Oyster Bay source photograph

Outdoors

Wildlife viewing and birding near Oyster Bay

Refuges, lakes and wild areas near Oyster Bay for wildlife viewing and birdwatching.

18places to see wildlife
9 mito the closest
5within 30 miles

Good to know: Early mornings and evenings are best for wildlife; bring binoculars and keep a respectful distance.

Closest picks

1

Sagamore Hill National Historic Site

9 mi north · 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.

2

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.

3

Target Rock National Wildlife Refuge

12 mi north · 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 all 18 places

Map of 18 places loads as you scroll.

Within 30 miles (5)

9 mi north · National Park Service

Sagamore Hill National Historic Site

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.

  • Biking
  • Hiking
  • History
  • Picnicking
  • Wildlife viewing

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

12 mi north · Fish and Wildlife Service

Target Rock National Wildlife Refuge

Target Rock National Wildlife Refuge was acquired in 1967 as a donation from the Eberstadt family, who maintained the land as a garden estate.

  • Beach
  • Birding
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • 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

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 (11)

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

35 mi north · National Park Service

Weir Farm National Historical Park

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.

  • Hiking
  • History
  • Wildlife viewing

54 mi west · Fish and Wildlife Service

Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge

The Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is one of more than 560 refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System that is administered by the Department of the Interior's U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

  • Birding
  • Hiking
  • Hunting
  • Nature education
  • Photography
  • Ranger programs

57 mi northeast · US Army Corps of Engineers

Hop Brook Lake

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.

  • Hiking
  • Nature education
  • Picnicking
  • Wildlife viewing

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

61 mi east · Fish and Wildlife Service

Elizabeth Alexandra Morton National Wildlife Refuge

Established in 1954, the Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge protects a 187-acre peninsula on Noyack and Little Peconic Bays.

  • Beach
  • Birding
  • Cross Country Skiing
  • Educational Programs
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Nature education
  • Photography

64 mi north · US Army Corps of Engineers

Hancock Brook Lake

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.

  • Wildlife viewing

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 (2)

115 mi north · US Army Corps of Engineers · Campground

Indian Hollow

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.

  • Birding
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Horseback riding
  • Hunting
  • Mountain Biking
  • Star Gazing

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

Bethpage State Park welcome sign, Oyster Bay
Bethpage State Park welcome signKenneth C. Zirkel · CC BY-SA 4.0
Looking south from greenway, at Massapequa Reservoir on a cloudy day nearing Sunset, Oyster Bay
Massapequa ReservoirJim.henderson · CC BY 4.0
Historical Society marker, Oyster Bay
Historical Society markerCaptJayRuffins · CC BY-SA 4.0

More outdoors near Oyster Bay

Questions

Where is the closest place for wildlife & birding near Oyster Bay?

Sagamore Hill National Historic Site (National Park Service), about 9 miles north of Oyster Bay as the crow flies. Next are Congressman Lester Wolff Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge (10 mi) and Target Rock National Wildlife Refuge (12 mi).

Who manages these places?

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

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