Oyster Bay source photograph

Outdoors

Boating and kayaking near Oyster Bay

Lakes, reservoirs and rivers near Oyster Bay for boating, kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding.

15places to boat and paddle
10 mito the closest
5within 30 miles
May–Septemberbest months

Good to know: Life jackets are required for children on most waters, and many lakes require an invasive-species inspection or a launch fee.

Closest picks

1

Congressman Lester Wolff Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge

10 mi north · Fish and Wildlife Service

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.

2

Fire Island National Seashore

26 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…

3

Gateway National Recreation Area

26 mi southwest · 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.

Map of all 15 places

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Within 30 miles (5)

10 mi north · Fish and Wildlife Service

Congressman Lester Wolff Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge

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.

  • Birding
  • Boating
  • Educational Programs
  • Fishing
  • Non-Motorized Boating
  • Photography
  • Ranger programs
  • Wildlife viewing

26 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

26 mi southwest · 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

29 mi west · National Park Service

Statue Of Liberty National Monument

A gift of friendship from the people of France to the United States "Liberty Enlightening the World" is recognized as a universal symbol of freedom and democracy. It was dedicated by President Grover Cleveland on October 28, 1886.

  • Boating
  • Picnicking

30 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

30 to 75 miles (6)

31 mi west · National Park Service · Campground

Camp Gateway - Staten Island

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.

  • Biking
  • Birding
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Evening Programs
  • Fishing
  • Guided Interpretive Walks
  • Hiking

32 mi east · Fish and Wildlife Service

Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge

Established in 1947, Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge protects 2,550 acres on the south shore of Long Island.

  • Birding
  • Boating
  • Cross Country Skiing
  • Educational Programs
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • History
  • Hunting

34 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

57 mi northeast · 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

64 mi northwest · Fish and Wildlife Service

Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge

Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge manages over 6,000 acres in Sussex County, New Jersey and Orange County, New York. We strive to manage quality habitat for wildlife while providing outdoor recreation for the public.

  • Boating
  • Educational Programs
  • Fishing
  • Hunting
  • Photography
  • Wildlife viewing

68 mi north · US Army Corps of Engineers · Campground

Northfield Brook Lake Group Shelters

Northfield Brook Lake Group Shelters are located along a small scenic lake in the Naugatuck Valley of west-central Connecticut.

  • Biking
  • Birding
  • Camping
  • Canoeing
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • History
  • Kayaking

75 miles and farther (4)

81 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

117 mi northeast · US Army Corps of Engineers · Campground

West Thompson Lake Campground

West Thompson Lake Campground is located near the wooded shoreline of its namesake lake in northeastern Connecticut. The natural setting surrounding West Thompson Lake can be enjoyed year round.

  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Disc Golf
  • Fishing
  • Hiking

117 mi northeast · US Army Corps of Engineers · Campground

Westville Recreation Area

Westville Lake is situated on the Quinebaug River in the towns of Southbridge and Sturbridge, Massachusetts.

  • Biking
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Hiking
  • Winter sports

125 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

Distances are straight-line miles from downtown Oyster Bay. 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 Oyster Bay

Birdwatching in Oyster Bay Long Island NY video thumbnail

THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT

Birdwatching in Oyster Bay Long Island NY

A local activity Short shared by Kibachan.

Watch on YouTube ↗
Oyster Bay Oyster Festival and Cold Spring Harbor in the Fall on Long Island video thumbnail

THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT

Oyster Bay Oyster Festival and Cold Spring Harbor in the Fall on Long Island

A local activity Short shared by Paul Balzano.

Watch on YouTube ↗

Around Oyster Bay

Glenwood Landing School, Oyster Bay
Glenwood Landing Schoolantony-22 · CC BY-SA 3.0
Louis C. Clark Sanctuary 2021d, Oyster Bay
Louis C. Clark Sanctuary 2021dAntony-22 · CC BY-SA 4.0
Composition Study of the Kiwanis Fishing Bridge in the Massapequa Preserve, Oyster Bay
Composition Study of the Kiwanis Fishing Bridge in the Massapequa PreserveSavidgeMichael · CC BY 4.0

More outdoors near Oyster Bay

Questions

Where is the closest place for boating & paddling near Oyster Bay?

Congressman Lester Wolff Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge (Fish and Wildlife Service), about 10 miles north of Oyster Bay as the crow flies. Next are Fire Island National Seashore (26 mi) and Gateway National Recreation Area (26 mi).

When is the best time for boating & paddling near Oyster Bay?

Based on Oyster Bay’s average highs, May–September. Conditions at higher elevations can be much cooler.

Who manages these places?

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

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