Captree State Park: Long Island's Ultimate Fishing & Waterfront Destination

Captree Introduce

For New Yorkers with a passion for fishing, boating, or simply enjoying the spectacular beauty of Long Island's south shore, Captree State Park stands as an iconic and indispensable destination. Located at the eastern tip of Jones Beach Island, overlooking the Fire Island Inlet and the westernmost section of Fire Island, Captree is far more than just a park; it's a bustling maritime hub and a tranquil coastal retreat rolled into one. Renowned as a "fisherman's haven and a picnicker's delight," it offers unparalleled access to the fertile fishing grounds of the Great South Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. This article is crafted for local users across the New York region, providing a comprehensive, engaging, and factual guide to Captree State Park, highlighting its unique position as a premier outdoor recreation spot and a vital part of Long Island's coastal heritage.

Captree State Park, established in 1954, encompasses 340 acres of stunning coastal land. It serves as a continuous public access point for generations of New Yorkers seeking maritime activities and coastal recreation. Its most prominent feature is undoubtedly "Long Island's largest public fishing fleet," boasting between 24 to 28 independently owned charter and open boats. These vessels offer a wide array of expeditions, from daily fishing trips targeting various species like fluke, striped bass, and sea bass, to scuba diving, sightseeing tours, and even moonlight cruises. Beyond its fishing prowess, Captree is also a vibrant family-friendly park, offering serene picnic areas with breathtaking water views, well-maintained playgrounds, and recreational programs. It's a place where seasoned anglers find their challenge, families create lasting memories, and anyone can find solace in nature's splendor, making it a truly multifaceted destination on Long Island's south shore.

Captree State Park is strategically located at Oak Beach, NY 11702, USA, situated on the easternmost end of Jones Beach Island. Its prime location provides excellent accessibility for New Yorkers from across Long Island and the greater metropolitan area.

By Car: The most common and convenient way to reach Captree State Park is by car via the Robert Moses Causeway, which connects directly to the Ocean Parkway. Ample parking is available within the park's large lots. As with most New York State Parks, a vehicle use fee is typically charged during peak seasons. Many frequent visitors opt for the Empire Pass, which provides unlimited day-use vehicle entry to most NY State Parks.
By Public Transportation: While direct public transportation might not drop you right at the park's entrance, the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) provides service to nearby stations such as Babylon or Bay Shore. From there, a short taxi or rideshare service can complete the journey to the park. This makes Captree accessible even for those without personal vehicles from NYC or other parts of Long Island.
By Bicycle: Captree State Park is the eastern terminus of the recently extended Ocean Parkway Coastal Greenway, a magnificent paved multi-use path stretching from Jones Beach. Cyclists can enjoy a scenic ride along the coast all the way to Captree, making it an ideal destination for a long-distance bike trip.
Boat Access: For boaters, Captree features a large marina and boat launch ramps, providing direct water access to the Great South Bay and Fire Island Inlet. Transient berthing is also available during daylight hours.
Accessibility Features: Captree State Park is committed to accessibility, offering wheelchair-accessible ramps, accessible parking, and accommodations for people with disabilities, ensuring everyone can enjoy the park's facilities and activities.

The diverse access options ensure that Captree State Park is a truly reachable and enjoyable destination for all New Yorkers.

Captree State Park offers an extensive array of services, primarily centered around its maritime activities and general park amenities:

Public Fishing Fleet: Home to "The Captree Fleet," comprising numerous independently-owned charter and open party boats offering daily fishing trips for various species (fluke, striped bass, bluefish, sea bass, etc.).
Bait and Tackle Shop: A well-stocked shop providing all necessary fishing gear, bait, and supplies for anglers.
Boat Basin and Marina: Facilities for mooring, launching, and retrieving boats, including boat launch ramps and transient berthing.
Fishing Piers: Two dedicated piers for fishing and crabbing, providing free access for those without a boat.
Restaurants and Concessions: "Tiki Joe's at the Captree Boat Basin" and "Tiki Joe's Captain's Table Restaurant" offer seasonal dining options with waterfront views.
Picnic Areas: Designated areas with picnic tables and grills, perfect for family meals or group gatherings.
Playgrounds: Modern playground equipment for children, ensuring entertainment for younger visitors.
Restroom Facilities and Outdoor Showers: Conveniently located and well-maintained for public use.
Sightseeing and Excursion Boats: Offering non-fishing cruises to explore the Fire Island Lighthouse, Fire Island National Seashore, and the surrounding waters.
Scuba Diving Charters: Boats available for organized scuba diving excursions.
Kayak Ramp: A dedicated put-in point for launching smaller watercraft like kayaks.
Recreation Programs: The park hosts various programs, including a free annual saltwater fishing clinic, educational events, and community festivals.

Captree State Park is rich in features and highlights that make it a standout destination on Long Island:

Long Island's Largest Public Fishing Fleet: This is the park's defining characteristic, offering an unmatched opportunity for anglers of all skill levels to experience deep-sea and bay fishing.
Prime Fishing Grounds Access: Situated at the mouth of the Fire Island Inlet, Captree provides immediate access to some of the most productive fishing waters in the region, including the Great South Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.
Diverse Fishing Opportunities: Target a wide variety of fish species, including flounder, fluke, striped bass, bluefish, weakfish, sea bass, porgies, and blackfish. Offshore trips can even target tuna, sharks, and mahi-mahi.
Scenic Waterfront Views: Enjoy stunning vistas of the Fire Island Inlet, the Robert Moses Causeway, and the Fire Island Lighthouse, especially beautiful during sunrises and sunsets.
Connected to Ocean Parkway Coastal Greenway: This newly extended paved path offers miles of scenic biking, walking, and running opportunities, connecting Captree to Jones Beach and other coastal areas.
Family-Friendly Atmosphere: With playgrounds, picnic areas, and family-oriented fishing trips (including specialized "kids and senior citizens" rates with free rods, bait, and tackle), Captree is welcoming for all ages.
Annual Events: Host to popular events like the Fall Harvest and Seafood Festival, and various fishing tournaments and derbies, adding to the park's vibrant community appeal.
Educational Opportunities: The free annual saltwater fishing clinic, offered in conjunction with the NYS DEC and NY Sea Grant, provides valuable learning experiences for aspiring anglers.
Accessibility: With wheelchair-accessible features, Captree ensures that everyone, regardless of mobility, can enjoy its offerings.

As a New York State Park, Captree offers promotions and special offers primarily through the broader New York State Parks system. While individual charter boats may have their own deals, the park's benefits largely come from state-level initiatives:

Empire Pass: This annual pass is the best value for frequent visitors, providing unlimited vehicle entry to most New York State Parks, including Captree, for a single yearly fee. This effectively waives the daily parking fee.
Senior Citizen and Veterans Benefits: New York State Parks often offer discounted entry or access for senior citizens and military personnel/veterans on specific days or with proper identification.
Fishing Charter Discounts: Many of the independent fishing boats operating out of Captree offer "group discounts," "kids and senior citizens" rates, or special "family trips" with included gear (rods, bait, tackle) to make fishing more accessible and affordable (e.g., as seen with boats like the JIB VI or Captain Whittaker).
Seasonal Events: Free public events like the Fall Harvest and Seafood Festival, or the free saltwater fishing clinic, provide valuable recreational and educational opportunities without a direct cost of admission to the event itself.
Online Booking Incentives: Some fishing charter companies at Captree may offer slight discounts for booking tickets online.

For the most up-to-date information on park fees, passes, and specific offers from the fishing fleet, it's recommended to check the official New York State Parks website for Captree State Park and the websites of individual charter fishing boats operating from the marina.

For any inquiries regarding Captree State Park, including general information, specific amenities, or details about the fishing fleet, the primary contact points are:

Address: Oak Beach, NY 11702, USA (The official park address is often listed as 3500 East Ocean Parkway, Babylon, NY 11706, which covers the park's main facilities at the tip of Jones Beach Island.)

Captree State Park General Information: (631) 669-0449
Captree Fleet (General Inquiries for fishing boats): (631) 669-6464 or visit
www.captreefleet.com
Individual Charter Boat Contacts: Many charter boats have their own direct phone numbers and websites (e.g., JIB VI: (516) 578-1158; Captain Whittaker: (631) 901-8263; Bay Princess: (631) 587-6024).
Tiki Joe's Restaurant/Concessions (Seasonal): (631) 333-1063 or (631) 218-9067.

Always refer to the official New York State Parks website for Captree State Park for the most current information, operating hours, and any important alerts.

Captree State Park is exceptionally suitable for locals across the New York region, particularly those on Long Island, because it offers an unparalleled blend of active recreation, natural beauty, and community spirit. For fishing enthusiasts, it's the undisputed hub, providing direct access to a vast fleet of boats and productive waters, making world-class angling genuinely accessible. Beyond fishing, its extensive picnic areas and playgrounds create an ideal setting for family outings, while the connection to the Ocean Parkway Coastal Greenway opens up miles of scenic opportunities for walkers, runners, and cyclists. New Yorkers seeking a genuine coastal experience – complete with stunning ocean views, fresh sea air, and opportunities for both adventure and relaxation – will find Captree State Park to be an invaluable resource. It's a place where tradition meets recreation, offering cherished memories and an authentic Long Island experience for all who visit.