CC BY-SA 4.0
Ocean Beach Water Tower, Islip
Ocean Beach Water Towerdans362 · CC BY 3.0

More outdoors near Islip

Questions

Where is the closest place for swimming near Islip?

Fire Island National Seashore (National Park Service), about 12 miles east of Islip as the crow flies. Next are Gateway National Recreation Area (37 mi) and Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook (43 mi).

When is the best time for swimming near Islip?

Based on Islip’s average highs, June–August. Conditions at higher elevations can be much cooler.

Who manages these places?

Federal agencies including National Park Service, US Army Corps of Engineers. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.

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