Outdoors
Refuges, lakes and wild areas near Islip for wildlife viewing and birdwatching.
Good to know: Early mornings and evenings are best for wildlife; bring binoculars and keep a respectful distance.
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…
19 mi northwest · National Park Service
Sagamore Hill was the home of Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the United States, from 1885 until his death in 1919. During Roosevelt's time in office, his "Summer White House" was the focus of international attention.
19 mi northwest · Fish and Wildlife Service
Target Rock National Wildlife Refuge was acquired in 1967 as a donation from the Eberstadt family, who maintained the land as a garden estate.
Map of 19 places loads as you scroll.
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…
Sagamore Hill was the home of Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the United States, from 1885 until his death in 1919. During Roosevelt's time in office, his "Summer White House" was the focus of international attention.
Target Rock National Wildlife Refuge was acquired in 1967 as a donation from the Eberstadt family, who maintained the land as a garden estate.
The Congressman Lester Wolff Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge was donated to the Service by the Town of Oyster Bay in 1968 as a habitat for migratory birds, particularly wintering waterfowl.
Established in 1947, Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge protects 2,550 acres on the south shore of Long Island.
Visit the home and studio of America's most beloved Impressionist, J. Alden Weir, and walk in the footsteps of generations of world-class artists.
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,…
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.
This campground boasts a spectacular view of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, the longest vehicle suspension span in the United States. When it opened in 1964, it was the longest span in the world for 17 years.
Established in 1954, the Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge protects a 187-acre peninsula on Noyack and Little Peconic Bays.
Hop Brook Lake is a popular day use park with swimming and picnicking facilities, athletic fields, picnic shelters and over 7 miles of hiking trails winding through the woods and fields.
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.
Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge is comprised of 10 units stretched across 70 miles of Connecticut's coastline. It was established in 1972 and was originally called Salt Meadow National Wildlife Refuge.
Amagansett National Wildlife Refuge has a unique double dune system, a habitat type that has been lost on much of Long Island due to development.
This shallow 40-acre lake and streamside environment provides excellent hiking, hunting, canoeing and fishing opportunities. The feeder streams and lake are stocked with brown, brook and rainbow trout by the State.
Northfield Brook Lake Group Shelters are located along a small scenic lake in the Naugatuck Valley of west-central Connecticut.
With abundant wildlife, lush scenery and waterfront views, Indian Hollow Group Campground, located at the Knightville Dam and Reservoir, offers groups and clubs a recreational oasis.
In 1958 the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built Buffumville Dam in Charlton, Massachusetts to provide flood risk management for downstream communities.
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.
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.
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
A local activity video shared by OurTrip Videos.
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THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
A local activity video shared by CBS New York.
Watch on YouTube ↗
Fire Island National Seashore (National Park Service), about 12 miles east of Islip as the crow flies. Next are Sagamore Hill National Historic Site (19 mi) and Target Rock National Wildlife Refuge (19 mi).
Federal agencies including US Army Corps of Engineers, National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.