State Park · New York
Bethpage State Park
Bethpage State Park is a 1,477-acre (5.98 km2) New York state park on the border of Nassau County and Suffolk County on Long Island. The park contains tennis courts, picnic and recreational areas and a polo field, but is best known for its five golf courses, including the Bethpage Black Course, which hosted the 2002 and 2009 U.S. Open Golf Championships, the 2019 PGA Championship and the 2025 Ryder Cup.
Bethpage State Park occupies a particular place in the imagination of American public lands. As a State Park in New York, it represents a deliberate choice — by the people who advocated for its protection, and by the National Park Service rangers who maintain it — to keep this landscape available to anyone willing to make the trip. That accessibility is the quiet miracle of the park system.
The pages linked below break the visit down into the four practical questions every traveler asks: where can I hike, where can I sleep, what else is worth seeing while I'm in the area, and what should I know before I show up. Each one is written from the perspective of someone planning their first trip — assume nothing, explain what's worth explaining, and skip the marketing language. If you've been here before, treat these guides as a refresher and a way to discover the corners you missed last time.
What this guide covers
Over the next four pages, this field guide breaks Bethpage State Park into the practical questions every traveler asks: which trails are worth the effort, where to sleep both inside and outside the park boundary, what else is worth a stop in the surrounding region, and the small-but-essential tips that make the difference between a stressful first day and a smooth one. Use the navigation above to jump between sections, or read them in order — they're written to flow.
- Hikes — short loops, half-day trails, and backcountry routes
- Camping — drive-in campgrounds, RV sites, and backcountry permits
- Nearby attractions — gateway towns and adjacent public lands
- Visitor tips — timing, fees, weather, and what to skip
Logistics at a glance
Use this quick reference when you're putting together your itinerary. The figures below are the most-asked questions every visitor needs answered before arrival, summarized in one place.
| Designation | State Park |
|---|---|
| State | New York |
| Entrance fee | Varies — check the official park site below for current rates. |
| Visitor center hours | Most open daily 8–9am to 4:30–6pm. Reduced winter hours common. |
| Best months | Plan around the weather notes above. |
| Camping inside park | See the camping guide for campground details, fees, and reservation windows. |
| Nearby gateway towns | See nearby attractions for lodging and supply stops. |